SP1: Hardscape Thermal Performance

(1 point)

PURPOSE

Reduce heat island effect by creating shade over paved surfaces, such as parking lots and patio areas.

CRITERIA

50% of hardscape is shaded with vegetation and/or has an SRI value of at least 29. For example, the credit would be met if the project has 20% shaded hardscape and 30% SRI 29 paved surfaces. Areas that overlap can only be counted once for this percentage.

Shade can be in the form of natural tree canopy cover and/or a combination of trees and site structure, such as a canopy, awning or pavilion that shades hardscape area. For shade structures, other than those providing renewable energy sources (such as a solar panel array that shields parking), the top surface must meet the minimum SRI of 29.

Establish a plan with appropriate heights and widths of planting material or other site structures to meet the following criteria: 

• Tree shade should be calculated by estimating the tree canopy diameter approximately ten years from the day of tree installation 
• Shade is calculated as the arithmetic mean of shade at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM on summer solstice. 
• Trees cannot be listed on USDA or state agency lists as invasive species 
• Provide a shade calculation on the Landscape Plan indicating that at least 50% of hardscape areas will be shaded by trees or other site structures
  • For the purpose of this calculation, the shaded area for each source of shade is considered to be the same as the area covered by the tree canopy or site structures (direct overhead aerial perspective)

Note: If also attempting SP 6: Tree Planting, then must also meet 2.5” caliper criteria for associated trees.

VERIFICATION 

• Landscape Plan includes tree specifications, total area of hardscape and percent of area to be covered by shade, as specified in the criteria 
• Site Inspection by ECLC Technical Advisor

RESOURCES

The United States National Arboretum www.usna.usda.gov

Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council www.se-eppc.org

Arbor Day Foundation www.arborday.org