Our team has selected to provide shading on the non-roof impervious site surfaces to achieve this credit. Our question relates to calculating the percentage of shaded area. Shade for the site will be created by tree canopy. Our LEED/environmental consultant has suggested the strategy of calculating the canopy area as it shades directly down (plan view of tree canopy) to determine shaded area per tree. We have designed 1
Shading of non-roof impervious site surfaces is calculated on June 21 at solar noon, so it is possible for trees located outside the impervious surfaces to cast shade onto the impervious surfaces. See the June 2001 Reference Guide for details on the calculation. It is possible to combine the effects of different measures, but it is incumbent on the applicant to provide the USGBC with a detailed calculation and supporting sketches to capture the point. See the Innovation Credit procedure in the Reference Guide for guidance on making a case for performance achievement.