Sustainable Sites
Overview
Development and construction process-
es are often destructive to local ecol-
ogy. These activities also encroach on
productive agricultural land areas and
open space. Stormwater runoff from
developed areas can impact water qual-
ity in receiving waters, hinder naviga-
tion and recreation, and disrupt aquatic
life. Fortunately, steps can be taken to
reduce impacts on previously undevel-
oped lands and to improve previously
contaminated sites.
Selection of an appropriate project
location can reduce the need for pri-
vate automobile use and reduce urban
sprawl. Locating developments on ex-
isting brownfield sites, in existing urban
infill areas and on other non-greenfield
locations may have economic benefits.
For example, the infrastructure to ser-
vice the development may already be in
place.
When considering site alternatives, it
is important to consider environmen-
tal criteria throughout the site selection
process. The major ecological features
of the site should be identified, includ-
ing the site geology, hydrology, veg-
etation, wildlife and prior site history.
Communication with project stakehold-
ers, including building occupants, the
general public and site neighbors can
be facilitated through public meetings,
design charrettes and organized com-
ment processes.
It is also important to minimize project
impacts on surrounding areas after con-
struction is complete and the building is
occupied. By addressing heat island ef-
fects and reducing light pollution on the
site, the site can become integrated into
its surroundings and serve as a consid-
SS WE EA MR EQ ID
erate and beneficial neighbour for the
lifetime of the building. LEED Canada-NC
requires one Prerequisite
to be met and offers
The intention of the LEED Canada Sus- eight Credits:
tainable Sites performance category is
to encourage site selection, planning, SS Prerequisite 1
landscaping and design strategies that Erosion &
use land more effectively and minimize Sedimentation Control
construction and operational impacts. SS Credit 1
Site Selection
Changes from LEED-2.1 SS Credit 2
Development Density
The majority of the Sustainable Sites
SS Credit 3
credits in LEED® Canada-NC 1.0 have
Redevelopment of
not been changed significantly from Contaminated Sites
USGBC’s LEED®-NC 2.1. The most
significant changes have been made to: SS Credit 4
Alternative Transportation
SSc1: Site Selection has been changed SS Credit 5
to make reference to comparable Ca- Reduced Site Disturbance
nadian definitions and refining specific
SS Credit 6
requirements:
Stormwater Management
• Definitions reflect the different SS Credit 7
Provincial agencies having Heat Island Effect
jurisdiction over land use and are
SS Credit 8
included directly in LEED Canada Light Pollution
rather than as references. Reduction
• The LEED-NC 2.1 requirement of
There are 14 points
sites 1500mm (5 feet) above the ele- available in the
vation of the 100-year flood has been Sustainable Sites category.
changed to permit reference to the
200-year flood plain in those regions
using the 200-year flood. Statistically,
900mm (3 feet) above the 200-year
flood plain is considered equivalent
to the LEED-NC 2.1 requirement of 5
feet above the 100-year flood level.
• A clause is added making the above
requirement only applicable to
“previously undeveloped” sites.
Since the primary intention is to
reduce environmental impacts from
the location of a building on a site,
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
33
SS WE EA MR EQ ID this Credit is applicable to sites where
previous development has not yet
Overview occurred. However, if a site has been
previously developed then damage
has already been incurred.
• Although a change in LEED-NC 2.1
from LEED-NC 2.0 now requires no
building within 30.5m (100 ft) from
any water, LEED Canada-NC 1.0 re-
tains the original LEED-NC 2.0 re-
quirement that references 30.5m (100
ft) from wetlands rather than water,
and also allows jurisdictions to set
criteria for proximity to streams and
other water bodies, e.g., LEED BC’s
use of a streamside protection prereq-
uisite (see Related Environmental Is-
sues below).
SSc3: Redevelopment of Contaminated
Site has been amended from LEED-NC
2.1 to reflect the preferred Canadian
terminology and different Provincial
agencies having jurisdiction over the
handling of contaminated sites.
SSc4: Alternative Transportation now
clarifies several requirements and award
points for dedicated parking for highly
fuel-efficient vehicles and car co-opera-
tives:
• SSc4.1 has been changed to include
reference to the frequency of bus
service, a refinement that maintains
both the intent and rigour of LEED-
NC 2.1.
• SSc4.2: Bicycle Storage & Changing
Rooms has been changed from LEED-
2.1 by providing metric equivalence
and specifying compliance with
local requirements if they are more
stringent.
•SSc4.3: Alternative Fuel Vehicles
has been changed from LEED-2.1 to
permit dedicated parking for highly
efficient fuel-efficient vehicles as an
Canada Green Building Council
34
alternative compliance. This is con-
sistent with the intent of promoting
the reduction in gasoline use for auto-
mobile use, and promoting improved
fuel use. Due to the capital required
for installing fueling stations and per-
mit economies of scale, a central re-
fueling station within 500m of the site
is considered an acceptable alterna-
tive.
• SSc4.4: Parking Capacity has been
changed from LEED-2.1 to include
the following:
- The proportion of dedicated pre-
ferred parking is deemed more ap-
propriately linked to the number of
parking spaces than number of oc-
cupants.
- The percentage parking require-
ments for alternatives has been in-
creased from 5 to 10%.
- Car cooperatives are recognised as
an acceptable alternative.
The other Sustainable Sites credits have
been changed in varying degrees to re-
flect Canadian standards, data sources,
units and preferred terminology.
Related Environmental Issues
The following environmental issues are
not explicitly addressed within LEED
Canada but may be important design
considerations:
• Stream-side protection
• Proximity to appropriate amenities
and services
• Impact on adjacent properties.
Stream-side protection
The continued encroachment and
degradation of biologically productive
land through urbanization not only
diminishes its ability to produce essential
resources, but also its ability to recover
from such abuses. The considerable
importance of protecting fish habitats
within many regions in Canada, Building design should acknowledge SS WE EA MR EQ ID
especially in rapidly expanding urban environmental implications beyond the
areas, requires additional planning and boundaries of a specific site, as well as Overview
design attention. Stream-side protection the fact that sustainability will require
is an enormously sensitive issue in many an overall urban form that is collec-
regions in Canada, particularly in British tively responsive to natural systems and
Columbia. As such, enabling designers cycles.
to build within designated setbacks from
streams if they demonstrate that it has
been accomplished to a standard of “no
net loss” or preferably, “net ecological
gain,” is considered an important
alternative approach.
Proximity to appropriate amenities and
services
Building occupants require easy access
to personal services and amenities:
• Access to food services for lunch and
other breaks within close walking
distance, is a critical asset of any
facility.
• Close proximity to shops and personal
services (day care, dentist, doctors
etc.) will minimize the number
of vehicle trips taken by building
occupants.
People will be more likely to walk
to conveniently located services and
thereby reduce the overall amount of
personal travel and associated fuel use
and air emissions. Moreover, a greater
range of support services within close
proximity can both attract and retain
tenants and employees.
Impact on adjacent properties
Buildings can alter the wind, sunlight
and daylight patterns on adjacent prop-
erties and surrounding public spaces,
often with detrimental effects. Dan-
gerous downdrafts, high ground level
wind-speeds, shaded public and adja-
cent properties that reduce amenity and
solar energy opportunities, and large
snowdrifts are common urban problems
in high-density areas with tall buildings.

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

35
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Erosion & Sedimentation Control
Prerequisite 1 Intent
Control erosion to reduce negative impacts on water and air quality.
Required
Requirements
Design a sediment and erosion control plan, specific to the site that conforms
to United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Document No. EPA
832/R-92-005 (September 1992), Storm Water Management for Construction
Activities, Chapter 3, OR local erosion and sedimentation control standards and
codes, whichever is more stringent. The plan shall meet the following objectives:
• Prevent loss of soil during construction by stormwater runoff and/or wind erosion,
including protecting topsoil by stockpiling for reuse.
• Prevent sedimentation of storm sewer or receiving streams.
• Prevent polluting the air with dust and particulate matter.

Submittals

Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the civil engineer or responsible
party, declaring whether the project follows local erosion and sedimentation
control standards or the referenced EPA standard. Provide a brief list of the
measures implemented. If local standards and codes are followed, describe
how they meet or exceed the referenced EPA standard.
If an audit of this Credit is requested during the certification process:

Provide the erosion control plan (or drawings and specifications) with the
sediment and erosion control measures highlighted.

Summary of Referenced Standard

Storm Water Management for Construction Activities (USEPA Document No. EPA
832R92005), Chapter 3, US Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water.
Site: www.epa.gov/OW
Internet download link for Chapter 3 (72 pages): www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/
chap03_conguide.pdf. Download site for all sections: http://yosemite.epa.gov/
water/owrccatalog.nsf, search by title index. Hardcopy or microfiche (entire
document, 292 pages): National Technical Information Service (order # PB92-
235951), www.ntis.gov, (800) 553-6847
This standard describes two types of measures that can be used to control sedimen-
tation and erosion. Stabilization measures include temporary seeding, permanent
seeding and mulching. All of these measures are intended to stabilize the soil to
prevent erosion. Structural control measures are implemented to retain sediment
after erosion has occurred. Structural control measures include earth dikes, silt
fencing, sediment traps and sediment basins. The application of these measures

Canada Green Building Council

36
depends on the conditions at the specific site. If local provisions are substantially SS WE EA MR EQ ID
similar, they can be substituted for this standard if it is demonstrated that local
provisions meet or exceed the EPA best management practices. Prerequisite 1
If other standards are used, applications must:
Required
1. State that the standards have been followed in the project.
2. Briefly list the measures adopted for the project.
3. Briefly describe how the standards exceed the EPA BMPs
4. Submit a plan; this can be in the form of a site drawing with the erosion and
sedimentation controls highlighted accompanied by the specifications, or a writ-
ten erosion and sedimentation control plan document.
A variance for this Prerequisite can be granted if peculiar local site conditions exist.
If so, the application must make a strong case as to why the measures were not
needed to avoid soil erosion problems, e.g., the soil make-up, the site topography
etc. This would apply to projects constructed on rock (e.g., Canadian Shield).

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

37
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Green Building Concerns poor soil and inclusion of specialized
plantings in the landscape design to
Prerequisite 1 Site clearing and earth moving during retain soil in place. Inapporpriate
construction often results in significant landscaping may require maintenance
erosion problems because adequate over time, resulting in additional
Credit Synergies environmental protection strategies operation costs. Use of native plants
are not employed. Erosion results reduces both watering and maintenance
SS Credit 1 from precipitation and wind processes, requirements.
Site Selection leading to degradation of property and
SS Credit 2 sedimentation of local water bodies.
Community Issues
Urban Redevelopment This affects water quality as well as
navigation, fishing and recreation Communities benefit from reduced
SS Credit 3
activities. Fortunately, measures can be erosion and sedimentation control
Redevelopment of
implemented to minimize site erosion through improved water quality in local
Contaminated Sites
during construction and to avoid erosion streams, rivers and lakes. These water
SS Credit 4 bodies are valuable to communities for
Alternative Transportation
once the buildings are occupied.
sustenance, navigation and recreation.
SS Credit 5
Reduced Site Disturbance Environmental Issues
Contaminated water that flows into Design Approach
SS Credit 6
Stormwater Management receiving waters disrupts stream and Strategies
estuary habitats. Contributors to
SS Credit 7 As a general approach to achieve this
erosion problems include destruction
Heat Island Effect Credit:
of vegetation that previously slowed
WE Credit 1 runoff and reconfiguration of natural site 1. Identify the soil composition on the
Water Efficient grading. Controlling stormwater runoff
Landscaping project site
reduces erosion and contamination of
receiving waters. 2. Uncover potential site problems, and
3. Develop mitigation strategies.
Economic Issues
Protect erosion-prone areas from
Erosion and sedimentation control does
construction activities, and implement
not necessarily add cost to a project.
a soil stabilization plan in susceptible
Reduction of sedimentation and erosion
areas. The plan should include stringent
through landscaping and other measures
erosion control requirements in
can in fact reduce the size, complexity
construction drawings and specifications
and cost of stormwater management
to control erosion and sedimentation
measures. While there are additional
during construction activities. In
costs associated with identifying soil
addition to construction controls, design
conditions at the site, the knowledge
the project site to minimize erosion
gained can help avoid problems over
and sedimentation processes over the
the building lifetime. For instance, soil
lifetime of the building.
erosion issues associated with unstable
foundations and potential loss of Erosion and sedimentation control
structural integrity can be avoided if soil measures should be addressed in an
conditions are documented in advance Erosion Control Plan. This plan often
and used in the building design. covers stormwater management in
Landscaping activities to prevent addition to erosion control because these
soil erosion include augmentation of concepts are intimately linked. The

Canada Green Building Council

38
document should include the following
information:
1. Statement of erosion control and
stormwater control objectives
2. Comparison of post-development
stormwater runoff conditions with
predevelopment conditions
3. Description of all temporary and
permanent erosion control and
stormwater control measures
implemented on the project site
4. Description of the type and frequency
of maintenance activities required for
the chosen erosion control methods
Consider augmenting the project design
team with an expert in sustainable
landscape architecture and land planning.
The expert should be familiar with local
and provincial legal requirements for
erosion control, as well as strategies SS WE EA MR EQ ID
and technologies to minimize erosion
and sedimentation. Prerequisite 1
Technologies
Table 1 describes technologies for
controlling erosion and sedimentation
as recommended by the referenced
standard.
Synergies and Trade-Offs
Measures for erosion and sedimentation
control are dependent on site location
and site design. These measures are
often integrated with stormwater
management plans because stormwater
is a large contributor to erosion
problems. Landscaping strategies
have a significant effect on erosion.
The most suitable areas on a site for a
building in terms of passive solar gains

Table 1: Technologies for Controlling Erosion & Sedimentation

Control Technology Description

Stabilization

Plant fast-growing grasses to temporarily stabilize

Temporary Seeding
soils.

Plant grass, trees, and shrubs to permanently stabilize

Permanent Seeding
soil.

Place hay, grass, woodchips, straw, or gravel on the

Mulching
soil surface to cover and hold soils.

Structural Control

Construct a mound of stabilized soil to divert surface

Earth Dike runoff volumes from disturbed areas or into sediment
basins or sediment traps.

Construct posts with a filter fabric media to remove

Silt Fence sediment from stormwater volumes flowing through the
fence.

Excavate a pond area or construct earthen

Sediment Trap embankments to allow for settling of sediment from
stormwater volumes.

Construct a pond with a controlled water release

Sediment Basin structure to allow for settling of sediment from
stormwater volumes.

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

39
SS WE EA MR EQ ID or environmental quality benefits may
be inappropriate due to problematic soil
Prerequisite 1 conditions. Conversely, landscaping
that is planted for soil erosion mitigation
might affect passive solar gains or wind
currents used for natural ventilation.
Resources
Web Sites
CBD-156. Drainage Around Buildings.
Canadian Building Digest. Institute for
Research in Construction. National
Research Council Canada. This
document provides basic principles for
good drainage around buildings which
can prevent flooding and erosion and
improve the general attractiveness of a
site.
Site:http://www.nrc.ca/irc/cbd/
cbd156e.html
CBD-183. Drainage and Erosion at
Construction Sites. Canadian Building
Digest. Institute for Research in Con-
struction. National Research Council
Canada. This document provides ba-
sic principles and guidelines for drain-
age and erosion control at construction
sites.
Site:http://www.nrc.ca/irc/cbd/
cbd183e.html
Definitions
Erosion: A combination of processes in
which materials of the earth’s surface
are loosened, dissolved or worn away,
and transported from one place to
another by natural agents.
Sedimentation: The addition of soils
to water bodies by natural and human-
related activities. Sedimentation
decreases water quality and accelerates
the aging process of lakes, rivers and
streams.
Stormwater runoff: Precipitation
that does not soak into the ground or
Canada Green Building Council
40
evaporate, but flows along the surface
of the ground as runoff. A number of
aspects of development contribute to
the increase in stormwater: destruction
of natural vegetation, land clearing,
filling of natural wetlands, changing
surface topography of land, and
building impervious surfaces such as
rooftops, driveways, and roads. Without
proper management, stormwater can
cause erosion, flooding, and pollution
of surface waters. As development
increases, both the quantity of
precipitation that runs off the land and
the rate of discharge increase.
Site sediment and erosion control
plan: Plan identifying the applicable
stablisation and structural strategies that
will be employed to limit sediment and
erosion during construction, and should
include:
• A statement of erosion control and
stormwater control objectives.
• A comparison of post-development
stormwater runoff conditions with
predevelopment conditions.
• A description of all temporary
and permanent erosion control
and stormwater control measures
implemented on the project site.
• A description of the type and fre-
quency of maintenance activities
required for erosion control facilities
utilized.
Regional Variations
This Prerequisite retains the reference to
the US EPA’s Storm Water Management
for Construction Activities, EPA
Document NO. EPA 833-R-92-001,
Chapter 3.
Regional districts and municipalities
throughout Canada are in the early
stages of developing local standards
and EPA’s Storm Water Management SS WE EA MR EQ ID
for Construction Activities document
is a useful basis to begin developing Prerequisite 1
standards.
If local Erosion and Sedimentation
Control standards and codes are used,
applicants must make the case that they
are equal or more stringent than the
EPA standard.

Case Study

Hinton Government Centre

Hinton, Alberta
Manasc Isaac Architects, 2000

The Hinton Government Centre is a 3,000m2 three storey

office building for municipal and provincial government
services in a small community with a population of 10,000.
The building is located on a north-facing treed slope. Top- Photo credit: Manasc Isaac Architects
soil and seed materials, removed during site preparation,
were stockpiled and re-used to re-establish native ground
cover plants. Surface water from roads and parking is man-
aged on-site. Rain and snow runoff flows through open
ditches into the forest to be filtered through the soil and
replenish the groundwater. Native groundcover provides
low maintenance, drought tolerant landscaping. Existing
vegetation is supplemented by adding new trees to the site
to help slow and absorb surface water flows. Tree cutting
and ground disturbance for building and roads is kept to
a minimum by selective tree cutting and site management
of surface water. Native plantings from the site are used
to help augment natural tree species needed for natural-
ization efforts planned along the exposed slopes. Energy
is minimized though low maintenance, low energy land-
scape development.

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

41
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Site Selection
Credit 1 Intent
Avoid development of inappropriate sites and reduce the environmental impact
1 Point from the location of a building on a site.

Requirements
Do not develop buildings, roads or parking areas on portions of sites that meet any
one of the following criteria:
• Where such designation exists, land that is part of a Provincial Agricultural
Land Reserve or Forest Land Reserve (see definitions).
• Previously undeveloped land whose elevation is EITHER lower than 1500mm (5
feet) above the elevation of the 100-year flood plain, OR, lower than 900mm (3
feet) above the elevation of the 200-year flood plain (see definitions).
• Ecologically sensitive land (see definitions).
• Land that provides habitat for rare or endangered species (see definitions).
• Within 30.5m (100 feet) of any wetland (see definitions).
• Land which prior to acquisition for the project was public parkland, unless land
of equal or greater value as parkland is accepted in trade by the public landowner
(Park Authority projects are exempt).

Submittals

Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the civil engineer or responsible
party, declaring that the project site meets the Credit requirements.
If an audit of this Credit is requested during the certification process:

Provide annotated site plan and evidence that the project site does not meet
any of the prohibited criteria.

Summary of Referenced Standards

The bill for the Species At Risk Act (SARA) has been introduced to Parliament, and
is currently on its way to be established as law. Within this act there are provisions
for protecting habitat of endangered, threatened or vulnerable (ETV) species. Site:
www.speciesatrisk.gc.ca

Interpretation
• The Credit requirements do not allow mitigation as a substitute for avoiding
development, e.g., modifying the initial site plan to reduce impacts on an existing
plant habitat, even if implementation of the remediation plan will result in no net
loss of habitat for the threatened and endangered plants found on the site and
where none of the proposed development will occur on portions of the site that
meet any of the other criteria listed in this Credit.
• Wastewater treatment systems, even biological systems, should not be permitted
to encroach upon the setback requirement for wetlands because of concerns about
flooding, sewage overflow and leakage.

Canada Green Building Council

42
• “Moving” or replacing impacted wetlands is not acceptable because an established SS WE EA MR EQ ID
habitat is destroyed in the process. If an original wetland is destroyed or if any
portion of the building is within 30.5m (100 feet) of any wetland the project does Credit 1
not qualify for this point.
• The strategies and documentation for achieving site Credits may be “duplicated” 1 Point
where there is no defined or real boundary for the individual buildings, and an entire
landscape/campus as a system has been designed terms of water management,
circulation, recreation, hard-scape, plantings, lighting, irrigation, etc. However,
applicants must submit a clear description of how the whole site achieves the
intended Credits is necessary. It must be clear that none of the required areas or
facilities is counted twice. Each Credit should be carefully assessed and treated
fairly, respective of overall site issues (e.g., pervious surfaces) versus individual
building issues (e.g., roofing).
• The 900mm (3 feet) above the elevation of the 200-year floodplain requirement
applies to the building footprint only, not the site as a whole. Balanced cut and
fill could be used to help achieve this elevation, as long as it does not impact
the 200-year floodplain itself. Contour map lines usually represent approximate
elevations and therefore are unreliable in establishing a flood zone elevation
unless the contour lines are on official flood zone maps.

