SS WE EA MR EQ ID

Alternative Transportation Credit 4.4

Parking Capacity
1 Point
Intent
Reduce pollution and land development impacts from single occupancy vehicle use.
Requirements
OPTION 1 — NON-RESIDENTIAL
❑ Size parking capacity to meet, but not exceed, minimum local zoning requirements,
AND, provide preferred parking for carpools or vanpools for 5% of the total provided
parking spaces.
OR
OPTION 2 — NON-RESIDENTIAL
For projects that provide parking for less than 5% of FTE building occupants:
❑ Provide preferred parking for carpools or vanpools, marked as such, for 5% of total
provided parking spaces.
OR
OPTION 3 — RESIDENTIAL
❑ Size parking capacity to not exceed minimum local zoning requirements, AND,
provide infrastructure and support programs to facilitate shared vehicle usage such
as carpool drop-off areas, designated parking for vanpools, or car-share services, ride
boards, and shuttle services to mass transit.
OR
OPTION 4 — ALL
Provide no new parking.
“Preferred parking” refers to the parking spots that are closest to the main entrance of the
project (exclusive of spaces designated for handicapped) or parking passes provided at a
discounted price.
Potential Technologies & Strategies
Minimize parking lot/garage size. Consider sharing parking facilities with adjacent
buildings. Consider alternatives that will limit the use of single occupancy vehicles.

LEED-NC Version 2.2 Reference Guide

63
Page 63 of 416
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Summary of Referenced requirements. Total the parking spaces
Standard provided for the project (excluding service
Credit 4.4 lots) and verify that the project parking
There is no standard referenced for this does not exceed the minimum required.
credit.
Determine the number of spaces 5%
represents (rounding up to the next whole
Approach and number) and designate the appropriate
Implementation square foot area, closest to the building en-
The intent of this credit is to limit availabil- trance and excluding handicapped spaces,
ity of parking as a means of encouraging as reserved carpool/vanpool spaces.
the use of alternative forms of transporta- Option 2—Non-Residential
tion to and from the site. Select a project
site that is easily accessible from residential For projects that provide parking for less
areas by bicycle or public transportation. than 5% of FTE building occupants:
Once the site is selected, determine the 1. Identify the total number of full-time
expected number of cars likely to drive to and part-time building occupants.
the site and compare this number to local 2. Calculate the Full-Time Equivalent
zoning requirements. If parking demand (FTE) building occupants based on
is expected to be less than that required a standard 8-hour occupancy period.
by local codes, consider seeking a variance An 8-hour occupant has an FTE value
with the appropriate authorities to provide of 1.0 while a part-time occupant has
less parking. However, any on-site parking a FTE value based on their hours per
reductions should be carefully balanced day divided by 8 (see Equation 1).
with community needs to avoid needlessly Note that FTE calculations for the
burdening surrounding neighborhoods project must be used consistently for
with excessive street parking. all LEED-NC credits. In buildings
Where possible, develop transportation with multiple shifts, use only the high-
demand management strategies in order est volume shift in the FTE calcula-
to reduce the number of parking spaces tion but consider shift overlap when
required to meet the needs of occupants. determining peak building users.
Transportation demand strategies may 3. Determine if the total number of pro-
include the publishing of an employee vided parking spaces is less than 5% of
roster with addresses to assist people in FTE occupants.
finding carpool partners, creating incentive
programs for carpooling, providing a ride 4. Designate project parking (closest to
share board, or setting parking fees at a the building entrance and excluding
level sufficient to encourage carpooling. handicapped spaces) equivalent to 5%
of the total provided project parking
as reserved carpool/vanpool spaces.
Calculations
Option 3—Residential
Option 1—Non-Residential
No calculations are needed for residential
Determine the minimum number of projects beyond what is needed to comply
parking spaces required by local zoning with local zoning requirements.

Equation 1

FTE Occupants = Occupant Hours

8

U.S. Green Building Council

64
Page 64 of 416
Option 4—All Option 3—Residential SS WE EA MR EQ ID
No calculations are required for this ❑ Provide a description of the infra- Credit 4.4
compliance path. structure/programs that are in place
to support and promote ridesharing.
Exemplary Performance Option 4— All
Projects may be awarded one innovation ❑ There are no additional items required
point for Exemplary performance in al- for this compliance path.
ternative transportation, SS Credit 4, by
AND (For Projects With Special Circum-
instituting a comprehensive transporta-
stances—Any Compliance Path)
tion management plan that demonstrates
a quantifiable reduction in personal auto- ❑ Provide an optional narrative to de-
mobile use through the implementation scribe any special circumstances or
of multiple alternative options. non-standard compliance paths taken
by the project.

Submittal Documentation
Considerations
This credit is submitted as part of the
Design Submittal. Environmental Issues
The following project data and calcula- Reducing the use of private automobiles
tion information is required to document saves energy and avoids environmental
credit compliance using the v2.2 Submit- problems associated with automobile use,
tal Templates: such as vehicle emissions that contribute
❑ Provide the FTE occupancy for the to smog and other air pollutants and the
project. environmental impacts associated with oil
extraction and petroleum refining. The
❑ Provide the total parking capacity of
environmental benefits of carpooling are
the site.
significant. For example, 100 people who
❑ Confirm the appropriate project com- carpooled (2 people per car) 10 miles to
pliance path. work and 10 miles home instead of driv-
In addition, please provide the following ing separately would prevent emission of
project data and calculation information 7.7 pounds of hydrocarbons, 55 pounds
based on the appropriate compliance of carbon monoxide, 3.3 pounds of nitro-
path: gen oxides, 990 pounds of carbon dioxide
and 50 gallons of gasoline per day.
Option 1— Non-Residential
Parking facilities for automobiles also have
❑ Provide the number of parking spaces negative impacts on the environment,
required for the project per local code since asphalt surfaces increase stormwater
or ordinance. runoff and contribute to urban heat island
❑ Provide the number of carpool/van- effects. By restricting the size of parking
pool spaces that are on-site. lots and promoting carpooling, buildings
can reduce these effects while benefiting
Option 2— Non-Residential from reduced parking requirements and
❑ Provide the number of carpool/van- more and healthier green space.
pool spaces that are on-site.
Economic Issues
Carpooling reduces the size of the park-
ing areas needed to support building oc-

