NC-v5 SSc1: Biodiverse Habitat 2 points
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Credit language
© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.
Intent
To conserve existing natural areas, enhance biodiversity, restore damaged areas, and provide thriving habitats for local wildlife.
Requirements
Option 1. Preserve and Restore Habitat (1–2 points)
PATH 1. GREENFIELD SITES (1 POINT)
Preserve 40% of the greenfield area on the site by protecting these areas from all development and construction activity.
OR
PATH 2. PREVIOUSLY DISTURBED SITES (1–2 POINTS)
Meet the requirements of Path 1. Greenfield Sites, if such areas exist.
AND
Restore previously disturbed areas of the site (if such areas exist) and follow the soil restoration and vegetation restoration requirements below. Dedicated athletic fields that are solely for athletic use are exempt from counting toward the total site area. These areas may not count toward the protected greenfield or restored habitat areas.
Points are awarded according to Table 1.
Table 1. Points for Percentage of Area Restored
Restored Area | Zero Lot Line | Points |
20% of previously disturbed area | 10% | 1 |
40% of previously disturbed area | 20% | 2 |
Soil restoration
Restore all on-site soils disturbed by previous development and soils disturbed by current construction activities that will serve as a final vegetated area. Any imported soils must be reused in a way comparable to their original function and may not include the following:
- Soils defined regionally by the NRCS web soil survey (or local equivalent for projects outside the U.S.) as prime farmland, unique farmland, or farmland of statewide or local importance.
- Soils from other greenfield sites.
- Sphagnum peat moss or organic amendments that contain sphagnum peat.
Engineered growing medium for vegetated roofs are exempt from the soil restoration requirements.
Vegetation restoration
Plant native and adapted vegetation that is not currently listed as invasive and includes the following:
- At least 10 species that are native or adapted to the project’s EPA Level III ecoregion (or local equivalent for projects outside of the U.S.).
- Minimum of two of the following categories: trees, shrubs, and ground cover. Zero lot line projects are exempt from this requirement.
- At least 110 square feet (10 square meters) consisting of native flowering plants appropriate for local pollinators. Plants must be in groupings of at least 10 square feet (one square meter). Designate the pollinator habitat area with signage.
AND/OR
Option 2. Bird-Friendly Glass (1 point)
Glass used below specified heights on the exterior of the building and site must have a maximum threat factor of 30, as defined in the American Bird Conservancy’s Threat Factor Database.
This applies to all glass, including spandrel glass, when located
- From grade up to 50 feet (15 meters) measured at all points.
- Up to 20 feet (six meters) measured from the finished grade of a green roof.
- At any distance from grade or roof for glass in guardrails and windshields.
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Credit language
© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.
Intent
To conserve existing natural areas, enhance biodiversity, restore damaged areas, and provide thriving habitats for local wildlife.
Requirements
Option 1. Preserve and Restore Habitat (1–2 points)
PATH 1. GREENFIELD SITES (1 POINT)
Preserve 40% of the greenfield area on the site by protecting these areas from all development and construction activity.
OR
PATH 2. PREVIOUSLY DISTURBED SITES (1–2 POINTS)
Meet the requirements of Path 1. Greenfield Sites, if such areas exist.
AND
Restore previously disturbed areas of the site (if such areas exist) and follow the soil restoration and vegetation restoration requirements below. Dedicated athletic fields that are solely for athletic use are exempt from counting toward the total site area. These areas may not count toward the protected greenfield or restored habitat areas.
Points are awarded according to Table 1.
Table 1. Points for Percentage of Area Restored
Restored Area | Zero Lot Line | Points |
20% of previously disturbed area | 10% | 1 |
40% of previously disturbed area | 20% | 2 |
Soil restoration
Restore all on-site soils disturbed by previous development and soils disturbed by current construction activities that will serve as a final vegetated area. Any imported soils must be reused in a way comparable to their original function and may not include the following:
- Soils defined regionally by the NRCS web soil survey (or local equivalent for projects outside the U.S.) as prime farmland, unique farmland, or farmland of statewide or local importance.
- Soils from other greenfield sites.
- Sphagnum peat moss or organic amendments that contain sphagnum peat.
Engineered growing medium for vegetated roofs are exempt from the soil restoration requirements.
Vegetation restoration
Plant native and adapted vegetation that is not currently listed as invasive and includes the following:
- At least 10 species that are native or adapted to the project’s EPA Level III ecoregion (or local equivalent for projects outside of the U.S.).
- Minimum of two of the following categories: trees, shrubs, and ground cover. Zero lot line projects are exempt from this requirement.
- At least 110 square feet (10 square meters) consisting of native flowering plants appropriate for local pollinators. Plants must be in groupings of at least 10 square feet (one square meter). Designate the pollinator habitat area with signage.
AND/OR
Option 2. Bird-Friendly Glass (1 point)
Glass used below specified heights on the exterior of the building and site must have a maximum threat factor of 30, as defined in the American Bird Conservancy’s Threat Factor Database.
This applies to all glass, including spandrel glass, when located
- From grade up to 50 feet (15 meters) measured at all points.
- Up to 20 feet (six meters) measured from the finished grade of a green roof.
- At any distance from grade or roof for glass in guardrails and windshields.