Site Development- protect or restore habitat

Intent

To conserve existing natural areas and restore damaged areas to provide habitat and promote biodiversity.

Requirements

Option 1. On-Site Restoration (2 points)

Establishment

Have in place native or adapted vegetation on 20% of the total site area (including the building footprint), a minimum of 5,000 square feet (465 square meters), to provide habitat and promote biodiversity.

Performance

None.

OR

Option 2. Financial support (1 point)

Establishment

Provide financial support equivalent to at least $0.05 per square foot (US$0.50 per square meter) for the total site area (including the building footprint).

Financial support must be provided annually to a nationally or locally recognized land trust or conservation organization within the same EPA Level III ecoregion or the project’s state (or within 100 miles [160 kilometers] for projects outside the U.S.). For U.S. projects, the land trust must be accredited by the Land Trust Alliance.

Performance

Provide the specified financial support annually.