855773644-LEED-v5-BD-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition - Page 158
Extracted Content
Projects pursuing this option must place 100% of the total vehicle parking spaces under cover. Include all new parking in the calculation. Factor existing and new off-street parking spaces that leased or owned by the project into the calculations.
Option 3. Tree Equity
The most effective measure in mitigating the climate change effects generated by heat islands is to minimize the hardscape on the project site and increase on-site tree canopy. Given the important role trees play in slowing climate change, American Forests created the Tree Equity Score to focus on addressing the inequity in tree coverage in neighborhoods in the U.S. and the UK. A “high priority” or “highest priority” area identified in the Tree Equity Score map means an area where the community trees the most. Incorporating site landscaping can help contribute to a greener and cooler environment.
All projects should aim to increase the on-site tree canopy. Projects identified as “high priority” or “highest priority” must further evaluate the planned tree canopy and increase on-site tree canopy coverage.
Projects in other countries, or in areas that don’t have a Tree Equity Score, can use platforms such as Global Forest Watch to help understand tree coverage in the project neighborhood. [79] These projects are required to refer to IPp2: Human Impact Assessment during evaluation, and should consider development in areas where the local tree census or site assessment identifies neighboring underserved and/or disadvantaged communities with lower tree canopy. Projects must evaluate the tree cover on-site and in nearby areas and use this evaluation to inform an increase in on-site tree coverage.
DOCUMENTATION
| Project types | Options | Paths | Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| All | Option 1. Nonroof and Roof | All | Weighted average nonroof and roof calculation. |
| All | Option 1. Nonroof and Roof | All | LEED v5 Heat Island Reduction calculator. |
| All | Option 1. Nonroof and Roof | All | The project’s hardscape plan identifying all site paving types, any structures covered by energy generation systems, any architectural devices or structures, and the relevant area measurements within the LEED project boundary. |
| All | Option 1. Nonroof and Roof | All | Evidence of the SR value for each nonroofing material, architectural device, or structure (e.g., default values, or product information from the manufacturer). |
79 “ Forest Monitoring, Land Use & Deforestation Trends”, Global Forest Watch, last accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.globalforestwatch.org/.
U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 148