Does existing landscaping have to be included in the calculations?
Yes, if it is irrigated and not considered in its natural state.
What is the minimum required irrigated area that will achieve the credit?
For any project, the minimum is 5% of site area. This can include planters.
Is the area of the baseline case the same as the design case?
The baseline and design cases are the same, and they are based on the total irrigated area in the design case.
Can surface water, such as water from an irrigation ditch or a local creek, be used as nonpotable water?
No. This approach has been rejected by LEED reviewers, who state that these are potential sources of potable water and their use does not meet the credit intent. The LEED Reference Guide makes reference to groundwater in specifically allowing use of nuisance water that needs to be pumped away from the building—but other groundwater is not mentioned as compliant.
Can non-potable well water that is used for irrigation contribute to potable water reduction?
No, non-potable groundwater used for irrigation (other than nuisance groundwater, i.e. water pumped away from a foundation) is considered a potential potable source and would not count towards earning this credit. GBCI has upheld this rule even in cases where the local groundwater has mineral or other content that requires treatment before it can be potable.
What advertising lights or signs must comply with credit requirements and which are exempt?
Advertising and directional signage, as explained in Addendum i of ASHRAE 90.1-2007, and further defined in the Users Manual for ASHRAE 90.1-2007, is exempt. Essentially, that means that internally illuminated advertising signs are exempt, but those illuminated by lighting that is not ‘integral’ to the signage itself must be included in the calculations.
For campus projects, do all existing light fixtures need to comply with credit requirements at the time of a project's submittal?
All existing fixtures within the LEED project boundary would need to comply with the SSc8 requirements at the time the project is submitted for review. However, if the project elected to use the campus property boundary as the "lighting boundary" for SSc8 as allowed by LEED Interpretation #10236, existing fixtures within the lighting boundary, but outside the specific LEED project boundary would not have to comply with any of the SSc8 requirements.
Are city-owned lights within a project's property required to comply with credit requirements?
According to LEED Interpretation #10236, street lighting that is required by the governmental authorities to be installed within the LEED project’s lighting boundary (whether existing or new) does not need to be included in any of the calculations.
Is flag lighting exempt from this credit?
Not currently, but USGBC is looking at exempting flag lighting from LEED v4 requirements.
Does uplight that is under a canopy count towards the limitation of total initial design fixture lumens at 90 degrees or higher from nadir?
If the canopy blocks 100% of the light then yes, but this is unlikely. Any light spillage needs to counted toward the uplighting limit, but calculating this can be difficult.