Hello,
We are working on a project in Ireland where the surface water runoff from the site flows directly into a tidal reach (estuary) without attenuation, as this has been confirmed to be the most sustainable approach with the local planning authority. Within BREEAM there is alternative compliance path allowing the peak rate of runoff and volume of run off credits to be achieved by default where sites discharge rainwater directly to a tidal estuary or the sea. Is anyone aware of anything similar with LEED?
Many thanks
Gail
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11474 thumbs up
April 15, 2014 - 7:47 am
Gail, I've never heard of that with LEED. I think you would have to request guidance through contacting GBCI and likely getting a CIR or Interpretation for an official ruling. The BREEAM rule is in your favor, but I think LEED would want to see specific definitions of why and when this is the most environmentally friendly option.
Erika Duran
Sustainability ConsultantDagher Engineering
72 thumbs up
April 15, 2014 - 10:38 am
I have not read anything where I assume you will likely still have to perform calculations for the volume and rate of stormwater reduction. I would inquire on the GBCI contact page.
Michael DeVuono
Regional Stormwater LeaderArcadis North America
LEEDuser Expert
186 thumbs up
April 15, 2014 - 3:44 pm
You are in what is commonly referred to as a "Direct Discharge" area. Basically, this is usually the most low-lying areas within a major river basin (or an ocean or sea). The thinking is you are not eroding the Atlantic Ocean, and any attempt to infiltrate anything is moot.
If you are discharging to a major reach, such as a river, the thinking is to have all your water gone, before the upstream basin makes its way down to the area of your site. We don't want you discharging from your site 24 hours after a storm when the entire basin runoff is getting there. This is a flood control measure.
I'd look into a CIR for this, but part of me feels that your site just is not applicable to this credit, because we would be simply giving you points just because you are in a direct discharge district.