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

43
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Green Building Concerns
Credit 1 As non-urban development increases,
the importance of prudent site selection
increases as well. Prevention of habitat
Credit Synergies encroachment is an essential element
of sustainable site selection. The best
SS Prerequisite 1 strategy for selecting a building site is
Erosion & Sedimentation
to choose a previously developed site.
Control
Since these sites have already been
SS Credit 2 disturbed, damage to the environment
Development Density
is limited and sensitive land areas can
SS Credit 3 be preserved.
Redevelopment of
Contaminated Sites The site surrounding a building
defines the character of the building
SS Credit 4
Alternative Transportation
and provides the first impression for
occupants and visitors to the building.
SS Credit 5 Creative and careful site designs can
Reduced Site Disturbance
integrate the natural surroundings with
SS Credit 6 the building(s), providing a strong
Stormwater Management connection between the built and natural
SS Credit 7 environments and minimizing adverse
Heat Island Effect impacts on the non-built portions of the
site.
SS Credit 8
Light Pollution Reduction
MR Credit 1
Environmental Issues
Building Reuse Habitat preservation is the most effective
EQ Credit 8
means to meet the requirements of
Daylight & Views the Endangered Species Act and to
minimize developmental impacts on
indigenous wildlife. Not building on
inappropriate sites preserves these areas
for wildlife, recreation and ecological
balance. Building on inappropriate sites
such as floodplains can be detrimental
to ecosystems.
The intent of the flood component
is to encourage building at least
900mm (3 feet) above the elevation
of the 200-year floodplain. Doing so
eliminates the need for levees that are
generally destructive to the natural and
built environment. During high flow
conditions, levees simply convey a flood
surge to downstream communities.
Levees channel a river into a narrower
cross section that increases the velocity
Canada Green Building Council
44
and flow that can scour natural and
engineered systems. Levees also help
eliminate wetlands, preventing water
from flowing freely to flat areas adjacent
to the river channel. These areas would
otherwise serve as wetland habitat.
Economic Issues
Site selection can play an important role
in the way in which the public responds
to, and is involved with, the proposed
development. Channeling development
away from sensitive ecological areas in
favor of previously disturbed sites can
encourage public support for a project
and speed public review periods, thus
minimizing or preventing obstacles
traditionally encountered during
project scoping. Economically, this
can also save on mitigation costs that a
developer would incur if the proposed
development were approved within a
sensitive area.
Appropriate site selection can reduce
the risk of property damage due to
natural events such as landslides, floods,
sinkholes and soil erosion. Higher
first costs may be encountered due to
site survey and selection activities.
Increased property values can offset
these costs in the future.
Proper site selection can also avoid
potential loss of property due to
potential litigation resulting from harm
to endangered species.
Community Issues
Prudent site selection can enhance
property values within the community
when development is integrated into
the surrounding ecosystem. For
example, by clustering buildings in a
neighbourhood, green space can be set
aside for parks and community gathering
spaces. Thoughtful site selection and
planning can also allow the developer
to integrate unique neighbourhood
characteristics during project design.
Design Approach
Strategies
Avoid developing sites that exhibit
any of the characteristics listed in the
restricted criteria. Consider the proposed
use of the building, and set a preference
for previously developed sites that
complement the use, thereby reducing
associated parking needs and vehicular
miles traveled. The site selection
process might include landscape
architects, ecologists, environmental
engineers and civil engineers, as well
as local professionals who can provide
site-specific expertise.
Have a government official, ecologist
or other qualified professional perform
a site survey to inventory the important
environmental characteristics, including
wetlands, sloped areas, unique habitat
areas and forested areas. Zoning
requirements of the local municipality
and the community master plan should
be integrated to the greatest extent
possible. Community coordination
and consideration of public comments
can help pre-empt negative community
reaction. Where feasible, integrate
neighboring activities to create a
development with shared amenities and
spaces.
When designing the building, consider
a smaller footprint, and set aside large
contiguous areas for natural space on
the project site. Build in dense blocks
to limit the development footprint and
site disturbance to the smallest area
possible. Incorporate site features into
the design such as natural features that
already exist on the site, natural shelter
from trees or terrain, natural areas for
outdoor activities, and water features for
thermal, acoustic and aesthetic benefit.
Synergies and Trade-Offs SS WE EA MR EQ ID
Site selection is the basis of site design
and affects all aspects of the site, Credit 1
including transportation amenities,
natural areas, stormwater management,
amount of impervious surfaces, and site
lighting requirements. Water supply
and management issues, especially
landscape irrigation and stormwater
reuse, are dependent on project
location. Opportunities to increase
the building’s energy performance can
be realized by locating the project in
areas where natural ventilation and
solar gains can be managed, based on
the angles and location of the sun. The
local climate and marketplace should
influence choices of materials. Natural
ventilation and daylight can benefit
indoor environmental quality.
Resources
Web Sites
ESRI - This software company creates
tools for GIS mapping. Its Web site
includes an option to make a map of all
of the flood areas within a user-defined
location.
Site:www.esri.com/hazards/makemap.
html
Print Media
• Campbell, C., and Ogden, M.,
(1999) Constructed Wetlands in the
Sustainable Landscape, John Wiley
& Sons.
• Pruetz, R. (1997), Saved By Develop-
ment: Preserving Environmental
Areas, Farmland, Arje Press.
• Tiner, Ralph W. (1999) Wetland Indi-
cators: A Guide to Wetland Identifica-
tion, Delineation, Classification, and
Mapping, Lewis Publishers.
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
45
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Definitions
Credit 1 Community: An interacting population
of individuals living in a specific area.
Development Footprint: The area on
the project site that has been impacted by
any development activity. Hardscape,
access roads, parking lots, non-building
facilities and building structure are all
included in the development footprint.
Endangered Species: An animal
or plant species that is in danger
of becoming extinct throughout all
or a significant portion of its range
due to harmful human activities or
environmental factors.
Ecosystem: A basic unit of nature that
includes a community of organisms
and their nonliving environment linked
by biological, chemical, and physical
process.
Habitat: The home of an animal species
- the entire environmental complex, both
living and nonliving, which are present
at the place occupied by it. To describe
and map habitat requires understanding
of biophysical characteristics from a
range of disciplines including geology,
soils, climatology, plant ecology and
wildlife biology.
Ecologically sensitive land: Land that
includes rare or fragile ecosystems,
places of significant and recognized
biodiversity or habitat for rare and
endangered species.
Floodplain: a lowland area, whether
dyked, flood-proofed, or unprotected,
which is at an elevation susceptible to
flooding.
100-year and 200-year flood:the flood
elevation that has a 1.0% and 0.5%
chance of being reached or exceeded
each year respectively. It is not the most
significant flood in a 100 or 200 year.
Canada Green Building Council
46
Instead, 100-year or 200-year floods
can occur many times within a 100 or
200-year period respectively.
Provincial Agricultural Land Reserve
or Forest Land Reserve: Officially
designated areas protecting prime
agricultural land and forests.
Prime farmland: Land that has the best
combination of physical and chemical
characteristics for producing food, feed,
forage, fiber, and oilseed crops and that
is available for these uses. It has the
combination of soil properties, growing
season, and moisture supply needed to
produce sustained high yields of crops
in an economic manner if it is treated
and managed according to acceptable
farming methods.
Threatened Species: An animal or
plant species that is likely to become
endangered within the foreseeable
future.
Wetland: An area that is inundated
or saturated by surface or ground
water at a frequency and duration that
under normal circumstances support
a prevalence of vegetation typically
adapted for life in saturated soil
conditions. Wetlands generally include
swamps, marshes, bogs and similar
areas. A river or creek is not considered
a wetland. Manmade wetlands are
excluded from the requirements of
SSc1 if constructed as part of an overall
storm system management approach.
Wetland Vegetation: Plants that
require saturated soils to survive as well
as certain tree and other plant species
that can tolerate prolonged wet soil
conditions.
Regional Variations SS WE EA MR EQ ID
The requirements in this Credit are most Credit 1
appropriately addressed by reference to
the different Provincial agencies having
jurisdiction over land use. Applicants
should consult relevant Provincial
Ministries to obtain information related
to ecologically sensitive areas within
the vicinity of the proposed project.
Flood-plain: The requirement of
1500mm (5 feet) above the elevation
of the 100-year flood has been changed
from LEED-NC 2.1 to reflect the fact that
the 200-year flood plain is the specified
measure in Canada. Statistically, 900mm
(3 feet) above the 200-year flood is
considered equivalent to 1500mm (5
feet) above the 100-year flood. Either
is acceptable depending on the data
available in the region.
Streamside protection: Projects near
streams should formulate requirements
to protect the area adjacent to a
freshwater stream that links aquatic to
terrestrial ecosystems, including both
the riparian area vegetation and the
adjacent upland vegetation that exerts an
influence on the stream. In the absence
of any regional supplements covering
streamside protection, applicants who
have made extraordinary efforts in
this regard, are encouraged to consider
applying for an innovation Credit.

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

47
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Development Density
Credit 2 Intent
Channel development to urban areas with existing infrastructure, protect green-
1 Point fields and preserve habitat and natural resources.

Requirements
Increase localised density to conform to existing or desired density goals by uti-
lising sites that are located within an existing minimum development density of
13,800m2 per hectare (60,000 square feet per acre) (2 story downtown develop-
ment).

Submittals

Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the civil engineer, architect
or other responsible party, declaring that the project has achieved the
required development densities. Provide density for the project and for the
surrounding area.

Provide an area plan with the project location highlighted.
If an audit of this Credit is requested during the certification process:

Provide the calculations showing the derivation of the development density
for both the project and the surrounding area.

Summary of Referenced Standard

There is no standard referenced for this Credit.

Interpretation
• Development densities relate to current conditions and buildings under
development and not the density that would eventually emerge once other new
surrounding buildings come into place.
• CaGBC recognizes that the 13,800m2 per hectare (60,000 square feet per
acre) goal is not necessarily appropriate for existing mid-sized communities
working to channel development into existing urban development cores. For a
project applying for Credit equivalence within a mid-sized community, provide
documentation that shows the project location is within the boundaries of an
existing central business district or town center that generally meets the LEED
criteria for 13,800m2 per hectare, even though the density near the project site
may be compromised, for example, by a lower density of a residential historic
district that is in the vicinity of the project.
• If, hypothetically, a project was built as part of a massive new development on a
greenfield site, it would not be considered for Credit equivalence. To document
that a project has achieved Credit equivalence, the following information must
be provided with the application:
- Documentation showing that the project is being located in a central business
district with existing development and infrastructure. (New development
in a greenfield would not be considered appropriate in this case.) Provide

Canada Green Building Council

48
 information about existing development density. SS WE EA MR EQ ID
- Documentation verifying that the project location is within a designated dense
urban growth area. Credit 2
- Documentation that the project is resulting in increased development density
that meets the goals of the urban development plan. 1 Point
• Campus open space can be treated as park space and excluded from the
development density calculation that is not used for roads or vehicle parking. In
these instances, applications should include supporting documentation detailing
the function and status of the open space and public areas.
• For master planned projects, compliance can be met if existing or planned site
density is a minimum of 13,800m2 per hectare (60,000 square feet per acre) within
the boundary of the site master plan. The site must be located in an urban infill
area, previously developed site, and/or a contaminated site; essentially where
ecological damage has already occurred.
• Developments such as an airport terminal that serve one purpose and do not
create a critical mass of mixed-use opportunities are unlikely to be capable of
meeting the intent of the Credit unless it is a new building or renovation to an
existing building on an existing airport site

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

49
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Green Building Concerns
Credit 2 The development of open space away
from urban cores and other existing
development may reduce a property’s
Credit Synergies first cost, but this development
paradigm has far-reaching negative
SS Prerequisite 1 consequences for the environment and
Erosion & Sedimentation the community. Building occupants
Control
become increasingly dependent on
SS Credit 1 private automobiles for commuting. As
Site Selection travel distances increase, this results in
SS Credit 3 more air and water pollution. Prime
Redevelopment of agricultural land is lost and previously
Contaminated Sites developed urban sites fall into disuse
SS Credit 4 and decay. Utility, transportation and
Alternative Transportation community support infrastructure must
also be developed to support the people
SS Credit 5
who utilize new buildings. These
Reduced Site Disturbance
infrastructure requirements increase the
SS Credit 6
development’s impact far beyond the
Stormwater Management
initial project scope. In contrast, urban
SS Credit 7 redevelopment is an effective strategy to
Heat Island Effect
curb suburban sprawl, tap into existing
MR Prerequisite 1 infrastructure and conserve rapidly
Storage & Collection of disappearing greenfield space.
Recyclables
MR Credit 1
Environmental Issues
Building Reuse
By maintaining density in cities,
MR Credit 2
agricultural land and greenfield areas
Construction Waste
are preserved for future generations.
Management
Mass transportation in urban areas
MR Credit 3 can be an attractive alternative mode
Resource Reuse
of transportation, reducing impacts
EQ Prerequisite 1 associated with automobile use.
Minimum IAQ Building in urban areas reduces the
Performance
number of vehicle miles traveled and,
EQ Credit 2 thus, reduces pollution caused by
Ventilation Effectiveness automobiles. The use of existing utility
EQ Credit 8
lines, roadways, parking, landscaping
Daylight & Views components and other services
eliminates the environmental impacts
of constructing these features for non-
urban developments.
Economic Issues
A significant economic benefit of
infill development is the reduction
or elimination of new infrastructure,
including roads, utility services and
other amenities already in place. If
mass transit serves the urban site,
significant cost reductions are possible
by downsizing the project parking
capacity. Urban infill development
sometimes requires significant
additional costs when compared with
suburban development due to site
constraints, contaminated soils and
other issues. Municipal and county
incentives for urban infill projects may
also be available.
Community Issues
Urban sprawl affects quality of life
because commuters must spend
increasing amounts of time in their
automobiles. In addition, families often
need more vehicles to accommodate
family needs, resulting in a higher
cost of living and less free time.
The redevelopment of urban areas
helps restore, invigorate and sustain
established urban living patterns,
creating a more stable and interactive
community.
Design Approach
Strategies
The general approach for achieving
this Credit is to give preference to
sites within an existing urban fabric.
Such an approach reduces dependency
on automobile transportation and
creates mixed use opportunities by
providing a wide array of commercial,
residential, recreational, and service
functions within close proximity in a
revitalized urban setting with existing
infrastructure. Work with local
jurisdictions and follow the urban
development plan to meet or exceed
density goals. Consider synergies with
neighbours and choose sites based

Canada Green Building Council

50
on infrastructure, transportation and
quality-of-life considerations. Sites with
redevelopment plans that will achieve
the required development density by
the completion of the project should not
be excluded from consideration. This
Credit can be achieved by choosing
to develop a site where a community
revitalization is occurring provided
the required development density is
achieved by the project’s completion.
Synergies and Trade-Offs
Urban redevelopment affects all areas
of site design including site selection,
especially transportation planning,
the overall building footprint and
stormwater management. Urban sites
often involve the rehabilitation of an
existing building, with a reduction of
construction waste and new material
use. However, these sites may also have
limited space available for construction
waste management activities and
occupant recycling programs. Urban
sites may have negative indoor
environmental quality aspects such
as contaminated soils, undesirable
air quality or limited daylighting
applications.
Calculations
The following calculation methodology
is used to support the Credit submittals
of this Credit. To determine the
development density of a project, both
the project density and the densities
of surrounding developments must be
Equation 1:
Development ⎡ m2 ⎤ Building Square Footage [m2 ]
⎢ ⎥ =
Density ⎣ ha ⎦ Property Area [ha]
Equation 2:
Density
[m] = 3 × Property Area [m2] × 10,000 ⎢
Radius
calculated. The extent of neighbouring SS WE EA MR EQ ID
areas to include in density calculations
varies depending upon the size of the Credit 2
project. Larger projects are required
to consider a greater number of
neighbouring properties than smaller
projects. The density calculation
process is described in the following
steps:
1. Determine the total area of the project
site and the total area of the building.
For projects that are part of a larger
property (such as a campus), define the
project area as that which is defined
in the project’s scope. The project
area must be defined consistently
throughout LEED documentation.
2. Calculate the development density for
the project by dividing the total area
of the building by the total site area in
acres. This development density must
be equal to or greater than 13,800m2
per hectare (60,000 square feet per
acre). (see Equation 1)
3. Convert the total site area from
hectares to square metres and calculate
the square root of this number. Then
multiply the square root by three to
determine the appropriate density
radius. (Note: the square root function
is used to normalize the calculation
by removing effects of site shape).
(see Equation 2)
4. Overlay the density radius on a map
that includes the project site and
surrounding areas, originating from
⎡ m2 ⎤
⎥
⎣ ha ⎦
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
51
SS WE EA MR EQ ID the center of the site. This is the Table 1: Property Density Calculations
density boundary. Include a scale on Project Building Site
Credit 2 the map. Buildings Space Area
[m2] [ha]
5. For each property within the density Project 2800 0.18
boundary and for those properties
that intersect the density boundary, Density [SF/acre] 15,556
create a table with the building
Table 2: Density Radius Calculation
area and site area of each property.
Include all properties in the density Density Radius Calculation
calculations except for undeveloped
Site Area [ha] 0.18
public areas such as parks and water
bodies. Do not include public roads Density Radius [m] 127
and right-of-way areas. Information
on neighbouring properties can be equal to or greater than
obtained from your city or county 13,800m2 per hectare (60,000 sq. ft.
zoning department. per acre).
6. Add all the building area values and The following example illustrates
site areas. Divide the total building the property density calculations: A
area by the total site area to obtain 3000m2 building is located on a 0.18 ha
the average property density within urban site and the calculations are used
the density boundary. The average to determine the building density. The
property density of the properties building density is above the minimum
within the density boundary must be density of 13,800m2 per hectare)

Table 3: Sample Area Properties

Buildings within Building Site Buildings within Building Site
Density Radius Space Area Density Radius Space Area
[m2] [ha] [m2] [ha]
A 3105 0.16 N 2670 0.12
B 8129 0.64 O 622 0.06
C 590 0.11 P 3623 0.16
D 2560 0.13 Q 32,405 1.03
E 6172 0.47 R 8477 0.75
F 1340 0.55 S 2083 0.11
G 1167 0.08 T 3126 0.21
H 580 0.06 U 3939 0.21
I 1331 0.09 V - 0.31
J 2747 0.17 W 1784 0.26
K 1662 0.13 X 569 0.11
L 901 0.13 Y 465 0.12
M 2237 0.26 Z 399 0.10
Total Building Space [m2] 92,683

Total Site Area [ha] 6.49

AVERAGE DENSITY [m2/ha] 14,281

Canada Green Building Council

52
required by the Credit (see Table 1).
Next, the density radius is calculated.
A density radius of 127m is calculated
(see Table 2).
The density radius is applied to an area
plan of the project site and surrounding
area. The plan identifies all properties
that are within or are intersected by the
density radius. The plan includes a
scale and a north indicator.
Table 3 summarizes the information
about the properties identified on the
map. The building space and site area
are listed for each property. These values
are summed and the average density is
calculated by dividing the total building
space by the total site area.
For this example, the average building
density of the surrounding area is
Figure 1: An illustration of a Sample Area Plan
greater than 13,800m2 per hectare, and, SS WE EA MR EQ ID
thus, the example qualifies for one point
under this Credit. Credit 2
Resources
Web Sites
Residential Intensification. Sustaina-
ble Community Design: Site provides
guidelines for residential intensification
to reduce development demands on new
sites (green field sites).
Site:http://www.umanitoba.ca/acade-
mic/faculties/architecture/la/sustaina-
ble/design/housing/comm001.htm
International Union for the Scientific
Study of Population: IUSSP promotes
scientific studies of demography and
population-related issues.
Site: www.iussp.org
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
53
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Urban Land Institute: The Urban
Land Institute is a nonprofit education
Credit 2 and research institute that is supported
by its members. Its mission is to
provide responsible leadership in the
use of land in order to enhance the total
environment.
Site: www.uli.org
Print Media
• Moe, Richard and Wilkie, Carter,
Changing Places: Rebuilding Com-
munity in the Age of Sprawl, Henry
Holt & Company, 1999.
Site Area: The same as property area.
Square Footage of a building: The
total area in square feet of all rooms
including corridors, elevators, stairwells
and shaft spaces.
Regional Variations
Since this Credit relates to giving
preference to sites within an existing
urban fabric and increasing density,
there are clearly different implications
regarding development in urban centres
and sub-urban areas.

• Fader, S., Density by Design: Applicants should work with local

New Directions in Residential jurisdictions and follow the urban
Development, Urban Land Institute, development plan to meet or exceed
2000. density goals.

• Wilson, A., et. al., Integrating Ecology

and Real Estate, John Wiley & Sons,
1998
• F. Kaid Benfield et al., Once There
Were Greenfields: How Urban
Sprawl Is Undermining America’s
Environment, Economy, and Social
Fabric, Natural Resources Defense
Council, 1999.
• Duany, Andres et al., Suburban
Nation: The Rise of Sprawl and the
Decline of the American Dream,
North Point Press, 2000.

Definitions
Building Footprint: The portion of the
property area covered by constructed
site elements such as buildings, parking
lots, sidewalks, and access roads.

Greenfield: Undeveloped land or land

that has not been impacted by human
activity.
Property Area: The legal property
boundaries of a project including all
constructed and non-constructed areas.

Canada Green Building Council

54
Redevelopment of Contaminated Sites SS WE EA MR EQ ID

Intent Credit 3
Rehabilitate damaged sites where development is complicated by real or perceived
environmental contamination, reducing pressure on undeveloped land. 1 Point

Requirements
Develop on a contaminated site and provide remediation as required by Provincial
Contaminated Sites Program.

Submittals

Provide a letter from the relevant regulatory agency confirming that the site
is classified as a contaminated site.

Provide the LEED Letter Template signed by the civil engineer or responsible
party, declaring the type of damage that existed on the site and describing
the remediation performed.
If an audit of this Credit is requested during the certification process:

Provide documentation demonstrating that remediation efforts have been
performed on the site to clean up or stabilize contaminants.

Summary of Referenced Standards

There are no generally applicable standards referenced for this Credit. However,
the Treasury Board Federal Contaminated Sites Management Policy (2002)
states:
• Definition: A contaminated site is “one at which substances occur at concentra-
tions:
1. above (normally occurring) background levels and pose or are likely to pose
an immediate or long term hazard to human health or the environment, or
2. exceeding levels specified in policies and regulations.”
• Risk Assessment: This risk is determined in a step-by-step process, beginning with
a rough estimate of the contamination based on guidelines agreed to by federal,
provincial and territorial environment ministers, all of whom are members of
the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME). The final stage
in the procedure process is an Environmental Site Assessment that uses such
tools as field sampling and laboratory analysis to determine the type and level of
contamination present.
• Federal contaminated sites inventory: The Canadian Council of Ministers of
the Environment system, a permanent classification is assigned to each site at
the time it is assessed for contaminants, with Class 1 representing those sites for
which action is required, Class 2 those sites for which action is likely required,
etc. It is important to note that the initial classification of a site will not change,
no matter what steps are taken to remediate or otherwise manage the site. This
means that, even in situations where Class 1 sites have already been remediated,
they would still retain their standing as Class 1 sites. However, their “current
status” would change to “remediation completed.”

