03. Outdoor Space - Support Biodiversity

Establish biodiversity practices

Rationale: Implementing and publicizing measures to preserve local ecosystems prevents biodiversity loss, which supports exposure to diverse microbiota which strengthens the human immune system; these measures also improve surrounding air quality, contributing to a decreased risk of chronic respiratory conditions. 

Requirements

Demonstrate compliance with one of the options below:

Option 1 - Two Biodiversity Practices (Full Credit):

To achieve full credit, demonstrate compliance with all of the following requirements:

1. Ensure biodiversity practices include a minimum of two of the following qualifying practices:
   • utilize and preserve native plants within landscaping and outdoor spaces
   • establish a long-term management plan to remove invasive non-native plants without harming native non-target species
   • replace greenery lost during construction or renovation
   • retain and enhance existing natural features
   • manage stormwater runoff to prevent pollution from causing detrimental environmental effects such as toxic algal blooms, harming aquatic life, and degradation of air and water quality
   • provide wildlife housing, such as bee blocks, bird feeders, insect hotels, or bat boxes.
2. Implement the qualifying biodiversity practice within the building site.
3. Provide educational information on a minimum of two of the following:
   • information about native plant and wildlife species
   • the health benefits of biodiversity conservation
   • examples of biodiversity conservation practices
   • the biodiversity conservation practices that are implemented
4. Share educational information through one of the following:
   • a digital platform, such as a website, digital application, or display screen in common areas
   • signage located in a minimum of one outdoor space
   • annual communication material, such as notification emails or newsletters.

Option 2 - One Biodiversity Practice (Partial Credit):

Demonstrate compliance with all the following requirements:

1. Ensure biodiversity practices include a minimum of two of the following qualifying practices:
   • utilize and preserve native plants within landscaping and outdoor spaces
   • establish a long-term management plan to remove invasive non-native plants without harming native non-target species
   • replace greenery lost during construction or renovation
   • retain and enhance existing natural features
   • manage stormwater runoff to prevent pollution from causing detrimental environmental effects such as toxic algal blooms, harming aquatic life, and degradation of air and water quality
   • provide wildlife housing, such as bee blocks, bird feeders, insect hotels, or bat boxes.
2. Implement the qualifying biodiversity practice within the building site.
3. Provide educational information on a minimum of two of the following:
   • information about native plant and wildlife species
   • the health benefits of biodiversity conservation
   • examples of biodiversity conservation practices
   • the biodiversity conservation practices that are implemented
4. Share educational information through one of the following:
   • a digital platform, such as a website, digital application, or display screen in common areas
   • signage located in a minimum of one outdoor space
   • annual communication material, such as notification emails or newsletters.

Compliance Documentation

Design Pathway 

Option 1:

• Requirement 1

  • Upload annotated design drawings and descriptions detailing each unique qualifying biodiversity practice that will be implemented

  • Checkboxes to certify that a minimum of two of the listed biodiversity practices will be implemented 

• Requirement 2
  • Upload an annotated site plan or design drawing showing the location of each qualifying biodiversity practice within the building site
• Requirement 3
  • Upload a copy of the educational materials that will be provided showing the required information that will be included
• Requirement 4
  • Checkboxes to certify that biodiversity educational information will be shared through one or more of the listed methods 

Option 2: 

• Requirement 1

  • Upload an annotated site plan or design drawing detailing the qualifying biodiversity practice that will be implemented

  • Checkboxes to certify that one or more of the listed biodiversity practices will be implemented

• Requirement 2
  • Upload an annotated site plan or design drawing showing the location of each qualifying biodiversity practice within the building site
• Requirement 3
  • Upload a copy of the educational materials that will be provided showing the required information that will be included
• Requirement 4
  • Checkboxes to certify that biodiversity educational information will be shared through one or more of the listed methods 

Built Pathway 

Option 1:

• Requirement 1

  • Upload an annotated photograph(s) and descriptions detailing each unique qualifying biodiversity practice that is implemented

  • Checkboxes to certify that the minimum of two of the listed biodiversity practices are implemented

• Requirement 2
  • Upload an annotated site plan showing the location of each qualifying biodiversity practice within the building site
• Requirement 3
  • Upload a copy of the provided educational materials showing the required information that is included
• Requirement 4
  • Checkboxes to certify that biodiversity educational information is shared through one or more of the listed methods

Option 2: 

• Requirement 1

  • Upload an annotated photograph(s) detailing the qualifying biodiversity practice that is implemented

  • Checkboxes to certify that one or more of the listed biodiversity practices are implemented

• Requirement 2

  • Upload an annotated site plan showing the location of each qualifying biodiversity practice within the building site

• Requirement 3
  • Upload a copy of the provided educational materials showing the required information that is included
• Requirement 4
  • Checkboxes to certify that biodiversity educational information is shared through one or more of the listed methods