Chapter 3-Sustainable Sites

14-Jul-15
Chapter : 3
Sustainable Sites
© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 1
Disclaimer
LEED® and USGBC® are registered

trademarks of the U.S. Green Building
Council. The author is not affiliated to
USGBC or GBCI. The information provided in
the presentation are compiled by the author
and is not endorsed by USGBC or GBCI
1
14-Jul-15
CREDIT TITLE NC CS Sc Rt Hc Hs DC WD
SS P1 Construction activity pollution Required
prevention
SS C1 Site Assessment 1
SS C2 Site development – protect or 2 1 2
restore habitat
SS C3 Open Space 1
SS C4 Rainwater Management 3 2 3
SS C5 Heat Island reduction 2 1 2
SS C6 Light pollution 1
Total Possible Points 10

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SS P1 Construction Activity
Pollution Prevention
Construction
NC CS Sc Rt Hc Hs DC WD
Required
Intent
• To reduce pollution from construction

activities by controlling
– soil erosion
– waterway sedimentation and
– airborne dust.
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Requirements
Compare local codes and 2012 EPA Construction General Permit –
follow the stringent
Evaluate site and create ESC Plan to include in project drawings and
specifications
Determine the mode of to documentation for each ESC control
strategy like inspection report, photos, or narrative
Contractor to review ESC Plan before breaking ground and ensure
ESC measures are in place before construction
Contractor documents ESC measures during construction
Draft a narrative describing ESC measures implemented and submit
ESC plan documents with LEED credit template
Erosion & Sedimentation Control Plan
• Projects should develop and Implement Erosion

and Sedimentation Control(ESC) Plan which
complies with EPA 2012 Construction General
Permit, NPDES or local standards
• ESC Plan required for all projects including Zero lot line
projects and projects that cause minimal or even no
exterior site disturbance. Teams for such projects must
describe the specific situation and how the plan
applies
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Protecting & restoring top soil:
Stock Piling: Topsoil is removed from the site and

piled in safe place, replaced by free drain gravel and
finally restored after the construction
Stabilization Strategies:
• Temporary Seeding: Plant fast growing grasses to

temporarily stabilize the soil
• Permanent Seeding: Plant grass, trees and shrubs to
permanently stabilize the soil
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Stabilization Strategies contd:
• Mulching: Spreading material like sawdust, straw,

hay, grass, wood chips or gravel over the topsoil to
stabilize it.
Structural Strategies:
Silt fencing: Construction post with fabric filter media to

remove sediments from storm water runoff.
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Structural Strategies contd:
Sediment Traps: A cavity where sediments from storm

water are allowed to settled down.
Sediment basin: same as sediment trap but of larger size

Structural Strategies contd:
Earth Dikes: mound of stabilized soil to divert the run

off through the desired direction (ideally through
sediment traps and basins)
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Documentation:
• Narrative of Standard followed

• ESC plan or project drawings showing the
control measures.
• ESC plan must list down the responsibilities
and assign it to respective team member
• Proof of implementation with one of the
following: an inspection report with the
required signature, photos, or a narrative
report.
Sample Documentation
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Sample Documentation
Documentation
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SS P2 Environmental Site
Assessment
Design
- - R - R - - -
Intent
• To protect the health of vulnerable population,

by ensuring that the site is assessed for the
environmental contamination and has been
remediated.
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Requirements
• Conduct a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

(ASTM E 1527-05)
• If Phase 1 tested positive conduct Phase II
Environmental Site Assessment (ASTM E 1903-97)
• Contaminated sites must be remediated
• Must meet federal, state or local standards and
documented to be safe
Implementation/Submittals
Conduct Phase I ESA
No Possible Yes
Contamination?
Conduct a Phase II ESA
Does Phase II ESA confirm that the

site is or not contaminated
Not
Contaminated
contaminated
Provide an Remediate the site to
Provide an executive
executive summary local, state or federal
summary stating the
stating the Phase I standards whichever is
Phase II ESA results
ESA results stringent
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Strategies – ESA Phase 1
• Review historical records including federal, state and local

databases
• Visit site to identify possible hazardous substances
• Interview people familiar with history of site
• Report documenting results of analysis
Strategies – ESA Phase 2
• Conduct tests for soil & water tests for suspected
contaminants
• Remediate the contaminants to meet acceptable
standards
Reference Standards
• ASTM E 1527-05 Phase I Environmental Site

