Sustainable Sites and Water Efficiency Flashcards
What is a property boundary?
A property boundary represents the project tax map line.
What is a LEED boundary?
A LEED boundary represents the portion of a project site that is submitted for LEED certification.
What is the intent of SS-P1?
The intent of SS-P1 is to reduce pollution:
- Controlling soil erosion
- Waterway sedimentation
- Airborne dust generation
Name the references used with SS-P1.
- 2003 EPA Construction General Permit OR
2. Local ESC plans
Name a few strategies for SS-P1.
- Stabilization: temporary or permanent seeding, mulching
- Structural: silt fence, sediment trap or basin, earth dike
Describe the goal of SS-C1.
- Avoid development of inappropriate sites
2. Reduce environmental impact
List the references for SS-C1.
- US Department of Agriculture
- FEMA
- Threatened/Endangered Species Lists
- US Code (for defining wetlands)
List the strategies for SS-C1.
Don’t develop on the following:
- Prime Farmland (USDA)
- Undeveloped land less than 5’ above a 100 year floodplain
- Undeveloped land within 50’ of a water body
- Land with endangered or threatened species
- Within 100’ of wetlands
- Public parkland
What is the goal for SS-C2?
- Channel development to urban areas
- Protect greenfields
- Preserve habitats
List the two options for SS-C2.
- Development Density
2. Community Connectivity
Elaborate on Option 1 for SS-C2.
Development Density:
- Construct/renovate previously developed sites AND
- Project and average a surrounding community development density above 60,000 sf/acre density
Elaborate on Option 2 for SS-C2.
Community Connectivity:
- Construct/renovate on previously developed sites
- Locate site 1/2 mile from residential community with 10 units/acre
- 1/2 mile distance from at least 10 basic services
- Pedestrian access between building and services
T/F
Parking counts as a service for Credit SS-C2.
True, but only if it is a multi-story unit and only two stories at that.
T/F
In order to count for SS-C2, all services must be operating at time of LEED submission.
False.
Up to two unfinished/unbuilt services may contribute if they are anticipated to open within a year of project occupation.
Name two ways in which a project can meet exemplary performance for SS-C2.
- Meets Option 1 and Project is double the area’s average density OR
- Average surrounding density must be 120,000 sf/acre in an area twice as large
What is SS-C3 concerned with?
Brownfield Redevelopment
Describe the two steps which must be undertaken to achieve SS-C3.
- Identify a brownfield
2. Redevelop the brownfield
List some of the references and groups used in conjunction with SS-C3.
For identification, use ASTM E-1903-97 Phase II Environmental Site Assessment.
Local voluntary clean up programs, as well as Local, State, or Federal Agencies may also be involved.
Tax incentives are available.
What’s the goal for SS-C4.1?
The goal for SS-C4.1 is to reduce impacts from environmental use by providing access to public transit routes.
What are the two requirements for SS-C4.1?
- Locate a project within 1/2 mile of an existing (or funded) rail or subway station
- Locate within 1/4 mile from two public or campus bus LINE stops
How is distance measured for SS Credits?
Distance is always calculated from building entrances.
How can a project be eligible for exemplary performance with Credit SS-C4.1?
- Locate project so that is has proximity to double the number of lines
- Stations must have at least 200 bus/rail stops per day
What is the intent of SS-C4.2?
As with SS-C4.1, the intent is to reduce pollution and land development from automobile use. However SS-C4.2 aims to do this through bicycle use.
What are the requirements for SS-C4.3?
- Preferred parking provided for LEFE vehicles for 5% of parking capacity OR
- Refueling capacity provided for 3% of parking capacity for LEFE vehicles on site OR
- LEFE vehicles provided for 3% of FTE workers AND preferred parking for those vehicles
- One shared LEFE per 267 FTE
List the non residential requirements for SS-C4.2.
- Provide secure bike racks for 5% of peak building occupancy
- Provide showers for .5 of FTE employees
- Bike racks and showers must be within 200’ of main entrance
List the residential requirements for SS-C4.2.
- Provide secure, covered bike racks for 15% of building occupants
- Shower facilities = not required (already provided!!)
What does FTE typically represent?
FTE represents 1 person working a 40 hour work week.
At 20 hour per week, how many FTE’s can be yielded from 100 part time workers?
50 FTE
T/F
100 Students = 75 FTE
False.
100 Students = 100 Peak Visitors
How many showers must be provided for a project with 200 full time and 100 part time (20 hours/week) employees?
Full Time = 100 FTE
Part Time = 50 FTE
150 * .5 = .75 Showers
Round up to 1 Shower Required
Let’s say a project has 300 Full Time Employees and 50 Part Time (@ 20 hours/week). The project also has 200 visitors.
How many bike racks are required?
300 + 25 = 325 FTE
325 FTE + 200 = 525 Peak
525 * .05 = 26.25, or 27 Bike Racks
Is exemplary performance available for SS-C4?
Yes, projects may be rewarded one innovation point for a comprehensive transportation management plan that demonstrates a QUANTIFIABLE reduction in automobile use through MULTIPLE, ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS.
What is the intent for SS-C4.3?
The intent is to reduce impacts from automobile use (same as before) by rewarding use of low emitting and fuel efficient vehicles.
Define LEFE.
- ZEV per CA Air Resources Board OR
2. Minimum score of 40 by ACEEE Rating Guide
Describe the intent for SS-C4.4.
SS-C4.4 is designed to reduce pollution and land development from single vehicle occupancy.
What reference is used in conjunction with SS-C4.4?
Institute of Traffic Engineers, Parking Generation Study 2003
List the Non-Residential requirements for SS-C4.4.
