SS Credit: Open Space
Open space is not about how much land is left—it’s about how well it is used.
What is the Intent of this Credit?
The goal is to:
👉 create accessible outdoor space that:
- encourages interaction with nature
- supports social interaction
- promotes physical activity
🎯 Big Picture
Open space is not leftover space—it is intentional, usable space.
🌍 Why This Matters
Open spaces provide:
👥 Human Benefits
- improved well-being
- increased productivity
- opportunities for recreation
🌱 Environmental Benefits
- habitat creation
- urban biodiversity
- rainwater infiltration
- reduced heat island effect
📏 Core Requirement (VERY IMPORTANT)
✅ Total Open Space Requirement
👉 Provide:
👉 ≥30% of total site area
(including building footprint)
🌿 Vegetation Requirement
👉 Of that open space:
👉 ≥25% must be vegetated OR have canopy
⚠️ Important Rule
👉 Turf grass does NOT count as vegetation
🎯 Memory Trick
- 30% = total open space
- 25% = vegetated portion
📍 Where Can Open Space Be Located?
👉 Open space can be:
- adjacent to building
- elsewhere on site (master plan)
- shared across development
💡 Shared Space Insight
👉 Shared open space:
- can count toward compliance
- must still meet usability criteria
🧩 What Qualifies as Open Space? (HIGHLY TESTABLE)
👉 Open space must be:
👉 physically accessible
AND include at least one of the following:
👣 1. Pedestrian-Oriented Space
- seating areas
- plazas
- gathering areas
🏃 2. Recreation-Oriented Space
- fitness areas
- play areas
- sports spaces
🌸 3. Garden Space
- diverse vegetation
- year-round interest
🌽 4. Community Gardens
- urban agriculture
- food production
🌿 5. Habitat Areas
- restored or preserved habitat
- must align with Habitat credit
- must allow human interaction
🎯 Exam Insight
Open space must be:
👉 usable + accessible + intentional
🌊 Special Conditions
🐸 Wetlands & Ponds
👉 Can count if:
- vegetated
- side slope ≤ 1:4 (vertical:horizontal)
🏢 High-Density Projects (FAR ≥ 1.5)
👉 May include:
- vegetated roofs (for vegetation requirement)
- accessible roof areas (for open space)
⚠️ Conditions:
- must be physically accessible
- must support human use
⚠️ What Does NOT Qualify
❌ Non-Usable Spaces
- narrow strips of turf
- leftover landscaping
- decorative-only areas
❌ Artificial Turf
👉 Does NOT count as:
- vegetation
- open space
💡 Design Considerations
👉 Open space should be:
- appropriate for climate (e.g., xeriscape in arid regions)
- designed for actual use
- integrated with site design
🌿 Example:
- shaded seating in hot climates
- wind-protected areas in cold climates
🧠 Where People Get Confused
❌ Misconception 1:
“Any landscaping counts”
👉 No
👉 Must be:
- usable
- accessible
❌ Misconception 2:
“Turf grass counts as vegetation”
👉 No
❌ Misconception 3:
“Decorative spaces qualify”
👉 No
👉 Must support:
- social or physical activity
❌ Misconception 4:
“Open space must be ground-level”
👉 No
👉 Roof spaces can qualify (if accessible)
Official FAQs
What percentage of total site area must be open space?
What percentage of open space must be vegetated?
A project provides 30% open space, but only 10% is vegetated. Does it comply?
👉 Must meet both:
• 30% open space
• 25% vegetated portion
A project provides rooftop open space that is not accessible. Does it count?
👉 Must be physically accessible
Why does LEED require open space to be usable, not just available?
• usability drives human interaction
• improves well-being and activity
• ensures real benefit, not just compliance
Why does LEED exclude turf grass from vegetation calculations?
• turf provides limited ecological value
• requires high maintenance (water, chemicals)
• does not significantly support biodiversity
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