Assessment (ESA)
• ASTM E1903-97 Phase II Environmental Site
Assessment (ESA)
OR
• As determined by federal, state or local
government
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SS C1 Site Assessment
Design
1
Intent
• Assess site conditions before design to evaluate

sustainable options and inform related decisions
about site design.
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Requirements
• A site assessment evaluates environmental features that
the design of a sustainable site and building should take
into consideration. It identifies
– Assets
• favorable climate conditions
• good solar access
• healthy plant populations
– Liabilities
• Unhealthy soils,
• Blighted structures, pollution sources,
• steep slopes
• extreme climate patterns
Assess & document
• Site Features
– Topography
– Hydrology
– Climate
– Vegetation
– Soils
– Human use
– Human health effects
• Engage landscape architect, land planner, and
architect
• Engage a local expert if required
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Documentation
Documentation
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SS C2 Site Development –
Protect or Restore Habitat
Construction
2 1 2
Intent
• Conserve existing natural areas and restore

damaged areas to provide habitat and promote
biodiversity.
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Requirements
• Preserve and protect 40% of the greenfield area on
the site (if such areas exist).
AND
• Option 1. on-site restoration

(2 points except healthcare, 1 point healthcare)
OR
• Option 2. financial support
(1 point)
Requirements
Option 1. on-site restoration (previously developed areas)
• Restore 30% (including the building footprint) of all portions of the
site identified as previously developed
• Projects with density of 1.5 FAR may include vegetated roof surfaces
Option 2. financial support (land trust support)
• $0.40 per square foot for the total site area
– Financial support must be provided to a recognized land trust or
conservation organization within the same EPA Level III eco region
or the project’s state (or within 100 miles of the project for
projects outside the U.S.).
– For U.S. projects, the land trust must be accredited by the Land
Trust Alliance.
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Restore Greenfield Areas
• Reduce disturbance on greenfield sites during

construction
• Restore all disturbed or compacted soils to its original

condition
Soil Restoration Requirements
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Calculation / Documentation
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Exemplary Performance
• Option 1. Double the 30% restoration
requirement (restore at least 60%).
• Option 2. Double the financial donation

requirement (provide at least $0.80 per square
foot or $8.00 per square meter).
Schools
• Dedicated athletic fields, that are solely for athletic uses

are exempted from the soil restoration criteria, and may
not count towards minimum required area
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Reference Standards
• U.S. EPA ecoregions

• Land Trust Alliance accreditation
• Natural Resources Conservation Service, web soil
survey
• Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES™s)
SS C3 Open Space
Design
1
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Intent
• Create exterior open space that encourages

interaction with the environment, social
interaction, passive recreation, and physical
activities.
Requirements
• Provide outdoor space greater than or equal to 30% of the
total site area (including building footprint).
– A minimum of 25% of that outdoor space must be vegetated (turf
grass does not count as vegetation)
• For projects that achieve a density of 1.5 floor-area ratio
(FAR), vegetated roofs can be used toward the minimum
25% vegetation requirement
• Wetlands or naturally designed ponds may count as open
space if the side slope gradients average 1:4
• For projects that are part of a multitenant complex only
– Open space can be either adjacent to the building or at another
location in the site master plan
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Outdoor space
Outdoor space must be accessible and be one of the

following:
• Pedestrian – oriented paving

• Recreation – oriented paving
• Garden spaces
• Habitats
• Restored spaces
What is open space ?
• Open space is an accessible area that is permanently

maintained in a semi-natural conditions for human
recreation and relaxation. It may have grass, water,
flora and other recreation improvements.
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SS C4 Rainwater Management
Design
3 2 3
Intent
• Reduce runoff volume and improve water

quality by replicating the natural hydrology and
water balance of the site, based on historical
conditions and undeveloped ecosystems in the
region.
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Requirements
Option 1. Percentile of rainfall events

(2-3 points except Healthcare, 1-2 point Healthcare)
OR
Option 2. Natural land cover conditions

(3 points except Healthcare, 2 points Healthcare)
Percentile of Rainfall Events
A percentile rainfall event represents a precipitation amount that the

chosen percent of all rainfall events for the period of record do not
exceed.
For example, the 95th percentile of rainfall events is the measured

precipitation depth accumulated over 24 hours that ranks as the 95th-
percent rainfall depth based on the range of all daily event occurrences
during the period of record.
The 24-hour period is typically defined as 12:00:00 A.M. to 11:59:59

