Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction

Rating System Version

v2 - LEED 2.0

Inquiry

The calculations were figured by LAndscape COnsultant and PA; The key to this credit is how the "Baseline Case" is determined. The "Design Case" takes into account the fact that the species planted are native and respond well to the Houston environment. The "Baseline Case" was calculated using a different turf grass species which would cover the entire landscaped area and would not be shaded by trees. We feel like this credit might be "on the fence" our team is a bit unsure of how to determine the subjective factors of the equation. For example, according to the Reference Guide, "If a species does not require irrigation once it is established, then the effective [Species Factor] = 0 and the resulting [Landscape Coefficient] = 0." Eventually, it will be possible to turn off this design\'\'s irrigation system once the plants are established, but should that be considered in the calculation if it takes longer than 1 year? What is the cut-off: 3 years, 5 years, 10 years?