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
Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
495 thumbs up
October 19, 2023 - 12:30 pm
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
AdvisorMantle Developments
October 19, 2023 - 3:21 pm
Thanks, Dave. Your reply is very helpful.
emily reese moody
Sustainability Director, Certifications & ComplianceJacobs
LEEDuser Expert
454 thumbs up
October 19, 2023 - 3:39 pm
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.