The intent of this credit is to promote biodiversity through a high ratio of open space to development footprint.

Requirements for Certification:

For developments where a local zoning open space requirement exists, reduce the development (and/or provide vegetated open space within the project boundary) to exceed the open space requirement for the site by 25%.

For developments where no local zoning open space requirement exists, provide open space equal to 20% of the project's site area.

For developments where no local zoning requirements exists, provide open space adjacent to the building that is equal to the building footprint.

Successful Strategies:

• Engage Landscape Architect early to incorporate native or adaptive vegetation in the original landscape design
• For previously developed sites, native or adaptive landscaping has some synergies with WEc1.1, Water Efficient Landscaping

Helpful Hints:

1. The designated open space required by this credit does not have to be one contiguous space.
2. In campus applications, it may be possible to earn credit by dedicating open space on neighboring sites if it is paid for using the project's construction budget.
3. This credit is not easily achievable for projects on zero lot-line sites.

Historical Data (updated June 2006):

• 39% of all California LEED Certified projects achieved this credit for LEED v2.1.

Additional EDR Resources

Case Studies: High Performance Learning

Design Briefs: Design For Your Climate