Hi,
I have a parking lot inside my project boundary which is partially covered by PV panels while some portions are covered by trees canopy. It also have open-grid pavement. Should I account for both measures even when the projected areas overlap?
Another question regarding SSc5. I have a passage under a portion of building for car circulation. Should this included within paving area?
Thank you in advance.
emily reese moody
Sustainability Director, Certifications & ComplianceJacobs
LEEDuser Expert
475 thumbs up
October 25, 2024 - 12:37 am
Hi Jacopo,
The Ref Guide states in the Step-by-Step Guidance section "Count each hardscape surface only once, even if it is addressed through multiple strategies (e.g., permeable paving that is also shaded)." So, no, if areas have multiple means of compliance, you can only count that SF once. I recommend having a very clear site plan that has differently colored or hatched areas with a legend showing exactly what area is being counted and how.
For the car circulation area that's under part of the building, I have not included that area if it is reasonably not exposed to sunlight. If the covering for the area is high and will likely be exposed, you may want to consider including a portion of it. I wouldn't be surprised if people have had different experiences with including this SF versus not, so I'm curious if anyone else will chime in.
Jacopo Cattaruzzi
October 25, 2024 - 2:42 am
Hi Emily,
Many thanks! The shaded area is not so wide so it is expected to be partially exposed depending on how we perform shading calculations.
In general, it would be interesting to understand how to calculate shaded areas. For instance, do we calculate shading at 12 am at the equinox? At summer soltice (worst scenario for UHI influence)? Or just consider the perpendicular projection of all the surfaces as a floor plan? In the example provided in the v4 guide it seems they considered a high solar elevation for trees projetion.
One more thing: Do we consider actual area or just the 90° projection on a roof with slope?