Just wondering if anyone has ever had a project that legitimately did not want a highly reflective roof b/c they are in a cold climate and want the heat absorption. What to do?
We have a project in Alaska starting that may argue this point; they are also immediately adjacent to a flight path and thus restricted from using highly reflective materials. I recall this question coming up on a v3 project a long time ago (at least for the heat retention portion), but at the time, USGBC was unwilling to budge.
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Summer Minchew
Managing PartnerEcoimpact Consulting
LEEDuser Expert
170 thumbs up
June 22, 2017 - 7:39 am
I would suggest, as discussed within the LEED v3 forum on this topic, that not all LEED credits are feasible for all projects. It sounds like the roof component of this credit is not feasible for your project as high SRI values indicated within the credit language are prescriptive.
emily reese moody
Sustainability Director, Certifications & ComplianceJacobs
LEEDuser Expert
476 thumbs up
April 24, 2018 - 3:49 pm
I contacted GBCI to be sure (trying to get any points we can), and you were right. Here's their response; figured I should post for anyone else looking for official guidance:
"It is understandable that not every credit is applicable to all projects. If the project conditions dictate a certain type of roof and/or non-roof material that does not meet the credit requirements, than this credit is likely not achievable. A vegetated roof is another possible option, though understandable if that is not appropriate either for the project conditions.
It is laudable to minimize the amount of energy use for the building which will help with points in other credits; however, the intent of this credit is more about the immediate effect the selected roof system has on the 'heat island'. The Behind the Intent section of the v4 BD+C Reference Guide reads in part as follows:
"Dark, nonreflective surfaces used for parking, roads, roofs, walkways, and other hardscapes absorb the sun’s warmth and radiate heat, creating heat islands.""
So in short, nope.