Forum discussion
NC-2009 SSc5.2: Site Development—Maximize Open Space
The majority of open space on our project site (located in southwestern AZ) consists of a groundcover of native crushed rock and river cobble. Parking islands, bioswales and small planting beds will include native desert plant material. Will the area covered in crushed rock count as vegetated open space? (And will these areas also qualify for SSc5.1?)
LEEDuser is supported by our premium members, not by advertisers.
Go premium forTo post a comment, you need to register for a LEEDuser Basic membership (free) or login to your existing profile.
I'm confused about the difference between SSc5.1 and SSc5.2. Can I earn them both?
Can roof terraces contribute to SSc5.2?
How should I count planters and vegetation on balconies?
What if my local code has a landscaping requirement? Is this the same as an open space requirement?
Can permeable paving count as hardscape or vegetation towards SSc5.2 calculations?
Can interior courtyards contribute to vegetation requirements?
Shannon Gray
ConsultantYRG sustainability
228 thumbs up
June 11, 2010 - 10:06 am
That is tough question. The intent of the credit is to provide vegetated open space that promotes biodiversity. I have a feeling that crushed rock (native or not) won’t count. You could try a CIR arguing for biodiversity in the arid southwest. However, past project have not been successful arguing for biodiversity with 10+ different types of sedums. I think you are in the same situation for SSc5.1…but worth a CIR.
Eric Dixon
Energy Performance AnalystHDR
21 thumbs up
January 13, 2011 - 11:34 am
I have a similar question. I am working on a project located in the desert of rural west Texas where the natural landscape has little to no vegetation. Does this mean we would have to provide vegetation for the entire open space? If so, this would not be sustainable on a number of levels.
Devon Bertram
Sustainability ManagerYR&G
214 thumbs up
January 14, 2011 - 5:17 pm
Eric,
I think you can make a case for this but it is worth writing a CIR to confirm. Because there are some allowances for urban areas to include pedestrian-oriented hardscape areas as contributing to the credit, you may be able to make a similar case for your natural environment having limited vegetation. For the allowance in urban areas, the credit requires at least 25% of the open space area to be vegetated. I would suggest presenting a case where you propose to have vegetation for at least 25% of the open space area as well.