P.M.
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Requirements
Option 1. Percentile of rainfall events
• Path 1. 95% (2 points except Healthcare, 1 point Healthcare)
– Manage on site the runoff from the developed site for the 95th
percentile of regional or local rainfall events using low-impact
development (LID) and green infrastructure.
• Path 2. 98% (3 points except Healthcare, 2 points Healthcare)
– Achieve Path 1 but for the 98th percentile
• Path 3. Zero lot line projects only – 85%
– For projects with a minimum density of 1.5 FAR, manage on site
the runoff for the 85th percentile.
Requirements
Option 2. Natural land cover conditions
• Manage on site the annual increase in runoff volume from the
natural land cover condition to the postdeveloped condition.
• Applies for the project with lot of green / open space
• Managing the difference between Predevelopment and post
development runoff volume
• Quantity and quality of runoff volume to be manage
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Calculation
Modified rational method
Q = C x I x A x APF
TR-55 graphical peak discharge

qp = qa x A m x Q x Fp
TR-55 tabular hydrograph

q = qtx Am x Q
• Manage 100% of rainwater that falls within the
project boundary.
Reference Standards
• U.S. EPA Technical Guidance on Implementing
the Rainwater Runoff Requirements for Federal
Projects under Section 438 of the Energy
Independence and Security Act
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SS C5 Heat Island Reduction
Construction
2 1 2
Intent
• Minimize effects on microclimates and human

and wildlife habitats by reducing heat islands
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Heat island
• Built environment retains a great deal of heat.

• When hardscapes radiates heat, they heat up the
buildings as well, thus requiring more energy to cool
them.
Requirements
Option 1. nonroof and roof

(2 points except Healthcare, 1 point Healthcare)
Option 2. parking under cover

(1 point)
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Requirements
Option 1. nonroof and roof
– Alternatively, an SRI and SR weighted average approach

may be used to calculate compliance
Requirements
• Nonroof measures
– Install plants that provide shade over paving areas (including
playgrounds) on the site within 10 years
– Shade with structures covered by energy generation systems
– Shade with architectural devices/structures with a three-year
aged solar reflectance (SR) value of at least 0.28. If information
not available, use an initial SR of at least 0.33 at installation.
– Provide shade with vegetated structures
– Use paving materials with a three-year aged solar reflectance (SR)
value of at least 0.28. If information not available, use an initial SR
of at least 0.33 at installation
– Use an open-grid pavement system (at least 50% unbound)
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Requirements
• Roof measures
– High-reflectance roof - Use roofing materials that have
an SRI equal to or greater than the values in Table below:
– Vegetated roof - Install a vegetated roof
Requirements
Option 2. parking under cover
• Place a minimum of 75% of parking spaces under cover.
• Any roof used to shade or cover parking must

– have a three-year aged SRI of at least 32 (if information not
available, use an initial SRI of at least 39),
– be a vegetated roof, or
– be covered by energy generation systems, i.e. solar thermal
collectors, photovoltaics, and wind turbines.
Motorcycle parking counts, bicycle spaces do not

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Strategies / Implementation
Combined Strategies - Nonroof
• Limit impervious
hardscapes
• Use light-colored
paving
• Shading devices
• Underground
parking
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Combined Strategies - Roof
• SRI value for flat roof/low • SRI value for high slope roof
slope surfaces shall be 82 or shall be 39 or higher
higher
Vegetated roof
Consider using vegetated roof instead of conventional roof
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SRI (solar reflective index)
• Ability of a surface to reject heat.
• For a surface to have higher SRI it should have higher emittance and
reflectance or Albedo
SRI values
Generally construction materials have higher emittance and poor

reflectance. But to have high SRI both reflectance and emittance
should be higher
SRI values for Solar Solar Infrared SRI
Infrared Temperatures Reflectance Emittance
Gray EPDM 0.23 0.87 21
Gray Asphalt Shingle 0.22 0.91 22
PVC White 0.83 0.92 104
White coating, 2 coats, 0.85 0.91 107
2 mils
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Timeline & Team

