We are working on SD documents at the present time and I need to identify a section and have a placeholder for indoor turf (most likely based on AstroTurf “Puregrass” or a similar product and system. I can’t seem to find a location for it so need input!
It’s kind of like carpet with a built-in pad, so how about 09 6819?
Best location is 096253 - Synthetic Turf Flooring
Tracy, be careful when you specify indoor turf, I’ve seen it used on balconies and other wet areas, the turf backing gets wet and holds the moisture to the concrete, eventually causing deterioration to the concrete and the steel reinforcement. Lot’s of litigation in Florida work because of that application.
Ditto that. Had a great renovation project in DC years ago where the stressing tendons disintegrated. Large, high price condo complex.
I would think this could cause similar problems to those typically encountered at interior floors using resilient sheet.
Thanks, everyone. This is actually going to be an indoor playing field at a sports medicine center.
So where does Artificial Turf go, I have a LEED project where the Owner wants to use it on the roof and penthouse decks? Its been 3 years since this series of posts, are any of my peers experts on this stuff and how is it considered for a LEED project?
Jerome, try 32 18 13 “Synthetic Grass Surfacing.”
The LEED Consultant is saying Synthetic Grass can not be used in a LEED project, but the Owner want so use it. Any thoughts?
Not an issue I’ve faced before. I can perhaps understand if a LEED point could not be earned by the use of synthetic grass, but I’d be doubtful whether USGBC has a blanket prohibition against the use of synthetic grass, ie that a project could not achieve LEED certification if it contained synthetic grass–especially on a roof deck.
LEED typically rewards “good behavior” rather than punishing “bad behavior”.
Synthetic grass can have a much better environmental footprint that a growing lawn. The lawn requires water, uses energy for mowing and creates emissions, and can require pesticides and fertilizers. Synthetic grass can be made with high post consumer recycled content and then recycled at end of its life.
As with many building materials, there are few easy decisions.
I concur with Dave. Unless there is a VOC problem, there should be no problem using synthetic grass.
AoR advises that they need every LEED point they can get. This is a condo in Miami, the Developer wants to depict green grass on the penthouse deck as part of his marketing strategy. LEED Consultant is hostile, I found some errors in his specs (also MEP), so I am the bad guy. Developer wants to know why he can not obtain additional LEED points using synthetic grass. Michael made some good points which I will relay to the AoR. Thanks for all the input.
To speak in favor of plants: living plants and their soil support animal and microbial life, provide retention of rain water, produce oxygen, and are the ultimate biophilic system.
You can avoid the previously mentioned problems of grass by using other types of plants.
If LEED credits are the issue, it doesn’t matter what any of us think. Call the LEED adjudicators.
Many schools in the Pacific Northwest are removing their natural grass play fields and installing synthetic grass. Though there is a higher first cost for synthetic grass, the maintenance is much less. Lately our summers are getting dryer and winters are getting wetter. It is becoming very difficult to maintain a natural grass field. Plus there is less liability if a kid steps in a gopher hole and breaks an ankle.
I have worked on a few LEED schools any many WSSP (Washington Sustainable School Protocol) and neither have discouraged synthetic grass.
Also, I do a fair bit of multi-family projects and there is an increasing need for a synthetic grass dog park on the roof.
Like David I have worked on school ball fields with synthetic grass. We were still able to get LEED certifications.
Sounds like the person advising your client either has an unreasonable bias or is not properly informed.
Most (not all) of the LEED consultants are not necessarily well versed in building products and selection criteria outside of “does it get LEED points.”
I share the sentiment about using natural materials, but sometimes, green roof materials are not practical either in the short or long run.
If this is an outdoor installation, it may negatively impact the credit for light reflecting roofing material. If it is an indoor installation, the critical question is about VOC and impact on indoor air quality which may end up impacting more than one LEED credit.
I am intrigued by the notion that an innovative design credit may be obtained using the argument about using less water.
At the end of the day, the Owner’s desire for synthetic turf may have an impact on LEED certification. This is a two-margarita conversion with the Owner, the LEED consultant, and the AoR involved. It is not often that such discussions end without someone’s ox being gored, the parties need to come to terms with what is really important.
Mr. Jordan’s “two-margarita conversation” and “someone’s ox being gored” deserve a special 4specs recognition on this dreary Thursday morn.
Many users go for synthetic grass surfacing based on lower maintenance costs. However, sometimes that is because it is easier to ignore the needed maintenance for synthetics. The quality products use rubber crumb between the blades, often consisting of special blends, or even carefully layered applications. These require occasional vacuuming/replacement/relayering etc. The idea that you can install them and leave them be is decidedly wrong. I don’t know the maintenance cost differential - it’d be interesting to know.