The parking lot is shaded by the building for much of the measured time, but the building is not "an architectural device(s) or structure(s) that have a SRI of at least 29". So, does that mean that this credit is impossible to achieve even though the parking lot is situated such that it does not contribute to the heat island effect? Since the building and the hardscapes are treated by two different credits (7.1 and 7.2), it seems unbalanced to "ding" the parking lot for the builiding's low SRI.
If we planted trees in between the building and the parking lot, then a model would show credit-achieving shading, but in reality it would do nothing to reduce heat island. I hate even discussing such a wasteful point-hunting strategy, but I'm testing my understanding of the credit here (and, yes, whining a little bit about the potential silliness of this).
Does anyone know if there is a good, high SRI coating that can be applied to EPDM (years after initial roof construction)? If such a coating were applied to the building roof, then would both 7.1 and 7.2 be achievable in this case?
Thank you.
Crissy Tsai
Sustainability CoordinatorWebcor Builders
58 thumbs up
September 4, 2012 - 1:22 pm
I don't know of a good high SRI coating that can be applied to the EPDM after construction. Unfortunately, the way the credits is worded I don't believe the GBCI reviewers would give you credit by claiming the building's shade reduces the heat island effect of the parking lot. They are looking for specific strategies ie covered parking or high SRI values on the hardscape.
Chris Miller
Chief Mechanical EngineerDesign Alaska
36 thumbs up
September 20, 2012 - 8:11 pm
Thank you Crissy. For new construction, I think siting the parking lot to the north of the building is a good SUSTAINABILITY strategy, but it seems that it may not be a good LEED strategy.
Peter Doo
PresidentDoo Consulting LLC
203 thumbs up
May 31, 2013 - 12:02 am
I would like to reopen this discussion. Alaska, did you attempt to submit an analysis that shows that the parking is shaded during the required times (10, noon and 3 on June 21)? I agree that locating parking or other paved surfaces to the north of the building is a good strategy and should be recognized. Would welcome the comments of others.