LEED-NC Version 2.2 Reference Guide

65
Page 65 of 416
SS WE EA MR EQ ID cupants, allowing the building to accept
more occupants without enlarging the
Credit 4.4 parking area. It helps reduce the cost of
land added for parking as well as infra-
structure needed to support vehicles. Re-
duction in parking areas can decrease the
amount of impervious surfaces on a site.
This may result in reduced stormwater
charges, as some local utilities charge for
stormwater based on impervious surface
area. Also, many municipalities and state
governments offer tax incentives for car-
pooling programs, since fewer cars on the
road reduces pollution, traffic congestion
and wear and tear to roadways.

Resources
Please see the USGBC website at www.
usgbc.org/resources for more specific
resources on materials sources and other
technical information.
Websites
Advanced Transportation Technology
Institute
www.atti-info.org
(423) 622-3884
A nonprofit organization that advances
clean transportation technologies through
research, education and technology trans-
fer in order to promote a healthy environ-
ment and energy independence.

Definitions
A Carpool is an arrangement in which
two or more people share a vehicle for
transportation.
Preferred Parking refers to the parking
spots that are closest to the main entrance
of the project, exclusive of spaces des-
ignated for handicapped, or to parking
passes provided at a discounted price.

U.S. Green Building Council

66
Page 66 of 416
 SS WE EA MR EQ ID

Stormwater Design Credit 6.1

Quantity Control
1 Point
Intent
Limit disruption of natural hydrology by reducing impervious cover, increasing on-site
infiltration, and managing stormwater runoff.
Requirements
OPTION 1 — EXISTING IMPERVIOUSNESS IS LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO
50%
Implement a stormwater management plan that prevents the post-development peak
discharge rate and quantity from exceeding the pre-development peak discharge rate
and quantity for the one- and two-year, 24-hour design storms.
OR
Implement a stormwater management plan that protects receiving stream channels from
excessive erosion by implementing a stream channel protection strategy and quantity
control strategies.
OR
OPTION 2 — EXISTING IMPERVIOUSNESS IS GREATER THAN 50%
Implement a stormwater management plan that results in a 25% decrease in the volume
of stormwater runoff from the two-year, 24-hour design storm.
Potential Technologies & Strategies
Design the project site to maintain natural stormwater flows by promoting infiltration.
Specify vegetated roofs, pervious paving, and other measures to minimize impervious
surfaces. Reuse stormwater volumes generated for non-potable uses such as landscape
irrigation, toilet and urinal flushing and custodial uses.

LEED-NC Version 2.2 Reference Guide

75
Page 75 of 416
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Summary of Referenced Guidelines for Capturing and
Standard Reusing Stormwater Runoff
Credit 6.1
There is no standard referenced for this Stormwater captured (or harvested) in
credit. cisterns, rain barrels, or other devices, is
a primary source of water in many parts
of the world. Stormwater should not be
Approach and used for potable needs if there are sources
Implementation available that pose less risk to public
The approach to this credit may vary health. However, harvested stormwater
significantly depending on the condition may be used to reduce potable water needs
of the project site at the beginning of the for uses such as landscape irrigation, fire
project. If the project is being constructed suppression, toilet and urinal flushing,
on a largely undeveloped site, the goal is and custodial uses.
to preserve stormwater flows and design Storage and reuse techniques range from
the project to respond to the natural soil small-scale systems (e.g., rain barrels) to
conditions, habitat, and rainfall charac- underground cisterns that may hold large
teristics. If the project is a redevelopment volumes of water. Whether large or small,
of a previously developed site, the goal is stormwater harvesting system designs
typically to improve stormwater manage- should consider the following:
ment in a way that restores the natural 1. Water need for the intended use—how
functions of the site to the maximum will the harvested water be used and
extent practicable. when will it be needed? For example,
The approach to this credit also varies dra- if the water is used to irrigate land-
matically between different regions and scaping for four summer months, the
climate zones. The strategies employed amount of water needed and the how
in an urban environment where water is often the storage unit will refill must
discharged to concrete channels and then be considered. Usage requirements and
the ocean are different from the strategies the expected volume and frequency of
employed at an inland site that discharges rainfall must be determined.
to a small stream and lake system. 2. Drawdown—storage system design
The most effective method to minimize must provide for the use or release of
stormwater runoff volume is to reduce the water between storm events for the de-
amount of impervious area. By reducing sign storage volume to be available.
impervious area, stormwater infrastruc- 3. Drainage Area—the size and nature
ture can be minimized or deleted from the (e.g., percent imperviousness) of the
project. Strategies to minimize or mitigate area draining to the storage system
impervious surfaces may include: determines how much runoff will be
❑ Smaller building footprint available for harvesting.
❑ Pervious paving materials 4. Conveyance System—reused storm-
❑ Stormwater harvesting for reuse in water and graywater systems must
irrigation and/or buildings not be connected to other domestic
or commercial potable water systems.
❑ Green roofs
Pipes and storage units should be
❑ Bioswales/vegetated filter strips clearly marked (e.g., “Caution: Re-
❑ Retention ponds claimed Water, Do Not Drink”).
❑ Clustering development to reduce 5. Pretreatment—screens or filters may
paved surfaces (roads, sidewalks, etc.) be used to remove debris and sedi-

