Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction, LEED BD+C: New Construction, LEED BD+C: Schools, LEED BD+C: Schools, LEED BD+C: Core and Shell

Rating System Version

v2 - LEED 2.2, v3 - LEED 2009, v2 - Schools 2007, v3 - LEED 2009, v3 - LEED 2009

Inquiry

Our natural history museum project site is an existing play field which will be landscaped with native plants on a drip irrigation system. This landscaping and storm water retention area will have exhibit signs to educate and demonstrate the variety of plant habitats in the region as well as the storm water system for the site. The exhibits will explain the importance of the habitat to the wildlife and the part man takes in preserving the environment. However, funding is limited and one section of the property will remain untouched throughout this stage of the museum\'s development. The existing turf and hedge will remain in that area. The proposal is currently to indicate that area as not a part of the project site. Is that exclusion acceptable? As such, this affects several credits in addition to this main credit where site calculations are required. If we exclude this untouched area, the site area that will be restored to natural habitat including landscaping with natives, planted retention basins, decomposed granite paths, and delta water areas are approximately 50% of the project site. Should we proceed with this interpretation of project site limits for this credit and/or should the native habitat education program be an innovative design credit?