The intent of this credit is to promote biodiversity by conserving existing natural areas by limiting site disturbance on greenfield sites, or by restoring or protecting a minimum of 50% of the site area with native or adapted vegation.

Requirements for Certification:

For greenfield sites, limit all site disturbance to:

• 40 feet beyond building perimeter
• 10 feet beyond surface walkways, patios, surface parking and utilities less than 12 inches in diameter
• 15 beyond primary roadway curbs and main utility branch trenches
• 25 feet beyond constructed areas with permeable surfaces

For previously developed or graded sites, restore or protect a minimum of 50% of the site area (excluding the building footprint) with native or adapted vegetation.

Successful Strategies:

• Engage Landscape Architect early to incorporate native or adaptive vegetation in the original landscape design
• For previously developed sites, native or adaptive landscaping has some synergies with WEc1.1, Water Efficient Landscaping

Helpful Hints:

1. Most projects find it hard to comply with the greenfield option for this credit because of clearing or grading during site preparation.
2. Agricultural land may qualify as previously developed; however, if the land is lying fallow and has been allowed to return to its natural state, it will be considered a greenfield site.

Historical Data (updated June 2006):

• 18% of all California LEED Certified projects achieved this credit for LEED v2.1.

Additional EDR Resources

Case Studies: An Integrated Campus Benefits From Its Desert Environment

Design Briefs: Design For Your Climate