Ecosystem Assessment – Above Green

Required

Intent

To assess existing ecosystem conditions and services provided by ecosystems, built landscapes, and other open spaces to inform the city development along with conservation and restoration efforts.

Requirements

Complete and document an ecosystem assessment for the entire city or community boundary that includes the following topics:

1. Topography

Contour mapping, unique topographic features, slope stability risks.

2. Soils

Natural Resources Conservation Service soils delineation, U.S. Department of Agriculture prime farmland, unique farmland or farmland of statewide or local importance, healthy soils, soils disturbed by previous development and degree of disturbance (local equivalent standards may be used for cities or communities outside the U.S.).

3. Vegetation and Habitat

Total existing vegetated area, primary vegetation types, native plants and plant communities, significant tree mapping, identification of top three threatened species as per The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species or local or regional standards, habitat for threatened or endangered species, unique habitat, identification of top three invasive plant species and mapping of degraded vegetation and habitats as applicable.

4. Hydrology and aquatic ecosystems

Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) as determined by FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) (or local equivalent for cities or communities outside the U.S.), wetlands, lakes, streams, shorelines; Precipitation, rainwater collection and reuse opportunities including overland water flow, water quality, storage capacity of the watershed conditions, potable and non-potable water sources; Pollution sources and pollutants. Map areas with degraded aquatic ecosystems as applicable. Explain how the identified conditions and resources will influence the sustainable design. Note: Not all topics apply to every area, and each city may contain additional important unique elements that are not explicitly addressed here.

References: LEED v4 BD+C SS Credit: Site Assessment SITES v2 Section 2: Pre-Design Assessment + Planning