Forum discussion
NC-2009 SSc5.2: Site Development—Maximize Open Space
If there is an open space with (1) a ground-mounted solar PV array and (2) native plantings or adapted vegetation beneath the PV panels and around them so as not to block sunlight, would the area beneath the PV panels be able to contribute to the SS c1 Habitat square footage calc, the SS c2 Open Space calc, both calcs, or neither calc?
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I'm confused about the difference between SSc5.1 and SSc5.2. Can I earn them both?
Can roof terraces contribute to SSc5.2?
How should I count planters and vegetation on balconies?
What if my local code has a landscaping requirement? Is this the same as an open space requirement?
Can permeable paving count as hardscape or vegetation towards SSc5.2 calculations?
Can interior courtyards contribute to vegetation requirements?
Devon Bertram
Sustainability ManagerYR&G
214 thumbs up
October 21, 2011 - 7:04 pm
I would think this area could count for both SSc5.1 and SSc5.2 but may be worth checking with GBCI or submitting a LEED Interpretation Request.
Martin Meehan
PrincipalMeehan Associates
24 thumbs up
June 1, 2012 - 9:37 am
Hi Douglas, I'm just wondering how you got on with this as we have a similar scenario? Any guidance would be appreciated - Catherine
AMY VAN DAM
Sustainable Design CoordinatorBOULDER ASSOCIATES
20 thumbs up
May 1, 2013 - 2:04 pm
Douglas Or Catherine- Did you receive clarification on either of your projects regarding counting the area where a ground mounted PV array is installed toward open space calculation?
Brett Beckemeyer
AIA, LEED-AP, BD&CFox Architects
8 thumbs up
July 30, 2013 - 12:28 pm
Any clarification on this credit? Am I understanding it correctly that ground mounted PVs will not count against the open space percentage based on the fact that it is not developing the area with roads, hardscapes, buildings etc?
Michelle DiPenti
Project CoordinatorHDR, Inc.
6 thumbs up
June 7, 2017 - 1:46 pm
Since the credit is about promoting biodiversity, I think this would not be acceptable. Birds would be impacted, and even below the PVs wildlife would be impacted.
Has there been any feedback from GBCI? Thanks!