U.S. Green Building Council

76
Page 76 of 416
 ment from runoff and to minimize rate (Qr) is calculated below in Equa- SS WE EA MR EQ ID
pollutants. tion 2:
Credit 6.1
6. Pressurization—uses for harvested In this example, the captured rain must be
rainwater may require pressurization. drained within 3 days or at a minimum
For example, most irrigation systems rate of 1.4 gpm for the tank to be emptied
require a water pressure of at least 15 for the next storm.
psi to function properly. Stored water Different municipalities, state and lo-
has a pressure of 0.43 psi per foot of cal governments have various design
water elevation, and the water pres- requirements for capturing and reuse of
sure at the bottom of a ten-foot vault stormwater runoff. These requirements
would be 4.3 psi (10 ft. x 0.43 psi). range from where stormwater may be
Pressurization (e.g., a pump, pressure captured and used to length of time
tank and filter) costs more and creates stormwater can be held in a cistern, to
a more useable system. the type of water treatment required be-
The amount of runoff reduced by a fore reuse. Designers should check with
stormwater harvesting system may be the governing administrative authority
considered equal to its storage volume. to determine parameters which will af-
However, volume calculations must also fect collection, use, and distribution of
consider how often the system is emptied captured stormwater.
and the interval between storm events.
Example: Calculations
Rainwater will be harvested from a 10,000 There are two compliance paths for this
sq.ft. roof (100% imperviousness). The credit—one for largely undeveloped sites
system will be designed to capture the and one for largely developed sites.
runoff from 90% of the average annual
rainfall (1 inch of rainfall for humid wa- Option 1—Existing Imperviousness
tersheds). The volume of the proposed Is Less Than Or Equal To 50%
storage system is the amount of runoff (Largely Undeveloped Sites)
captured (Vr), which is calculated below
Option 1-a: Discharge Rate and
in Equation 1:
Quantity
Other design considerations – tank must
Determine the pre-development discharge
be emptied before subsequent storm
rate and quantity for the project. These
events. Use a tank that is 10 ft x 10 ft x
values are typically calculated by the civil
8 ft deep – Total storage volume (Vs) =
engineer using the surface characteristics
800 cu.ft. Using a design storm interval
of the site and data on storm event fre-
of three days (72 hours), the drawdown
quency, intensity and duration. Calculate
Equation 1

(P)(Rv)(A) (1’)(0.95)(10,000 SF)

Vr = = = 791.67 CF (5,922 gal)
12’ 12’
Where, Rv = 0.05 + (0.009) (I) = 0.05 + (0.009) (100) = 0.95
Rv = Volumetric Runoff Coefficient
I = Percent Imperviousness
Equation Source: 2000 Maryland Stormwater Design Manual, Vol. I & II (MDE, 2000)
Equation 2

Qr = 800c.f. = 0.003 cfs or 1.37 gpm

259,200 sec

LEED-NC Version 2.2 Reference Guide

77
Page 77 of 416
SS WE EA MR EQ ID rate and quantity for the one-year and Submittal Documentation
two-year, 24-hour design storms.
Credit 6.1 This credit is submitted as part of the
Determine the post-development dis- Design Submittal.
charge rate and quantity for the project
The following project data and calcula-
consistent with the pre-development
tion information is required to document
calculations. The post-development rate
credit compliance using the v2.2 Submit-
AND quantity must be equal to or less
tal Templates:
than the pre-development values to earn
this credit. Option 1
Option 1-b: Stream Channel ❑ Provide the pre-development site run-
Protection off rate (cfs).
Describe the project site conditions, the ❑ Provide the pre-development site run-
measures taken, and controls imple- off quantity (cf ).
mented as part of the project scope that ❑ Provide the post-development site
prevent excessive stream velocities and the runoff rate (cfs).
associated erosion. Include in the descrip-
❑ Provide the post-development site
tion numerical values for pre-develop-
runoff quantity (cf ).
ment and post-development conditions
to demonstrate that the rate and quantity OR
of stormwater runoff in the post-develop- ❑ Provide a narrative describing the proj-
ment condition are below critical values ect site conditions, measures taken,
for the relevant receiving waterways. and controls implemented to prevent
excessive stream velocities and associ-
Option 2—Existing Imperviousness
ated erosion.
Is Greater Than 50% (Largely
Developed Sites) Figure 1 (Source Figure 1.4), excerpted
from the Maryland Stormwater Design
Determine the pre-development discharge
Manual, diagrams the potential increases
rate and quantity for the project. These
in critical discharge rate from develop-
values are typically calculated by the civil
ment.
engineer using the surface characteristics
of the site and data on storm event fre- Option 2
quency, intensity, and duration. Calculate ❑ Provide the pre-development site run-
rate and quantity for the one-year and off rate (cfs).
two-year, 24-hour design storms.
❑ Provide the pre-development site run-
Determine the post-development dis- off quantity (cf ).
charge rate and quantity for the project
consistent with the pre-development ❑ Provide the post-development site
calculations. The post-development rate runoff rate (cfs).
AND quantity must be at least 25% less ❑ Provide the post-development site
than the pre-development values to earn runoff quantity (cf ).
this credit.
Considerations
Exemplary Performance
Environmental Issues
There is no exemplary performance point
available for this credit. The intent of this credit is to limit the
disruption of the natural stormwater flows
that results from development. Undevel-

U.S. Green Building Council

78
Page 78 of 416
Figure 1: Increased Frequency of Flows Greater than the Critical Discharge Rate in a Stream Channel
SS WE EA MR EQ ID
after Development
Credit 6.1

