C7.6: Divert Reusable Vegetation, Rocks, and Soil from Disposal – Above Green

(3-4 points)

INTENT

Support a net-zero waste site by diverting from disposal vegetation, mineral and rock waste, and soils generated during construction.

REQUIREMENTS

The requirements apply to all on-site plant material, mineral and rock waste, and soils generated during the land-clearing activities of the site during all phases of design and construction.

Contaminated soils and diseased or invasive plant materials should not be included in calculations of land-clearing materials totals. Salvaging plants is a technique that can be used to meet the requirements of this credit.

Soils must be reused for functions comparable to their original function (i.e., topsoil is used as topsoil, subsoil as subsoil, or subsoil amended to become functional topsoil).

Retain 100 percent of land-clearing materials:
- For use within 50 miles (80.47 kilometers) of the site (3 points)
- On site (4 points)

RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES

Inventory salvageable plants existing on the site and use the results to establish project goals for salvaged vegetation, rocks, and soils.
Use existing vegetation, mineral and rock materials, and soils as resources in site design.
Recycle excess vegetation generated during land-clearing to produce compost, mulch, erosion-protection measures, or other site amenities.
Where possible, balance cut and fill volumes, and reuse existing soils and rocks in the proposed site design instead of specifying and importing new materials for the project
Manage and prevent spread of diseased and invasive plant materials found on site using methods such as hot composting.
Divert reusable vegetation, rocks, and soils that exceed the amount that can be used on site to local outlets such as soil blenders and mulch and compost producers.