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

55
SS WE EA MR EQ ID
Sources:
Credit 3 http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/dfrp-rbif/cs-sc/home-accueil.asp?Language=EN
General Source: http://www.canadianenvironmental.com/envirotopics/
1 Point
Interpretation
• Applicants able to demonstrate that the intents are met by showing that a
regulatory agency has determined that the site is contaminated may receive credit
even though the site is not classified officially as such. It would be necessary to
provide documentation from the local regulatory agency stating that the site does
meet the criteria for a contaminated site. Applications must indicate that projects
have adopted appropriate remediation measures to clean up the contamination.
• “Perceived contamination” refers to sites where potential contamination exists
such as underground storage tanks. This has a perceived contamination risk since
one does not actually know if contamination exists until the storage tanks have
been removed.

Canada Green Building Council

56
Green Building Concerns
Many potential building sites in urban
locations have been abandoned due to
real or perceived contamination from
previous industrial or municipal activi-
ties. These sites can be remediated and
redeveloped for reuse. Environmental
and economic concerns are key issues
when evaluating the redevelopment
of contaminated (or brownfield) sites.
Costs incurred to remediate site con-
tamination and land prices can be addi-
tive or can offset each other.
Perception of the building site by the
building owner and future building
occupants must also be weighed.
Building owners may be wary
of cleanup requirements and the
potential for liability associated with
contaminants migrating off-site and
impacting downstream neighbours.
Building occupants may worry
about health risks from breathing
contaminated air or coming into contact
with contaminated soil. These concerns
must be investigated and resolved
before making the final decision to
redevelop a contaminated site.
Environmental Issues
Remediation efforts remove hazardous
materials from brownfield sites’ soil
and groundwater. This reduces the ex-
posure of humans and wildlife to health
risks as a result of environmental pollu-
tion. Redevelopment of contaminated
sites provides an alternate option to
developing on greenfield sites. Pres-
ervation of greenfield sites for future
generations decreases the overall en-
vironmental impact of development.
Contaminated sites often have existing
infrastructure improvements in place
including utilities and roads, reducing
the need for further environmental im-
pacts due to construction of new infra-
structure. In some instances, rather than
remediate the contamination, it may be SS WE EA MR EQ ID
more sensible to leave contaminants in
place, choosing instead to stabilize and Credit 3
isolate the contaminants from human
exposure.
Credit Synergies
Economic Issues
SS Prerequisite 1
Contaminated sites can offer an Erosion & Sedimentation
attractive location and are often Control
inexpensive when compared to SS Credit 1
comparable uncontaminated properties. Site Selection
It is essential to weigh the value SS Credit 2
of the remediated property against Development Density
cleanup costs to determine if the site is
SS Credit 4
economically viable for redevelopment.
Alternative Transportation
Developers have been reluctant to
redevelop contaminated sites in the past SS Credit 5
Reduced Site Disturbance
due to potential liability associated with
taking responsibility for the cleanup of SS Credit 6
others’ contamination. Stormwater Management
MR Credit 1
Building Reuse
Community Issue
Reclaiming contaminated sites can MR Credit 2
contribute to social and economic Construction Waste
Management
revitalization within neighborhoods by
taking a local liability and turning it MR Credit 3
into an asset. Cleaning up contaminated Resource Reuse
properties can instill a new sense of EQ Prerequisite 1
pride in local residents, and it can also Minimum IAQ
provide the incentive to improve nearby Performance
properties.
Design Approach
Strategies
• Gain community support by high-
lighting the environmental, economic
and community-related benefits of
the redevelopment of a contaminated
site.
• Negotiate with local municipalities
and landowners for below-market
purchase prices for contaminated real
estate.
• Utilize remediation experts to develop
a master plan for site remediation.
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
57
SS WE EA MR EQ ID • Prioritize site remediation activities
based on available funds and specific
Credit 3 site considerations, potential health
risks, and time frames for completing
remediation activities. Test for
toxicity and hazardous levels of
pollution on the proposed site. To
earn this Credit, a site with existing
hazardous substances present or
potentially present must be selected,
and remediation efforts must be
performed to identify, contain and
mitigate the hazard.
• Clean the site using established
technologies that have minimal
disruption on the natural site features,
both above ground and underground.
Consider in-situ remediation schemes
that treat contaminants in place instead
of off-site.
• Once remediation is complete,
continue to monitor the site for the
identified contaminants to ensure that
contamination problems do not return.
Technologies
Remediation efforts on brownfield
sites are sometimes costly and time-
intensive due to the potentially
extensive effort required to characterize
the contamination, evaluate cleanup
options and perform cleanup activities.
However, substantially lower property
costs can offset remediation costs and
time delays. The cost of remediation
strategies varies by site and region.
Several remediation strategies should
be considered in order to identify the
strategy with the greatest benefit and
lowest cost to the property owner.
The appropriate technology for a specific
site depends on the contaminants
present, hydrogeologic conditions and
other factors. Traditional remediation
efforts for contaminated groundwater
are termed “pump-and-treat.” Pump-
Canada Green Building Council
58
and-treat technologies involve pumping
contaminated groundwater to the surface
and treating the water using physical
or chemical processes. Contaminated
soils can be remediated in a variety of
ways. Advanced technologies such as
bioreactors and in-situ applications are
sometimes more cost-effective than
hauling large quantities of contaminated
soil to an approved disposal facility.
Innovative remediation efforts such
as solar or biological detoxification
technologies are currently being
developed and are expected to reduce
remediation costs in the future. It is
important to consider the environmental
implications of all remediation strategies
being investigated for your project
to ensure the solution does not cause
problems elsewhere.
Synergies and Trade-Offs
The redevelopment of a contaminated
site has an impact on all aspects of
the site design and often works in
concert with urban redevelopment
efforts. Existing infrastructure can
lower development costs and take
advantage of connections with
neighboring sites. Some contaminated
sites include existing buildings that
can be rehabilitated. However, it is
always prudent to investigate potential
contamination problems and their effect
on indoor air quality and occupant
health before selecting a remediation
strategy.
Resources
Web Sites
Canadian Council of Ministers of the
Environment web site has a catalogue
of publications with numerous docu-
ments relevant to contaminated sites
(pgs 6 – 10).
Site: www.ccme.ca
Contaminated Sites. Waste Man-
agement and Remediation Section.
Environment Canada: Provides in-
formation on legislation/policies and
technologies related to remediation of
contaminated sites. Also provides an
extensive list of related publications.
Site: http://atlenv.ns.ec.gc.ca/epb/
wastemgmt/contamsite.html
The Contaminated Sites Manage-
ment Working Group. Government
of Canada: An interdepartmental com-
mittee established to develop a common
federal approach to, and exchange in-
formation on, the management of con-
taminated sites under federal custody.
Links to provincial and international
associations.
Site:http://www.ec.gc.ca/etad/csmwg/
index_e.html
Brownfields and Contaminated
Sites. National Round Table on
the Environment and the Economy
(NRTEE). This site describes the
NRTEE program to identify barriers to
brownfield redevelopment and to make
recommendations for improvement.
Site:http://www.nrteetrnee.ca/
eng/programs/ArchivedPrograms/
Brownfields/brownfields_e.htm
EPA Sustainable Redevelopment
Brownfields Program: A comprehen-
sive site on brownfields that includes
projects, initiatives, tools, and other re-
sources to address brownfield remedia-
tion and redevelopment.
Site: www.epa.gov/swerosps/bf/
The Brownfields Non-Profits Net-
work: A collection of non-profit
organizations that provide information
on brownfield redevelopment.
Site: www.brownfieldsnet,org/
Definitions SS WE EA MR EQ ID
Contaminated or Brownfield site: Credit 3
abandoned, idled, or under-used
industrial and commercial facilities
where expansion or redevelopment
is complicated by real or perceived
environmental contamination.
Ex-Situ Remediation: The removal
of contaminated soil and groundwater.
Treatment of the contaminated media
occurs in another location, typically a
treatment facility. A traditional method
of ex-situ remediation is pump-and-treat
technology that uses carbon filters and
incineration. More advanced methods
of ex-situ remediation include chemical
treatment or biological reactors.
In-Situ Remediation: The treatment
of contaminants in place using
technologies such as injection wells
or reactive trenches. These methods
utilize the natural hydraulic gradient of
groundwater and usually require only
minimal disturbance of the site.
Risk Assessment: A methodology
used to analyze for potential health
effects caused by contaminants in the
environment. Information from the risk
assessment is used to determine cleanup
levels.
Remediation: the process of cleaning
up a contaminated site by physical,
chemical, or biological means.
Remediation processes are typically
applied to contaminated soil and ground
water.
Bioremediation: The use of
microorganisms and/or vegetation to
remove contaminants from water and
soils. Bioremediation is generally a
form of in-situ remediation, and can
be a viable alternative to landfilling or
incineration.
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
59
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Site Assessment: An evaluation of
above-ground (including facilities) and
Credit 3 subsurface characteristics, including
the geology and hydrology of the site,
to determine if a release has occurred,
as well as the extent and concentration
of the release. Information generated
during a site assessment is used to
support remedial action decisions.
Regional Variations
Provincial agencies typically have ju-
risdiction over the handling of contami-
nated sites and have both regulations
and guidelines for addressing them,
Canada Green Building Council
60
e.g.:
• Ontario Ministry of the Environment’s
Ontario’s Cleanup Guideline
Site: http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/
envision/decomm/index.htm
• Manitoba Conservation’s Contami-
nated Sites Remediation Act
Site: http://www.gov.mb.ca/environ/
prgareas/contams.html
• BC’s Ministry of Water, Land and
Air Protection’s Contaminated Sites
Program
Site: http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/epd/
epdpa/contam_sites/index.html
 SS WE EA MR EQ ID

Credit 3

Case Study

Division 51 Police Station

Toronto, Ontario
Dunlop Architects Inc., 2003

The new Division 51 Police station is located on 2.5 acres

in the historic “Cork Town” area of downtown Toronto.
Photo credit: Dunlop Architects Inc.
The brownfield waterfront site was contaminated by the
activities of a heritage-designated Gas Purifying House
built in 1899. The site was contaminated with metals,
petroleum hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydro-
carbons (PAHs), as well as volatile organic compounds
(VOCs), asbestos, and lead paint in the existing building.
A remediation plan was put in place, which involved the
removal and treatment or disposal of excess construction
materials. The land was covered in clean fill and land-
scaped and all structures are located above ground. A va-
pour mitigation system has also been incorporated into
the building design.

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

61
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Alternative Transportation: Public Transportation Access
Credit 4.1 Intent
Reduce pollution and land development impacts from automobile use.
1 Point
Requirements
Locate building within 800metres (0.5 miles) of a commuter rail, light rail or
subway station or 400metres (0.25 miles) of 2 or more public bus lines offering
frequent service.

Submittals

Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by an appropriate party, declaring
that the project building(s) are located within required proximity to mass
transit.

Provide an area drawing highlighting the building location, the fixed rail
stations and bus lines, and indicate the accessible walking distances between
them. Include a scale bar for distance measurement.

Interpretation
• LEED will accept the establishment of a permanent private shuttle service to
connect the buildings(s) and the bus routes to achieve this Credit. If a shuttle is
used, provide information on the distance to bus routes and to building(s), schedule
and frequency of operation, and shuttle capacity. Schedule and frequency must
be adequate to service employee ridership during standard commuting times
for all shifts, as well as periodic service at other times. Be prepared to provide
documentation on the shuttle and rail service, including information on schedule
and capacity, to demonstrate that the system can adequately serve building
occupants.
• Park & Ride locations for busses are not equivalent to commuter rail stations.
LEED recognizes that the environmental impacts of these two different
transportation modes differ significantly. Transit buses consume an average of
approximately 70% more energy per passenger mile than commuter rail.
• The requirement is met as long as there is at least one bus stop within 400metres
(0.25 miles) that is served by two or more bus lines. If there are two bus stops
within 400metres (0.25 miles), two bus lines must be accessible at those stops (at
both stops or one bus line per stop).
• School buses do not qualify as mass transit, as they are only for students.

Canada Green Building Council

62
Alternative Transportation: SS WE EA MR EQ ID
Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms Credit 4.2
Intent
Reduce pollution and land development impacts from automobile use.
1 Point

Requirements
For commercial or institutional buildings, provide secure bicycle storage, with
convenient changing/shower facilities (within 183 metres (200 yards) of the
building) for 5% or more of regular building occupants, OR, requirements of local
authority, whichever are more stringent. For residential buildings, provide covered
storage facilities for securing bicycles for 15% or more of building occupants in lieu
of changing/shower facilities, OR, requirements of the local authority, whichever
are more stringent.

Submittals

For commercial projects: provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the
architect or responsible party, declaring the distance to bicycle storage and
showers from the building entrance and demonstrating that these facilities
can accommodate at least 5% of building occupants.
OR

For residential projects: provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by
the architect or responsible party, declaring the design occupancy for the
buildings, number of covered bicycle storage facilities for securing bicycles,
and demonstrating that these facilities can accommodate at least 15% of
building occupants, OR, the requirements of the local authority, whichever
are more stringent.
If an audit of this Credit is requested during the certification process:

Provide site drawings and specifications highlighting bicycle securing
apparatus and changing/shower facilities.

Calculations demonstrating that these facilities accommodate 5% or more
of building occupants in commercial projects or at least 15% of building
occupants in residential projects.

Interpretation
• Covered bicycle storage in residential situations can take a number of forms, e.g.,
providing outdoor bike storage areas with roofs or awnings to protect the bikes or
providing dedicated bike hanging fixtures in each apartment since the majority
of occupants may prefer to store their bicycles inside their apartments. These
are permissible long as the storage spaces in either case are easily accessible by
building occupants during all periods of the year and there are adequate spaces
to serve at least 15% of building occupants. Bicycle storage for commercial/
institutional projects need not be covered.

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

63
SS WE EA MR EQ ID • Although not required by LEED, maximizing alternative transportation
opportunities for transient occupants (such as regular commuters) should be
Credit 4.2 addressed if appropriate and possible.
• Meeting the requirements for providing showers in this Credit is based on full time
1 Point staff or staff full-time equivalents (FTE). Although transients must be accounted
for in the bike storage capacity calculation, they should not be included in the
occupant count for calculating the number of showers/changing areas. Transients
are defined as “visitors to the building for less than 7 hours” and do not include
students, retail clients, travellers or other visitors visiting the building for short
periods.

Canada Green Building Council

64
Alternative Transportation: SS WE EA MR EQ ID
Hybrid and Alternative Fuel Vehicles Credit 4.3
Intent
Reduce pollution and land development impacts from automobile use.
1 Point

Requirements
EITHER
Provide high efficiency hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles for 3% of building
occupants AND provide preferred parking for these vehicles and highly efficient
fuel-efficient vehicles,
OR,
Install alternative-fuel refueling stations within 500metres (545 yards) of the site
for 3% of the total vehicle parking capacity of the site. Liquid or gaseous fueling
facilities must be separately ventilated or located outdoors.

Submittals

Provide the LEED Letter Template and proof of ownership of, or 2 year lease
agreement for, high efficiency hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) and
calculations indicating that the vehicles will serve 3% of building occupants.
Provide site drawings or parking plan highlighting preferred parking for
high efficiency hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles.
OR,

Provide the LEED Letter Template with specifications and site drawings
highlighting alternative-fuel refueling stations. Provide calculations
demonstrating that these facilities accommodate 3% or more of the total
vehicle parking capacity.

Interpretation
• There are two compliance paths to this Sub-Credit:
1. Provide designated refueling stations to serve fully functioning alternative fuel
vehicles (as might be used by commuters to travel to and from the project site.)
Documentation of Credit achievement has generally been determined to require
the installation of electric vehicle charging station hardware manufactured
for this purpose. Simple electrical outlets do not constitute vehicle charging
stations and, as such, outlets provided for electric block heaters in cold climates
do not constitute alternative vehicle refueling stations.
2. Purchase a fleet of alternative fuel vehicles and install refueling stations
appropriate to these vehicles. (In some cases the charging stations for these
vehicles may be standard 208-240v outlets.) These vehicles may not be
intended for full service commuting, but still meet the intent of the Credit if
they reduce typical car use. The fleet option is allowed under the USGBSC’s
LEED-NC 2.1 as a method of compliance. Projects must demonstrate that the
outlet technology in recharging stations is specific to the electrical and hardware
requirements of the expected EVs, and that the type of EV is appropriate within

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

65
SS WE EA MR EQ ID the project’s context, serving the intent of the Credit. Electrical outlets that may
or will be used for block heaters are not acceptable for this Credit. Owners
Credit 4.3 must educate tenants about the recharging stations and refer them to resources
for research and purchase (e.g., EV manufacturer and dealer locator). Similar
1 Point educational materials must also be posted at the charging stations themselves.
• LEED-NC 2.1 recognizes the use of auto cooperatives (e.g. Zipcar, Flexcar) in
the US. CaGBC will also recognize equivalent Canadian services when they
emerge in Canadian cities and will require the same documentation below. If the
use of an equivalent service allows the intent of SSc4.3 to be met in a multi-unit
residential setting, CaGBC will grant equivalence for the Credit’s AFV/hybrid
vehicle compliance path if:
- a contract is for at least 2 years
AND
- submitted calculations of customers served per car demonstrate that easily
accessible alternate fuel or highly-efficient hybrid car share vehicles service at
least 3% of project occupants, assuming 20 customers per vehicle.
Applications must provide:
1. The signed contract highlighting relevant details; and
2. The company’s explanation of customers/car calculation methodology.
• Propane dispensing stations can comply with the intent of this Sub-Credit’s
requirements provided that its installation can be documented as part of the
project scope. This technology must actively be introduced and documented as
part of the building project to qualify. Also, such stations can be outside the
defined site boundaries so long as the proposed new parking lot for the total
parking capacity served by this refueling station is located within the site area
utilized in the calculations for all Credits.
• The alternative compliance path for this Sub-Credit relates to new AFV
purchases, so long as preferred parking is provided for these vehicles; and proof
of ownership or a 2-year lease agreement, can be demonstrated. This option does
not require installation of alternative-fuel refueling stations and must serve street-
legal (long-range) vehicles, available for use by the occupants of the building or
other commuter and not, for example, short-range campus service vehicles.
• It is acceptable to include all or part of an adjacent parking lot for the quantity of
stalls to attribute to a project, if the project boundaries are adjusted to include the
parking, and if these boundaries are used for all Credit calculations.
• Using an existing, shared facility for parking does not require a project to
incorporate a prorated area of the parking garage into the project’s site area for
the purpose of other Credits, provided that only the new building is applying for
certification, rather than the campus as a whole or the building and the parking
garage, and that the site area is calculated consistently for the other Credits.

Canada Green Building Council

66
Alternative Transportation: Parking Capacity SS WE EA MR EQ ID

Intent Credit 4.4

Reduce pollution and land development impacts from single occupancy vehicle
use. 1 Point

Requirements
Size parking capacity to meet, but not exceed, minimum local zoning requirements
AND provide preferred and designated parking for carpools, vanpools or car co-
ops equal to 10% of the total number of non-visitor parking spaces.
OR ,
Add no new parking for rehabilitation projects AND provide preferred parking and
designated parking for carpools, vanpools, or car co-ops equal to 10% of the total
number of non-visitor parking spaces.

Submittals

For new projects, provide:
- The LEED Letter Template signed by the civil engineer or responsible
party stating any relevant minimum zoning requirements and declaring
that parking capacity is sized to meet, but not exceed them.
- A statement that preferred and designated parking for carpools, van pools
or car co-ops are equal to 10% of the total number of non-visitor parking
spaces and a management plan showing how carpooling or car co-ops will
be encouraged and organised.

For rehabilitation projects provide:
- The LEED Letter Template signed by the civil engineer or responsible
party declaring that no new parking capacity has been added AND that
preferred parking and designated parking has been added for car pools,
vanpools, or co-ops equal to 10% of the total number of non-visitor
parking spaces.
If an audit of this Credit is requested during the certification process:

For new projects provide a copy of the local zoning requirements highlighting
the criteria for minimum parking capacity, a parking plan highlighting the
total parking capacity, and calculations demonstrating that carpool and
vanpool programs serve 10% of the building occupants.
OR,

For rehabilitation projects, provide a pre-rehabilitation parking plan and a
post-rehabilitation parking plan demonstration that no new parking capacity
was added, and highlighting designated parking for car pools, van pools, or
co-ops equal to 10% of the total number of non-visitor parking spaces.

Summary of Referenced Standard

There is no standard referenced for this Credit.

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

67
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Interpretation

Credit 4.4 • Bus spaces at facilities such as visitor centres cannot count as an equivalent
number of automobile parking spaces nor can they be used to substitute for
carpool spaces.
1 Point
• Since up to four points are available under the Alternative Transportation Credit,
a comprehensive approach is required to earn an Innovation Credit point for
exemplary performance in this area.
• Shuttle bus parking cannot be used to substitute carpool spaces. A shuttle service
can be applied toward achievement of SSc4.1.
• If carpool spaces are located on an adjacent site, the project must clearly document
that these spaces are sufficient to meet the needs of the building occupants of
this project. The project should demonstrate the steps it is taking to encourage
carpooling, such as signage and education efforts.
• If no parking is added to a project, the project does not need to meet the carpooling
Credit with a provision that they cannot lease or have commitments to parking on
other nearby sites.
• If a project is a rehabilitation project converting a building into a new use (i.e.,
library to office building, hospital to office building), the parking requirements
are the same as for new projects.
• LEED-NC 2.1 recognizes the use of auto cooperatives (e.g. Zipcar, Flexcar) in the
US. CaGBC will also recognize equivalent Canadian services as they emerge in
cities and will require the same documentation below. If the use of an equivalent
service allows the intent of SSc4.3 to be met in a multi-unit residential setting,
CaGBC will grant equivalence for the Credit’s AFV/hybrid vehicle compliance
path if:
- a contract is for at least 2 years
AND
- submitted calculations of customers served per car demonstrate that easily
accessible alternate fuel or highly-efficient hybrid car share vehicles service at
least 3% of project occupants, assuming 20 customers per vehicle.
Applications must provide:
1. The signed contract highlighting relevant details; and
2. The company’s explanation of customers/car calculation methodology.

