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 project.
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 one 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 species
   • replace greenery lost during construction or renovation
   • retain and enhance existing natural features
   • manage stormwater runoff to prevent pollution from destroying wildlife
   • provide wildlife housing, such as bee blocks, bird feeders, insect hotels, or bat boxes.
2. Implement the qualifying biodiversity practice within the project.
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

Types of compliance documentation required:

• Annotated plans
• Annotated design drawings
• Annotated photographs