Living Walls provide several LEED points. They are:
Sustainable Sites Credit 7.1: Landscape Design that Reduces Urban Heat Islands, Non-Roof (1 pt). Exterior green walls reduce the solar reflectance of a structure, thus reducing the urban heat island effect.
Water Efficiency Credits 1.1, 1.2: Water Efficient Landscaping (1 to 2 pts). Buildings can incorporate a stormwater collection system for irrigation of the green walls and other landscape features. Using only captured, recycled, or nonpotable water may enable the project to achieve this credit.
Water Efficiency Credit 2: Innovative Wastewater Technologies (1 pt). Green walls can be utilized as wastewater treatment media for gray water. Other features, such as the incorporation of compost tea from a composting toilet, is another way for green walls to aid in the reduction of wastewater.
Energy & Atmosphere Credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance (1 to 10 pts). Green walls can provide additional insulation and natural cooling, which reduces a building’s reliance on mechanical systems.
Innovation in Design Credits 1-4: Innovation in Design (1 to 4 pts). Green walls may contribute to innovative wastewater or ventilation systems.