How can artificial turf contribute to the credit requirements?
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.
What if my local code has a landscaping requirement? Is this the same as an open space requirement?
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.
How should I count planters and vegetation on balconies?
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.
Can roof terraces contribute to SSc5.2?
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.
I'm confused about the difference between SSc5.1 and SSc5.2. Can I earn them both?
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.
Are projects eligible for this credit if they are purchasing renewable energy credits that offset 100% of the annual energy consumption?
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.
My project is located outside of the U.S.—can I still document this credit using Energy Star Portfolio Manager?
Yes. Energy Star Portfolio Manager includes some key international cities that can be selected if they are in the same country and share similar climate patterns. Alternatively, projects can use default factors from Portfolio Manager for projects outside the U.S.
What is the best way to demonstrate energy efficiency initiatives that have been implemented at the building and the corresponding amount of emissions reductions?
One of the easier ways to demonstrate emissions reductions is to figure out how much energy you're saving due to the efficiency measure (these can easily be taken from the low-cost measures listed in the energy audit completed as a part of EAp1) and then multiply that amount by the appropriate emissions factor. You can find emissions factors for different fuel types and different parts of the country on the Energy Information Administration's website. Here’s an example:
If my project is using Energy Star Portfolio Manager to benchmark my building, are the emissions reported within Portfolio Manager considered reported "through formal participation in a third-party voluntary reporting or certification program,” as requi
Yes, your GHG emissions will automatically be calculated as part of your benchmarking activities in Portfolio Manager and this output is considered to be acceptable by USGBC. You can document this credit by providing a copy of the Statement of Energy Performance, along with a description of the energy efficiency initiatives that have been implemented at the building and the corresponding amount of emissions reduction that can be attributed to each initiative.
Are mercury-containing lamps included in the credit calculations?
No, mercury-containing lamps must be excluded entirely because they are hazardous waste, therefore 100% must be diverted according to the MRp2 policy.