Irrigation Requirements

Eslam Elshorbagy

Advisor

Mantle Developments

LEEDuser Basic Member

0 thumbs up

Project location :

Canada

October 18, 2023

Hello,

We are further developing the details and plant mixes to increase biodiversity for a BD+C new construction. We have an approximately non-irrigated vegetated area of 55,000 sf and a green roof of 20,000 sf. We want to irrigate the green roof for the 2-year establishment period and during periods of drought. We don’t have access to non-potable water on the site, so it will need to be a potable connection.

Would irrigating the green roof only during periods of droughts disqualify us from option number 1: No irrigation required? Is there a way to comply with option no.1 and achieve 2 points?

Thanks,
Eslam

Post a reply

Dave Hubka

Practice Leader - Sustainability

EUA

LEEDuser Expert

510 thumbs up

Thu, 10/19/2023 - 16:30

My understanding is that if the irrigation system is left installed after the two establishment period, then GBCI would not approve the "no irrigation" path...even if the system was only used during periods of drought. Hose bibbs and manually connected sprinkler systems are allowed during periods of drought when pursuing the "no irrigation" path.

Eslam Elshorbagy

Advisor

Mantle Developments

LEEDuser Basic Member

0 thumbs up

Thu, 10/19/2023 - 19:21

Thanks, Dave. Your reply is very helpful.

emily reese moody

Sustainability Director, Certifications & Compliance

Jacobs

LEEDuser Expert

469 thumbs up

Thu, 10/19/2023 - 19:39

Hey y'all. I asked a similar question to GBCI before; I can't pinpoint the exact response, but do remember them saying that if an irrigation system would not be physically removed after the establishment period, then it would be required to be disabled - not just turned off or disconnected in a way that it could be easily reconnected. They didn't give further details, but it was enough for my project to understand their needs.

Afogreen Build

www.afogreenbuild.com

Green Building Consultant

LEEDuser Premium Member

249 thumbs up

Thu, 07/11/2024 - 01:03

Hi Eslam, Yes, it should be disqualified from option 1. The requirement in option one is to show that the landscape does not require a permanent irrigation system beyond a maximum two-year establishment period (there is no exception regarding irrigation in periods of drought). Therefore, the way to achieve option 1 is to choose roof garden vegetation that is drought tolerant so that it only relies on rainfall for irrigation. Best regards – Afogreen Build Team