Is it possible to achieve this credit through plant troughs?

Hi KC, I suggest evaluating this approach using information from the Reference Guide, both the credit Intent and this information from the Implementation and O&M sections: "Research the bird and insect species that are likely to use the roof and select plants that will provide food, forage, or nesting areas. Vegetated roofs that lack a diversity of habitat-providing species types and plant sizes do not meet the intent of the credit....Avoid plantings that will harbor pest populations near the building shell." The troughs may be accepted if you explain to the reviewer how the troughs achieve these goals. Additionally, LEED Interpretation 1511 states that when including a green roof in the calculations for this credit, the requirement is 20% of the TOTAL site area (including building footprint). I expect this requirement would also apply to the troughs. Consider submitting a project-specific CIR.