oped land has a certain capacity to absorb frequency and magnitude of stormwater
rainfall in the soils, vegetation and trees. runoff due to development can cause
Clearing of vegetation and/or construction increased bankfull events. As a result,
of impervious surfaces (i.e., roads, parking the stream bed and banks are exposed to
lots and buildings) reduce the capacity of highly erosive flows more frequently and
the land to absorb rainfall and increase the for longer periods. The resultant impacts
amount of stormwater runoff. may include channel-widening or down-
As areas are constructed and urban- cutting or both.
ized, surface permeability is reduced, Figures 2 and 3 (Source Figures 1.1
resulting in increased stormwater runoff and 1.2), excerpted from the Maryland
volumes that are transported via urban Stormwater Design Manual show the
infrastructure (e.g., gutters, pipes and impact of development of stormwater
sewers) to receiving waters. These storm- flows and the increase in the volumetric
water volumes contain sediment and runoff coefficient as a function of site
other contaminants that have a negative imperviousness.
impact on water quality, navigation and
recreation. Furthermore, conveyance and Economic Issues
treatment of stormwater volumes requires If natural drainage systems are designed
significant municipal infrastructure and and implemented at the beginning of
maintenance. Reducing the generation of site planning, they can be integrated eco-
stormwater volumes helps maintain the nomically into the overall development.
natural aquifer recharge cycle and assist Water detention and retention features
in restoring depleted stream base flows. require cost for design, installation and
In addition, stormwater volumes do not maintenance. However, these features can
have to be conveyed to receiving waters also add significant value as site amenities
by the municipality, and receiving waters if planned early in the design. Smaller
are not impacted. stormwater collection and treatment sys-
The geometry and health of streams tems lessen the burden on municipalities
is closely linked to stormwater runoff for maintenance and repair, resulting in a
velocities and volumes. Increases in the more affordable and stable tax base.

LEED-NC Version 2.2 Reference Guide

79
Page 79 of 416
 Figure 2: Water Balance at a Developed and Undeveloped Site (Source: Schueler, 1987)
SS WE EA MR EQ ID

Credit 6.1

Figure 3: Relationship Between Impervious Cover and the Volumetric Runoff Coefficient (Source:
Schueler, 1987)

Synergies and Trade-Offs may pose problems for wheelchair acces-

Stormwater runoff is affected significantly sibility and stroller mobility. If stormwater
by site topography, site design, and espe- volumes are treated on site, additional site
cially quantity of impervious surface area area may need to be disturbed to construct
to support transportation amenity design. treatment ponds or underground facili-
It may be possible to reuse stormwater ties. Application of green roofs reduces
for non-potable water purposes such as stormwater volumes that may be intended
flushing urinals and toilets, custodial ap- for collection and reuse for non-potable
plications, and building equipment uses. applications.
It is helpful to perform a water balance to
determine the estimated volumes of water Resources
available for reuse. Stormwater runoff
volumes can also be reduced by designing Websites
the building with underground parking, Please see the USGBC website at www.
a strategy that also reduces heat island usgbc.org/resources for more specific
effects. Pervious paving systems usually resources on materials sources and other
have a limit on transportation loads and technical information.

U.S. Green Building Council

80
Page 80 of 416
Stormwater Best Management Practice SS WE EA MR EQ ID
Design Guide, EPA/600/R-04/121A,
September 2004. Credit 6.1
www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/pubs/
600r04121/600r04121a.pdf
Maryland Stormwater Design Manual
www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/Wa-
terPrograms/SedimentandStormwater/
stormwater_design/index.asp

Definitions
Impervious Surfaces promote runoff of
precipitation volumes instead of infiltra-
tion into the subsurface. The impervious-
ness or degree of runoff potential can be
estimated for different surface materials.
Stormwater Runoff consists of water
volumes that are created during precipi-
tation events and flow over surfaces into
sewer systems or receiving waters. All
precipitation waters that leave project site
boundaries on the surface are considered
to be stormwater runoff volumes.

LEED-NC Version 2.2 Reference Guide

81
Page 81 of 416
SS WE EA MR EQ ID

Credit 6.1

U.S. Green Building Council

82
Page 82 of 416
 SS WE EA MR EQ ID

Heat Island Effect Credit 7.1

Non-Roof
1 Point
Intent
Reduce heat islands (thermal gradient differences between developed and undeveloped
areas) to minimize impact on microclimate and human and wildlife habitat.
Requirements
OPTION 1
Provide any combination of the following strategies for 50% of the site hardscape
(including roads, sidewalks, courtyards and parking lots):
❑ Shade (within 5 years of occupancy)
❑ Paving materials with a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI)2 of at least 29
❑ Open grid pavement system
OR
OPTION 2
Place a minimum of 50% of parking spaces under cover (defined as underground,
under deck, under roof, or under a building). Any roof used to shade or cover parking
must have an SRI of at least 29.
Potential Technologies & Strategies
Shade constructed surfaces on the site with landscape features and utilize high-reflec-
tance materials for hardscape. Consider replacing constructed surfaces (i.e., roof, roads,
sidewalks, etc.) with vegetated surfaces such as vegetated roofs and open grid paving
or specify high-albedo materials to reduce the heat absorption.

LEED-NC Version 2.2 Reference Guide

89
Page 89 of 416
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Summary of Referenced ways and plazas. Deciduous trees allow
Standard buildings to benefit from solar heat gain
Credit 7.1 during the winter months. On-site loca-
There is no standard referenced for this tions where tree planting is not possible,
credit. use architectural shading devices to block
direct sunlight radiance.
Approach and Alternatively, place parking under cover.
Implementation This can include using multi-story or
Limit the amount of impervious hard- subterranean parking structures, or plac-
scape areas on the site in order to limit ing parking under a shade structure.
heat island effect. For features such as Parking cover must also meet the same
parking lots, roads and walkways, use SRI requirements as non-roof impervi-
open grid pavement systems that are at ous surfaces.
least 50% pervious, which remain cooler
due to reduction of impervious surface Calculations
area and increased evaporation from the
open cell vegetation. Use light colored Option 1
paving surfaces, and shade paved areas 1. Identify all non-roof hardscape sur-
with landscaping. Utilize a parking deck faces on the project site and sum the
to reduce parking footprint by 50%. total area (T).
Darker paving materials, such as asphalt, 2. Identify all of the hardscape surfaces
generally exhibit low reflectance and con- that have an open grid paving system
sequently low SRI values. Grey or white that are at least 50% pervious and sum
concrete has a higher reflectance and a the total area (O).
higher SRI. Concrete made with white ce-
3. Identify all of the hardscape features
ment may cost up to twice as much as that
that have an SRI of at least 29 and sum
made with gray cement. Some blended
the total area (R).
cements (e.g., slag cements) are very light
in color and cost the same or slightly less SRI is calculated using the LEED
than portland-only based gray cement Submittal Template by inserting both
(Source: “Albedo: A Measure of Pave- emissivity and reflectance values into
ment Surface Reflectance,” R&T Update the worksheet and pressing “Click to
#3.05, June 2002, American Concrete Calculate SRI”. Emittance is calcu-
Pavement Association, www.pavement. lated according to ASTM E 408 or
com/techserv/RT3.05.pdf ). Micro sur- ASTM C 1371 and Reflectance is
faces and coatings over asphalt pavement calculated according to ASTM E 903,
can be used to attain the required SRI ASTM E 1918, or ASTM C 1549.
value for this credit. Coatings and integral Alternatively, Table 1 provides a list of
colorants can be used in cementitious SRI values for typical paving materials;
pavers or cast-in-place parking surfaces where these materials are used, the SRI
to improve solar reflectance. values from this table may be used in
lieu of obtaining specific Emissivity
Vegetation can shade buildings and pave-
and Reflectance measurements.
ments from solar radiation and cool the
air through evapotranspiration. Provide 4. Identify all of the hardscape features
shade using native or adaptive trees, large that will be shaded by trees or other
shrubs and non-invasive vines. Trellises landscape features. Shade coverage
and other exterior structures can support shall be calculated at 10am, noon, and
vegetation to shade parking lots, walk- 3pm. The arithmetic mean of these