• Decision specially for roof measures to be
taken early in the design process.
• Non roof measures are adoptable even in

design and build process.
• Adjust design to comply with the equation to

satisfy the requirement of credit
• Area with two or multiple
features can only count once
• Credit template
• Site plan(s), including LEED

project boundary, building
footprint, roof and hardscape
area, and area of each roof and
nonroof measure
• Weighted nonroof and roof

calculation
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• Achieve both Options 1 and 2. Locate 100% of

parking under cover.
Reference Standards
• ASTM Standards E903 and E892
• Cool Roof Rating Council Standard (CRRC-1)
SS C6 Light Pollution Reduction
Design
1
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Intent
• Increase night sky access, improve nighttime

visibility, and reduce the consequences of
development for wildlife and people.
What is light pollution ?
Waste light from building sites that produces glare, is

directed upward to the sky, or is directed off the site.
Waste light does not increase nighttime safety, utility, or
security and needlessly consumes energy.
38
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Requirements
Option 1. bug rating method
(1 point)
OR
Option 2. calculation method
(1 point)
• Projects may use different options for

– uplight and
– light trespass.
Definitions
BUG
A luminaire classification system that classifies luminaries in
terms of backlight (B), uplight (U), and glare (G) (taken from
IES/IDA Model Lighting Ordinance). BUG ratings supersede
the former cutoff ratings.
Light trespass
Obtrusive illumination that is unwanted because of
quantitative, directional, or spectral attributes. Light
trespass can cause annoyance, discomfort, distraction, or
loss of visibility. © 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved.
78
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Requirements
Option 1. bug rating method

– Uplight - Do not exceed the following luminaire uplight
ratings, based on the specific light source installed in the
luminaire, as defined in IES TM-15-11, Addendum A
Requirements
– Trespass - Do not exceed backlight and glare ratings, (as
defined in IES TM-15-11, Addendum A)
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Requirements
• Option 2. calculation method
– Uplight - Do not exceed the following percentages of
total lumens emitted above horizontal.
Requirements
– Trespass – limit vertical illuminances at the lighting
boundary
41
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Requirements
Internally illuminated exterior signage
• For all projects that have internally illuminated

exterior signage. Do not exceed a luminance of
– 200 cd/m2 (nits) during nighttime hours and
– 2000 cd/m2 (nits) during daytime hours.
Lighting boundary can be changed
• When there are additional properties owned by the

same entity that are contiguous to the property
• When the property line is adjacent to a public area
that is a walkway, bikeway, plaza, or parking lot, the
lighting boundary may be moved to 5 feet (1.5
meters) beyond the property line.
• When the property line is adjacent to a public street,
alley, or transit corridor, the lighting boundary may
be moved to the center line of that street, alley, or
corridor.
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Exemptions
Following lighting are exempt from calculations:
• Directional signage
• Some architectural lighting
• Theatrical lighting
• Roadway lighting
• Hospital emergency lighting
• National flags
• Internal signs
• BUG
• Calculation
• Internally
illuminated
exterior signage
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Reference Standards
• Illuminating Engineering Society and International

Dark Sky Association (IES/IDA) Model Lighting
Ordinance User Guide and IES TM-15-11,
Addendum A
SS C7 Tenant Design and

Construction Guidelines
Design
- 1 -
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Intent
To educate tenants in implementing

sustainable design and construction features
in their tenant improvement build-out.
Requirements
• Publish an illustrative
document
• Guidelines must cover base
building systems
– Water use
– Optimizing energy
Performance
– Lighting power
– Lighting controls
– HVAC
– Energy use & metering
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• Create an illustrative manual
• Prepare early in the project and assign a team member to

revise as the project progress
• Include recommendation for products such as:

– Specific type of LED lights
– Specific type of Carpets
– Specific type of Luminaries
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SS C7 Places of Respite
Design
- 1 -
47
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Intent
To provide patients, staff and visitors with the

health benefits of the natural environment
like creating outdoor spaces of respite on the
health care campus.
Requirements
Provide places of respite to:
• 5% of net usable program area

– accessible for patients / visitors
• 2% of net usable program area

– dedicated for staff (may not be accessible)
usable program area - Sum of all interior spaces will be

calculated excluding, areas for building equipment area,
particle circulation and for structural components
48
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Requirements
Area of respite can be located outdoor such as:
• Healing gardens
• Green roof and roof top gardens
• Space for program of care
• A quite green space with a bench
• Outdoor areas must:

