Although there is not an explicit approach for this situation, it is best to evaluate each area separately and meet the credit requirements using the appropriate compliance path for each area.
To date, we are not aware of a project using LEED 2009 being able to achieve the credit requirements by allocating open space outside of the LEED project boundary. This is also not allowed as an exception under MPR3, although campus settings with no local zoning requirements do have an exception noted in the LEED Reference Guide. The credit requires the open space be adjacent to the building and within the project boundary. However, this approach has been used to meet SSc5.1 credit requirements. This approach has also been used successfully on LEED-NC v2.2 campus projects.
Yes, interior courtyards, if vegetated, can contribute to the open space requirements as long as they are open and accessible to all occupants. Additionally, if your project is achieving SSc2, any pedestrian-oriented hardscape within the courtyard can likely contribute to the credit as well.
There is not a clear and explicit approach for calculating how permeable paving contributes to SSc5.2. However, it is reasonable to count some of the permeable paving if it is an open grid system that is predominantly open-grid/vegetation. To calculate the permeable paving contribution, consider using a percentage of the total permeable paving area as vegetated—for example, if you have 1,000 ft2 of open grid, consider 500 ft2 as vegetation.
Artificial turf can contribute to the open space area, but you must ensure that your project also includes the required percentage of actual vegetation in order to earn the credit.
If a local code does not have an explicit ‘open space’ zoning requirement or the ‘open space’ requirement also includes a ‘landscaping requirement,’ use the landscaping requirement to determine the compliance path. The local code open space requirement may be more general and allow for more than vegetation, and may not be in line with the intent and focus on vegetation to meet credit requirements.
If counting vegetation on balconies and roof areas, only consider green roof and open-bottom planters towards SSc5.2 vegetation requirements. Closed bottom planters do not count towards the credit.
Roof terraces can count towards SSc5.2 as long as they are accessible and open to all occupants of the project. Private balconies do not count towards the credit requirements.
Yes. Many projects earn both credits due to their inherent overlap. The key distinction is that SSc5.1 is looking at habitat for animals, while SSc5.2 is looking at all kinds of open space. See more in LEEDuser's guidance above.
Yes. But keep in mind that your emissions wouldn't be zero even though you’re offsetting them. A project is still consuming energy regardless of purchased offsets. The only way you could truly be a net-zero emissions company is if 100% of your energy consumption was generated through onsite or off-site renewable energy systems.