Hi everyone! I have a very specific question regarding vegetated area. Should the earth depth under the vegetated area be of a minimum thickness in order to be considered as vegetated area? The project we are working on is located in a very dense area (thus earning SS credit 2), so that the whole area is built on a big concrete slab; vegetated areas are thus also built on concrete, and not directly linked to the natural ground. Should I look to the local definition of vegetated area? What are the restrictions for LEED, I did not find anything about it? Thanks!

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Valentin Grimaud

Thermal Engineer

TERAO Green Building Engineering

LEEDuser Basic Member

28 thumbs up

Fri, 09/30/2011 - 04:28

Nobody has any idea on this specific question? I understand that this credit address biodiversity issues, not imperviousness or stormwater management, but, still, I was wondering about this aspect. Thanks again.

Susan Walter

HDR

LEEDuser Expert

894 thumbs up

Thu, 10/20/2011 - 16:02

I think you have a unique case and that it will require you to carefully narrate the vegetate areas for submittal. Projects have earned this credit through vegetated roof systems that have little 'earth' depth but not all projects. Research those exeptions, write your narrative and let us know how it goes. Your vegetation should help with stormwater and with reducing heat islands. I would build my case starting there.

Devon Bertram

Sustainability Manager

YR&G

LEEDuser Basic Member

151 thumbs up

Fri, 10/21/2011 - 22:38

Valentin, I agree with Susan's suggestion. The definition for vegetation in this credit is not explicit, but if you keep in mind the intent of the credit (biodiversity and recreation) when proposing your approach, and ensure that the vegetated and open space areas provided in your project meet the required % threshold, you may have a case.

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Ground depth beneath vegetated area

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