LE04 - Enhancing site ecology – Above Green

(3 credits available)

Aim

To encourage actions taken to enhance the ecological value of the site as a result of development.

Assessment criteria

This issue is split into two parts:

Ecologist's report and recommendations (1 credit)
Increase in ecological value (2 credits)

The following is required to demonstrate compliance:

One credit - Ecologist's report and recommendations

A SQE has been appointed by the client or their project representative no later than the conclusion of the design brief, i.e. the ecologist is appointed at the beginning of Concept Design stage.

The SQE has provided an ecology report with appropriate ecological recommendations (see Relevant definitions) for the enhancement of the site's ecology at Concept Design stage. The report is based on a site visit or survey by the SQE (see also CN2.1).

At least 50% of the recommendations within the ecology report for enhancement of site ecology have been, or will be, implemented in the final design and build.

Up to two credits - Increase in ecological value

Criteria 1 and 2 are achieved.

A percentage of the recommendations within the ecology report for enhancement of site ecology have been, or will be, implemented in the final design and build.

Table 52Percentage of recommendations within ecology report implemented

Percentage of ecology report recommendations implemented	Credits
75%	1
95%	2

Checklists and tables

None.

Compliance notes

Ref	Terms	Description
Shell and core (non-residential and residential institutions only)
CN1	Applicable assessment criteria	Both options: All criteria relevant to the building type and function apply. Refer to Appendix D – Shell and core project assessments for a more detailed description of the shell and core assessment options.
Residential - Partially fitted and fully fitted
CN1.1	Applicable assessment criteria - Single and multiple dwellings	Both options: All criteria relevant to the building type and function apply. Refer to Appendix E – Applicability of BREEAM New Construction to single and multiple dwellings, partially and fully fitted for a more detailed description of residential assessment options.
General
CN2	Early stage involvement from the SQE. See criterion 1 .	The role of the SQE during the Preparation and Brief stage will be to advise on early stage site layout and development density decisions so that opportunities to enhance site ecology are maximised. SQE involvement at the Concept Design stage will be necessary to provide more detailed ecological recommendations (see Relevant definitions) based on the outline design.
CN2.1	Timing of ecologist's survey and report. See criterion 2 .	The SQE must carry out site surveys of existing site ecology, on which their report is based (or to provide verification where the report is prepared by others) at the Concept Design stage in order to facilitate and maximise potential ecological enhancement.
CN2.2	Guidance for ecologists and assessors	Guidance on relating ecology reports to BREEAM is available in Guidance Note 13 on the BREEAM website.
CN2.3	Infill construction on existing sites with limited space for ecological enhancements or overriding security requirements. See criterion 1 .	Where it is not possible to implement ecological enhancements within the construction zone due to overriding security issues, or where space for ecological enhancements within the zone is severely limited, ecological enhancements made to other areas of the site can be taken into account and used to determine the number of BREEAM credits achieved. These enhancements must be made within the boundary of the wider existing development and be planned and commissioned on a similar timescale to the assessed development. Examples of instances where this Compliance note may apply include new 'infill' building developments within existing college and higher education campuses, retail or business parks.

Methodology

None.

Evidence

Criteria

Interim design stage

Final post-construction stage

All

The SQE’s report highlighting information required in Guidance note 13 or a copy of Guidance note 13 completed by the ecologist. Design drawings including proposed and existing (pre-development) site plan or survey.

Written confirmation from the client or design team confirming how the ecologist’s recommendations will be implemented.

As design stage requirements. BREEAM Assessor’s site inspection report and photographic evidence confirming planting in accordance with design stage plan. Relevant section or clauses of the building specification or contract or a letter from the client or principal contractor confirming the planting will be completed within 18 months from completion of the development*.

* This is for large mixed-use or multi-building developments, where the whole site has not been completed and ecological enhancements have not yet been added, or where features are being added at a later date in an appropriate planting season.

Additional information

Relevant definitions

Ecological recommendations

Ecological recommendations are defined as measures adopted to enhance the ecology of the site. These are measures that the ecologist reasonably expects can be implemented, considering their feasibility taking into account building or site constraints. Measures may include but are not limited to:

The planting of locally appropriate native species or non-native species with a known attraction or benefit to local wildlife
The adoption of horticultural good practice (e.g. no, or low, use of residual pesticides)
The installation of bird, bat or insect boxes at appropriate locations on the site
Development of a full biodiversity management plan including avoiding clearance or works at key times of the year (e.g. breeding seasons)
The proper integration, design and maintenance of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) (such as rain gardens), green roofs, green walls, community orchards, community allotments etc.

Other information

None.