Sprawl from human development is limiting open space. The issue is not only total space; it is fragmentation of existing habitat. Fragmentation refers to the segmentation of open space into parcels with developed areas between tracts of natural land. Animals are often unable to cross these boundaries safely, leading to increases in human-animal interactions, reduction in genetic diversity, limitations of natural migratory ranges, and reductions in ecosystem services from a fragmented landscape.
This Pilot ACP seeks to conserve open space off-site by allowing another avenue to achieve SSc5.1 (SSc5 in EB): Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat. To achieve this credit, a project will need to provide financial support to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), based on the site area of the project.
Use this in place of SSc5 achievement
Unlike many other pilot credits, pursuing SSpc83 will not use an Innovation point; instead this credit can be used in lieu of achievement of SSc5.1/SSc5. This Pilot ACP does not change any aspect of SSc5.1/SSc5, but provides an additional pathway to achieve this credit. While the original credit language awards credit to projects for transferring land to land trusts, this new option allows projects to support habitat protection through financial support, removing the time and costs associated with land transfers. BD&C projects will be required to make payment of at least $0.40 per sq ft. of the site area, including building footprint. EBOM projects will be required to make an annual payment of $0.05 per sq ft. of the site area including the building footprint.
NFWF is one of the most effective and well-respected conservation organizations in the United States. Recently, NFWF was chosen to administer $2.5 billion in settlement funds related to the Gulf oil spill. NFWF will be able to leverage funds raised from this credit, allowing aggregated financial support to go further than individual payments.
While this credit is open to any BDC or EB project, it is best suited for locations without appreciable habitat onsite, such as urban sites. NFWF operates primarily in the United States, so non-U.S. based projects may also consider pursuing traditional compliance if they seek to support habitat conservation in-country.
Credit Submittals
General
1. Register for Pilot Credit(s) here.
2. Register a username at LEEDuser.com, and participate in online forum
3. Submit the feedback survey using the link on the USGBC.org credit page; supply PDF of your survey/confirmation of completion with credit documentation
NC, CS, Schools, Retail – NC, Healthcare, EBOM:
1. A description in the “Additional Details, Alternative Compliance Path” section of the credit form that includes the total site area (including the building footprint) and the total financial support provided
2. A site plan or drawing which shows all areas contributing to credit achievement
3. A receipt generated by NFWF that details the financial support provided BD&C Campus Projects: Group Credit Eligible. All buildings in the group may be documented as one. The ACP should be applied to the LEED project boundary for the entire group. Master Site Credit Eligible. The ACP should be applied to the LEED campus boundary for the entire group.
EBOM Projects only:
1. In lieu of annual support, projects have the option of providing a one-time lump sum support covering the full period up to the next recertification. Such projects should indicate so in the “Additional Details, Alternative Compliance Path,” section of the credit form. Projects should also indicate the level of support and number of years the support is intended to cover
EB:OM Campus Projects: Group Credit Eligible.
All buildings in the group may be documented as one. The ACP should be applied to the LEED project boundary for the entire group. Master Site Credit Ineligible. Each LEED project may pursue the credit individually.