Canada Green Building Council

68
Green Building Concerns
As of 2001, an estimated 17 million of
the 520 million cars worldwide were
located in Canada. The infrastructure
(roadways and parking lots) used by
automobiles dissects open expanses
that wildlife relies on for migration and
foraging. This impervious infrastructure
also contributes to the erosion and
pollution of receiving waters.
The exhaust from automobiles pollutes
the air and contributes to acid rain.
Environmental impacts occur during
extracting, refining and transporting
crude oil for gasoline production.
Reducing private automobile use
saves energy and reduces associated
environmental problems.
Fortunately, alternatives to conventional
transportation methods exist. A
surprisingly large number of people
are willing to use alternative means
of transportation such as bicycles,
mass transit and carpools if they are
convenient and facilities are provided
to encourage their use. Alternative
fuel vehicles lessen environmental
impacts associated with automobiles.
These vehicles use non-gasoline-based
fuels such as electricity, natural gas
and hydrogen-powered fuel cells. As
a result, they require special refueling
facilities to be viable alternatives to
conventional vehicles.
Parking facilities for automobiles
also have negative impacts on the
environment because asphalt surfaces
increase stormwater runoff and
contribute to urban heat island effects.
By restricting the size of parking lots
and promoting carpooling activities,
building occupants can benefit from
increased green space.
Environmental Issues SS WE EA MR EQ ID
Reduction of private automobile
use reduces fuel consumption and Credit 4
the associated release of air and
water pollutants in vehicle exhaust.
Alternative fuel vehicles offer the Credit Synergies
possibility of reducing air pollutants
SS Prerequisite 1
from conventional gasoline-powered Erosion & Sedimentation
vehicles as well as reducing the Control
environmental effects of producing
SS Credit 1
gasoline. It is important to remember Site Selection
that vehicles using fuels such as natural
SS Credit 2
gas and electricity still cause pollution
Development Density
at the tailpipe or power plant and are
not environmentally benign. The use SS Credit 3
Redevelopment of
of electric vehicles eliminates tailpipe
Contaminated Sites
exhaust and centralizes the source
of emissions at power plants, where SS Credit 5
emissions can be better controlled. Reduced Site Disturbance
Compressed natural gas vehicle SS Credit 6
emissions are 80% less than those from Stormwater Management
gasoline-powered vehicles. SS Credit 7
Heat Island Effect
Parking lots produce stormwater runoff
and contribute to the urban heat island SS Credit 8
effect. They also diminish green space Light Pollution Reduction
on the project site. Minimizing parking WE Credit 2
lot size reduces the development Innovative Wastewater
footprint and sets aside more space for Technologies
natural areas or greater development EA Prerequisite 1
densities. Fundamental Building
Systems Commissioning
Economic Issues SS Credit 6
Stormwater Management
Reducing the size of parking areas based
on anticipated use of bicycles, carpools EA Credit 1
and public transit by building occupants Optimize Energy
may lower initial project costs. If local Performance
utilities charge for stormwater runoff EA Credit 3
based on impervious surface area, Best Practice
minimizing these areas can result in Commissioning
lower stormwater charges. EA Credit 5
Measurement and
The initial cost to design and construct
Verification
a project in proximity to mass transit
MR Credit 1
varies widely. During the site selection
Building Reuse
process, project owners should compare
the cost of building sites in different EQ Prerequisite 1
areas to determine if a reduction Minimum IAQ
Performance
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
69
SS WE EA MR EQ ID in automobile use is possible and
economical. Many occupants view
Credit 4 proximity to mass transit as a benefit
and this can influence the value and
marketability of the building. Parking
infrastructure and transportation
requirements, disturbance of existing
habitats, resource consumption,
and future fuel costs should also be
assessed.
The initial project cost increase for bike
storage areas and changing facilities is
nominal relative to the overall project
cost. Initial costs for alternative
vehicles are higher than for conventional
vehicles and this may delay their
purchase, decreasing the necessity for
refueling stations. Different alternative
fuel vehicles need different refueling
stations, and the costs associated with
these stations vary.
Community Issues
Building occupants can realize health
benefits through bicycle and walking
commuting strategies. Bicycling and
walking also expose people to the
community, encouraging interaction
among neighbors and allowing
for enjoyment of the area in ways
unavailable to automobile passengers.
Electric vehicle engines do not
contribute to noise pollution relative to
internal combustion engines. Alternative
fuel vehicles have low, or no, tailpipe
emissions. Aside from health benefits,
lower emissions can help cities meet
federal regulations and qualify for
transportation funding.
Design Approach
Strategies
Encouraging Mass Transportation
• Survey potential building occupants
and determine if the available mass
Canada Green Building Council
70
transportation options meet their
needs.
• Use existing transportation networks
to minimize the need for new
transportation lines.
• Provide attractive, functional and
direct sidewalks, paths and walkways
to existing mass transit stops.
• Provide incentives such as transit
passes to encourage occupants to use
mass transit.
• Encourage employees to work from
home if practical and design the
building to account for the needs of
telecommuting.
Encouraging Bicycling
• Design and construct safe bicycle
pathways and secure bicycle storage
areas for cyclists.
• Provide shower and changing areas
for cyclists that are easily accessible
from bicycle storage areas.
• For multifamily residential buildings,
provide safe, easily accessible and
adequately sized bicycle storage.
Encouraging Carpooling/sharing
• Encourage carpooling through
initiatives such as preferred parking
areas for high-occupancy vehicles
(HOV) and the elimination of parking
subsidies for non-carpool vehicles.
• Explore the possibility of sharing
facilities with other groups for
parking, shuttles and bike paths.
Install an adequate number of easy-to-
use refueling stations for alternative
fuel vehicles.
• For residential buildings, consider
establishing carsharing programs.
Technologies
Bicycle Storage
A variety of bicycle rack and locker
products are currently available. The
appropriate type and number of bicycle
facilities depends on the number of
bicyclists and the climate of the region.
Alternative Fueled Vehicles
Alternative fuels are those that are
substantially non-petroleum and yield
energy security and environmental
benefits. These are:
• Methanol and denatured ethanol
as alcohol fuels (alcohol mixtures
that contain no less than 70% of the
alcohol fuel)
• Bio-diesel
• Natural gas (compressed or liquefied)
• Liquefied petroleum gas
• Hydrogen
• Fuels derived from biological
materials, and electricity (including
solar energy).
• Efficient gas-electric hybrid vehicles
are included in this group for LEED
purposes.
Table 1: Classification of Hybrid Vehicles (Friedman, 2003)
Does this vehicle... Conventional
Vehicle
Shut engine off at stop-lights √ √
and in stop-and-go traffic
Use regenerative braking and
operate above 60 volts
Use a smaller engine than a
conventional version with the
same performance
Drive using only electric power
Recharge batteries from the
wall plug and have a range of
at least 32 km on electricity
alone
Electric vehicles (EVs) require a SS WE EA MR EQ ID
receptacle specifically designed for
this purpose, usually 240 volts. EVs Credit 4
with conventional lead-acid batteries
require recharging after 80 km (50
miles). Refueling stations for natural
gas vehicles have compressors and
dispensers that deliver compressed
natural gas (CNG) at about 21 Mpa
(3,000 psi).
Hybrid Vehicles
High efficiency hybrids in LEED
Canada-NC 1.0 are defined as those that
meet the classification of “Full Hybrid”
classification in Table 1, and which
have manufacturer’s stated efficiency
of greater than 25 km/L (60mpg).
Synergies and Trade-Offs
Transportation planning is affected
by site selection and has a significant
impact on site design. A building
site near transit lines may have
negative characteristics, such as site
contamination, poor air quality, unsafe
conditions or problematic drainage.
Real estate costs may also be higher in
areas close to transit lines.
Provisions for carpooling and the use of
bicycles as a viable transportation mode
Muscle Mild Full Plug-in
Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid
√ √ √
√ √ √ √
√ √ √
√ √
√
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
71
SS WE EA MR EQ ID for building occupants reduce the need
for more parking spaces, thus reducing
Credit 4 the need for impervious surfaces and
potential water runoff problems. A
reduction in hard surface parking areas
could also increase the amount of open
space on the site while reducing heat
island effects and stormwater runoff
volumes.
Shower and changing facilities can add
to the building’s footprint or decrease
other usable building space. These
facilities also increase water and material
usage. While alternative fuel vehicles
have lower impacts on the environment
than conventional vehicles, they require
energy and materials to produce, as well
as land area for storage and mobility.
Alternative fuel refueling stations
Figure 1: Sample Area Drawing
Canada Green Building Council
72
require energy for operation as well as
commissioning and measurement and
verification attention.
Space allocation and installation of
refueling stations may not be cost-
effective without enough vehicles
that require refueling at such stations.
Building space may come at a premium,
especially in projects rehabilitating
existing buildings. Investigate the
possibility of sharing facilities with
other partners and businesses.
Calculations
The following calculation methodologies
are used to support the Credit submittals.
Calculations for Credits SSc4.1, SSc4.2,
SSc4.3, and SSc4.4 should be rounded
up to the next whole number.
Calculations should be taken to the first
decimal point, but do not let calculators
and spreadsheets round the numbers
automatically.
Public Transportation Access
Use an area drawing to indicate mass
transit stops within 800m (1/2 mile) of
the project. Remember that the project
is required to be within 800m (1/2 mile)
of a commuter rail, light rail or subway
station or within 400m (1/4 mile) of
two or more bus lines offering frequent
service. Frequent service is services
between 20 and 30 minutes during
peak times in urban centres and 30-45
minutes at peak times in suburban areas.
Exceptions will be considered where
appropriate in smaller communities.
Figure 1 shows two bus lines within
400m (1/4 mile) of the project location.
The map includes a scale bar and a north
indicator.
If private shuttle buses will be used
to meet the requirements, they must
connect to public transit and operate
at least during the most frequent
commuting hours.
Bicycle-Securing Apparatus and
Changing/Showering Facilities
To determine the number of secure
bicycle spaces and changing/showering
facilities required for the building,
Equation 1:
Worker Hours [hours]
FTE =
8 [hours]
Equation 2:
Secure Bicycle Spaces
= x 5%
(non-residential buildings)
Secure Bicycle Spaces
= x 15%
(residential buildings)
Equation 3:
Showering Facilities
(non-residential buildings) =
follow the calculation methodology as SS WE EA MR EQ ID
follows:
1. Identify the total number of full-time Credit 4
and part-time building occupants.
2. Calculate the Full-Time Equivalent
(FTE) building occupants based on a
standard eight-hour workday. A full-
time worker has an FTE value of 1.0
while a half-time worker has a FTE
value of 0.5 (see Equation 1).
3. Total the FTE values for each shift
to obtain the total number of FTE
building occupants. In buildings that
house companies utilizing multiple
shifts, select the shift with the greatest
number of FTE building occupants.
4. The minimum number of secure
bicycle spaces required is equal to 5%
of the FTE non-residential building
occupants during the maximum shift
(see Equation 2). Secure bicycle
spaces include bicycle racks, lockers
and storage rooms. These spaces
must be easily accessible by building
occupants during all periods of the
year, and free of charge.
5. The required number of changing and
showering facilities for non-residential
buildings is based on the number of
bicycling occupants. A minimum of
one shower for every eight bicycling
occupants is required to earn this
point. (This number is based on
FTE Building
Occupants
FTE Building
Occupants
Bicyling Spaces
8
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
73
SS WE EA MR EQ ID recommended showering facilities
for institutional spaces). Showering
Credit 4 facilities can be unit showers or group
showering facilities (see Equation 3).
This calculation is not necessary for
residential buildings.
For example, a building houses a
company with two shifts. The first shift
includes 240 full-time workers and 90
half-time workers. The second shift
includes 110 full-time workers and
60 part-time workers. Calculations
to determine the total FTE building
occupants for each shift are included in
Table 2.
The first shift is used for determining
the number of bicycling occupants
because it has the greatest FTE building
occupant total. Based on a total of 285
FTE building occupants, the estimated
number of bicycling occupants is 15.
Thus, 15 secure bicycle spaces are
required for this example. The required
number of changing and showering
facilities is one facility for every eight
bicycling occupants. Thus, total number
of required showering facilities in this
example is two. More showers may be
necessary for the building based on the
number of actual bicycling occupants.
Alternative Fuel Refueling Stations
To calculate the number of vehicles
required to be serviced by alternative
Equation 4:
Minimum Vehicle
= × 3%
Refueling Capacity
Equation 5:
Required Number of
=
Carpool Spaces
Table 2: Sample FTE Calculation
Full-Time
Shift
Occupants
Occupants [hr] Occupants
First Shift 240 8 90
Second Shift 110 8 60
Canada Green Building Council
74
fuel refueling stations, multiply the total
number of non-visitor vehicle parking
spaces by 3% (see Equation 4).
In the example above, the building has
a parking area with 250 non-visitor
parking spaces. Therefore, alternative
fuel refueling stations are required to
service 3% of the 250 parking spaces,
or eight vehicles.
The required number of refueling
stations depends on the number of
vehicles (eight, in this case) and the
service limits of the station (the time
necessary for each complete refueling
multiplied by the number of AFVs
defined by Equation 4) in combination
with the station’s operating hours (i.e.,
if all vehicles are refueled within a
short timeframe, or an eight-hour day,
or nonstop).
Carpool Spaces
To calculate the number of carpool
spaces required, multiply the number
of FTE building occupants during
the maximum shift (see the bicycle
calculations above) by 10% and divide
by two occupants per vehicle (see
Equation 5). In the example above, a
total of 285 FTE building occupants
requires a minimum of 15 carpool
spaces.
Total Parking
Spaces
FTE Building Occupants × 5%
2
Part-Time Full-Time Equivalent
Occupants (FTE) Occupants
[hr] Occupants
4 285
4 140
Resources
Web Sites
Climatechangesolutions.com: An
online resource centre of Success
Stories, Opportunity Areas, Tools and
Resources on how to reduce greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions is provided by
Natural Resources Canada’s Office of
Energy Efficiency. Founding partners
of Climatechangesolutions.com are the
federal government’s Climate Change
Action Fund, the Global Air Issues
Branch of Environment Canada, and
Natural Resources and Canada’s Office
of Energy Efficiency. Provides listing
of Canadian Cycling Associations and
Bicycle User Groups.
Site: http:/www.climatechangesol
utions.com/english/individuals/tools/
transport/
Bicycle Federation of America, Inter-
net Resource Centre: Comprehensive
coverage of a host of policy, planning
and design guidelines supporting bi-
cycle use.
Site: http://www.bikefed.org
Long Term Bike Parking: Useful
overview of design considerations
for long-term bicycle storage offering
essential and optional features for caged
facilities, bike rooms, bike lockers and
shower & clothes locker rooms
Site:http://www.jps.net/cbc/longbike-
park.html
Natural Resources Canada’s Alter-
native Transportation Fuels (ATF)
program: Provides Canadians with
information on ATFs and their benefits,
and a database of natural gas, metha-
nol or ethanol refueling stations across
Canada.
Site:http://alt-fuels.nrcan.gc.ca/home_
e.htm
Canadian Renewable Fuels Asso- SS WE EA MR EQ ID
ciation: A non-profit organization
mandated to promote renewable bio- Credit 4
fuels (ethanol, biodiesel) for automo-
tive transportation through consumer
awareness and government liaison ac-
tivities. CRFA’s efforts focus on pro-
moting public awareness of the merits
of renewable fuels — via workshops for
automotive sales/service personnel and
fuel retailers, media awareness activi-
ties, newsletters/publications, annual
convention, expanding the CRFA inter-
net information site, etc. They maintain
a list of alternative fuel stations across
Canada.
Site: http://www.greenfuels.org/assn.
html
Alternative Fuels Data Centre:
Section of the US DOE Office of
Transportation Technologies that has
information on alternative fuels and
alternative fueled vehicles, a locator for
alternative refueling stations, and other
related information.
Site: www.afdc.doe.gov/
California Electrical Code, Chapter 6,
Article 625. Electric Vehicle Charging
System Equipment: The new section of
the California Electrical Code applying
to electric vehicle charging stations.
Site: http://www.energy.ca.gov/afvs/ev/
ev_building_codes.html
Print Media
• ITE, (1996) Review of Planning
Guidelines and Design Standards
for Bicycle Facilities, Technical
Committee 6A-55. Institute of
Transportation Engineers, Washington
DC.
• Friedman, David, A New Road:
The Technology and Potential of
Hybrid Vehicles, Union of Concerned
Scientists, January 2003
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
75
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Definitions
Alternative Fuel Vehicles: Vehicles
Credit 4 that use low-polluting, non-gasoline
fuels such as electricity, hydrogen,
propane or compressed natural gas,
liquid natural gas, methanol, and
ethanol. Efficient gas-electric hybrid
vehicles are included in this group for
LEED purposes.
Carpool: An arrangement in which
two or more people share a vehicle for
transportation.
Frequent Service: Bus lines providing
services between 20 and 30 minutes
during peak times in urban centres and
30-45 minutes at peak times in suburban
areas.
Fuel Efficient Vehicles: Vehicles with
fuel efficiencies equal or greater than
25km/L.
Mass Transit: Transportation facilities
designed to transport large groups of
persons in a single vehicle such as buses
or trains.
Public Transportation: Bus, rail or
other transportation service for the
general public on a regular, continual
basis that is publicly or privately
owned.
Regional Variations
Bicycle requirements and regulation
typically fall under City and municipal
jurisdictions and must be reviewed in
conjunction with the requirements of
this Sub-Credit.
The practical realities of using bicycles
in many regions of Canada for significant
portions of the year obviously temper
the interpretation of this Credit.
However, the bicycle requirements for
5% or more of building occupants may
be conservative for those regions where
climate conditions are more conducive
to bicycling.

Case Study

The Angus Technopole

Montreal, Quebec
Ædifica Architecture + Design + Engineering, 2000

In the transformation of the Angus locomotive workshops

into a multifunctional industrial centre, 51 units car
Photo credit: Ædifica Architecture + Design + Engineering
parking was provided on site as per strict minimum of
zoning requirements, intentionally well below industrial
average of one unit for every two occupants. A bus stops
directly on site approximately 80m from building and
approximately 150m north of the site. Direct access to
municipal bicycle path network with exclusive bicycle
lanes was designed in the Technopole plan (Montreal’s
bicycle path network is regarded as one of North
America’s most extensive urban networks). Protected
and secure bicycle parking was provided at both main
entrances, but providing facilities for change rooms and
showers are tenant responsibilities.

Canada Green Building Council

76
 SS WE EA MR EQ ID

Credit 4

Case Study

Vancouver Island Technology Park

Saanich, British Columbia Canada
Idealink Architecture/Bunting Coady Architects, 2001
LEED Gold Certified

The Vancouver Island Technology Park is a LEED

Gold project located near Victoria, British Columbia.
The project team undertook a sustainable transportation
study to determine strategies to help reduce car traffic
and pollution by encouraging alternative forms of
transport. This resulted in negotiations with BC Transit
to establish a bus service to the technology park directly
from primary locations within Victoria. Two bus stops, a
bus layby, and a transit loop are provided on site along
with a transit shelter and well-lit walkways. Bicycling is
also facilitated by the extension of the popular Galloping
Goose trail which provides a more direct and safe route
for bicyclists. Interior and exterior secured bike storage
is also made available for a total of 180 stalls and the
fitness centre offers showers to bicycle users. In addition,
carpool cars are given preference over parking spaces
and provisions have been made to accommodate electric
vehicles as needed.

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

77
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Reduced Site Disturbance: Protect or Restore Open Space
Credit 5.1 Intent
Conserve existing natural areas and restore damaged areas to provide habitat and
1 Point promote biodiversity.

Requirements
EITHER
On greenfield sites, limit site disturbance including earthwork and clearing of veg-
etation to 12 metres (40 feet) beyond the building perimeter, 1.5 metres (5 feet)
beyond primary roadway curbs, walkways, and main utility branch trenches, and
7.5 metres (25 feet) beyond constructed areas with permeable surfaces (such as per-
vious paving areas, stormwater detention facilities and playing fields) that require
additional staging areas in order to limit compaction in the constructed area;
OR,
On previously developed sites, restore a minimum of 50% of the site area (excluding
the building footprint) by replacing impervious surfaces with native or adaptive
vegetation.

Submittals

For greenfield sites, provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the
civil engineer or responsible party, demonstrating and declaring that site
disturbance (including earthwork and clearing of vegetation) has been
limited to 12 metres (40 feet) beyond the building perimeter, 1.5 metres (5
feet) beyond primary roadway curbs, walk ways and main utility branch
trenches, and 7.5 metres (25 feet) beyond constructed areas with permeable
surfaces. Provide site drawings and specifications highlighting limits of
construction disturbance.
OR,

For previously developed sites, provide a LEED Letter Template, signed by
the civil engineer or responsible party, declaring and describing restoration
of degraded habitat areas. Include highlighted site drawings with area
calculations demonstrating that 50% of the site area that does not fall within
the building footprint has been restored.

Interpretation
• The intent of SSc5.1 is to conserve existing natural areas and restore damaged
areas to provide habitat and promote biodiversity. Even though some vegetation
may flourish in certain regions, they can still be environmentally destructive,
e.g., Bermuda grass is a non-native species whose vigorous growth rate has made
it a popular turf grass for golf courses, lawns and sports fields. This type of grass
often out-competes native species and, unlike a truly native/adapted installation,
requires the maintenance effort of mowing. A monoculture of a single species
turf grass does not meet the intent of this Credit for providing habitat and of
promoting biodiversity. To identify native plant species, consult lists normally

Canada Green Building Council

78
 available from the province’s department of natural resources or local native SS WE EA MR EQ ID
plant society.
Credit 5.1
• For the purpose of this LEED Sub-Credit, the building footprint is defined as the
perimeter of the building plan. Shade structures or canopies that are attached to
the building and are not part of the structure need not be included in the building 1 Point
footprint. Building overhangs are part of the building plan and should be includ-
ed in the calculation of building footprint. The fact that areas under overhangs
are not likely to be restored with vegetation supports this interpretation and does
not serve the Credit’s intent. Recessing first floor walls does not reduce the site
area impacted by the building and does not justify a reduction in the required
protection/restoration area.
• For projects that are part of a site master plan on previously developed sites,
compliance can be earned for SSc5.1 if 50% of the total site area (excluding
all building footprints) has been restored with native or adaptive species. For
master planned projects, provide a copy of the site master plan with building
footprints and areas to be restored with native or adaptive species. Include all
phases of building through to site build-out, including the anticipated phases
and timeline. Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the civil engineer
or responsible party, and declaring that 50% of the total site area (excluding all
building footprints) is to be restored with native or adaptive species for the site
master plan. Provide a description of the site and the surrounding area prior to
development indicating that it is an infill, redevelopment, densification project in
an urban downtown centre setting and/or contaminated site.

