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NC-v4 SSc3:Open space

Open space 30% requirement at Ground Level only?

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Susan Di Giulio
Senior Project Manager
Zinner Consultants
LEEDuser Basic Member
110 thumbs up

Can you include open spaces at roof level (Green roof, accessible by all) as part of the 30% requirement, or does the entire 30% need to come from open space at ground level only? Thank you for clarification.

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Karin Miller
Senior Sustainability Manager
YR&G
LEEDuser Basic Member
27 thumbs up

Wed, 05/31/2017 - 14:31

Hi Susan, for projects that achieve a density of 1.5 floor-area ratio (FAR), and are physically accessible, extensive or intensive vegetated roofs can be used toward the minimum 25% vegetation requirement, and qualifying roof-based physically accessible paving areas can be used toward credit compliance.
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Jonathan Weiss
Jacobs Buildings & Infrastructure
LEEDuser Premium Member
140 thumbs up

Fri, 06/09/2017 - 15:57

How is "accessible" defined relative to a green roof - our green roof is adjacent-accessible, but it is not designed to be walked on or played on. The paver areas adjacent to the roof is accessible, does that comply? Or does the green roof need to be robust enough to support people walking on it?
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Jareb Ketay
Principal
GHT Limited
LEEDuser Premium Member
3 thumbs up

Mon, 07/24/2017 - 13:22

Hey Jonathan, We had a similar question which prompted some research, and our understanding is that all green roofs (extensive or intensive) can count towards the vegetation requirement, but in order to count as open space, they do actually need to be accessible (i.e. able to be walked on/played on). Accessibly pavers at roof level would comply assuming the FAR requirements Karin references is met. If anyone has a different understanding I'd love to discuss! Jake

Sat, 01/19/2019 - 18:22

The green roof should not basically be "able to be walked on/ played on". Reference guide states: the open space can include "a garden space with a diversity of vegetation types and species that provide opportunities for year-round visual interest." This supports the credit intent to encourage interaction with the environment. 

Tue, 01/21/2020 - 14:52

Hi everyone! I would like to know it the project can achieve 30% of open space ONLY with green roofs. Since our project is zero lot line and has a FAR of 1.5. Could this be an option to achieve this credit?
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emily reese moody
Sustainability Director, Certifications & Compliance
Jacobs
LEEDuser Expert
469 thumbs up

Thu, 01/23/2020 - 02:04

Hi Victoria, I don't see why your project wouldn't be able to achieve it as a zero lot line project as long as they're accessible and meet the open space criteria.

Thu, 01/23/2020 - 06:09

Hi Victoria, Yes I agree with Emily. You can even go for credit substitution using v4.1 which eliminates the FAR requirement. Check this out: https://www.usgbc.org/articles/substitute-any-leed-v4-credit-leed-v41      

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