Hi all,
does anyone have experience of a project with irrigation demand for internal landscaping? Our project has ca. 4 trees in an atrium, for which a permanent irrigation system is being considered, but the remaining external planting will be manual watering only. The query is whether we can document using the "no permanent irrigation" option, or whether the criteria also apply to internal irrigation systems.
Thoughts and experience much appreciated!
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Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11477 thumbs up
November 3, 2013 - 1:38 pm
To my knowledge this is an area that has not been addressed in official LEED rulings or language. I think that most projects could consider a couple planters in the lobby and a few potted plants as outside the scope of this credit. However, a large atrium incorporating trees that may warrant a permanent irrigation system could be crossing a line, in my opinion. Does it meet the credit intent better to include them, or not?
Victoria Lockhart
Arup Associates125 thumbs up
November 4, 2013 - 4:06 am
Thanks, Tristan. I agree it makes sense for a more holistic approach and maximum WE-benefit to consider and include the internal space, which has been my advice to the team.
For everyone's info, feedback from the GBCI 's customer services team was slightly different (and a little surprising!): "An addendum, ID#100000352 dated 07/19/2010, defines the landscaped area to be considered. It excludes the building footprint so interior plantings are not considered. In any case, interior planting cannot avoid irrigation."
While clear interior plants cannot rely on precipitation, there is nothing in my mind to stop internal irrigation from being manual, or addressed using 100% non-potable water.
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11477 thumbs up
November 4, 2013 - 8:39 am
Victoria, thank you for sharing that GBCI response. I hadn't read that addendum with that question in mind, so it's nice to know that there is a clear definition.