855773644-LEED-v5-BD-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition - Page 155
Extracted Content
The credit calculations must include all existing and new off-street parking spaces that are subsidized, leased, or owned by the project, including parking that is outside the project boundary but is used by the project. On-street parking in public rights-of-way is excluded from these calculations.
AND/OR
Option 3. Tree Equity (1 point)
For all U.S. projects only, evaluate the American Forests Tree Equity score for the site location. For projects in areas ranked “high priority” and “highest priority,” use the results of the evaluation to inform an increase in on-site canopy cover from the existing condition.
For international projects, refer to IPp2: Human Impact Assessment and evaluate the tree cover on-site and in the surrounding community, either by using a local tree census or conducting a site assessment. Analyze the project’s local community composition to identify any neighboring underserved and/or disadvantaged populations with lower tree canopy presence. Use the results of the evaluation to inform an increase in on-site canopy cover from the existing condition to provide shade to neighboring underserved and/or disadvantaged areas. Projects with no exterior work are exempt from this requirement.
REQUIREMENTS EXPLAINED
This credit encourages the use of strategies that minimize a project’s overall contribution to the heat island effect. Option 1 addresses nonroof and roof measures including reducing hardscapes, incorporating high SRI or high SR materials, increasing tree cover, and implementing vegetation across the site. SRI measures a roofing material’s ability to reject solar heat, while SR measures the solar heat rejection of hardscape materials.
Unshaded parking lots become mini-heat islands, absorbing the sun’s warmth, and radiating heat. Option 2 encourages project teams to place parking spaces under cover that have low SRI roofing materials, solar canopies, or are located underground or within a building.
When considering Option 2, projects must account any existing or new off-street parking that the project leases or owns. If these spaces are not in direct control of the project team, coordinate with additional stakeholders to confirm covered parking is a viable option for these spaces.
U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 145