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

79
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Reduced Site Disturbance: Development Footprint
Credit 5.2 Intent
Conserve existing natural areas and restore damaged areas to provide habitat and
1 Point promote biodiversity.

Requirements
Reduce the development footprint (defined as entire building footprint, access
roads and parking) to exceed the local zoning’s open space requirement for the
site by 25%. For areas with no local zoning requirements (e.g., some university
campuses and military bases), designate open space area adjacent to the building
that is equal to the building footprint.

Submittals

Provide a copy of the local zoning requirements highlighting the criteria for
open space.

Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the civil engineer or responsible
party, demonstrating and declaring that the open space exceeds the local
zoning open space requirement for the site by 25%.

For areas with no local zoning requirements (e.g., some university campuses
and military bases), designate open space area adjacent to the building that
is equal to the building footprint. Provide a letter from the property owner
stating that the open space will be conserved for the life of the building.
If an audit of this Credit is requested during the certification process:

Provide highlighted site drawings with area calculations demonstrating that
the building footprint exceeds the local zoning open space requirement for
the site by 25%.

For areas with no local zoning requirements (e.g., university campuses,
military bases), provide site plans highlighting the designated open space
area adjacent to the building that is equal to the building footprint.

Summary of Referenced Standard

There is no standard referenced for this Credit.

Interpretation
• Although SSc5.2 requires “open space adjacent to the building that is equal to
the building footprint” for sites without local zoning requirements, it is plausible
for a project in a campus setting to make the case for clustering buildings and
consolidating the LEED-required amount of open space together next to the
cluster, or in a different part of the campus, because wildlife experiences greater
benefits from contiguous habitat than it does from small, isolated natural spaces.
If a campus is submitted as a whole, the total project area should be used in
calculating this Credit and all other LEED Prerequisites and Credits. The campus
approach might therefore preclude the acquisition of other Credits.
• Existing turf grass area that provides a limited amount of habitat for wildlife and
does little to create biodiversity can be considered as previously developed and

Canada Green Building Council

80
 replaced with landscaping that will do much more to enhance the habitat area and SS WE EA MR EQ ID
the biodiversity. In project applications, provide further narrative supporting the
classification of the site as “previously developed.” This justification could be Credit 5.2
based on the prior removal of native vegetation and subsequent human impacts
such as mass grading, structures, paving, other surfaces, or high maintenance 1 Point
ornamental landscape improvements not meeting the intent of “native or
adaptive.”
• In the case of campus buildings, LEED allows some flexibility in determining
the extent of the site area for purposes of LEED. However, a specific site area
must be defined and used consistently for achievement of all Credits. Typically,
campus projects define an area associated with the specific construction site as
the site area, rather than addressing the campus as a whole. If the building is
located on a greenfield portion of a site, then the construction limits for greenfield
sites apply. The limits of the project for the purpose of this Credit would be the
‘limits of work’ for the construction of the building and associated paving and
parking. If parking is added to a site as part of the project the requirements of
this Credit apply to the construction limits of the new parking area, whether or
not the parking area is adjacent to the building or elsewhere within a campus. If
the parking is on a greenfield, the site disturbance limits apply. If the parking is
on previously developed land, restoring open space would be required.
• Playing fields do not restore habitat, and typically do not consist of native or
adapted species. Installing playing fields can count toward achievement of SSc5.2
for open space, but does not achieve the intent of SSc5.1 for restored habitat.
• A landscape architect can determine if a specific plant species qualifies as ‘native
or adaptive’ for a project location. Species that require irrigation or fertilizers to
flourish cannot be considered adaptive. The submittals should include a statement
from the landscape architect confirming that species selected for the project are
appropriate for the region, and will contribute to the restoration of the previously
developed site to provide habitat and promote biodiversity.
• Agricultural land may qualify as ‘developed’ based on current agricultural practices.
The determination of whether it is ‘developed’ or ‘greenfield’ is dependent on the
post-agricultural disposition of the land. If lying fallow, the land will revert to a
more natural state relatively quickly compared to more intensive development
types. If the former agricultural land has not been worked or planted recently
and has proceeded toward natural succession, the flora and fauna may be well on
its way towards establishing a stable natural ecosystem. Based on this, a project
should provide information about recent use and condition of the land to support
the contention that the site should be treated as developed. The project should also
clearly indicate that 50% of the remaining open areas have been restored.
• A project that sets aside 25% of a site as open space in a zero-lot-line buildable
area is worthy of this Credit. To be eligible for Credit achievement under this
scenario, the project must show that the local zoning ordinance specifically states
that zero open space is required, and also achieve SSc2 (Development Density)
in order to show that it is in a dense urban setting. In addition, adhere to the
definition of open space: “the property area minus the development footprint.
Open space must be vegetated and pervious thus providing habitat and other
ecological services”.

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

81
SS WE EA MR EQ ID • Dense urban projects may not be able to address this Credit effectively. No
project can apply all LEED Credits because the Credits represent a diverse array
Credit 5.2 of building conditions that do not apply to all building types.
• Artificial turf on top of a parking structure is not considered open space for
1 Point purposes of this Credit. Although playing fields can count toward achievement of
SSc5.2 open space, artificial turf does not qualify for this interpretation. The fact
that the playing fields are part of a parking structure and elevated above grade is
also problematic for purposes of this Credit.
• If there are no criteria in the local zoning codes for open space, an applicant
must show that an open space area equal to the building footprint is adjacent
to the building. A letter must be provided by the property owner stating that
the open space will be conserved for the life of the building. Furthermore, if
a project includes open space adjacent to the project site, then the project site
boundary should be redrawn and this entire project area should be included in the
denominator used for calculating this Credit and all other LEED Prerequisites
and Credits.
• For projects that are part of a site master plan on a previously developed site,
designate open space area(s) equal to or greater than 50% of the site area
(excluding the building footprint) by replacing impervious surfaces with native
or adaptive vegetation.
• For projects that are part of a site master plan, compliance can be earned for
SSc5.2 if 50% of areas outside the development footprint are designated open
space area(s) within the master plan at least equal to the total area of all building
footprints to comply with SSc5.2 For master planned projects, provide a copy
of the site master plan with building footprints and open space areas indicated.
Include all phases of building through to site build-out, including the anticipated
phases and timeline. Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the civil
engineer or responsible party, and declaring that the open space for the site master
plan is equal to the total building footprints for the site master plan. Provide a
description of the site and the surrounding area prior to development indicating
that it is an infill, redevelopment, densification project in an urban or town centre
setting and/or a contaminated site.

Canada Green Building Council

82
Green Building Concerns
Development of greenfield or undevel-
oped areas disturbs and destroys wild-
life and plant habitat as well as wildlife
corridors that allow animal migration.
As animals are pushed out of exist-
ing habitat, they become increasingly
crowded into smaller spaces. Eventual-
ly, their population exceeds the carrying
capacity of these spaces and they begin
to invade surrounding developments or
perish due to overpopulation.
Overall biodiversity, as well as
individual plant and animal species, may
be threatened by reduction of habitat
areas. Minimizing site disturbance
reduces habitat destruction.
Environmental Issues
The construction process is often
damaging to site ecology, indigenous
plants and regional animal populations.
Ecological site damage can be avoided
or minimized by limiting the extent
of construction activities to certain
areas on the site and by restricting the
development footprint to the greatest
extent possible.
Protection of open space and sensitive
areas through the use of strict boundaries
reduces damage to the site ecology,
resulting in preservation of wildlife
corridors and habitat.
Economic Issue
Preserving topsoil, plants and trees
on the site can reduce landscaping
costs for the building and increase
property values. Indigenous plantings
often require less maintenance than
exotic plantings and minimize inputs
of fertilizers, pesticides, and water,
reducing maintenance costs over the
building lifetime. In some cases, trees
and vegetation developed as specimens
off-site are costly to purchase and may SS WE EA MR EQ ID
not survive transplanting. Purchasing
and installing new plants can add Credit 5
to project cost. Saving existing site
vegetation to replant after construction
is complete may be a more cost-effective Credit Synergies
strategy.
SS Prerequisite 1
Reducing the footprint of a structure on Erosion & Sedimentation
Control
a given site can have varying economic
impacts. Building a vertical structure SS Credit 1
with the same square footage as a Site Selection
horizontal structure may add a small SS Credit 2
percentage to first costs depending on Development Density
building size and use. A structure with
SS Credit 3
a smaller footprint is generally more Redevelopment of
resource-efficient, resulting in reduced Contaminated Sites
material and energy costs. A more
SS Credit 4
compact building with coordinated
Alternative Transportation
infrastructure can reduce initial
project costs, as well as operations and SS Credit 6
Stormwater Management
maintenance costs. Reduced earthwork,
shorter utility lines, and reduced surface SS Credit 7
parking and paved areas all can reduce Heat Island Effect
initial project costs. Compact paving SS Credit 8
areas and buildings reduce operations Light Pollution Reduction
and maintenance costs.
WE Credit 1
Water Efficient
Design Approach Landscaping
WE Credit 2
Strategies Innovative Wastewater
• Design a master plan for the project Technologies
area, survey existing ecosystems and WE Credit 3
identify soil types on the site. Water Use Reduction
• Document existing water elements, EA Credit 2
soil conditions, ecosystems, wildlife Renewable Energy
corridors, trees and other vegetation, MR Prerequisite 1
and map all potential natural hazards. Storage & Collection of
Recyclables
• Consider the impacts of the proposed
MR Credit 1
development on existing natural and
Building Reuse
built systems and propose strategies
to mitigate negative impacts. MR Credit 2
Construction Waste
• Choose a building footprint and Management
location that minimize disturbance to EQ Credit 8
the existing ecosystem. Daylight & Views
• Consider issues such as building
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
83
SS WE EA MR EQ ID orientation, daylighting, heat island
effects, stormwater management,
Credit 5 significant vegetation and other
sustainable building issues.
• Once the site and building location
have been determined, design and
construct a compact parking, road and
building footprint layout in order to
preserve open land.
• Reduce footprints by tightening
program needs and stacking floor
plans.
• Encourage preservation, conservation
and restoration of existing natural site
amenities.
• Where appropriate, build on parts of
the site that are already degraded so
as not to degrade undisturbed areas.
• Restore the native landscape of the
site by preserving and planting native
species to re-establish predevelopment
site conditions. Restoration efforts
will vary depending on the particular
project site.
• Volunteer efforts can reduce the cost
of saving existing trees and plants.
A variety of local plant amnesty
organizations exist that can help
with plant and tree preservation and
relocation.
• During the construction process,
establish clearly marked construction
and disturbance boundaries and note
these site protection requirements in
construction documents:
- Delineate lay down, recycling and
disposal areas, and use paved areas
for staging activities.
- Erect construction fencing around
the drip line of existing trees to
protect them from damage and
soil compaction by construction
vehicles.
- Establish contractual penalties if
Canada Green Building Council
84
destruction of protected areas outside
of the construction boundaries
occurs.
- Coordinate infrastructure construction
to minimize the disruption of the site
and work with existing topography
to limit cut-and-fill efforts for the
project.
For achievement of SSc5.2 in areas with
no established zoning requirements for
open space, a project must show that an
open space area equal to the building
footprint has been established adjacent
to the building.
Synergies and Trade-Offs
Balancing the verticality of a structure
with open space requirements can be
a challenging exercise. For instance,
shading from tall structures may
change the environmental character of
the open space, and these structures
may be intimidating and unwelcoming
to building occupants. Furthermore,
large expanses of open space may be a
barrier to public transportation access.
Conversely, retaining a high proportion
of open space vegetation reduces
stormwater runoff volumes and natural
features may be available for wastewater
or stormwater treatment. Preservation
of certain trees may reduce passive solar
gains. Check the siting of the structure
to optimize solar opportunities and
to preserve the most significant trees.
Additional vegetation can assist with
cooling breezes and noise reduction,
and enhance the site air quality.
The site location and site design have
a significant effect on open space and
reduced habitat disturbance. Heat island
effects, stormwater generation, and
light pollution should all be considered
when determining the site design. The
landscape design and irrigation scheme
is intimately tied with the site design
and open space allotted. In addition, and is defined by the perimeter of the SS WE EA MR EQ ID
water reuse and on-site wastewater building plan. Parking lots, landscapes
treatment strategies have an effect on and other non-building facilities are not Credit 5
non-building spaces. included in the building footprint.
Renewable energy technologies such as
wind turbines and biomass generation Regional Variations
require site space. Rehabilitation
of existing buildings may dictate The requirements of this Sub-Credit are
the amount of open space available. universally applicable across Canada.
Construction waste management
schemes may encroach on natural areas
for storage of building wastes earmarked
for recycling.

Resources
Web Sites
Evergreen Foundation: A registered
national charity founded in 1991
working to create healthy cities through
innovative community naturalisation
projects across Canada - on school
grounds, on public lands, and on the
home landscape.
Site: http://www.evergreen.ca/en/index.
html
Soil and Water Conservation Society:
An organization focussed on fostering
the science and art of sustainable soil,
water and related natural resource
management.
Site: www.swcs.org
Print Media
• Lyle, J. T., and Woodward, J., Design
for Human Ecosystems: Landscape,
Land Use, and Natural Resources,
Milldale Press, 1999

Definitions
Greenfield: undeveloped land or land
that has not been impacted by human
activity.
Building Footprint: the area on a project
site that is used by the building structure

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

85
SS WE EA MR EQ ID

Credit 5

Case Study

Liu Centre for the Study of Global Issues

University of BC, Vancouver, BC
Architectura and Arthur Erickson, 2000

The Liu Centre for the Study of Global Issues is sensitively

located next to a mature second growth coastal forest at
the University of British Columbia. Substantial efforts Photo credit: Ray Cole
were made to minimize the impact of the building and
its construction. Built on the site of a deconstructed
building, 90% of the old building was incorporated into
the Liu Centre and other UBC construction projects. The
design of the new centre accommodates and incorporates
the existing trees, particularly a rare katsura tree, which
is sheltered by the entry courtyard. A tree survey was
conducted by an arborist to avoid damaging the root
systems and heavy machinery was restricted to avoid
soil compaction. A minimum of impervious surfaces
reduces stormwater run-off and native plants have been
established to help restore the forest ecosystem.

Canada Green Building Council

86
Stormwater Management: Rate and Quantity SS WE EA MR EQ ID

Intent Credit 6.1

Limit disruption and pollution of natural water flows by managing stormwater
runoff. 1 Point

Requirements
EITHER
If existing imperviousness is less than or equal to 50%, implement a stormwater
management plan that prevents the post-development 1.5 year, 24 hour peak
discharge rate and quantity from exceeding the pre-development 1.5 year, 24 hour
peak discharge rate.
OR,
If existing imperviousness is greater than 50%, implement a stormwater manage-
ment plan that results in a 25% decrease in the rate and quantity of stormwater
runoff.

Submittals

Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the civil engineer or responsible
party, declaring that the post-development 1.5 year, 24 hour peak discharge
rate does not exceed the pre-development 1.5 year 24 hour peak discharge
rate. Include calculations demonstrating that existing site imperviousness is
less than or equal to 50%.
OR,

Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the civil engineer or responsible
party, declaring and demonstrating that the stormwater management strategies
result in at least a 25% decrease in the rate and quantity of stormwater
runoff. Include calculations demonstrating that existing site imperviousness
exceeds 50%.
If an audit of this Credit is requested during the certification process:

For sites with less than 50% net imperviousness, provide pre-construction
and post-construction site drawings. Include area calculations demonstrating
no increase in net imperviousness of the site.
OR,

For sites with greater than 50% net imperviousness, provide a copy of the
stormwater management plan. Include calculations describing how the
measures of the plan decrease net imperviousness of the site by 25% over
existing conditions.

Interpretation
• If data to establish the 1.5 year, 24 hour peak discharge rate is not available, a
more demanding 2 year, 24 hour rate can be used.
• An infiltration basin should infiltrate all entering water within 72 hours to allow
for infiltration in the next storm. A shorter infiltration time is better to reduce
disease vector issues.

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

87
SS WE EA MR EQ ID • If a common stormwater treatment system is integral to several current and future
LEED registered projects within a redevelopment it may be counted for each
Credit 6.1 building if it can be shown that the system is capable of treating the stormwater,
and has the capacity to remove the required contaminants for ALL buildings.
1 Point • Strategies such as stormwater cisterns that controls discharge can be used to
earn this Credit if they provide similar performance on peak discharge and
quantity of stormwater within the 24 hour period 1.5 year rain event as outlined
in Requirements.

Canada Green Building Council

88
Stormwater Management: Treatment SS WE EA MR EQ ID

Intent Credit 6.2

Limit disruption of natural water flows by eliminating stormwater runoff, increas-
ing on-site infiltration and eliminating contaminants. 1 Point

Requirements
Construct site stormwater treatment systems designed to remove 80% of the
average annual post-development total suspended solids (TSS) and 40% of the
average annual post-development total phosphorous (TP) based on the average
annual loadings from all storms less than or equal to the 2-year/24-hour storm.
Do so by implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) outlined in Chapter
4, Part 2 (Urban Runoff), of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s
(EPA’s) Guidance Specifying Management Measures for Sources of Nonpoint
Pollution in Coastal Waters, January 1993 (Document No. EPA-840-B-92-002) or
the local government’s BMP document (whichever is more stringent).

Submittals

Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the civil engineer or
responsible party, declaring that the design complies with or exceeds EPA
or local government Best Management Practices (whichever set is more
stringent) for removal of total suspended solids and total phosphorous.
If an audit of this Credit is requested during the certification process:

Provide drawings and specifications describing EPA Best Management
Practices implemented for removal of TSS and TP.

Provide calculations to demonstrate that the BMPs meet or exceed the
minimum treatment requirements of the Credit.

Summary of Referenced Standard

Guidance Specifying Management Measures for Sources of Non-Point Pollution
in Coastal Waters, January 1993 (Document No. EPA 840B92002)
Internet location: www.epa.gov/owow/nps/MMGI
Hardcopy or microfiche (entire document, 836 pages): National Technical
Information Service (order # PB93-234672), www.ntis.gov, (800) 553-6847
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, www.epa.gov/OW
This document discusses a variety of management practices that can be incorporated
to remove pollutants from stormwater volumes. Chapter 4, Part II addresses urban
runoff and suggests a variety of strategies for treating and infiltrating stormwater
volumes after construction is completed. See the Resources section later in this
Credit for a summary of Best Management Practices listed in the EPA document.

Interpretation
• For most cases no calculation is required for SSc2. The Best Management
Practices identified in the reference standard list a range of efficiencies that are
dependent on the project implementation. In most cases the simple narrative

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

89
SS WE EA MR EQ ID recorded in the LEED Template will suffice to demonstrate the suitability of the
selected Best Management Practices to the project specifics, and a calculation
Credit 6.2 is unnecessary. In unusual implementations, an engineering calculation would
be needed to demonstrate the achievement of the required reductions of TSS
1 Point and TP. This calculation is beyond the capability of the current spreadsheet tool
and so there is no worksheet provided in the LEED Calculator. If proprietary
devices such as “stormceptors” are used to meet this Credit, documentation must
be submitted describing their performance.
• Some latitude is possible on the absolute percentages of TSS and TP, e.g.,
reducing TP by 30 percent and removing 90 percent of TSS (exceeding the
LEED requirement by 10%), if one is a greater local problem. In addition to other
required documentation of cut sheets, drawings and specifications, applicants
should also provide a letter from the building owner along with the LEED
application documenting the lack of phosphates entering the site.
• Removing contaminants before they get into the water meets the intent of the
Credit. To guarantee that the methods proposed will be followed for the life of
the building, it will be necessary to include the usage plans for cleaning agents
and fertilizers in the building operations manual, as well as in the specifications.
It will also be necessary to show through calculations the total phosphorous that
will potentially be used and how much ultimately will be expended into the site
(which must be at least 40% less).
• For water quantity and quality issues, treatment of the “first flush” of rainfall is
critical to successful treatment strategies. If a project can demonstrate that 100%
of the first 25mm (1”) of rainfall is fully infiltrated on site and/or collected in
rainwater cisterns, the intent of this Credit would be achieved.

