Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction, LEED O+M: Existing Buildings, LEED BD+C: Core and Shell, LEED BD+C: Schools

Rating System Version

v3 - LEED 2009, v3 - LEED 2008

Inquiry

The project building maintains 100% of its parking spaces under cover through the use of a multi-level underground parking garage located partially beneath the building and partially beneath the property\'s landscaping and hardscape. In the spirit of SS 7.1, the developer\'s decision to locate 100% of the building\'s parking below grade has resulted in a reduced heat island effect by allowing for surface vegetation where the presence of an above ground garage would have otherwise prohibited vegetation. While it is clear that an uncovered multi-level garage located above ground would have qualified for 1 point under SS 7.1, it is not clear if an underground multi-level garage would qualify for 1 point under SS 7.1 given that it is partially covered by a building with an unknown SRI value. Given that the intent of this point is related to "non-roof" surfaces, is the building required to document SRI criteria for the roof of a building that covers an underground parking garage or is the point otherwise earned automatically since 100% of the parking is located in a multi-level underground garage? Please clarify the intent and required submittals for scenarios involving a multi-level underground parking garage.