Our project is a mixed-used building in an urban area that will most probably earn SSc2. As such, we would like to count vegetated roof areas and pedestrian-oriented hardscapes towards credit compliance. Our question is: - Would roofed areas (either vegetated or pedestrian-oriented hardscapes) ever be considered open space? If so, under what circumstances? Our project has a roofed but otherwise open pedestrian plaza on the ground floor, public balconies covered by cantilevered roofs, and indoor gardens that in my opinion fulfill many of the objetives of this credit. However, given the fact that they are all roofed, I'm not sure whether they can contribute towards credit compliance. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

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Allison Smith

Sustainable Design Leader

HKS, Inc.

LEEDuser Premium Member

40 thumbs up

Mon, 03/20/2017 - 14:45

For projects that earn SSc2, roof terraces can count towards SSc 5.2 as long as they are accessible and open to all occupants of the project. Private balconies do not count towards the credit requirements. Additionally, you can only count green roofs and open bottom planters (not closed bottom) towards this credit. Courtyards can count towards credit achievement, but atria are unlikely to count as they are unlikely to meet the credit intent.

Alejandro Rivera

Chief Consulting Officer

NÁRUM Consult

LEEDuser Basic Member

0 thumbs up

Mon, 03/20/2017 - 16:47

Thanks for your prompt response, Allison. I understand that roof terraces must be accesible and open to all occupants, but my question is more concerned with the roofed/covered aspect of open spaces. Can roofed areas be considered open spaces? You mentioned that atria are unlikely to count, but what about a balcony (accesible and open to all occupants) covered by a cantilevered roof? Or a roofed but otherwise open pedestrian plaza on the ground floor with over 25% of vegetated area through open bottom planters? For projects in urban areas with hot climate, roofed spaces such as these provide quality areas of recreation for its occupants and also promote biodiversity, meeting the credit intent. Perhaps they don't directly help with natural stormwater management or urban heat island effect mitigation, but I would argue that they contribute to the credit objectives. Any thoughts?

Allison Smith

Sustainable Design Leader

HKS, Inc.

LEEDuser Premium Member

40 thumbs up

Mon, 03/20/2017 - 16:58

Alejandro - I do not have experience documenting the credit using areas that are covered but open air as you describe, but I don't see why you could not include them. The intent is to promote biodiversity and I agree that what you describe may meet the credit intent. Has anyone else had success documenting this credit with open air vegetated roof areas?

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