This credit rewards projects for preserving greenfield areas and revegetating previously disturbed portions of the site with native and adapted species.  It is a better fit for projects with significant on-site vegetation that can allocate space on site grounds or roof areas to meet the biodiversity requirements.

What’s New in LEED v4.1

• Requirements for soil restoration depth and protection of root zone and endangered species are removed.
• Landscaping must include multiple plant categories, native and adapted species and a designated pollinator garden.
• Multiple point thresholds are available based on percentage of total site area restored.
• The option for annual financial support is no longer available. 

Should I upgrade?

If your project lacks significant on-site vegetation, or is a zero-lot-line project with limited options for vegetated roof or terrace gardens, and you were planning on donating to a land trust, you’ll no longer get LEED points for that choice.  Otherwise, the new lower threshold for restored area and simpler documentation make it easier for projects with available land to create natural habitats and earn LEED points.