LEED AP with Operations and Maintenance (O+M ) Practice Exam

To earn Heat Island Reduction Roof, a project's roof must be covered by vegetation at least what percentage?

1. 30%

2. 50%

3. 70%

4. 90%

The correct answer is: 50%

To earn the Heat Island Reduction Roof credit under the LEED O+M program, a roof must be covered by vegetation for at least 50% of its area. This requirement emphasizes the importance of green roofs in mitigating urban heat island effects, improving stormwater management, and providing additional benefits such as improved insulation and increased biodiversity. Vegetated roofs contribute to a reduction in heat absorption by the building, as they provide shading and evapotranspiration, which lowers the overall temperature of the roof surface compared to traditional roofing materials. This credit encourages project teams to incorporate green spaces that not only enhance the building's aesthetic appeal but also promote sustainability and environmental health. Therefore, the correct percentage of vegetative coverage required to qualify for this credit is 50%, highlighting the balance between a significant level of coverage to achieve demonstrable benefits while still being feasible for implementation on many structures.