The hardscape for my project is mostly white concrete. However, in some areas the white concrete is edged by colored concrete which has SRI values outside the allowable range. When I use the credit template, it shows 97% of the hardscape is within compliance. When I use the weighted average 274% of the hardscape is within credit compliance. Has anyone used the weighted average approach to document exemplary performance?

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Tristan Roberts

Representative

Vermont House of Representatives

LEEDuser Expert

7780 thumbs up

Tue, 02/28/2017 - 02:04

Sara, the weighted average is common, and legit, and will often generate values well over 100%. Do you have any specific questions about using it?

Sara Goenner Curlee

Sustainability Manager and Architect

Pope Design Group

LEEDuser Basic Member

47 thumbs up

Tue, 02/28/2017 - 14:21

Thanks, Tristan, for the reply. So it is acceptable to use the weighted average to earn exemplary performance then? I'm assuming this is considered an alternate compliance path, and should be documented as such? I may be suffering from a case of "it seems too good to be true" syndrome. If one can still claim EP, I appreciate there being a path which allows for creativity and variation in the hardscape design and still recognition of the efforts taken to reduce the heat island effect.

LEEDuser Expert

472 thumbs up

Tue, 02/28/2017 - 14:48

Hi Sara - I think this is a case of too good to be true. The percentage using the weighted average can be greater than 100% without earning the EP. The Reference Guide states that EP for this credit is: "Projects may earn an Innovation in Design credit for exemplary performance by demonstrating that either (1) 100% of nonroof impervious surfaces have been constructed with high-albedo or open-grid paving, or will be shaded within 5 years; or (2) 100% of the on-site parking spaces have been located under cover." With your colored concrete being non-compliant, it seems to me that you don't meet the 100% requirement. Note: LI ID #5220 (http://www.usgbc.org/content/li-5220) deals with credit achievement and doesn't discuss exemplary performance.

Joanna Switzer

Sustainability Project Manager

Atkins

LEEDuser Basic Member

59 thumbs up

Tue, 01/09/2018 - 15:42

Hi Sara, Just curious if you attempted to qualify for exemplary performance? Is there an official ruling on whether >100% using a weighted calculation is considered eligible?

Sara Goenner Curlee

Sustainability Manager and Architect

Pope Design Group

LEEDuser Basic Member

47 thumbs up

Tue, 01/09/2018 - 15:48

Hi Joanna, Based on Michelle's feedback, I did not attempt exemplary performance with the over 100% calculations. Provide feedback if you do and it works!

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