U.S. Green Building Council

90
Page 90 of 416
Table 1: Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) for Standard Paving Materials
SS WE EA MR EQ ID
Material Emissivity Reflectance SRI
Credit 7.1
Typical New Gray Concrete 0.9 0.35 35
Typical Weathered* Gray Concrete 0.9 0.20 19
Typical New White Concrete 0.9 0.7 86
Typical Weathered* White Concrete 0.9 0.4 45
New Asphalt 0.9 .05 0
Weathered Asphalt 0.9 .10 6
*
Reflectance of surfaces can be maintained with cleaning. Typical pressure washing of cementious materials can
restore reflectance close to original value. Weathered values are based on no cleaning.

three values will be used as the effec- demonstrating that either, 1) a minimum
tive shaded area. Calculate the effective of 100% of non-roof impervious surfaces
shaded area (S). have been constructed with high-albedo
5. Sum the open space paving, high materials and/or open grid paving and/or
reflectance paving and shaded areas will be shaded within five years; OR 2)
to get the qualifying area (Q) (See 100% of the on-site parking spaces have
Equation 1.) been located under cover.
(Note that each surface should be
counted only once. For example, a 10 Submittal Documentation
square foot area that is 55% pervious, This credit is submitted as part of the
has an SRI of 30 and is shaded by a Construction Submittal.
tree contributes only 10 square feet to
The following project data and calcula-
the total.)
tion information is required to document
6. The total qualifying area must be credit compliance using the v2.2 Submit-
greater than or equal to 50% of the total tal Templates:
hardscape area (T), as in Equation 2.
❑ Provide project site drawings, high-
Option 2 lighting the location of specific paving
materials, landscape shading, and/or
1. Calculate the total number of parking
underground or covered parking.
spaces for the project.
AND
2. Calculate the number of parking
spaces that are under cover (including Option 1
underground, under the building, and
Provide the following data in the submit-
under shade structures. This number
tal template:
must equal at least 50% of the total
number of parking spaces. ❑ The measured reflectance and emit-
tance of each paving material installed
on-site (to calculate the SRI—OR—
Exemplary Performance the actual SRI for each paving material
Projects may be awarded an innovation installed on-site—OR—the default
point for exemplary performance by SRI value for typical materials from
Table 1.
Equation 1

Q = (O + R + S)

Equation 2

Q > T/2

LEED-NC Version 2.2 Reference Guide

91
Page 91 of 416
SS WE EA MR EQ ID ❑ Total area of site hardscape Heat island effects are detrimental to site
❑ Total area of hardscape to be shaded habitat, wildlife and migration corridors.
Credit 7.1 Plants and animals are sensitive to higher
within 5 years
temperatures and may not thrive in areas
❑ Total area of installed SRI compliant that are increasingly hot. Reduction of heat
hardscape materials island effect minimizes disturbance of local
❑ Total area of open grid pavement microclimates. This can reduce summer
OR cooling loads that in turn reduce energy
use, greenhouse gas and pollution genera-
Option 2 tion, and infrastructure requirements.
❑ Total number of parking spaces pro- Higher reflectance pavements do increase
vided on-site overall light levels and may allow the
❑ Total number of covered parking designer to use fewer fixtures. Designers
spaces on-site should weigh the benefits of using highly
reflective pavements to reduce heat island
AND (For Either Compliance Option) effect against possible energy savings from
❑ Provide an optional narrative to de- reduced site lighting requirements. Light-
scribe any special circumstances or ing evaluations should include the evalu-
non-standard compliance paths taken ation of the inter-reflected component,
by the project. and reflections off of high reflectance
materials, such as white concrete, which
can result in glare and cause disabled vi-
Considerations
sion and increased light pollution. Steps
Environmental Issues should be taken to minimize the amount
As the built environment grows and re- of light that is directed from site lighting
places natural settings, it also relinquishes fixtures directly down onto reflective pav-
associated ecological services. Vegetation ing surfaces.
cools the area surrounding it via shade and Economic Issues
evapotranspiration. The use of dark, non-
According to the EPA, about $40 billion
reflective surfaces for parking, roofs, walk-
is spent annually in the United States to
ways and other surfaces contributes to
air-condition buildings—one-sixth of all
heat island effects created when radiation
electricity generated in a year. Reduction
from the sun is absorbed and transferred
in heat islands lowers the cost of cooling
through convection and conduction back
and HVAC equipment needs. Energy to
to surrounding areas. As a result of heat
cool buildings is a substantial cost over a
island effects, ambient temperatures in
building’s lifetime. Higher initial costs may
urban areas can be artificially elevated
result from installation of additional trees
by more than 10˚F when compared with
and architectural shading devices. However,
surrounding suburban and undeveloped
these items have an acceptable payback
areas. This results in increased cooling
when integrated into a whole systems ap-
loads in the summer, requiring larger
proach that maximizes energy savings.
HVAC equipment and electrical de-
mand resulting in more greenhouse gas
and pollution generation, and increased Resources
energy consumption for building opera- Please see the USGBC website at www.
tions. Heat island effects can be mitigated usgbc.org/resources for more specific
through the application of shading and resources on materials sources and other
the use of materials that reflect the sun’s technical information.
heat instead of absorbing it.
U.S. Green Building Council

