KISSS for LEED Projects

This is a quick guide to give landscape professionals, and landscape architects an idea of what LEED credits can be earned or help earned by using KISSS Subsurface Irrigation Products.

Water Efficiency

Water Efficiency Landscaping 1.1- Reduce Potable Water by 50%
Intent of Credit: Limit the use of Potable Water for irrigation
KISSS Benefits: By using KISSS (Below Flow Flat or Below Flow Wrap) Subsurface Capillary Irrigation in Landscape you will easily decrease the use of Potable water by 60% the 1st   year and up to 85% after the 3rd year compared to conventional overhead irrigation systems.  This is well within the 50% parameter.  The KISSS ET Water Controller also helps create even better water efficiency because it bases all irrigation cycles on local weather.  (i.e. if it rains the KISSS system will not irrigate)
Documentation:  Cresswell Report, KISSS Below Flow Flat Specification Sheet, KISSS Below Flow Wrap Specification Sheet

Water Efficiency Landscaping 1.2- Reduce Potable Water by 100%+ Reduce Total Landscape Water by 50%
            Intent of Credit:  Eliminate the use of Potable Water for irrigation.
KISSS Benefits:  By Using KISSS Safety Flow subsurface irrigation in conjunction with captured rainwater, recycled graywater, or municipality treated graywater you will qualify for this credit.  Safety Flow is an identical product to KISSS BFF or BFW accept it contains the industry standard lavender tape.  Safety Flow will reduce water use by 60% the 1st year and up to 85% the 3rd year compared to overhead systems.  Safety Flow is a safer way of treated water to the landscape because there is not risk of public exposure.  The KISSS ET Water Controller also helps create even better water efficiency because it bases all irrigation cycles on the local weather.  The KISSS ET Water Controller (link to controller) can also work in conjunction with onsite graywater tanks.

Sustainable Sites

Sustainable Sites Prerequisite 1- Construction Activity Pollution Prevention
            Intent of Credit: Reduce pollution by controlling soil erosion, waterway sedimentation, and airborne dust generation.
KISSS Benefits: Stabilization Measures can be obtained easier by using KISSS.  To effectively keep dirt in place seeds and plants must have adequate water.  KISSS can be used to increase root structure growth and prevent erosion.  Structural Measures can be obtained by building earth dikes using KISSS and plant material to stabilize earth and contain/biofilter storm-water runoff.
Documentation: KISSS Below Flow Flat Specification Sheet, KISSS Below Flow Wrap Specification Sheet

Sustainable Sites 3- Brown Field Redevelopment
            Intent of Credit: Rehabilitate damaged sites with environmental contamination
            KISSS Benefits:  KISSS Products can be used in conjunction with cleansing plant material to revitalize a previously contaminated site.  (i.e.  KISSS irrigation with Willow Trees to naturally biofilter toxins out of the earth) 

Sustainable Sites 5.1- Site Development: Product or Restore Habitat
            Intent of Credit: Provide high ratio of open space to development footprint to promote biodiversity
            KISSS Benefits: Some projects may need to create open space and plant vegetation.  KISSS can be using to supply vegetation with irrigation.  If  eligible for SS-2 KISSS can be used on a vegetated roof to supply irrigation.
            Documentation: KISSS Green Roof Irrigation

Sustainable Sites 6.1- Stormwater Control Quantity Control
            Intent of Credit:  Reduce storm-water runoff by reducing impervious cover and increasing infiltration.
KISSS Benefits:  You can reduce storm-water runoff by using more vegetation on the project.  Much of the US is very dry 75% of the year so KISSS can be used to supplement irrigate during the dry seasons when there is no rain to collect.  KISSS on green roofs is a great way to earn this credit.
Documentation: KISSS Green Roof Irrigation

Sustainable Sites 7.1- Heat Island Effect Non Roof
            Intent of Credit: Reduce Heat Islands (thermal gradient between developed and undeveloped land)
KISSS Benefits:  Trees can be used to shade hardscapes and KISSS can help irrigate and fertilize the trees.  KISSS can also be used in an open paving system to allow plant material next hardscapes.  KISSS can be used on green roofs to cover car parks.
Documentation: Tree Ring Technical Bulletin, Irrigation for Green Roofs

Sustainable Sites 7.2- Heat Island Effect Roof
            Intent of Credit: Reduce Heat Islands (thermal gradient between developed and undeveloped land)
KISSS Benefits: 50% of the roof needs to be vegetated to comply with this credit.  KISSS can be used to irrigate the green roof.  KISSS can also help earn the 100% Exemplary Performance Credit.
Documentation: Irrigation for Green Roofs