** Incoming! v3 Revisions are on the way! **

In response to your feedback, we will be providing the following update: revising the requirements to increase global applicability of documentation.

Please note, the below requirements and compliance documentation will be updated soon to reflect v3 changes. You can find more information on these revisions in a Change Log that will be available on the Help Center on December 10, 2024. ___________________________________________________________

Locate buildings out of flood-prone areas

Rationale: Locating facilities out of flood-prone zones and managing for potential flood risks decreases the immediate risk of mortality, injury, and PTSD from flooding and mitigates the longer-term risk of degraded indoor air quality from water damage, which is linked to chronic respiratory conditions and contagious diseases.

Requirements

Demonstrate compliance with one of the options below:

Option 1 - Flood-Prone Areas (Full Credit):

Demonstrate compliance with all the following requirements: 

1. Identify flood risks according to local flood risk maps within the project.

2. Locate all buildings within the project outside of flood-prone areas*.

*Flood-prone areas are those that are likely to flood over the next 30 years (> 6% chance of 1 inch of water reaching the largest home or building on a property at least once during this time period).

*Flood-prone areas are those that are at risk of coastal flooding, heavy rains, and poor drainage.

Option 2 - Flood-Risk Mitigation (Partial Credit):

The project may achieve partial credit if located in a flood-prone area by demonstrating compliance with the below requirements:

1. Identify flood risks according to local flood risk maps within the project.

2. Implement a minimum of two of the following qualifying flood-risk mitigation practices:

• elevate boilers so they are not located at or below ground level
• install a sewage water backstop
• improve lot grading so that stormwater runs away from the building by building up any sunken areas around the foundation or digging small depressions to properly channel water
• integrate stormwater management strategies into landscaping through rain gardens, vegetated swales, or pervious pavements
• install a rain barrel
• develop a maintenance plan for gutters, downspouts, and splash pads so that rainwater from your roof flows easily away from your home
• anchor outdoor fuel tanks
• elevate utilities and service equipment so that they are a minimum of 1 foot above the flood elevation.

Compliance Documentation

Types of compliance documentation required:

• Annotated design drawings
• Annotated maps
• Annotated plans