92
Page 92 of 416
Websites Infrared Emittance is a parameter be- SS WE EA MR EQ ID
A m e r i c a n C o n c re t e Pa ve m e n t tween 0 and 1 that indicates the ability
of a material to shed infrared radiation. Credit 7.1
Association
The wavelength of this radiant energy is
www.pavement.com roughly 5 to 40 micrometers. Most build-
(847) 966-2272 ing materials (including glass) are opaque
National association representing concrete in this part of the spectrum, and have an
pavement contractors, cement companies, emittance of roughly 0.9. Materials such
equipment and material manufactur- as clean, bare metals are the most im-
ers, and suppliers. See the R&T Update portant exceptions to the 0.9 rule. Thus
#3.05, June 2002, “Albedo: A measure clean, untarnished galvanized steel has
of Pavement Surface Reflectance” (www. low emittance, and aluminum roof coat-
pavement.com/techserv/RT3.05.pdf ). ings have intermediate emittance levels.
Heat Island Group Non-Roof Impervious Surfaces include
all surfaces on the site with a perviousness
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory of less than 50%, not including the roof
http://eetd.lbl.gov/HeatIsland/ of the building. Examples of typically
LBL conducts heat island research to impervious surfaces include parking lots,
find, analyze, and implement solutions roads, sidewalks and plazas.
to minimizing heat island effect, with Open-Grid Pavement is defined for
current research efforts focusing on the LEED purposes as pavement that is less
study and development of more reflective than 50% impervious and contains veg-
surfaces for roadways and buildings. etation in the open cells.
Heat Island Effect Perviousness is the percent of the surface
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency area of a paving material that is open and
allows moisture to pass through the ma-
www.epa.gov/heatisland terial and soak into the earth below the
(202) 343-9343 paving system.
Basic information about heat island effect, Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) is a mea-
its social and environmental costs, and sure of a material’s ability to reject solar
strategies to minimize its prevalence. heat, as shown by a small temperature
rise. It is defined so that a standard black
(reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) is 0
Definitions
and a standard white (reflectance 0.80,
Albedo is synonymous with solar reflec- emittance 0.90) is 100. For example, a
tance (see below). standard black surface has a temperature
Emissivity is the ratio of the radiation rise of 90˚F (50 ˚C) in full sun, and a stan-
emitted by a surface to the radiation dard white surface has a temperature rise
emitted by a black body at the same of 14.6˚F (8.1˚C). Once the maximum
temperature. temperature rise of a given material has
Heat Island Effects occur when warmer been computed, the SRI can be computed
temperatures are experienced in urban by interpolating between the values for
landscapes compared to adjacent rural white and black.
areas as a result of solar energy retention Materials with the highest SRI values are
on constructed surfaces. Principal surfaces the coolest choices for paving. Due to
that contribute to the heat island effect the way SRI is defined, particularly hot
include streets, sidewalks, parking lots materials can even take slightly negative
and buildings.
LEED-NC Version 2.2 Reference Guide

93
Page 93 of 416
SS WE EA MR EQ ID values, and particularly cool materials can
even exceed 100. (Lawrence Berkeley Na-
Credit 7.1 tional Laboratory Cool Roofing Materials
Database)
Underground Parking is a “tuck-under”
or stacked parking structure that reduces
the exposed parking surface area.

U.S. Green Building Council

94
Page 94 of 416
 SS WE EA MR EQ ID

Heat Island Effect Credit 7.2

Roof
1 Point
Intent
Reduce heat islands (thermal gradient differences between developed and undeveloped
areas) to minimize impact on microclimate and human and wildlife habitat.
Requirements
OPTION 1
Use roofing materials having a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI)3 equal to or greater than
the values in the table below for a minimum of 75% of the roof surface.
OR
OPTION 2
Install a vegetated roof for at least 50% of the roof area.
OR
OPTION 3
Install high albedo and vegetated roof surfaces that, in combination, meet the follow-
ing criteria:
(Area of SRI Roof / 0.75) + (Area of Vegetated Roof / 0.5) >= Total Roof Area
Roof Type Slope SRI
Low-Sloped Roof ≤ 2:12 78
Steep-Sloped Roof ≥ 2:12 29

Potential Technologies & Strategies

Consider installing high-albedo and vegetated roofs to reduce heat absorption. SRI is
calculated according to ASTM E 1980. Reflectance is measured according to ASTM
E 903, ASTM E 1918, or ASTM C 1549. Emittance is measured according to ASTM
E 408 or ASTM C 1371. Default values will be available in the LEED-NC v2.2 Ref-
erence Guide. Product information is available from the Cool Roof Rating Council
website, at www.coolroofs.org.