- Parking cannot exceed minimum zoning AND preferred carpool parking must be provided for 5% of total parking spots OR
- For projects with fewer than 5% of FTE occupants, provide preferred carpool parking for 5% of total parking spots OR
- No new parking provided.
Describe the requirements for SS-C4.4 in residential projects.
- Parking cannot exceed minimum required by zoning AND infrastructure must be provided to support shared vehicle usage.
- No new parking provided.
What is the goal for SS-C5.1? Be specific.
The goal is to limit the impact of construction for greenfield developments.
For previously developed sites, it is meant to restore native habitat as much as possible.
Provide the requirements for SS-C5.1 in a Greenfield Setting
Protect the following:
1. 40’ beyond building perimeter
- 25’ beyond permeable surfaces
- 15’ beyond primary roads.
- 10’ beyond sidewalks
How can a project achieve exemplary credit for SS-C5.1?
A project can achieve exemplary credit by restoring 75% of a non building site or 30% of an entire site.
List the intent of SS-C5.2.
The intent is to provide a high ratio of open space to development footprint to promote biodiversity.
What are the requirements for SS-C5.2?
- Provide 25% more open space than required by zoning
- For areas with no zoning, open space must be the same size as the building footprint.
- For areas with zoning, but no minimum required for open space, provide 20% of site area with vegetation.
Does SS-C5.2 apply to urban environments?
Not exactly.
These are special cases. Pedestrian hardscapes and garden roofs count as open space.
What types of areas can count toward SS-C5.2?
Wetlands/ponds, vegetated side slopes, garden roof, etc.
How can you achieve exemplary performance for SS-C5.2?
Double the standard for each option.
What is the goal of SS-C6.1?
The goal is to reduce stormwater runoff by reducing impervious cover and increasing infiltration.
List the requirements for Option #1 for SS-C6.1.
Option 1 = Existing imperviousness less than or equal to 50%:
1. Implement stormwater management plan so that post-development peak = pre-development peak OR
- Implement Stream Channel Protection strategy that protects receiving streams from erosion
List the requirements for the Option #2 for SS-C6.1.
Option 2 = Existing imperviousness greater than 50%:
- Implement stormwater management plan that results in a 25% decrease in runoff
Describe the goal for SS-C6.2.
The goal for SS-C6.2 is to reduce water pollution by reducing impervious cover, increasing infiltration, and removing contaminants from stormwater
Provide the requirements for SS-C6.2.
- Capture and treat 90% of runoff from average annual rainfall AND
- Use Best Management Practices (BMPs) to remove 80% of Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Provide the references for SS-C6.2.
A. Technology Acceptance Reciprocity Partnership (TARP), Washington State OR
B. State or Local Standards
What’s the intent for SS-C7.1?
The intent is to reduce heat islands for non roof applications.
What is Albedo?
Albedo (reflectance) is a measure of the ability of a surface to reflect sunlight.
What is Emissivity?
Emissivity is the ratio of infrared radiation admitted by a surface to the radiation emitted by a black body at the same temperature.
List the requirements for SS-C7.1.
- Provide 50% of site hardscape with a combination of
(A) Shade (within 5 years of occupancy)
(B) Shade from solar panels
(C) Paving materials with an SRI of 29 or higher
(D) Open Grid Paving System
OR
2. Place a minimum of 50% of parking under cover. Roof of cover must have an SRI of 29 or greater.
How do you achieve exemplary performance for SS-C7.1?
Double the percentage your are providing for Options 1 or 2 (go from 50% to 100%).
What is the goal for Option SS-C7.2?
The goal for SS-C7.2 is to reduce the heat islands on roofs.
What are the options that a project can pursue with regard to SS-C7.2?
- Use a high SRI material for 75% of the roof surface
- Use a vegetated roof for 50% of the roof area
- Use a combination of vegetated and high SRI roof.
How can a project achieve exemplary performance for SS-C7.2?
A project can achieve exemplary performance for SS-C7.2 by having 100% garden roof (outside of HVAC equipment, skylights, etc.)
In order to qualify for SS-C7.2, a project has been designed to feature a high SRI roof. How does roof pitch play a role?
A. Low Slope < 2:12 must have an SRI of at least 78
B. High Slope > 2:12 must have an SRI of at least 29
What’s the goal for SS-C8?
There are several:
1. Minimize light trespass from building and site
- Improve nighttime visbility
- Protect natural ecosystems
What reference is used with SS-C8?
IESNA/ASHRAE 90.1-2007
Describe the strategies that can be employed for SS-C8.
Indoor Lights:
- Reduce power to lights shining out of exterior windows OR
- Automatic shielding for windows
Outdoor Lights:
- Limit the amount of light pointed into the sky AND
- Limit power density (watts/sf) of exterior fixtures AND
- Limit light trespass past property boundaries
What is WE-P1 designed to do?
The intent of this prerequisite is to maximize efficiency so as to reduce the burden on supply and waste systems.
What reference is used with WE-P1?
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (AKA the EPA!)
What must a project do in order to meet WE-P1?
A project must provide a 20% water reduction.
Provide examples of regulated fixtures.
Water closets, urinals, lavatory faucets, showers, kitchen sink faucets, pre-rinse spray valves
Provide some examples of non-regulated fixtures.
Washing machines, dishwashers, irrigation, process water, etc.
What’s the intent for WE-C1?
The intent is to limit the use of potable water for irrigation.
How can a project achieve WE-C1?
Route 1 - Reduce potable water use by 50%
Route 2 - Reduce potable water use by 100% and reduce total water use by 50%
Describe several strategies for WE-C1.
- Plant species: employ herbaceous perennials, xeriscaping
