A couple question about SS Credit Heat Island Reduction - Non Roof Measures:
1. None of the materials we are using have been tested for SRI. The project is in Dallas, TX. Does anyone have recommendations for SRI testing of natural materials? What is the ASTM standard LEED requires for non-roof materials?
2. Area shaded by vegetated structures - Can a tree canopy shading a hardscape material be used for this methodology? or does it have to be an architectural structure?
Thank you.
emily reese moody
Sustainability Director, Certifications & ComplianceJacobs
LEEDuser Expert
474 thumbs up
October 3, 2023 - 8:24 pm
Hi Cynthia,
I have not personally had to have materials tested, so I'll skip advising on #1 and hope that someone else can chime in there.
For #2, yes, hardscape that is shaded by trees counts, though it's not referred to as vegetated structures; that refers to a manmade structure that incorporates vegetation - like a trellis with vines, for example. This is the related language from the reference guide:
"Use the existing plant material or install plants that provide shade over paving areas (including playgrounds) on the site within 10 years of planting. Install vegetated planters. Plants must be in place at the time of occupancy permit and cannot include artificial turf."
Hope that helps.