2.3.4 Adding It Up to Green

Conclusion

1.    What types of professionals should be included on a project team and throughout the project in order to obtain a LEED ID credit?

Green designers and consultants are important members of the project team.  They articulate the sustainability goals of the project and determine the specific strategies required to meet them.

2.    What specific solar orientation practices can earn LEED credit?

 a)     The glazing area on the north- and south-facing walls of the building is at least 50% greater than the sum of the glazing area on the east and west facing walls.

b)     The east-west axis of the building is within 15 degrees of due east-west.

c)     The roof has a minimum of 450 square feet of south-facing area that is oriented appropriately for solar applications.

d)     At least 90% of the glazing on the south-facing wall is completely shaded (using shading, overhangs, etc.) at noon on June 21 and unshaded at noon on December 21.

3.    What types of sites should be avoided in order to obtain LEED credit?

a)     Land whose elevation is at or below the 100-year floodplain as defined by FEMA.
b)     Land that is specifically identified as habitat for any species on federal or state threatened or endangered lists.
c)     Land within 100 feet of any water, including wetlands.

d)     Land that prior to acquisition for the project was public parkland, unless land of equal or greater value as parkland is accepted in trade by the public landowner.

e)     Land that contains “prime soils”, “unique soils”, or “soils of state significance”, as identified in state soil surveys.

4.    What basic landscape design practices should be followed in order to obtain LEED credits?

a)     Any turf must be drought-tolerant.
b)     Do not use turf in densely shaded areas.
c)     Do not use turf in areas with a slope of 25%.
d)     Add mulch or soil amendments as appropriate. 

e)     All compacted soil (e.g., from construction vehicles) must be tilled to at least 6 inches.

5.    What are some ways that architects can obtain LEED credits concerning water efficiency?

Architects can implement rainwater harvesting systems, high efficiency irrigation systems, reduce overall irrigation demand by at least 45%, and effective indoor water use (by using low flow toilets, for example).

6.    What building components or systems can be enhanced to contribute to LEED credits that promote energy efficiency?

Plumbing systems can be improved by adding pipe insulation, electrical usage can be reduced by using efficient lighting and appliances, and both the origin and properties of the materials chosen should be taken into consideration.

7.    How can the choices of (or use of) materials affect the LEED rating of a home?

Using materials efficiently and procuring them from clean sources in a clean manner can greatly impact the environmentally friendliness of a project.  If exotic materials must be shipped great distances, then the impact would be much greater than using local sources.

8.    What is required to earn LEED credits with respect to moisture and indoor pollutants in kitchens and bathrooms?

In kitchens, use of water resistant flooring (no carpet) is required.  In bathrooms, use of nonpaper-faced backer board is needed on walls.  A method of ventilation is also required in most climates.

9.    From a public relations perspective, why might a company want to have a high LEED score?

Public relations can be improved by utilizing green technology.  People like to know that the company is making an effort to conserve and innovate.