Canada Green Building Council

90
Green Building Concerns
The volume of stormwater generated
from a site depends on the impervious
surface area. In natural settings, the
majority of precipitation infiltrates into
the ground while a small portion runs
off on the surface and into receiving
waters. This surface runoff water is
classified as stormwater runoff. As
areas are constructed and urbanized,
surface permeability is reduced,
resulting in increased stormwater
runoff volumes that are transported via
urban infrastructure (e.g., gutters, pipes
and sewers) to receiving waters. These
stormwater volumes contain sediment
and other contaminants that have a
negative impact on water quality,
navigation and recreation. Furthermore,
conveyance and treatment of stormwater
volumes requires significant municipal
infrastructure and maintenance.
Reducing the generation of stormwater
volumes maintains the natural aquifer
recharge cycle. In addition, stormwater
volumes do not have to be conveyed to
receiving waters by the municipality,
and receiving waters are not impacted.
Environmental Issues
Reduction and treatment of runoff
volumes decrease or eliminate
contaminants that pollute receiving
water bodies. For instance, parking
areas contribute to stormwater runoff
that is contaminated with oil, fuel,
lubricants, combustion by-products,
material from tire wear, and de-icing
salts.
Minimizing the need for stormwater
infrastructure also reduces construction
impacts and the overall ecological
“footprint” of the building. Finally,
infiltration of stormwater on-site can
recharge local aquifers, mimicking the
natural water cycle.
Economic Issues SS WE EA MR EQ ID
If natural drainage systems are
designed and implemented at the Credit 6
beginning of site planning, they can
be integrated economically into the
overall development. Water detention Credit Synergies
and retention features can increase
costs for their design, installation
SS Prerequisite 1
Erosion & Sedimentation
and maintenance, which is offset by Control
eliminating or reducing the size of
SS Credit 1
stormwater sewer systems. However, Site Selection
these features can also add significant
value as site amenities if planned early SS Credit 2
in the design. Water issues may pose
Development Density
safety and liability issues, especially SS Credit 3
in locations where young children are Redevelopment of
playing outdoors. The use of infiltration Contaminated Sites
devices such as pervious paving may SS Credit 4
reduce water runoff collection system Alternative Transportation
costs. SS Credit 5
Reduced Site Disturbance
Community Issues SS Credit 7
Stormwater volume reduction leads to Heat Island Effect
improved watershed quality that benefits WE Credit 1
the community through improved water Water Efficient
quality, navigation and recreation Landscaping
activities. Reduced stormwater WE Credit 2
collection and treatment systems Innovative Wastewater
lessen the burden on municipalities for Technologies
maintenance and repair, resulting in WE Credit 3
a more affordable and stable tax base. Water Use Reduction
Stormwater management features such
MR Credit 1
as infiltration ponds and bioswales can
Building Reuse
greatly increase the amenity and value
of adjacent properties.
Design Approach
Strategies
• The most effective method to
minimize stormwater runoff volume
is to reduce the amount of impervious
area. By reducing impervious area,
stormwater infrastructure can be
minimized or deleted from the project.
To minimize impervious surfaces and
to encourage the natural processes of
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
91
SS WE EA MR EQ ID evaporation and infiltration, consider
such methods as designing a smaller
Credit 6 building footprint, installing green
roofs and paving with pervious
materials.
• Capture stormwater from impervious
areas to reuse within the building.
Stormwater harvesting from roofs
and hardscapes can be used for
non-potable uses such as sewage
conveyance, fire suppression and
industrial applications.
• For stormwater volumes that must be
conveyed from the site to a receiving
water body, design treatment practices
to match the needs of the location and
the specific drainage area. Design
stormwater facilities to remove
contaminants and control release
flows to local water bodies.
• Utilize biologically based and
innovative stormwater management
features for pollutant load reduction
such as constructed wetlands,
stormwater filtering systems,
bioswales, bioretention basins, and
vegetated filter strips. Use vegetated
buffers around parking lots to remove
runoff pollutants such as oil and grit.
Specify and install water quality
structures for pretreatment of runoff
from surface parking areas. Do not
disturb existing wetlands or riparian
buffers when constructing ponds
at the lowest elevations of a site.
Design stormwater runoff to flow
into vegetated swales rather than into
structured pipes for conveyance to
water quality ponds. Swales provide
filtration for stormwater volumes
and require less maintenance than
constructed stormwater features.
Install sequences of ponds whenever
possible for more complete water
treatment.
• In some cases, such as heavily
Canada Green Building Council
92
wooded sites where larger ponds
are not feasible, distribute smaller
bioretention areas that use subsurface
compost and plantings to accelerate
the filtering of contaminants around
the site, instead of using one large
pool. To moderate water runoff
along drainage paths, construct water
ponds to temporarily store stormwater
flows. These ponds also improve
water quality through settling and
biodegradation of pollutants.
Technologies
Clustering: Clustering or concentrating
developments to reduce the amount of
paved surfaces such as roads, parking lots
and sidewalks minimizes impervious
surfaces. Widths and lengths of roads,
parking lots and sidewalks can also be
minimized. For instance, turning lanes
in roads can be removed to minimize
the width of the paved surface. This
requires the sharing of traveling and
turning lanes.
Green Roofs: Garden roofs or green
roofs are vegetated surfaces that
capture rainwater and return a portion
of it back to the atmosphere via
evapotranspiration. They consist of
a layer of plants and soil, a cup layer
for collection and temporary storage
of stormwater, and a synthetic liner
to protect the top of the building from
stormwater infiltration. Garden roofs
also provide insulating benefits and
aesthetic appeal. Some garden roofs
require plant maintenance and are
considered active gardens while other
garden roofs have grasses and plants that
require no maintenance or watering. All
types of garden roofs require semiannual
inspection beyond initial watering to
aid their establishment. Experience
indicates they typically have a longer
lifetime and require less maintenance
than conventional roofs.
Pervious Paving: Pervious paving
systems reduce stormwater runoff by
allowing precipitation to infiltrate to
the subsoil through voids in the paving
material. These systems can be applied
to pedestrian traffic surfaces as well as
low-vehicle traffic areas such as parking
spaces, fire lanes, and maintenance
roads. Use pervious paving materials
such as poured asphalt or concrete with
incorporating voids or use concrete
unit paving systems with large voids
that allow grass or other vegetation
to grow. Pervious paving has several
options, including systems that use
grass and a plastic grid system (90%
pervious), concrete grids with grass
(40% pervious), and concrete grids
with gravel (10% pervious). Pervious
paving requires different maintenance
procedures than impervious pavement.
With some systems, vacuum sweeping
is necessary to prevent the voids from
clogging with sediment, dirt and mud.
Systems that use vegetation, such
as grass planted in a plastic matrix
over gravel, may require mowing like
conventional lawns. Snow removal
from pervious paving requires more
care than from conventional paving.
Check existing codes relating to the use
of pervious surfaces for roadways.
To earn the point for SSc2, stormwater
volumes leaving the site must pass
through a stormwater treatment system
that removes total suspended solids
and phosphorous to the required levels.
Packaged stormwater treatment systems
can also be installed to treat stormwater
volumes. These systems use filters to
remove contaminants and can be sized
for various stormwater volumes.
Synergies and Trade-Offs
Stormwater runoff is affected
significantly by site selection and
site design, especially transportation
amenity design. It may be possible to SS WE EA MR EQ ID
reuse stormwater for nonpotable water
purposes such as flushing urinals and Credit 6
toilets, custodial applications, and
building equipment uses. Rehabilitation
of an existing building may affect
stormwater reduction efforts if large
impervious surfaces already exist.
It is helpful to perform a water balance
to determine the estimated volumes of
water available for reuse. Stormwater
runoff volumes can also be reduced by
designing the building with underground
parking, a strategy that also reduces heat
island effects. Pervious paving systems
usually have a limit on transportation
loads and may pose problems for
wheelchair accessibility and stroller
mobility. If stormwater volumes are
treated on site, additional site area
may need to be disturbed to construct
treatment ponds or underground
facilities. Application of garden roofs
reduces stormwater volumes that may
be intended for collection and reuse for
non-potable applications.
Calculations
Calculations for Credit 6.1
Stormwater runoff volumes are affected
by surface characteristics on the site as
well as rainfall intensity over a specified
time period. To simplify stormwater
calculations, consider only the surface
characteristics of the project site.
Stormwater volumes generated are
directly related to the net imperviousness
of the project site. By reducing the
amount of impervious surface on the
site, stormwater volumes are reduced.
The calculation methodology to estimate
the imperviousness of the project site is
as follows:
1. Identify the different surface types on
the site: roof areas, paved areas (e.g.,
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
93
SS WE EA MR EQ ID roads and sidewalks), landscaped 5. Divide the total impervious area
areas, and other areas. by the total site area to obtain the
Credit 6 2. Calculate the total area for each imperviousness of the site (see
of these surface types using site Equation 2).
drawings. Use Table 1 to assign a
Credit requirements state that for sites
runoff coefficient to each surface
with imperviousness less than or equal
type. If a surface type is not included
to 50%, imperviousness must not
in the table, use a “best estimate”
increase from predevelopment to post-
or manufacturer information. For
development conditions. For previously
instance, if pervious paving is used,
developed sites with imperviousness
consult the manufacturer to determine
greater than 50%, imperviousness
the imperviousness or percentage
must be reduced by 25% from pre-
of the surface that does not allow
development to post-development
infiltration.
conditions.
3. Create a spreadsheet to summarize
The following example describes
the area and runoff coefficient for
the calculation method for site
each surface type. Multiply the
imperviousness. The example project
runoff coefficient by the area to
is an office renovation and site
obtain an impervious area for each
improvements to an existing concrete
surface type. This figure represents
parking lot of average slope. Surface
the square footage of each surface
types include sidewalks, parking areas,
area that is 100% impervious (see
landscaping and the roof. The roof area
Equation 1).
is assumed to be equal to the building
4. Add the impervious areas for footprint as determined from site
each surface type to obtain a total drawings. Table 2 shows calculations
impervious area for the site. for the design case.

Equation 1:
Impervious Runoff
[ m2 ] = Surface [ m2 ] ×
Area Area Coefficien t
Equation 2:
Total Impervious Area [m2 ]
Imperviousness [%] =
Total Site Area [m2 ]

Table 1: Typical Runoff Coefficients

Surface Type Runoff Surface Type Runoff

Coefficient Coefficient
Pavement, Asphalt 0.95 Turf, Flat (0 - 1% slope) 0.25
Pavement, Concrete 0.95 Turf, Average (1 - 3% slope) 0.35
Pavement, Brick 0.85 Turf, Hilly (3 - 10% slope) 0.40
Pavement, Gravel 0.75 Turf, Steep (> 10% slope) 0.45
Roofs, Conventional 0.95 Vegetation, Flat (0 - 1% slope) 0.10
Roof, Garden Roof (< 10 cm) 0.50 Vegetation, Average (1 - 3% slope) 0.20
Roof, Garden Roof (10 - 20 cm) 0.30 Vegetation, Hilly (3 - 10% slope) 0.25
Roof, Garden Roof (21 - 50 cm) 0.20 Vegetation, Steep (> 10% slope) 0.30
Roof, Garden Roof (> 50 in) 0.10

Canada Green Building Council

94
To reduce imperviousness, concrete
sidewalks and asphalt parking lots can
be substituted with pervious paving and
vegetation in some areas. The building
footprint is reduced and garden roofs
are applied to reduce roof runoff.
Next, calculations are done for the
baseline case or the existing site
conditions (see Table 3). The original
use of the site was for parking and, thus,
the entire site was paved with concrete
pavement.
The calculations demonstrate that the
design case has an imperviousness
of 47% and the baseline case has
an imperviousness of 95%—a 50%
reduction that exceeds the 25% required,
thus earning one point.
Calculations for Credit 6.2
In most cases where projects choose to
utilize standard EPA or local BMPs, no
calculations are required to demonstrate
compliance with the requirements of
Credit 6.2. In instances where designs SS WE EA MR EQ ID
far different than accepted BMPs have
been developed and implemented, Credit 6
the LEED Letter Template along with
detailed engineering calculations may
be required to demonstrate the TSS
and phosphorus reductions that will be
achieved.
Resources
Resources for Credit 6.2
Below is a summary of stormwater best
management practices from the EPA’s
Guidance Specifying Management
Measures for Sources of Non-point
Pollution in Coastal Waters. For more
information about this document, see
Summary of Referenced Standard
earlier in this Credit.
• Infiltration Basins and Trenches are
devices used to encourage subsurface
infiltration of runoff volumes through
temporary surface storage. Basins are

Table 2: Design Case Imperviousness Runoff

Runoff Impervious
Surface Type Area
Coefficient Area
[m2] [m2]
Pavement, Asphalt 0.95 472 448
Pavement, Pervious 0.60 125 75
Roof, Garden Roof (10 - 20cm) 0.30 766 230
Vegetation, Average (1 -3% slope) 0.20 419 84
TOTAL AREA 1782

TOTAL IMPERVIOUS AREA 837

IMPERVIOUSNESS 55%
Table 3: Baseline Case Imperviousness

Runoff Impervious
Surface Type Area
Coefficient Area
[m2] [m2]

Pavement, Concrete 0.95 1781 1692

TOTAL AREA 1781

TOTAL IMPERVIOUS AREA 1692

IMPERVIOUSNESS 95%

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

95
SS WE EA MR EQ ID ponds that can store large volumes
of stormwater. They need to drain
Credit 6 within 72 hours to maintain aerobic
conditions and to be available for
the next storm event. Trenches are
similar to infiltration basins except
that they are shallower and function as
a subsurface reservoir for stormwater
volumes. Pretreatment to remove
sediment and oil may be necessary to
avoid clogging of infiltration devices.
Infiltration trenches are more common
in areas where infiltration basins are
not possible due to soil percolation
conditions.
• Porous Pavement and Permeable
Surfaces are used to create permeable
surfaces that allow runoff to infiltrate
into the subsurface. These surfaces
are typically maintained with a
vacuuming regime to avoid potential
clogging and failure problems.
• Vegetated Filter Strips and Grassed
Swales utilize vegetation to filter
sedimentandpollutantsfromstormwater.
Strips are appropriate for treating low-
velocity surface sheet flows in areas
where runoff is not concentrated. They
are often used as pretreatment for other
stormwater measures such as infiltration
basins and trenches. Swales consist of
a trench or ditch with vegetation and
require occasional mowing. They also
encourage subsurface infiltration, similar
to infiltration basins and trenches.
• Filtration Basins remove sediment

Table 4: EPA Best Management Practices

Removal
Practice Advantages Disadvantages
Efficiency [%]
TSS TP
(req. 80%) (req. 40%)

Infiltration Basins & Provides groundwater recharge, high Requires permeable soils, high 50 to 100 50 to 100
Infiltration Trenches removal efficiency, provides habitat potential for failure, requires
maintenance

Porous Pavement Provides groundwater recharge, no Requires permeable soils, not 60 to 90 60 to 90

space requirement, high removal suitable for high-traffic areas, high
efficiency potential for failure, requires
maintenance

Vegetated Filter Strips Low maintenance, good for low- Not appropriate for high-velocity 40 to 90 30 to 80
velocity flows, provides habitat, flows, requires periodic repair and
economical reconstruction

Grassy Swales Small land requirements, can replace Low removal efficiency 20 to 40 20 to 40
curb and gutter infrastructure,
economical

Filtration Basins Provides groundwater recharge, peak Requires pretreatment to avoid 60 to 90 0 to 80

volume control clogging

Constructed Wetlands Good for large developments, peak Not economical for small 50 to 90 0 to 80
volume control, high removal developments, requires maintenance,
efficiency, aesthetic value significant space requirements

Dry Ponds Peak flow control, less space and Space, maintenance, limited soil groups 70 to 90 10 to 60
cost vs. wet pond

Wet Ponds Peak flow control, prevents scour Space, cost, maintenance, limited 50 to 90 20 to 90
and resuspension soil groups

Source: EPA840B92002 Tables 4-5 and 4-7

Canada Green Building Council

96
 and pollutants from stormwater runoff
using a filter media such as sand or
gravel. A sediment trap is usually
included to remove sediment from
stormwater before filtering to avoid
clogging.
• Constructed Wetlands are engineered
systems that are designed to mimic
natural wetland treatment properties.
Advanced designs incorporate a
wide variety of wetland trees, shrubs,
and plants while basic systems only
include a limited number of vegetation
types.
• Detention Ponds capture stormwater
runoff and allow pollutants to drop
out before release to a stormwater or
water body. A variety of detention
pond designs are available, with some
utilizing only gravity while others use
mechanical equipment such as pipes
and pumps to facilitate transport.
Some ponds are dry except during
storm events; others permanently
store water volumes.
Table 4 highlights the advantages,
disadvantages and removal efficiency
rates for the above stormwater control
practices.
Other technologies may also satisfy the
Credit’s performance requirements.
Resources
Web Sites
Non Structural Measures – Storm
Water Management. The Management
of Water. Environment Canada.
Site: http://www.ec.gc.ca/water/en/
manage/floodgen/e_mngt.htm
The Health of Our Water: Toward
Sustainable Agriculture, Agriculture
and Agrifood Canada, Research Branch:
General information on surface water
quality, ecological issues and protecting
water quality. SS WE EA MR EQ ID
Site: http://res2.agr.ca/research-
recherche/science/Healthy_Water/ Credit 6
e10g2.html
Definitions
Constructed Wetland: An engineered
system designed to simulate natural
wetland functions for water purification.
Constructed wetlands are essentially
treatment systems that remove
contaminants from wastewaters.
Impervious Surfaces: Surfaces that
promote runoff of precipitation volumes
instead of infiltration into the subsurface.
The imperviousness or degree of runoff
potential can be estimated for different
surface materials.
Stormwater Runoff: Water volumes
that are created during precipitation
events and flow over surfaces into
sewer systems or receiving waters.
All precipitation waters that leave
project site boundaries on the surface
are considered to be stormwater runoff
volumes.
Total Phosphorous (TP): Organically
bound phosphates, poly-phosphates
and orthophosphates in stormwater,
the majority of which originates
from fertilizer application. Chemical
precipitation is the typical removal
mechanism for phosphorous.
Total Suspended Solids (TSS):
Particles or flocs that are too small or
light to be removed from stormwater
via gravity settling. Suspended solid
concentrations are typically removed
via filtration.
Regional Variations
This Sub-Credit retains the reference
to the US EPA’s Guidance Specifying
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
97
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Management Measures for Sources of
Non-point Pollution in Coastal Waters,
Credit 6 EPA Document no. EPA 840-B-93-
001c.
Regional districts and municipalities
throughout Canada are in the early
stages of developing comprehensive
local stormwater standards, and the
EPA document is a useful basis to begin
developing standards.
If local stormwater control standards
and codes are used, applicants or those
developing regional LEED Application
Guides must make the case that they are
equal or more stringent than the EPA
standard.

Case Study

Burnaby Mountain Secondary School

Burnaby, BC
Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden Architects and
Cornerstone, 2000

The Burnaby Mountain Secondary School is located

Photo credit: Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden Architects
on a sensitive site near a forest and creek in Burnaby,
BC. The project not only delivered a cost effective and
environmentally responsible new high school but also
improved the local habitat through an effective stormwater
management plan. In order to enhance the fish habitat of
local Stoney Creek, run-off water is filtered through a
series of swales and ponds. Surface water from the site is
directed towards biofiltration swales which contain a soil
mix designed for slow percolation. The water is further
cleansed by the grasses, reeds, and shrubs contained in the
biofiltration ponds in the north and south before flowing
into Stoney Creek.

Canada Green Building Council

98
 SS WE EA MR EQ ID

Credit 6

Case Study

Terasen (formerly BC Gas) Operations Centre

Surrey, British Columbia
Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership

The Terasen Operations Centre is a 16,700m2 post disaster

office facility, located on a campus with a training centre
and stores building; parking totals 600 cars. The buildings Photo credit: Nic Lehoux

are oriented to maximize useable site area, break up

large floor plates and minimize exposure to low-angle
east and west sunlight. The site is immediately south
of a conservation area that includes a salmon stream.
Rainwater from the roof is drained externally and flows
directly into surface channels that direct the water to a
surface storage pond that is used for emergency water (to
charge sprinklers after a seismic event). Stormwater from
the parking area is collected in bioswales with plants
selected to purify the runoff. It is collected in a pipe that
directs the water across the road and discharges it into
a constructed wetland stream, which meanders down
to the pond referred to above. There is provision for
overflow to go directly in to the municipal storm system.
The additional costs of the landscaping were offset by
eliminating civil pipes and manholes.

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

99
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Heat Island Effect: Non-Roof
Credit 7.1 Intent
Reduce heat islands (thermal gradient differences between developed and
1 Point undeveloped areas) to minimize impact on microclimate and human and wildlife
habitat.

Requirements
Provide shade (within 5 years) and/or use light-colored/high-albedo materials
(reflectance of at least 0.3) and/or open grid pavement for at least 30% of the site’s
non-roof impervious surfaces, including parking lots, walkways, plazas, etc.;
OR,
Place a minimum of 50% of parking spaces underground or covered by structured
parking;
OR
Use an open-grid pavement system (less than 50% impervious) for a minimum of
50% of the parking lot area.

Submittals
Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the architect or responsible party,
referencing the site plan to demonstrate areas of paving, landscaping (list species)
and building footprint, and declaring that:

A minimum of 30% of non-roof impervious surfaces areas are constructed
with high-albedo materials and/or open grid pavement and/or will be shaded
within five years
OR,

A minimum of 50% of parking spaces have been placed underground or are
covered by structured parking
OR,

An open-grid pavement system (less than 50% impervious) has been used
for a minimum of 50% of the parking lot area.
If an audit of this Credit is requested during the certification process:

Provide drawings highlighting all non-roof impervious surfaces and portions
of these surfaces that will be shaded within five years. Include calculations
demonstrating that a minimum of 30% of non-roof impervious surfaces
areas will be shaded within five years.
OR,

Provide specifications and cut sheets for high-albedo materials applied
to non-roof impervious surfaces highlighting reflectance of the installed
materials.
OR,

Provide drawings and cut sheets for a pervious paving system with a
minimum perviousness of 50%. Include calculations demonstrating that
paving system covers a minimum of 50% of the total parking area.

Canada Green Building Council

100
Interpretation SS WE EA MR EQ ID
• The reflectance and emittance of all applicable materials must be adequately Credit 7.1
documented to earn this Credit.
• Although the reflectance value of a material specified may be below the minimum 1 Point
level required by the Credit, the area of coverage can be increased beyond the
minimum of 30% so that the weighted area average of the net reflectivity exceeds
that of the minimum performance requirement.
• Shading of non-roof impervious site surfaces is calculated on June 21 at solar
noon, so trees located outside the impervious surfaces will cast minimal shade
onto the impervious surfaces.
• It is possible to combine the effects of different measures, but it is incumbent on
the applicant to provide the CaGBC with a detailed calculation and supporting
sketches to capture the point.
• Shading contributions by landscape are accepted in energy modeling performed
for LEED Canada-NC 1.0 EAp2 and EAc1. The modeler should include the
differences between the Budget and Proposed cases as appropriate in the
Submittal table of model variables. It is incumbent on the modeler to describe
assumptions such as the tree species, canopy size, opacity, etc. used to model the
shading effects.
• Shading of impervious surfaces by the building (eg., parking on the north side
of the building) can be counted using the shading calculation on June 21st solar
noon.

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

101
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Heat Island Effect: Roof
Credit 7.2 Intent
Reduce heat islands (thermal gradient differences between developed and
1 Point undeveloped areas) to minimize impact on microclimate and human and wildlife
habitat.

