Hi everyone!
I have a very specific question regarding vegetated area. Should the earth depth under the vegetated area be of a minimum thickness in order to be considered as vegetated area?
The project we are working on is located in a very dense area (thus earning SS credit 2), so that the whole area is built on a big concrete slab; vegetated areas are thus also built on concrete, and not directly linked to the natural ground. Should I look to the local definition of vegetated area? What are the restrictions for LEED, I did not find anything about it?
Thanks!
Valentin Grimaud
Thermal EngineerTERAO Green Building Engineering
43 thumbs up
September 30, 2011 - 12:28 am
Nobody has any idea on this specific question?
I understand that this credit address biodiversity issues, not imperviousness or stormwater management, but, still, I was wondering about this aspect.
Thanks again.
Susan Walter
HDRLEEDuser Expert
1296 thumbs up
October 20, 2011 - 12:02 pm
I think you have a unique case and that it will require you to carefully narrate the vegetate areas for submittal. Projects have earned this credit through vegetated roof systems that have little 'earth' depth but not all projects. Research those exeptions, write your narrative and let us know how it goes. Your vegetation should help with stormwater and with reducing heat islands. I would build my case starting there.
Devon Bertram
Sustainability ManagerYR&G
214 thumbs up
October 21, 2011 - 6:38 pm
Valentin, I agree with Susan's suggestion. The definition for vegetation in this credit is not explicit, but if you keep in mind the intent of the credit (biodiversity and recreation) when proposing your approach, and ensure that the vegetated and open space areas provided in your project meet the required % threshold, you may have a case.