C6.10: Minimize Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke – Above Green

INTENT

Improve human health by minimizing site users’ exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (i.e., secondhand smoke).

REQUIREMENTS*

Option 1: Designate smoke-free zones (1 point)

Develop and implement a smoke-free policy to prohibit smoking outdoors within 25 feet (7.62 meters) of all regularly occupied building entries, operable windows, air intakes, bus stops, parking for persons with disabilities, patios, overlooks, playgrounds, recreational fields, and other outdoor gathering areas where people could inadvertently come in contact with tobacco smoke when occupying, entering, or leaving the site.
Clearly designate outdoor smoking areas that meet the above requirements and provide adequate waste disposal. Permanent signage indicating the smoke-free policy must be installed within 10 feet (3.05 meters) of all building entrances.*
Ensure employees, contractors, and visitors will be informed and asked to comply with the smoke-free policy.
Ensure the section of the site maintenance plan (see O+M P8.1: Plan for sustainable site maintenance) is complete and outlines the long-term strategies to monitor the smoke-free policy for compliance by all employees, contractors, and visitors to the site.

Option 2: Prohibit smoking on site (2 points)

Develop and implement a smoke-free policy to prohibit smoking within the entire site.
Install permanent signage indicating the smoke-free policy.*
Ensure employees, contractors, and visitors will be informed and asked to comply with the smoke-free policy.
Ensure the section of the site maintenance plan (see O+M P8.1: Plan for sustainable site maintenance) is complete and outlines the long-term strategies to monitor the smoke-free policy for compliance by all employees, contractors, and visitors to the site.

* Note: This step is not required for single-family residential projects.

RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES

In locating exterior smoking areas, take into account prevailing winds and microclimate effects.
To limit the effects of tobacco smoke on site users, consider innovative techniques such as placing filters near air intakes or creating outdoor smoke rooms.