Project Location : Canada, Ontario
Hi,
A question about shading calculation for heat island credit, non-roof measures.
In the LEED reference Guide (V4), the example shows a parking area with shading produced by tree canopy (page 203 of the LEED reference guide). The guide details that this shading area represents 95 sqm.
Are there any further guidance to calculate these shadings for trees ?
These shading calculations sound feasible but it clearly complexifies the way to comply with this requirement.
Thanks for your help !
Best regards
Summer Minchew
Managing PartnerEcoimpact Consulting
LEEDuser Expert
169 thumbs up
September 21, 2017 - 10:19 am
The LEED BD+C v4 Reference Guide Table 3. Nonroof strategies states: "Assume 10-year canopy width at noon (i.e., in plan view, plant canopy width has no extending shadows, regardless of time of year)." Hope this helps.
Leah Fagerland
LEED Green Associate, Project ManagerZerr Berg Architects
July 31, 2018 - 6:05 pm
How does one calculate a tree's total spread when species all grow at different rates - and reach maturity at different ages? Most resources (USDA, nurseries, land grant university extension offices) provide spread at maturity, growth rate per year, or a broad growth rate classification.
I suppose the logic behind using a 10-year canopy size is understandable given the lengthy lifespan of most trees - but taking a shot at interpolating tree growth seems like an inaccurate, arbitrary calculation.
Has anyone uncovered a particularly useful resource for this non-roof measure?
Summer Minchew
Managing PartnerEcoimpact Consulting
LEEDuser Expert
169 thumbs up
August 1, 2018 - 8:17 am
I have been advised by GBCI on past projects that determination of 10-year canopy size based on soil conditions, climate, and species by a landscape professional would be a sufficient resource. Assume 10-year canopy width at noon (i.e., in plan view, plant canopy width has no extending shadows, regardless of time of year) for v4 projects.
Lyle Axelarris
Building Enclosure ConsultantBPL Enclosure
64 thumbs up
July 20, 2021 - 4:52 pm
I've ranted about this on another post. LEED 2009 used to require an average shading area based on 10am, 12 noon, and 3pm on summer solstice. I would suggest that Equinox is a more appropriate condition to analyze (since it represents the annual average solar elevation), but I am confused and frustrated by the fact that they have removed site-specific analysis (and basic science) from this credit. Instead, v4 assumes that all projects are in the tropics and actually have overhead sun. To make matters worse, they label this condition "noon," which is an insult to our intelligence on several accounts. If anyone has any idea why the solar study component was removed from this credit, I'd like to hear it. Otherwise, I will continue to grieve for the loss of natural, site-based design and scientific literacy.
Deborah Lucking
Director of SustainabilityFentress Architects
LEEDuser Expert
256 thumbs up
July 20, 2021 - 5:18 pm
Lyle: here's a live link (says "proposal" but it's broader than that):
Call for Proposal | U.S. Green Building Council (usgbc.org)
"Proposals must meet the following criteria in order to be evaluated by USGBC and LEED Committees:
Multiple proposals for change from the same person/organization for each LEED credit are permitted."