We have a research building that shares an asphalt parking lot with a warehouse (used by the researchers but not being certified). We have limited our parking capacity to 25% fewer that the ITE guidelines, but the client wants to have extra space in a gravel lot in case of unforseen events. The gravel lot doesn't have 2/3 of the major environmental impacts of the asphalt lot (facilitating carbon emission, storm water runoff and the heat island effect). Would these gravel lots for emergencies be permitted by the intent of the credit? Because of their reduced negative impact, would they be permitted in non-emergency situations?

Post a reply

David Posada

Integrated Design & LEED Specialist

SERA Architects

LEEDuser Expert

1361 thumbs up

Thu, 02/02/2012 - 22:02

Interesting question - in some jurisdictions, gravel lots may not be allowed as designated parking areas. If these are new lots being created for overflow parking, it seems like they would have to be included in the total area and stall count of parking being provided, even though they have less impact than impervious paving. You might need a CIR to see if a weighted average or reduction might be allowed -but you might need scientific data to compare the impact of a gravel lot with an asphalt one.

Eduardo Guzman

President

DCM Architecture & Engineering

LEEDuser Basic Member

24 thumbs up

Fri, 03/02/2012 - 17:46

I agree David. From a critical perspective, gravel lots for typical uses still promote private automobile use, which I think is the most important intent of this credit.

Add new comment

To post a comment, you need to register for a LEEDuser Basic membership (free) or login to your existing profile.

You are currently logged in under an enterprise account

FAQs about SSc4.4 :

Parking Capacity overflow to Gravel Lot

You rely on LEEDuser. Can we rely on you?

Add new comment