“Appurtenances” such as these are excluded from the credit. To quote from LEED Interpretation #10235 made on 10/01/2012, “Roof area that consists of functional, usable spaces—such as helipads, recreation courts, and areas covered by equipment, solar panels, and appurtenances—can be exempted from the roof calculations for SSc7.2. Projects are not eligible for SSc7.2 if the exempted spaces encompass the entire roof area.”

If it’s not possible to obtain values from the manufacturer, or a reliable industry source, then getting the material tested in a lab according to ASTM standards is recommended.

You can always simply exclude these materials and submit based on known materials.

Yes, the credit allows for a weighted calculation approach. Many projects in this situation are able to comply. You will need to enter all the roof area that you hope to use to comply. See the calculator in LEEDuser's Documentation Toolkit.

No. LEED Interpretation #1412, issued 2/7/2006 sets the precedent here in stating that "Water features are excluded from the calculation."

According to the LEED Reference Guide, "Hardscape consists of the inanimate elements of the building landscaping. Examples include pavement, roadways, stone walls, concrete paths and sidewalks, and concrete, brick, and tile patios." One could add to this list gravel paths and paved tennis courts. In addition, in LEED Interpretation #10113, USGBC stated that gravel paths and other areas using crusher fines are nonroof hardscape surfaces and should not be excluded from the calculations.

Concrete weathers over time and its SRI value goes down. Washing the concrete periodically during building operation is recommended. This LEED credit allows you to use the higher SRI value if the concrete is new. Old concrete should get a reduced value unless washed.

Yes, per LEED interpretation #5220 made on 07/30/2009, a weighted average is allowable similar to SSc7.2 for roof surfaces. The supporting weighted average calculator in LEEDuser's Documentation Toolkit section can be used to establish a weighted average for all hardscape materials used on your project.

Look for laboratories that calculate SRI, or that test reflectivity and emissivity—once you have those values the LEED Online form will complete the calculation. Searching for labs using keywords like surfaces or optics may also be helpful. Make sure the lab you are using follows the reflectivity and emissivity testing ASTM criteria mentioned in LEED. Testing could cost $500 to $1,000 per sample.

LEED requires specific SRI values based on product or material—no exceptions. Your first step is to try reaching out to your product manufacturers to obtain this information, or searching for any SRI values that might be applicable, if your material is generic. If this cannot be found, your next option is to send your material to a lab to be tested. Getting this data can be hard with existing materials other than concrete. Finding a similar product and comparing it to yours with images will not be accepted.

You’re not required to purchase the guidelines, but it is worth considering if you plan on using in-house staff to conduct the audit. Training can consist of reading through the APPA guidelines, learning the benefits of honest audit results (such as pinpointing opportunities for improvement), and reviewing the forms. It’s up to your team to decide if the information available publicly is adequate for your team to conduct an audit.