Requirements
Use ENERGY STAR® compliant (highly reflective) AND high emissivity roofing
(emissivity of at least 0.9 when tested in accordance with ASTM 408) for a
minimum of 75% of the roof surface;
OR,
Install a “green” (vegetated) roof for at least 50% of the roof area.
Combinations of high albedo and vegetated roof can be used but they must
collectively provide an effective area equal or greater than the 75% coverage
that would be provided by a reflective roof alone but accounting for the relative
weighted contributions

Submittals

Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the architect or responsible
party, referencing the building plan and declaring that the roofing materials
comply with the ENERGY STAR® Label requirements and have a minimum
emissivity of 0.9. Demonstrate that high-albedo and vegetated roof areas
combined constitute at least 75% of the total roof area.
OR,

Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the architect or responsible
party, referencing the building plan and demonstrating that vegetated roof
areas constitute at least 50% of the total roof area.
OR,

Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the architect, civil engineer
or responsible party, referencing the building plan and demonstrating that
combined vegetated roof areas and high albedo surfaces are equivalent to at
least 75% of the total roof area using a high albedo surface.
If an audit of this Credit is requested during the certification process:

Provide specifications and cut sheets highlighting roofing materials that
are Energy Star labeled, with a minimum initial reflectance of 0.65, and a
minimum three-year-aged reflectance of 0.5, and a minimum emissivity of
0.9. Include area calculations demonstrating that the roofing material covers
a minimum of 75% of the total roof area.
OR,

Provide specifications and cut sheets highlighting a green vegetated roof
system. Include area calculations demonstrating that the roof system covers
a minimum of 50% of the total roof area.
OR

Provide specifications and cut sheets highlighting reflective, roofing
materials and green vegetated roof system that collectively meet the Credit

Canada Green Building Council

102
 requirement. Include area calculations demonstrating that the combined roof SS WE EA MR EQ ID
system provides an equivalent minimum area to the 75% coverage using a
high albedo surface. Credit 7.2
Summary of Referenced Standards 1 Point
• ASTM E408-71(1996)e1—Standard Test Methods for Total Normal Emittance
of Surfaces Using Inspection-Meter Techniques: This standard describes how
to measure total normal emittance of surfaces using a portable inspection-
meter instrument. The test methods are intended for large surfaces where non-
destructive testing is required. See the standard for testing steps and a discussion
of thermal emittance theory.
Site: www.astm.org, (610) 832-9585
• ASTM E903-96—Standard Test Method for Solar Absorptance, Reflectance,
and Transmittance of Materials Using Integrating Spheres: Referenced in the
ENERGY STAR roofing standard, this test method uses spectrophotometers and
need only be applied for initial reflectance measurement. Methods of computing
solar-weighted properties from the measured spectral values are specified. This
test method is applicable to materials having both specular and diffuse optical
properties. Except for transmitting sheet materials that are inhomogeneous,
patterned, or corrugated, this test method is preferred over Test Method E1084.
The ENERGY STAR roofing standard also allows the use of reflectometers to
measure solar reflectance of roofing materials. See the roofing standard for more
details.
Site: www.astm.org, (610) 832-9585
• EPA Energy Star Roofing Guidelines: The EPA’s ENERGY STAR program
allows for voluntary partnerships between the U.S. Department of Energy, the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, product manufacturers, local utilities,
and retailers. ENERGY STAR is dedicated to promoting energy efficiency,
reducing air pollution, and saving money for businesses and residences through
decreased energy use. In addition to several other building product categories,
the ENERGY STAR program identifies roofing products that reduce the amount
of air-conditioning needed in buildings, and can reduce energy bills by up to 50%
(source: EPA). Roofing products with the ENERGY STAR logo meet the EPA
criteria for reflectivity and reliability. Roof solar reflectance requirements for
ENERGY STAR roofing products are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1: EPA ENERGY STAR Roof Criteria

Initial Solar 3-Year Solar

Roof Type Slope Reflectance Reflectance
Low-Slope Roof ≤ 2:12 0.65 or greater 0.50 or greater
Steep-Slope Roof > 2:12 0.25 or greater 0.15 or greater

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

103
SS WE EA MR EQ ID a. Roof products include single-ply membranes, built-up roof surfaces, asphalt
shingles, metal roof tiles, and roof coatings.
Credit 7.2 b. Following this recommendation will provide the greatest benefit where cooling
energy costs exceed heating costs.
1 Point c. Solar reflectance, (or Solar Reflectivity or albedo), is the fraction of incoming
direct and diffuse solar radiation reflected by a surface. Materials with high
solar reflectance values absorb less of the sun’s energy and therefore stay cooler,
reducing daytime air conditioning requirements.
d. To receive these solar reflectance ratings, roof products must be tested when new
and after three years of exposure, according to ASTM E-903 and the Energy
Star Roof Products Memorandum of Understanding. Initial reflectance may
decrease over time, depending on the product, due to aging, dirt, and microbial
accumulation.
e. For products that can be installed on both low- and high-slope roofs,
“low-slope” guidelines should be followed.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star® Program,
www.energystar.gov, (888) 782-7937

Interpretation
• Skylights, parapets and equipment are excluded from the calculation. The only
portion of the roof under consideration is the area covered by the membrane and
the vegetated roofing.
• While design strategies that offer permanent shading of direct solar gain meet
the intent of SSc7.2, there is no way to ensure that surrounding buildings that
offer shade of a roof will remain in place for the life of the roofing product
that is installed. Therefore Credit achievement is not possible for these shading
effects.
• ASTM C1371 will not be accepted in place of ASTM E408 to test emissivity.
To meet the requirements, 75% of the roofing material must meet both the
reflectivity requirements of Energy Star based on testing using ASTM E903 and
the 0.9 emissivity requirement based on ASTM E408 testing. The metrics used
for this Credit are currently being reviewed for potential revision in Version 2.2.
Until a revised requirement is approved through CaGBC membership ballot, the
current Credit language must be followed. Documentation provided to support
achievement of this Credit must indicate both the emissivity value and testing
method used. If the cut sheet includes this information, then it is sufficient for
LEED submittal.
• LEED language requires an emissivity of at least 0.9; therefore rounding up
from a lower value is not allowed. To meet the requirements, 75% of the roofing
material must meet both the reflectivity requirements of Energy Star based on
testing using ASTM E903 and the 0.9 emissivity requirement based on ASTM
E408 testing.
• It is acceptable to take a weighted average of emissivity for single or multiple
roofing products by area (effectively allowing less emissive products). Similarly,
the reflectance minimum weighted average can be calculated by applying the
minimum reflectance of the roof (0.65) and multiplying it by the percentage of

Canada Green Building Council

104
 roof it covers (75% min.). This calculation results yields a baseline reflectivity SS WE EA MR EQ ID
average of 0.4875. If the project’s calculation results in a value greater than .4875
then the overall reflectance criteria would be satisfied. Credit 7.2
• The contribution of planters to reduced heat island effect is a direct result of
the vegetation they contain, so application documents must demonstrate that the 1 Point
planters are indeed vegetated. In addition, any trees planted on roofs can count
towards the green roof area calculation. The area would be the shade coverage
provided by these trees after five years on the roof surfaces on June 21 at noon
solar time to determine the maximum shading effect.
• Balconies are to be included in roof areas, however, if the balcony covers a
balcony below this area or an area of roof below the area below is excluded as
roof area as they are shaded by the balcony area above.

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

105
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Green Building Concerns
Credit 7 As the built environment grows
and replaces natural settings, it also
relinquishes associated ecological
Credit Synergies services. Vegetation cools the
area surrounding it via shade and
SS Prerequisite 1 evapotranspiration. The use of dark,
Erosion & Sedimentation non-reflective surfaces for parking,
Control
roofs, walkways and other surfaces
SS Credit 1 contributes to heat island effects created
Site Selection
when heat from the sun is absorbed and
SS Credit 2 radiated back to surrounding areas.
Development Density
As a result of heat island effects,
SS Credit 4
ambient temperatures in urban areas
Alternative Transportation
can be artificially elevated by more
SS Credit 5 than 5.5 ºC (10 ºF) when compared with
Reduced Site Disturbance surrounding suburban and undeveloped
SS Credit 6 areas. This results in increased cooling
Stormwater Management loads in the summer, requiring larger
HVAC equipment and energy for
WE Credit 1
Water Efficient building operations. Heat island effects
Landscaping can be mitigated through the application
of shading and the use of materials
EA Credit 1
that reflect the sun’s heat instead of
Optimize Energy
Performance absorbing it.
MR Credit 1 Figure 1 illustrates heat island effects
Building Reuse in various cities throughout Canada.
MR Credit 8 The greater amount of cooling degree-
Durable Building days in urban locations means that air-
conditioning systems must work harder
EQ Credit 7
Thermal Comfort and use more energy to maintain thermal
comfort in buildings.
Environmental Issues
Heat island effects are detrimental to
site habitat, wildlife and migration
corridors. Plants and animals are
sensitive to higher temperatures
and may not thrive in areas that are
unnaturally hot. Reduction of heat
island effect minimizes disturbance of
local microclimates. This can reduce
summer cooling loads that in turn
reduce energy use and infrastructure
requirements.
Economic Issues
Reduction in heat islands lowers the cost
of cooling and HVAC equipment needs.
Energy to cool buildings is a substantial
cost over a building’s lifetime.
Higher initial costs may result from
installation of additional trees and
architectural shading devices. However,
these items have an acceptable payback
when integrated into a whole systems
approach that maximizes energy
savings.
Design Approach
Strategies
Shade constructed surfaces (e.g. roof,
roads and sidewalks) on the site with
landscape features and minimize the
overall building footprint. Consider

Figure 1: Heat Island Effects in Various Cities Throughout Canada

Vancouver
Calgary
Winnipeg
Toronto
Montréal
Halifax

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Increase in Cooling Degree Days

Canada Green Building Council

106
replacing constructed surfaces with
vegetated and/or permeable surfaces
such as garden roofs and open grid
paving or specify high-albedo materials
to reduce heat absorption.
Technologies
Non-Roof
Paving materials generally exhibit low
reflectance:
• Asphalt’s reflectance ranges from
0.05 to 0.10 when new and 0.10 to
0.15 when weathered.
• Standard grey-cement concrete
reflectance is 0.35 to 0.40 when new
and 0.20 to 0.30 when weathered.
• White-cement concrete reflectance is
0.70 to 0.80 when new and 0.40 to
0.60 when weathered and, as such,
does not meet the requirements of this
Credit.
Note that the stated reflectance
values are for pavements created in a
laboratory. Concrete made with white
cement may cost up to twice as much
as that made with grey cement. Some
blended cements (e.g., slag cements)
are very light in color and cost the same
as grey cement. Because pavement is
ubiquitous, even a small improvement
in albedo can make an impact.
Coatings and integral colorants can be
used in parking surfaces to improve
solar reflectance. If reflective coatings,
light concrete or gravel cannot be used,
consider an open-grid paving system
that increases perviousness by at least
50%, which remains cooler because of
evaporation.
Vegetation can shade buildings and
pavements from solar radiation and
cool the air through evapotranspiration.
Provide shade using native or climate-
tolerant trees, large shrubs and non-
invasive vines. Trellises and other SS WE EA MR EQ ID
exterior structures can support
vegetation shade on parking lots, Credit 7
walkways and plazas. Deciduous trees
allow buildings to benefit from solar
heat gain during the winter months.
On site locations where tree planting
is not possible, use architectural
shading devices to block direct sunlight
radiance.
Roof
To maximize energy savings and
minimize heat island effects, materials
must exhibit a high solar reflectance and
a high thermal emissivity over the life
of the product. Read the manufacturer’s
data when selecting a product based on a
material’s reflective properties. Not all
manufacturers conduct solar reflectance
and thermal emittance testing as a
matter of course, although research on
urban heat islands has helped to expose
the problem and encourage such testing.
Far more often, manufacturers measure
visible reflectance.
Visible reflectance correlates to solar
reflectance, but the two quantities are not
equal because solar gain covers a wider
range of wavelengths than visible light.
A material that exhibits a high visible
reflectance usually has a slightly lower
solar reflectance. For example, a good
white coating with a visible reflectance
of 0.8 typically has a solar reflectance
of 0.7. Therefore, it is necessary to
measure the solar reflectance of the
material even if the visible reflectance
is known.
The ENERGY STAR® website lists
compliant roofing products and cross-
reference with the emissivity data
on the Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratory’s Cool Roofing Materials
Database.
Table 2 provides example values to
give a general idea of initial solar
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
107
SS WE EA MR EQ ID reflectance and infrared emittance for
common roofing materials. Typically,
Credit 7 white roofing products exhibit better
performance characteristics than
nonwhite products. Performance varies
by roofing material as well as brand.
The information below is a summary of
relevant information from the Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory’s Cool
Roofing Materials Database:
• Asphalt Roofing exhibits rather low
reflectance. Premium white shingles
are only about 30% reflective, and
other colors reflect less. Thermal
emittance is generally high. Thus,
white asphalt roofing might achieve
Credit requirements for a steep-slope
application.
• Coatings contain transparent poly-
meric materials and a white pigment
to make them opaque and reflective.
White coatings typically reflect 65%
or more of the sun’s energy and protect
the polymer material and/or substrate
underneath from UV damage. Coatings
are applied in thicknesses of at least 20
mils (for maximum reflectance), and
up to 50 mils (for greater durability).
Reflectivity performance will benefit
from occasional cleaning. Tinted
(coloured) coatings cost more and
reflect less sunlight.
• Garden Roofs minimize heat island
effects and have aesthetic value.
Garden roofs or green roofs are
vegetated surfaces that capture
Table 2: Cool Roofing Materials
Roofing Material
Coating, White
Membrane, White
Concrete Tile, White
Source: LBNL Cool Roofing Materials Database: eetd.lbl.gov/CoolRoofs
Note: This table shows common or possible values. Values vary per specific brand and product.
Canada Green Building Council
108
rainwater and return a portion of
it back to the atmosphere through
evapotranspiration, which cools
trees and the surrounding air.
Vegetation experiences lower peak
temperatures—60 to 100 degrees
Fahrenheit compared to 190 degrees
on traditional rooftops—because
it contains moisture. Garden roofs
can potentially save energy used for
heating and cooling. Some garden
roofs require plant maintenance and
are considered active gardens, while
other garden roofs have grasses and
plants that require no maintenance
or watering. All types of garden
roofs require periodic inspection
but typically have longer lifetimes
than conventional roofs because the
underlying waterproof membrane is
shielded from the effects of ultraviolet
radiation and weather.
• Membrane Roofing is fabricated from
strong, flexible, waterproof materials.
There are four types of cool roofing
membranes: EPDM, CSPE, PVC and
TPO. These membranes typically
exhibit solar reflectance of 0.75. When
a dark membrane (or other roofing
such as modified bitumen) is surfaced
with roofing granules such as gravel,
the roof has the solar reflectance of
asphalt shingles, which is quite low.
• Metal Roofing is typically steel or
aluminum based, although there is
still a small amount of copper and tin
roofing used today. Bare and coated
Initial Solar Infrared
Reflectance Emittance
0.75 0.80 - 0.90
0.75 0.80 - 0.90
0.73 0.80 - 0.90
 metal roofing products typically have
a solar reflectance of 60% to 80%, and
a low thermal emittance.
Synergies and Trade-Offs
Site selection and site planning have
a significant effect on urban heat
islands. Shading from evergreen trees
and architectural shading devices may
interfere with possible solar benefits.
Deciduous trees will allow for solar
heat gain during the winter months.
Shading strategies should be integrated
with solar strategies such as daylighting,
solar heating and photovoltaic cells.
Garden roofs reduce stormwater
volumes that may be collected for
non-potable purposes. If water reuse
and garden roof strategies are applied
together, it is necessary to perform
a water balance to determine the
estimated volumes of water available
for reuse. Stormwater runoff volumes
from garden roofs depend on the local
climate, depth of soil, type of plants
used and other variables. However,
all garden roofs decrease stormwater
volumes substantially.
Light-colored pavements may create
glare from reflection, posing a hazard
to vehicle traffic and annoyance for
building occupants. Buildings in very
cold climates may not experience year-
round energy benefits from reflective
roofing and other surfaces, due to
the inverse impact that lower heat
absorptivity and higher emittance have
on heating energy needs. Increasing
the reflectance of a roof reduces
annual cooling energy use in almost all
climates.
Calculations
The following calculation methodology
is used to support the Credit submittals
listed on the first page of this Credit.
Shading of Non-Roof Impervious SS WE EA MR EQ ID
Surfaces
1. Identify all non-roof impervious Credit 7
surfaces on the project site and sum
the total area.
2. Identify all trees that contribute shade
to non-roof impervious surfaces.
Calculate the shade coverage provided
by these trees after five years on the
non-roof impervious surfaces on June
21 at noon solar time to determine
the maximum shading effect. Add
the total area of shade provided for
non-roof impervious surfaces.
3. Shade must be provided for at least
30% of non-roof impervious surfaces
to earn this point (see Equation 1).
Impervious Surface Calculations
1. Calculate the total parking lot area
of the project. Parking lots include
parking spaces exposed to the sun
and driving lanes. Exclude parking
spaces that do not receive direct
sun (e.g., underground parking and
stacked parking spaces), sidewalks,
roadways and other impervious
surfaces that cannot support vehicle
loads.
2. Calculate the parking area that is
designed with pervious paving
materials.
3. A minimum of 50% of the total
parking area must be comprised of
paving materials that exhibit less than
50% imperviousness (see Equation
2).
Vegetated Roof Calculations
1. Calculate the total roof area of the
project. Deduct areas with equipment
and other appurtenances.
2. Calculate the area of roof that is
surfaced with a vegetated roof
system.
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
109
SS WE EA MR EQ ID 3. Calculate the percentage of the total
roof area that is covered with a green
Credit 7 vegetated roof system (see Equation
3).
Combined Reflective/Low Emittance
and Vegetated Green Roof
The first two alternate requirements for
SSc7.2 are a reflective/low emittance
roof covering a minimum of 75% of
the total roof area or a vegetated green
roof covering 50%. As such, these two
strategies are not weighted equally, e.g.,
a vegetated green roof is weighted 1.5
greater than a reflective/low emittance
roof. This principle is applied to the
use of the combined reflective/low
emittance and vegetated green roof
compliance path. The requirement is
not for a minimum 75% actual roof area
covered by the combined strategies, but
a combined effective area equal to the
75% coverage that would be provided
by a reflective roof alone but accounting
for the relative weighted contributions.
Equation 4 describes the method to
establish the minimum areas of Green
Roof and Reflective Roof.
For example, if the total roof area is
1000m2, and 400m2 were designed
as a green roof, the area of reflective
roof required to meet the Credit would
be 150m2. The total area of treated
roof is (400 + 150) or 550m2 which,
although less than 75% coverage, has
the effective coverage equal to 75%
coverage of a reflective roof alone.
If the Area of Green Roof is zero, the
Area of Reflective Roof is 750m2 (as
required by the first compliance path).
Similarly, if the Area of Reflective Roof
area is zero, the minimum required Area
of Green Roof is 500m2 (as required by
the second compliance path).
Resources
Web Sites
American Concrete Pavement Asso-
ciation: See R&T Update #3.05, June
2002, “Albedo: A Measure of Pavement
Surface Reflectance,” www.pavement.
com/techserv/RT3.05.pdf, for reflectan-
ce data and related information.
Site: www.pavement.com
Cool Roof Rating Council: Created in
1998 to develop accurate and credible
methods for evaluating and labeling the
solar reflectance and thermal emittance
(radiative properties) of roofing products
and to disseminate the information to
all interested parties.
Site: www.coolroofs.org
ENERGY STAR® Roofing Products:
Provides solar reflectance levels
required to meet U.S. EPA Energy
Star labeling requirements, a list of

Equation 1:
Shaded Impervious Area [m2 ]
Shade [%] =
Total Impervious Area [m2 ]
Equation 2:
Pervious [%] = Pervious Parking Area [m ]
2

Portion Total Parking Area [m2 ]

Equation 3:
Vegetated Vegetated Roof Area [m2 ]
[%] =
Roof Total Roof Area [m2 ]
Equation 4:

(1.5 x Area of Green Roof) + Area of Reflective Roof

= 0.75 x Total Roof Area Area

Canada Green Building Council

110
compliant products (by manufacturer) Solar Reflectance (or albedo): The SS WE EA MR EQ ID
for low-slope and steep-slope roofs, and ratio of the reflected solar energy
additional information. to the incoming solar energy over Credit 7
Site: www.energystar.gov wavelengths of approximately 0.3 to
2.5 micrometers. A reflectance of 100%
Greenroofs.com: An independent means that all of the energy striking a
clearinghouse for information about reflecting surface is reflected back into
vegetated roofs. the atmosphere and none of the energy
Site: www.greenroofs.com is absorbed by the surface. The best
standard technique for its determination
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab-
uses spectro-photometric measurements
oratory Heat Island Group: Research
with an integrating sphere to determine
on the effects of heat islands and
the reflectance at each different
provides specific information and data
wavelength. An averaging process
on roofing materials. For reflectance
using a standard solar spectrum then
and emissivity data, see eetd.lbl.gov/
determines the average reflectance (see
CoolRoofs.
ASTM Standard E903).
Site: eetd.lbl.gov/HeatIsland/graphic
Underground Parking: A“tuck-under”
or stacked parking structure that reduces
Definitions the exposed parking surface area.
Heat Island Effect: Condition when
warmer temperatures are experienced in Regional Variations
urban landscapes compared to adjacent
The requirements of this Credit are
rural areas as a result of solar energy
universally applicable across Canada.
retention on constructed surfaces.
Principal surfaces that contribute to
the heat island effect include streets,
sidewalks, parking lots and buildings.
Infrared or Thermal Emittance:
A parameter between 0 and 1 (or 0%
and 100%) that indicates the ability of
a material to shed infrared radiation
(heat). The wavelength range for
this radiant energy is roughly 3 to 40
micrometers. Most building materials
(including glass) are opaque in this part
of the spectrum, and have an emittance
of roughly 0.9. Materials such as clean,
bare metals are the most important
exceptions to the 0.9 rule. Thus clean,
untarnished galvanized steel has low
emittance, and aluminum roof coatings
have intermediate emittance levels.
Open-Grid Pavement: Defined for
LEED purposes as pavement that is less
than 50% impervious.

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

111
SS WE EA MR EQ ID

Credit 7

Case Study

Mountain Equipment Co-op, Toronto Store

Toronto, Ontario
Stone Kohn McGuire Vogt Architects, 1998

The Toronto branch of Mountain Equipment Co-op is

located on King Street West in the city’s busy downtown.
While the store showcases many environmentally sensitive Photo credit: Ray Cole
features, its most distinctive attribute is not visible from
street level. Three stories up, a roof garden full of hardy
and drought resistant plants has been established in order
to ease the demand on city sewers and sanitation as well as
reduce the heat island effect. The roof uses the Sopranature
system consisting of an insulation layer, waterproofing
membrane, drainage layer, filter, and growing medium.
Twenty-five percent of the roof plants are indigenous to
the area and all plants have low nutrient requirements, are
low growing, shallow rooted, resistant to heavy winds,
and fast growing but non-invasive. Termed an “extensive”
green roof, the growing medium is a shallow 127mm (5
inches), meaning that it is lightweight, low cost, and low
maintenance.

