Page 231 - Alternative Energy Systems in Building Design

LEED 207

Brownfield redevelopment, credit no. 3 The main intent of this credit is the
use and development of projects on lands that have environmental contamination. To
undertake development under this category, the EPA must provide a sustainable rede-
velopment remediation requirement permit. Projects developed under brownfield
redevelopment are usually offered state, local, and federal tax incentives for site reme-
diation and cleanup. The point weight granted for each of the four measures is 1.

Alternative transportation, credit no. 4 The principal objective of this measure
is to reduce traffic congestion and minimize air pollution. Measures recommended
include locating the project site within 1/2 mile of a commuter train, subway, or bus
station; construction of a bicycle stand and shower facilities for 5 percent of building
habitants; and installation of alternative liquid and gas fueling stations on the premises.
An additional requisite calls for a preferred parking facility for car pools and vans that
serve 5 percent of the building occupants, which encourages transportation sharing.
The point weight granted for this measure is 1.
Site development, credit no. 5 The intent of this measure is to conserve habitats
and promote biodiversity. Under this prerequisite, 1 point is provided for limiting
earthwork and the destruction of vegetation beyond the project or building perimeter,
5 ft beyond walkways and roadway curbs, 25 ft beyond previously developed sites, and
restoration of 50 percent of open areas by planting of native trees and shrubs.
Another point under this section is awarded for 25 percent reduction of a building
footprint by what is allowed by local zoning ordinances. Design mitigations for meeting
the preceding goals involve underground parking facilities, ride-sharing among habi-
tants, and restoring open spaces by landscape architecture planning that uses local trees
and vegetation.

Storm-water management, credit no. 6 The objective of this measure involves
preventing the disruption of natural water flows by reducing storm-water runoffs and
promoting on-site water filtration that reduces contamination. In essence, these
requirements are subdivided into two categories. The first one deals with the reduction
of the net rate and quantity of storm-water runoff that is caused by the imperviousness
of the ground, and the second relates to measures undertaken to remove up to 80 percent
of the average annual suspended solids associated with the runoff.
Design-mitigation measures include maintenance of natural storm-water flows that
include filtration to reduce sedimentation. Another technique used is construction of
roof gardens that minimize surface imperviousness and allow for storage and reuse of
storm water for no potable uses such as landscape irrigation and toilet and urinal flush-
ing. The point weight granted for each of the two categories discussed here is 1.

Heat-island effect, credit no. 7 The intent of this requirement is to reduce the
microclimatic thermal gradient difference between the project being developed and
adjacent lands that have wildlife habitats. Design measures to be undertaken include
shading provisions on site surfaces such as parking lots, plazas, and walkways. It is
also recommended that site or building colors have a reflectance of at least 0.3 and that
50 percent of parking spaces be of the underground type.