LEED-NC Version 2.2 Reference Guide

95
Page 95 of 416
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Summary of Referenced over Test Method E1084. The ENERGY
Standards STAR roofing standard also allows the
Credit 7.2 use of reflectometers to measure solar
ASTM Standard E1980-01—Standard reflectance of roofing materials. See the
Practice for Calculating Solar Reflec- roofing standard for more details.
tance Index of Horizontal and Low-
Sloped Opaque Surfaces. ASTM E1918-97—Standard Test
Method for Measuring Solar Reflec-
This standard describes how surface re- tance of Horizontal And Low-Sloped
flectivity and emissivity are combined to Surfaces in the Field
calculate a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI)
for a roofing material or other surface. www.astm.org
The standard also describes a laboratory (610) 832-9585
and field testing protocol that can be used This test method covers the measurements
to determine SRI. of solar reflectance of various horizontal
ASTM E408-71(1996)e1—Standard and low-sloped surfaces and materials in
Test Methods for Total Normal Emit- the field, using a pyranometer. The test
tance of Surfaces Using Inspection- method is intended for use when the sun
Meter Techniques angle to the normal from a surface is less
www.astm.org than 45 degrees.
(610) 832-9585 ASTM C1371-04—Standard Test
Method for Determination of Emit-
This standard describes how to measure tance of Materials Near Room Temper-
total normal emittance of surfaces using ature Using Portable Emissometers
a portable inspection-meter instrument.
The test methods are intended for large www.astm.org
surfaces where non-destructive testing (610) 832-9585
is required. See the standard for testing This test method covers a technique for
steps and a discussion of thermal emit- determination of the emittance of typi-
tance theory. cal materials using a portable differential
ASTM E903-96—Standard Test Meth- thermopile emissometer. The purpose of
od for Solar Absorptance, Reflectance, the test method is to provide a compara-
and Transmittance of Materials Using tive means of quantifying the emittance
Integrating Spheres of opaque, highly thermally conductive
www.astm.org materials near room temperature as a
parameter in evaluating temperatures,
(610) 832-9585 heat flow, and derived thermal resistances
Referenced in the ENERGY STAR ® of materials.
roofing standard, this test method uses ASTM C1549-04—Standard Test
spectrophotometers and need only be ap- Method for Determination of Solar
plied for initial reflectance measurement. Reflectance Near Ambient Temperature
Methods of computing solar-weighted Using a Portable Solar Reflectometer
properties from the measured spectral
values are specified. This test method www.astm.org
is applicable to materials having both (610) 832-9585
specular and diffuse optical properties. This test method covers a technique for
Except for transmitting sheet materials determining the solar reflectance of flat
that are inhomogeneous, patterned, or opaque materials in a laboratory or in the
corrugated, this test method is preferred field using a commercial portable solar

U.S. Green Building Council

96
Page 96 of 416
reflectometer. The purpose of the test varies by roofing materials as well as brand. SS WE EA MR EQ ID
method is to provide solar reflectance Check with roofing manufacturers and the
data required to evaluate temperature Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Credit 7.2
and heat flows across surfaces exposed to Cool Roofing Materials Database (http://
solar radiation. eetd.lbl.gov/CoolRoofs) for specific infor-
mation. Table 1 provides example SRI
values for typical roof surfaces.
Approach and
Implementation Green roofs are vegetated surfaces that
reduce heat island effect by replacing heat-
To maximize energy savings and minimize absorbing surfaces with plants, shrubs
heat island effects, materials must exhibit and small trees that cool the air through
a high reflectivity and a high emissivity evapotranspiration (or evaporation of
over the life of the product. Since mul- water from leaves). Green roofs provide
tiple testing methods are available for insulating benefits, aesthetic appeal, and
measuring emissivity and reflectance, lower maintenance than standard roofs.
check manufacturer literature carefully Some green roofs require plant mainte-
to ensure use of appropriate data. For nance and are considered active gardens,
example, some manufacturers measure while other gardens have grasses and
visible reflectance, which differs from the plants that require no maintenance or
solar reflectance measurement referenced watering. All types of green roofs require
in this credit. Visible reflectance correlates semiannual inspection but have longer
to solar reflectance but the two quantities lifetimes than conventional roofs.
are not equal because solar gain covers a
wider range of wavelengths than visible
light. A material that exhibits a high vis- Calculations
ible reflectance usually has a lower solar 1. Calculate the total roof surface area
reflectance. Typically, white roof products of the project. Deduct areas with
exhibit higher performance characteristics equipment, solar energy panels, and
than non-white products. Performance appurtenances.

Table 1: Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) for Typical Roofing Materials

Example SRI Values for Solar Infrared Temperature Solar

Generic Roofing Materials Reflectance Emittance Rise Reflectance
Index (SRI)
Gray EPDM 0.23 0.87 68F 21
Gray Asphalt Shingle 0.22 0.91 67F 22
Unpainted Cement Tile 0.25 0.9 65F 25
White Granular Surface Bitumen 0.26 0.92 63F 28
Red Clay Tile 0.33 0.9 58F 36
Light Gravel on Built-Up Roof 0.34 0.9 57F 37
Aluminum 0.61 0.25 48F 56
White-Coated Gravel on Built-Up Roof 0.65 0.9 28F 79
White Coating on Metal Roof 0.67 0.85 28F 82
White EPDM 0.69 0.87 25F 84
White Cement Tile 0.73 0.9 21F 90
White Coating - 1 Coat, 8 mils 0.8 0.91 14F 100
PVC White 0.83 0.92 11F 104
White Coating - 2 Coats, 20 mils 0.85 0.91 9F 107
Source: LBNL Cool Roofing Materials Database. These values are for reference only and are not
for use as substitutes for actual manufacturer data.