Canada Green Building Council

112
Light Pollution Reduction SS WE EA MR EQ ID

Intent Credit 8
Eliminate light trespass from the building and site, improve night sky access and
reduce development impact on nocturnal environments. 1 Point

Requirements
Meet or provide lower light levels and uniformity ratios than those recommended
by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) Recommended
Practice Manual: Lighting for Exterior Environments (RP-33-99); AND
Design exterior lighting such that all exterior luminaires with more than 1000
initial lamp lumens are shielded and all luminaires with more than 3500 initial
lamp lumens meet the Full Cutoff IESNA Classification; AND
The maximum candela value of all interior lighting shall fall within the building
(not out through windows) and the maximum candela value of all exterior lighting
shall fall within the property; AND
Any luminaire within a distance of 2.5 times its mounting height from the property
boundary shall have shielding such that no light from that luminaire crosses the
property boundary.

Submittals

Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by a lighting designer or an
appropriate party, declaring that the Credit requirements have been met.
If an audit of this Credit is requested during the certification process:

Provide a brief exterior lighting design narrative demonstrating the lighting
objectives and measures that prevent any direct-beam illumination from
leaving the building site.

Provide an exterior lighting design plan that illustrates the location of all
lighting fixtures and the features they are to light.

Demonstrate that the design will use diffuse or muted light, will meet the
IESNA illuminance values measured at eye height, and not create glare or
direct lighting onto neighboring property, streets or the night sky.

Summary of Referenced Standard

IESNA Recommended Practice Manual: Lighting for Exterior Environments
(IESNA RP-33-99): This standard provides general exterior lighting design
guidance and acts as a link to other IESNA outdoor lighting Recommended
Practices (RPs). IESNA RP documents address the lighting of different types
of environments. RP-33 was developed to augment other RPs with subjects not
otherwise covered and is especially helpful in the establishment of community
lighting themes and in defining appropriate light trespass limitations based on
environmental area classifications. RP-33 addresses visual issues such as glare,
luminance, visual acuity and illuminance. Also covered are exterior lighting design
issues including community-responsive design, lighting ordinances, luminaire
classification, structure lighting, and hardscape and softscape lighting. Light level

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

113
SS WE EA MR EQ ID recommendations in RP-33 are lower than in many other RPs, since RP-33 was
written to address environmentally sensitive lighting.
Credit 8 Another useful Recommended Practice is RP-20-98, “Lighting for Parking
Facilities.” RP-20 discusses lighting design issues and makes light level
1 Point recommendations for open and covered parking facilities. Not all the light level
recommendations in the RP-20, or in any of the RPs, are appropriate for lighting
in environmentally sensitive areas, so it is important to try to use the lowest
recommended values. It is also important to recognize that, as a whole, different
IESNA RP documents are not in agreement on all lighting issues and many of the
RPs will be revised to include recommendations based on environmental zones.
The designer must interpret related documents to find a recommendation that uses
the lowest light levels while still addressing specific project issues. Table 1 provides
suggested light trespass limitations based on different types of environmental
zones. Luminance values are measured at the eye on a plane perpendicular to the
line-of-sight.

Interpretation
• Alternative compliance paths are possible. For example, in their Advanced
Lighting Guidelines – 2003 Edition, the New Buildings Institute states, “It may
be possible to reduce light pollution by using cutoff or semi-cutoff luminaires
spaces further apart than full cutoff luminaires can be spaced to achieve the
same uniformity.” If all other requirements of the SSc8 are met, and it can be
demonstrated that a proposed design produces no more upward light pollution
than the same design (same luminaire locations and lamping) using Full Cutoff
luminaires, then the Credit can be attained.
• LEED Canada-NC 1.0 allows some limited uplighting, primarily for the purposes
of lighting national or provincial flags at night.
• Since the light trespass limitations are different for four distinct environmental
zones, with the zone of high ambient brightness permitting wider latitude on
light trespass, applicants must clearly document that the building lies within a
specific zone. Simple qualitative descriptions such as “a downtown area with a
fair amount of ambient brightness” is not acceptable.
• In areas of high ambient brightness only, limited uplighting will be allowed if the
following conditions are met:
1. All Credit requirements are met, including full cut off luminaires for lamps
over 3500 initial lumens and shielding for those over 1000 initial lumens.
2. Lighting controls are used to turn off lighting after hours and/or during post
curfew periods. A plan should be developed to insure the use of the controls
(automated controls, etc.). Note that some landscape features such as trees and
plants (depending somewhat on the type of planting) require a rest from light.
3. Lighting controls are commissioned.
• In addition to the above conditions (and associated documentation), certain
additional information must be provided to demonstrate compliance with the
Credit intent:
1. The results of a light study that verifies the illumination intensity emitted
directly above the feature being lit (e.g. fountains and trees). If trees are being

Canada Green Building Council

114
 uplit, this study must verify the maximum light levels that will be produced SS WE EA MR EQ ID
when the trees have dropped all of their leaves.
2.A narrative describing how light levels and glare will be controlled around Credit 8
the trees in each of the seasons and listing the hours of intended uplighting
operation. 1 Point
3. A statement from the landscape architect indicating that the planned tree
lighting will not have adverse effects on the trees’ dormancy cycles.
4. Confirmation that the fixtures and lamps installed are the same as those
modeled.
• It is possible to meet this Credit with an uplit awning (e.g., uplight a translucent
awning at the entrance of the building). In such cases the design must ensure that
all direct beam illumination is captured by the awning, and calculations in RP-33
performed to demonstrate that the IESNA standards have been met.

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

115
SS WE EA MR EQ ID Green Building Concerns
Credit 8 Outdoor lighting is necessary for
illuminating connections between
buildings and support facilities such as
Credit Synergies sidewalks, parking lots, roadways and
community gathering places. However,
SS Credit 1 light trespass from poorly designed
Site Selection outdoor lighting systems can affect the
SS Credit 4 nocturnal ecosystem on the site, and
Alternative Transportation light pollution limits night sky access.
SS Credit 5 Through thoughtful design and careful
Reduced Site Disturbance
maintenance, outdoor lighting can
SS Credit 7 address night sky visibility issues and
Heat Island Effect site illumination requirements, while
EA Prerequisite 1 minimizing the negative impact on the
Fundamental Building environment.
Systems Commissioning
Environmental Benefits
EA Credit 1
Optimize Energy
Sensitively designed outdoor lighting
Performance can extend access and use of many areas
into the nighttime hours. We can gain a
EA Credit 3
unique appreciation for a place at night
Best Practice
Commissioning
because of sensitively and creatively
designed lighting systems. But any
EA Credit 5 time lighting is added to an exterior
Measurement and
environment, light pollution and the
Verification
potential for light trespass increase.
Even with the best full cutoff luminaires
and the lowest wattage lamp packages,
the added light will be reflected off
surfaces and into the atmosphere.
Using the minimum amount of lighting
equipment, limiting or eliminating all
landscape lighting, and avoiding light
pollution and trespass through the
careful selection of lighting equipment
and controls allow nocturnal life to
thrive while still providing for nighttime
activity.
Economic Benefits
Carefully designed exterior lighting
solutions can reduce infrastructure
costs and energy use when compared to
common practice solutions. Energy and
maintenance savings over the lifetime
of the project can be substantial.
Canada Green Building Council
116
Community Benefits
Minimizing light pollution and trespass
allows for night sky access by the
surrounding community. Another
key benefit is better visual comfort
and improved visibility. Sensitively
designed lighting systems that minimize
glare and provide more uniform light at
lower levels will help create aesthetically
pleasing environments that are safer
and more secure. A carefully designed
and maintained outdoor lighting system
can help a project be a non-intrusive
member of the community.
Design Approach
Strategies
• Eliminate all unshielded fixtures
(floodlights) on the project site.
• Interpret between existing standards
and design for the lowest possible
light levels while addressing safety,
security, access, way finding,
identification and aesthetics.
• Use IESNA designation “full cutoff”
luminaires for lamp packages with
more than 3500 initial lumens and
provide shielding for luminaires
with lamps having more than 1000
initial lumens. The shielding of
low brightness luminaires can vary
depending on the ambient brightness
of the surrounding environment and
on the type of environmental zone
(as described in IESNA RP-33-99)
that best describes the project. For
example, in sites where there is low
ambient brightness and there is a great
potential for glare and light trespass,
even sources with very low lumen
output may need to be fully shielded
to maintain the highest levels of
visual comfort. In these situations,
a luminaire with IESNA full cutoff
designation might be appropriate. In
high ambient brightness areas where
 less shielding is required, a luminaire
with IESNA semi-cutoff or non-cutoff
designations may be appropriate. The
designer should take care in making
the decision on how much shielding
is required.
• Minimize or eliminate lighting of
architectural and landscape features.
Where lighting is required for safety,
security, egress or identification,
utilize downlighting techniques rather
than uplighting. For example, in
environments that are intrinsically
dark, no landscape features should
be lighted, and architectural lighting
should be designed only as a last
resort when other strategies have
failed to provide the minimum amount
of required lighting. In areas of high
ambient brightness, some low level
(subtle) lighting of features, facades
or landscape areas may be appropriate
in pedestrian environments or for
identification and way finding in other
areas where light trespass is not likely
to be an issue. However, even in areas
of high ambient brightness, all non-
essential lighting, including landscape
and architectural lighting, should be
minimized or turned off after hours.
If shielded, low brightness sources
are used to selectively light features,
they should be properly aimed so that
light from the luminaires cannot be
measured across project boundaries.
In all cases, controls should be used
wherever possible to turn off lighting
after normal operating hours or in
post-curfew periods.
Consider at least the following strategies
when designing the exterior lighted
environment:
• Employ a lighting professional to
assess the project’s lighting needs
and provide recommendations
based specifically on lighting for a
sustainable design environment.
• Carefully review and respond to any SS WE EA MR EQ ID
local or regional lighting ordinances
or bylaws that might impact the Credit 8
lighting design for the project site.
• Consult IESNA RP-33 and determine
the type of environmental zone that the
project falls under from Intrinsically
Dark (Zone E1) to High Ambient
Brightness (Zone E4). Understand
the design implications of the
environmental zone that best fits the
project and study neighboring areas
to identify potential light trespass
problems.
• Use the least amount of lighting
equipment possible to achieve the
goals of the project, but balance the
quantity of equipment used with the
need to provide for glare control
and uniform lighting. In most cases,
it is better to have two luminaires
with lower light output and good
glare control than one higher output
luminaire.
• Select all lighting equipment carefully.
Any type of luminaire, whether it is
full cutoff, semi-cutoff or non-cutoff,
can produce excessive brightness
in the form of glare. For example,
horizontal lamp positions in full cutoff
luminaires tend to produce much less
glare than vertical lamps. Selecting
high-performance equipment of
good quality is not only essential in
maintaining visual quality, but also
will quickly pay for itself in reduced
maintenance costs.
• Design exterior lighting to produce
minimal upward illumination from
direct or reflected light sources.
Select luminaire locations carefully to
control glare and contain light within
the design area. Pay special attention
to luminaires that are located near
the property line to ensure that no
measurable light from these luminaires
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
117
SS WE EA MR EQ ID crosses the project boundary.
Credit 8 • Use the minimum amount of light
necessary and only light areas that
require it. Design and develop a
control scheme to minimize or turn
lighting off after hours or during post-
curfew periods.
• Create a computer model of the
proposed electric lighting design and
simulate system performance. Use
this tool to provide point by point
horizontal illuminance information
or an isofootcandle contour map
demonstrating that illuminance
values are zero (or near zero) at the
project boundary. Where luminaires
are within 2.5 times their mounting
height from the project boundary and
the light levels are not zero at the
boundary, light trespass is more likely
to be a problem. In this case a simple
calculation can be performed to show
that the “line of sight” illuminance
limits for light trespass listed in Table
1 have been met. A procedure for
evaluating light trespass is outlined in
the calculations section.
• After the lighting system is constructed,
it should be commissioned to ensure
that it is installed and operating
properly. Maintenance should be
performed on the system on a regular
basis to ensure that it continues
to operate correctly, and that light
pollution and trespass are minimized.
Technologies
• Design site lighting and select lighting
equipment and technologies to have
minimal impact off-site and minimal
contribution to sky glow (light
pollution).
• Employ luminaires with the proper
optics and shielding.
• Use low-reflectance ground covers
Canada Green Building Council
118
and minimize the use of highly
reflective and specular surfaces that
may be a source of reflected glare.
• When surfaces are used to reflect
light, use lower wattage light sources
to reduce light levels and overall
brightness.
• Even low brightness luminaires should
be aimed carefully to eliminate glare
and light trespass. Aiming angles
greater than 45 degrees above vertical
should be avoided.
• Luminaires with lockable aiming
should be used in instances where glare
control is very important or where
special aiming must be maintained.
• Use motion sensors, photocells,
stepped dimming, automatic
switching and time clocks to control
exterior lighting during pre- and post-
curfew periods.
• Exterior signs that must be lighted
should be made as small as possible
and internally lighted signs should
have letters and images on a dark
background. Externally lighted
signs should be downlighted from
the top whenever possible, and the
luminaires used should be full cutoff
with additional shielding as necessary
to control stray light that does not
illuminate the sign.
Synergies and Trade-Offs
Exterior lighting strategies are affected
by the transportation program, as well
as the total area of developed space
on the project site. In addition to
energy efficiency, the exterior lighting
system requires commissioning and
measurement & verification. ASHRAE
90.1–1999 (see EAc1) includes
provisions for exterior facade lighting
and addresses automatic lighting
controls, control devices, minimum lamp
 efficacy and lighting power limits. The
standard requires separate calculations
for interior and exterior lighting loads
and, thus, trade-offs between interior
and exterior loads are not permitted.
See the standard for more information.
Education is one of the most important
aspects of sustainable lighting design.
Some people believe incorrectly that
lower levels of outdoor lighting will
create safety or security problems.
However, it can be easily demonstrated
that the quality of the lighting design
has a much greater impact on safety
and the perception of security than does
light level.
Low light level environments with good
uniformity of light and controlled glare
are often environments that provide
good visibility. Environments with
good visibility are usually safer and
more secure. These environments also
use less energy, and they cause less
light pollution and trespass. It is not
only acceptable, but also sometimes
preferred not to light an environment.
Calculations
The following materials are recom-
Table 1: Light Trespass Limitations
mended to support the Credit: SS WE EA MR EQ ID
1. Provide an exterior site plan
showing: Credit 8
- All buildings, parking and pedestrian
areas, trees and landscape features
- A luminaire schedule showing
the type, style, location, height,
orientation, shielding and aiming
of all light sources and all lighting
control devices
- A computer-generated lighting
calculation indicating horizontal
illuminance on a 3m x 3m minimum
grid and a minimum of 3m beyond
the lot or property boundary for
areas that are representative of
each design condition (Isolux or
isofootcandle contours are also
acceptable for showing light levels).
Include maximum to minimum
uniformities for each specific type
or area of use, and any associated
light loss factors (LLF) used in
the procedure. RP-33 references
appropriate RPs for various design
conditions. Consult these RPs for
recommended criteria.
2. Provide a calculation for “line of
sight illuminance” (light trespass)
for luminaires near the property line

Environmental Zone Description Recommended Maximum

Illuminance Levels [fc]

E1: Intrinsically Dark Parks and residential areas where controlling light 0.1
pollution is a high priority

E2: Low Ambient Brightness Outer urban and rural residential areas 0.1

E3: Medium Ambient Brightness Urban residential areas 0.2

E4: High Ambient Brightness Urban areas having both residential and commercial 0.6
use and experiencing high levels of nighttime activity

Note: Table 1 has been adapted from IESNA RP-33-99. Post Curfew recommendations have been used for all values to
ensure that light trespass is minimized for each environmental zone. It is recognized that in situations where the property line
is very close to the area of development (commonly referred to as zero property line ), and where lighting is required for
emergency egress purposes, it may not be possible to meet the Table 1 recommendations. These situations should be
carefully explained and documented.

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

119
SS WE EA MR EQ ID where the calculated light levels did
not reach zero. See Table 1 for light
Credit 8 trespass limits. To calculate line of
site illuminance (Eline): multiply the
horizontal illuminance (Ehorz) (at
ground level for LEED calculation
purposes) on the property line by one
over the sine of the angle (1/sinӨ),
where the angle is between the ground
plane at the point of measurement
and a line drawn from that point to
the light source.
3. Catalog cut sheets for all exterior
luminaires with more than 3500 lumen
lamps, demonstrating that they meet
the Full Cutoff IESNA Classification,
and indicating lamp type, distribution
type and any additional shielding.
4. Catalog cut sheets for all exterior
luminaires with more than 1000
lumen lamps, demonstrating that
they are appropriately shielded for
the project’s Environmental Zone.
5. Provide interior lighting design
drawings for the building’s perimeter
areas demonstrating that the
maximum candela value of interior
lighting falls within the building and
not out through the windows.
The site lighting plan illustrated in
Figure 1 includes a parking lot and
office building in an area of low ambient
brightness (Environmental Zone 2).
The luminaire schedule describes the
light source used in each luminaire and
the shielding classification provided to
meet the Credit requirements. Note
that a summary is used in this example
for illustration purposes. A complete
luminaire schedule is required.
The site lighting plan indicates major
site features, luminaire layout and
calculated point-by-point illuminance
values at ground level on a grid that
is less than 3m x 3m, or indicated by
Canada Green Building Council
120
isofootcandle lines. The maximum to
minimum uniformity ratio is 7:1, which
meets the criteria in IESNA RP-20,
which RP-33 references for parking
facilities.
The lighting point-by-point calculation
plan shows that the illuminance value at
the property line does not reach 0 at Point
A (Ehorz at Point A is 0.1 lux). Therefore,
the “line of site illuminance” must be
calculated for the adjacent luminaire.
The calculation Eline=(1/sin33°)(0.1
Lux) yields a result of 0.018 fc (0.19
Lux). Since this value is less than the 1
Lux limitation given by IESNA RP-33-
99, the LEED requirement has been met
for Point A.
The angle of the maximum candela value
for interior luminaires is determined
from the luminaire photometry. It is
then diagramed on the building section.
The site and building sections in
Figure 2 illustrates that the maximum
candela values for luminaire types “X”
and “Y” fall within the building.
Resources
Web Sites
Illuminating Engineering Society
of North America: The most com-
prehensive source for lighting
information.
Site: www.iesna.org
International Dark Sky Association:
A nonprofit organization dedicated to
providing education and solutions for
light pollution and light trespass.
Site: www.darksky.org
Lighting Research Center: A leading
university-based research center devoted
to providing objective information about
lighting technologies, applications
and products to aid facility managers,
utilities, lighting designers, engineers
 SS WE EA MR EQ ID

Credit 8
Figure 1: Example of a Site Lighting Plan

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

121
SS WE EA MR EQ ID and electrical contractors. The web
site includes the National Lighting
Credit 8 Product Information Program (NLPIP),
which provides free publications about
lighting topics (such as light pollution)
and products.
Site: www.lrc.rpi.edu
New England Light PollutionAdvisory
Group (NELPAG): A volunteer
group that educates professionals and
the public on the virtues of efficient,
appropriately sited glare-free outdoor
night lighting by addressing safety,
right to privacy, light trespass, night sky
vision and energy issues.
Site:wcfa-www.harvard.edu/cfa/ps/
nelpag.html
Print Media
• Outdoor Lighting Manual for Vermont
Municipalities, PTI Publications
Center, (301) 490-2188, Order No.
DG/95-308.
Definitions
Curfew Hours: Locally determined
times when greater lighting restrictions
are imposed.
Figure 2: Building and Site Selection
Canada Green Building Council
122
Cutoff Angle: The angle between the
vertical axis of a luminaire and the first
line of sight (of a luminaire) at which
the light source is no longer visible.
Illuminance: The amount of light
falling on a surface, measured in units
of footcandles (fc) or lux (lx).
Footcandle (fc): A measure of light
falling on a given surface. One footcandle
is equal to the quantity of light falling
on a one-square-foot area from a one
candela light source at a distance of
one foot. Footcandles can be measured
both horizontally and vertically by a
footcandle or light meter.
Full Cutoff Luminaire: Luminiaire
that has zero candela intensity at an
angle of 90 degrees above the vertical
axis (nadir) and at all angles greater than
90 degrees from nadir. Additionally, the
candela per 1000 lamp lumens does not
numerically exceed 100 (10%) at an
angle of 80 degrees above nadir. This
applies to all lateral angles around the
luminaire.
Glare: The sensation produced by
luminance within the visual field that is
significantly greater than the luminance
to which the eyes are adapted, which SS WE EA MR EQ ID
causes annoyance, discomfort or loss in
visual performance and visibility. Credit 8
Light Pollution: Effect caused by stray
light from unshielded light sources and
light reflecting off surfaces that enters
the atmosphere where it illuminates and
reflects off dust, debris and water vapor
to cause an effect know as “sky glow.”
Light pollution can substantially limit
visual access to the night sky, compromise
astronomical research, and adversely
affect nocturnal environments. Stray
light that enters the atmosphere does
not increase nighttime safety or security
and needlessly consumes energy and
natural resources.
Light Trespass: Commonly thought of
as “the light shining in my window.”
It is defined as obtrusive light that is
unwanted, because of quantitative,
directional or spectral attributes. Light
trespass causes annoyance, discomfort,
distraction or a loss of visibility .
Luminance: What we commonly call
brightness or the light coming from
a surface or light source. Luminance
is composed of the intensity of light
striking an object or surface and the
amount of that light reflected back
toward the eye. Luminance is measured
in footlamberts (fl) or candela per square
meter (cd/m2).
Shielding: A non-technical term that
describes devices or techniques that
are used as part of a luminaire or lamp
to limit glare, light trespass and light
pollution.

Regional Variations
The requirements of this Credit are
universally applicable across Canada.

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

123
SS WE EA MR EQ ID

Credit 8

Canada Green Building Council

124