– At least 25% vegetated
– Open area
– Proper signage
– 25ft. Away from smoking areas
Requirements
Area of respite can be located indoor such as:
• Interior atrium 30% of
and greenhouse required
gardens
area
• Quite court
with views of 90% line
nature of site
• Family
consultation
spaces with
views
49
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Requirements
All areas must meet the following requirements:
• 200 feet (60m) of entrance

• Away from emergency doors
• Seating
– 1 seating space per 200 sq.ft of respite area with one wheel chair
space per 5 seating spaces
• 50% or less gardens
• 30% or less natural trails
• Interesting hardscapes can be design in outdoor areas with
focus on the quality of the open space
• The space for respite must be recreation oriented or garden
space and not just a turf grass
• Design team should set goals early in the design process
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SS C8 Direct Exterior Access
Design
- 1 -
Intent
To provide patients and staff with the health

benefit associated with direct access to the
natural environment
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Requirements
• Provide direct exterior access
• 5 sq.ft / patient
• 75% of all inpatients
• 75% of patients exceed 4 hour stay
direct exterior access – without having to leave the

floor or accessing another major space
SS C7 Site Master Plan
Design
- 1 -
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Intent
To ensure that the sustainable site benefits

achieved by the project continue, regardless
of future changes in program or
demographics.
What is a site master plan ?
• Site master plan is an overall design or development

concept for the project, and associated buildings and sites
• The plan considers future sustainable use, expansion and
contraction
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Requirements
• Achieve 4 out of 6
– LT Credit High Priority Site
– SS Credit Site Development – Protect or Restore
Habitat
– SS Credit Open Space
– SS Credit Rainwater Management
– SS Credit Heat Island Reduction
– SS Credit Light Pollution Reduction
All of the credit to be calculated for data from master

plan and must include parking, paving and utilities
• Consider plans for community centers, libraries, parks and
other major projects and strategically develop a master
plan and evaluate future expansion
• Involve decision makers and local municipalities
• Review geographic and demographic information to

determine factors that may impact expansion.
• Incorporate flexibility in the master plan for range of

scenarios
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• Same calculation as specified for each credit for the
project and future development in master plan as
well.
SS C8 Joint Use of Facilities
Design
- 1 -
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Intent
To integrate the school with the community

by sharing the building and its playing fields
for non school events and functions
Requirements
Option 1
– Allowing public access to building space
– At least 3 of the following
• Auditorium
• Gymnasium
• Cafeteria
• One or more classrooms
• Playing fields / stadiums
• Joint parking
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Requirements
Option 2
– Sign contract to share building space
• Commercial office
• Health clinic
• Community service centers
• Police office
• Library or media center
• Parking lot
• Commercial businesses
Access to toilets is required
Requirements
Option 3
– Sign contract to use off-site spaces
• Auditorium
• Gymnasium
• Cafeteria
• One or more classrooms
• Swimming pools
• Playing fields / stadiums
Pedestrian access is required from the school to the facility

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Questions?
58

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14-Jul-15

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 1

LEED® and USGBC® are registered

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 2

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 3

Total Possible Points 10

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 5

• To reduce pollution from construction

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 6

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 7

Erosion & Sedimentation Control Plan

• Projects should develop and Implement Erosion

Protecting & restoring top soil:

Stock Piling: Topsoil is removed from the site and

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 9

• Temporary Seeding: Plant fast growing grasses to

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 10

Stabilization Strategies contd:

• Mulching: Spreading material like sawdust, straw,

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 11

Silt fencing: Construction post with fabric filter media to

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 12

Structural Strategies contd:

Sediment Traps: A cavity where sediments from storm

Sediment basin: same as sediment trap but of larger size

Structural Strategies contd:

Earth Dikes: mound of stabilized soil to divert the run

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 14

• Narrative of Standard followed

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 16

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 17

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 18

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 19

• To protect the health of vulnerable population,

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 20

• Conduct a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 21

Conduct Phase I ESA

Does Phase II ESA confirm that the

Strategies – ESA Phase 1

• Review historical records including federal, state and local

• ASTM E 1527-05 Phase I Environmental Site

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 24

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 25

• Assess site conditions before design to evaluate

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 26

Assess & document

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 29

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 30

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 31

• Conserve existing natural areas and restore

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 32

• Option 1. on-site restoration

Restore Greenfield Areas

• Reduce disturbance on greenfield sites during

• Restore all disturbed or compacted soils to its original

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 35

Soil Restoration Requirements

© 2015 Green Building Academy. All rights reserved. 36