LEED-NC Version 2.2 Reference Guide

97
Page 97 of 416
SS WE EA MR EQ ID 2. Determine the roof surface area that Option 2
meets the applicable SRI criteria and/ ❑ Total area of installed green roof
Credit 7.2 or the area that is covered by green systems
roof.
OR
3. Determine whether the areas of cool
roof and green roof meet the credit Option 3
requirement, using Equation 1. ❑ Total area of installed green roof sys-
Note: a weighted average calculation tems
may be performed for buildings with ❑ Total area of installed SRI compliant
multiple roof surfaces to demonstrate roofing materials
that the total roof area has an average
SRI equal to or greater than a theoreti- ❑ Provide a listing of installed roofing
cal roof with 75% at an SRI of 78 and materials and their SRI values
25% at an SRI of 30. AND
❑ Provide an optional narrative to de-
Exemplary Performance scribe any special circumstances or
non-standard compliance paths taken
This credit may be eligible for exemplary
by the project.
performance under the Innovation &
Design section if 100% of the project’s
roof area (excluding mechanical equip- Considerations
ment, photovoltaic panels, and skylights)
is comprised of a green roof system. Environmental Issues
The heat island effect raises the localized
temperature, impacting local microcli-
Submittal Documentation mate. Plants and animals that are sensi-
This credit is submitted as part of the tive to large fluctuations in daytime and
Design Submittal. nighttime temperatures may not thrive
The following project data and calcula- in areas affected by heat islands. Heat
tion information is required to document islands also exacerbate air pollution for
credit compliance using the v2.2 Submit- two reasons. First, smog is produced faster
tal Templates: at higher temperatures. Secondly, rising
temperatures lead to increased cooling
❑ Provide copies of the project’s roof
requirements, requiring energy and caus-
drawings to highlight the location of
ing associated emissions.
specific roof materials and/or green
roof systems. Garden roofs reduce stormwater vol-
umes that may be collected and used for
AND
nonpotable purposes. Stormwater runoff
Option 1 volumes from garden roofs depend on
the local climate, depth of soil, plant
❑ Total area of installed SRI compliant
types, and other variables. However, all
roofing materials
garden roofs decrease runoff volumes
❑ Provide a listing of installed roofing substantially.
materials and their SRI values
OR

Equation 1

(Area of SRI Roof / 0.75) + (Area of vegetated roof / 0.5) >= Total Roof Area

U.S. Green Building Council

98
Page 98 of 416
Economic Issues This Whole Building Design Guide SS WE EA MR EQ ID
Green roofs or roofs with high Solar Re- article by Charlie Miller, PE details the
features and benefits of constructing Credit 7.2
flectance Indexes reduce costs associated
with cooling and HVAC equipment. green roofs.
Green roofs typically require an additional Greenroofs.com
up-front investment, while cool roofs www.greenroofs.com
may or may not cost more than other
roofs. However, any up-front investment The green roof industry resource portal
is likely to result in energy cost savings offers basic information, product and
throughout the lifecycle of the project. In service directory, and research links.
addition, an increasing number of locali- Lawrence Berkeley National Labora-
ties are beginning to require the use of tory Heat Island Group–Cool Roofs
cool roofs on new building projects. http://eetd.lbl.gov/HeatIsland/
Buildings in very cold climates may not CoolRoofs/
experience year-round energy benefits This site offers a wealth of information
from reflective roofing due to high emit- about cool roof research and technology,
tance and low absorption, which may including links to the Cool Roofing Ma-
increase heating costs. However, increasing terials Database.
the reflectance of a roof reduces annual
cooling energy use in almost all climates. Penn State Center for Green Roof
Research
http://hortweb.cas.psu.edu/research/
Resources greenroofcenter/
Websites The Center has the mission of demon-
Cool Roof Rating Council strating and promoting green roof re-
search, education and technology transfer
www.coolroofs.org
in the Northeastern United States.
A nonprofit organization dedicated to
implementing and communicating fair,
accurate, and credible radiative energy Definitions
performance rating systems for roof sur- Albedo is synonymous with solar reflec-
faces, supporting research into energy- tance (see below).
related radiative properties of roofing Heat Island Effects occur when warmer
surfaces, including durability of those temperatures are experienced in urban
properties, and providing education and landscapes compared to adjacent rural
objective support to parties interested in areas as a result of solar energy retention
understanding and comparing various on constructed surfaces. Principal surfaces
roofing options. that contribute to the heat island effect
E PA E N E RG Y S TA R ® Ro o f i n g include streets, sidewalks, parking lots
Products and buildings.
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=roof_ Infrared or Thermal Emittance is a
prods.pr_roof_products parameter between 0 and 1 (or 0% and
This site provides solar reflectance levels 100%) that indicates the ability of a mate-
required to meet ENERGY STAR label- rial to shed infrared radiation (heat). The
ing requirements. wavelength range for this radiant energy is
roughly 3 to 40 micrometers. Most build-
Extensive Green Roofs ing materials (including glass) are opaque
www.greenroofs.php in this part of the spectrum, and have an

LEED-NC Version 2.2 Reference Guide

99
Page 99 of 416
SS WE EA MR EQ ID emittance of roughly 0.9.Materials such as
clean, bare metals are the most important
Credit 7.2 exceptions to the 0.9 rule. Thus clean,
untarnished galvanized steel has low emit-
tance, and aluminum roof coatings have
intermediate emittance levels.
Solar Reflectance (albedo) is the ratio
of the reflected solar energy to the in-
coming solar energy over wavelengths of
approximately 0.3 to 2.5 micrometers.
A reflectance of 100% means that all of
the energy striking a reflecting surface is
reflected back into the atmosphere and
none of the energy is absorbed by the sur-
face. The best standard technique for its
determination uses spectro-photometric
measurements with an integrating sphere
to determine the reflectance at each dif-
ferent wavelength. An averaging process
using a standard solar spectrum then
determines the average reflectance (see
ASTM Standard E903).
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) is a mea-
sure of a material’s ability to reject solar
heat, as shown by a small temperature
rise. It is defined so that a standard black
(reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) is 0
and a standard white (reflectance 0.80,
emittance 0.90) is 100. For example, a
standard black surface has a temperature
rise of 90˚F (50˚C) in full sun, and a stan-
dard white surface has a temperature rise
of 14.6˚F (8.1˚C). Once the maximum
temperature rise of a given material has
been computed, the SRI can be computed
by interpolating between the values for
white and black.
Materials with the highest SRI values are
the coolest choices for roofing. Due to
the way SRI is defined, particularly hot
materials can even take slightly negative
values, and particularly cool materials can
even exceed 100. (Lawrence Berkeley Na-
tional Laboratory Cool Roofing Materials
Database)

U.S. Green Building Council

100
Page 100 of 416