In calculations required for demonstrating that 50% of the site that does not fall within the building footprint, we are looking to determine whether or not outside areas shadowed by canopies and building overhangs should be counted as footprint or not. Areas under canopies and building overhangs can typically not be restored with native vegetation, since no rain falls on the area. Yet the creation of building overhangs and canopies is a good thing in terms of LEED because of the shade created. Setting the first floor back from the stories above also allows for bigger outside spaces. We would suggest for the purpose of this credit that the site area be defined as the area not below any building parts, so that a project not be penalized by recessing first floor walls.
Page 47 of the LEED v2.1 Reference Guide defines the building footprint, for the purpose of LEED credits, as the perimeter of the building plan. Shade structures or canopies that are attached to the building and are not part of the structure need not be included in the building footprint. Building overhangs are part of the building plan and should be included in the calculation of building footprint. The fact that areas under overhangs are not likely to be restored with vegetation supports this interpretation and does not serve the credit\'s intent. Recessing first floor walls does not reduce the site area impacted by the building and thus does not justify a reduction in the required protection/restoration area. Applicable Internationally.