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Is there a requirement for how close the off-site area must be to the LEED project location? We’re looking into supporting a habitat area in a different state or possibly a different country but we want to be sure this is acceptable.

We’re going to provide restoration/maintenance services to an off-site property. What should we do to document this?

Does the contract with an off-site property owner need to be in place before the performance period begins?

As part of our contract with the off-site property owner we will provide labor services to help restore/maintain the site. Does this work need to be performed and completed before the performance period begins, so that the restored habitat is in place ove

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Our organization owns, manages and protects a large parcel of land that meets the requirements of this credit. We only need a portion of the total parcel area to meet the credit space requirement. Do we have to allocate the entire parcel to this LEED proj

Do potted native/adapted plants count towards this credit?

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Forum discussion

EBOM-2009 SSc5:Site Development—Protect or Restore Open Habitat

Exotic plants

Has anyone had success contending that exotic plants in the project area should be counted for credit (or partial credit) because they are providing functional benefits related to habitat protection, such as erosion control and soil stabilization, animal food sources, shade, windbreaks, temperature regulation, soil moisture control, oxygen production, water infiltration, cover from predators, and in the case where exotics exhibit site specific adaptations where natives would not survive, etc.?

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Profile picture for user tristanroberts
Tristan Roberts
Representative
Vermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
7780 thumbs up

Fri, 03/11/2011 - 05:01

I haven't been in this situation, but I doubt you will find that anyone has had success with this. The LEED standards for native/adapted plants are fairly strict. However, it may be a good nudge to LEED to try it! The last idea, about exotics being specially adapted, seems like the most likely one of the ideas you gave. If you do try it, let us know how it goes.

Fri, 03/11/2011 - 16:21

Thanks for your thoughts Tristan. I will let the forum know how it goes.

Thu, 12/08/2011 - 18:50

Similar question for us - we use plants that are technically native to Korea (partially as a cultural exchange exercise), but since we are in the same latitude as Korea, they are well adapted to our region. Is the term "adaptive" then somewhat open to interpretation? Or is it really limited to just "cultivars of natives." Thanks.
Profile picture for user tristanroberts
Tristan Roberts
Representative
Vermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
7780 thumbs up

Sat, 12/17/2011 - 04:16

Emily, I think LEED's definition of adapted vegetation would allow for what you describe, although it is always up to some interpretation.

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