2. LT & SS Flashcards
Integrated Process Credit
Look for synergies by having a charette and performing:
Simple box energy modeling
Water budget analysis
Previously Developed Site
Altered by paving, construction, and/or grading. If there is a building or hardscape on the site, it is previously developed. If site EVER had a building, it is previously developed.
Ideally, develop these sites again.
Previously Disturbed Site
Includes previously developed sites
Also includes sites that have been compacted, cleared, or disturbed in any way. Not a greenfield site.
Greenfield Site
Sites not previously developed
Do not want to develop these sites, they should be protected to keep native / adapted plants on site / open habitat
Brownfield Site
A previously developed site that has environmental contamination
Infill Location
A site where at least 75% of the land area, exclusive of rights-of-way (i.e. streets), within ½ mile of the project boundary is previously developed.
ACEEE / American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy
Referenced Standard for Green Vehicles
25% & 33%
Transportation accounts for 25% of GHG emissions globally
Transportation accounts for 33% of GHG emissions in the U.S.
BUG Rating Method
A luminaire classification system that classifies luminaires in terms of backlight (B), uplight (U) and glare (G). Referenced Standard for Light Pollution Reduction.
Compact Development Strategies
Build up, not out. Limit culs-de-sac, prohibit gated communities, use a street grid pattern/high street grid density. Mixed use, mixed income, connected to surrounding services.
Boundaries
LEED Boundary – entire construction site or property, set by the project team
Building Footprint – area the building sits on
Development Footprint – all of the total land area covered by buildings, streets, parking areas, and other typically impermeable surfaces
Evapotranspiration
A cooling benefit from plants (evaporation and plant transpiration into the atmosphere), and why plants are best on the site and on the roof (“free cooling” feature).
Heat Island Effect
The thermal absorption by hardscape, such as dark, nonreflective pavement and buildings, and its subsequent radiation to surrounding areas. Other contributing factors may include vehicle exhaust, air-conditioners, and street equipment. Tall buildings and narrow streets reduce airflow and exacerbate the effect.
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI)
A measure of the constructed surface’s ability to stay cool in the sun by reflecting solar radiation and emitting thermal radiation. To calculate the SRI for a given material, obtain its solar reflectance and thermal emittance
Solar Reflectance / Albedo
The fraction of solar energy that is reflected by a surface on a scale of 0 to 1. High reflectance is desired.
Thermal emittance
The ratio of the radiant heat flux emitted by a specimen to that emitted by a blackbody radiator at the same temperature
Erosion & Sedimentation Control
Seeding / Mulching
Earth Dikes
Silt Fences
Sediment Traps
Sediment Basins
Water Balance
Determining the amount of water that falls on a site from precipitation and implementing project needs accordingly
Biodiversity
The diversity, or variety, of plants and animals and other living things in a particular area or region. Critical for human (and all) life.
Native Vegetation
Indigenous species that occur in a particular region, ecosystem, and habitat without direct or indirect human actions. Provide habitat, save water, reduce maintenance, do not need chemicals.
Adapted Plants
Vegetation that is not native to a particular region, but that has characteristics that allow it to live in the area. Adapted plants and encouraged, second to native plants.
Invasive Plants / Species
Non-native vegetation that has been introduced to an area and that aggressively adapts and reproduces. The plant’s vigor combined with a lack of natural enemies often leads to outbreak populations
Low-Impact Development (LID)
A stormwater development strategy designed to mimic the site’s pre-development rainwater management. These are low-cost, on-site features to allow rain-water to infiltrate, filter, store, evaporate, and detain runoff. i.e. pervious pavement, open space, rain gardens.
Green Infrastructure
A soil- and vegetation-based approach to rainwater management that is cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. Bioswales, rain gardens, green roofs, and open space.
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 safety, utility, or security and needlessly consumes energy.
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.
