Sustainable Sites (SS)
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Total Allowed Points for SS: 22
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Total Expected Points for SS: 15
Credit 1 - Site Stewardship
Intent
Minimize long-term environmental damage to the building lot during the construction process.
Requirements
Prerequisites
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1.1 Erosion Controls During Construction.
Prior to construction, design and plan appropriate erosion control measures. During construction, implement these measures.
We will be doing this by:
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Stockpiling and protecting disturbed topsoil from erosion (for reuse).
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Controlling the path and velocity of runoff with silt fencing or comparable measures.
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Protecting on-site storm sewer inlets, streams, and lakes with straw bales or comparable measures.
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Providing swales to divert surface water from hillsides.
Credits
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2.1 Minimize Disturbed Area of Site (1 point).
We plan on getting this point by:
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Developing a tree- or plant-preservation plan with “no-disturbance” zones clearly delineated on drawings and on the lot.
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Leave undisturbed at least 40% of the buildable lot area, not including area under roof.
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Total Allowed Points: 1
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Total Expected Points: 1
Credit 2 - Landscaping
Intent
Design landscape features to avoid invasive species and minimize demand for water and synthetic chemicals.
Requirements
Prerequisites
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2.1 No Invasive Plants. Introduce no invasive plant species into the landscape.
No invasive plants will be introduced.
Credits
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2.2 Basic Landscape Design (2 points).
We plan on these 2 points by:
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Any turf will be drought-tolerant.
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b) No turf will be used in densely shaded areas.
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c) No turf will be used in areas with a slope of 25% (i.e., 4:1 slope).
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d) Mulch or soil amendments will be added as appropriate.
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Mulch is defined as a covering placed around plants to reduce erosion and water loss and to help regulate soil temperature. In addition, upon decomposition, organic mulches serve as soil amendments. The type of mulch selected can affect soil pH.
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All compacted soil (e.g., from construction vehicles) will be tilled to at least 150 mm (6 inches).
AND/OR
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2.3 Limit Conventional Turf (maximum 3 points)
We will plan on these points by limiting conventional turf to 20% or less of the designed landscape area.
AND/OR
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2.4 Drought-Tolerant Plants (maximum 2 points)
We plan on these 2 points by installing 90% or more drought tolerant plants.
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Total Allowed Points: 7
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Total Expected Points: 7
Credit 3 - Local Heat-Island Effects
Intent
Design landscape features to reduce local heat-island effects.
Requirements
Prerequisites
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None
Credits
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3.1 Reduce Local Heat-Island Effects (1 point).
We plan on this point by Installing light-colored, high-albedo materials or vegetation for at least 50% of sidewalks, patios, and driveways within 15 metres (50 ft) of the home.
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Total Allowed Points: 1
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Total Expected Points: 1
Credit 4 - Surface Water Management
Intent
Design site features to minimize erosion and runoff from the home site.
Requirements
Prerequisites
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None
Credits
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4.1 Permeable Lot (maximum 4 points)
We plan on these 4 points by having 100% of the buildable lot area not under roof permeable.
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4.2 Permanent Erosion Controls (1 point).
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4.3 Management of Runoff from Roof (maximum 2 points).
We will plan on 1 point for installing a rainwater cistern to manage runoff from the home.
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Total Allowed Points: 7
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Total Expected Points: 5
Credit 5 - Non-toxic Pest Control
Intent
Design home features to minimize the need for poisons for control of insects, rodents, and other pests.
Requirements
Prerequisites
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None
Credits
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5.1 Pest Control Alternatives (0.5 point each, maximum 2 points)
We plan on 1 point by keeping all wood at least 12" above soil and installing landscaping such that all parts of mature plants will be at least 24" from the home.
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Total Allowed Points: 2
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Total Expected Points: 1
Credit 6 - Compact Development
Intent
Make use of compact development patterns to conserve land and promote community livability, transportation efficiency, and walkability.
Requirements
Prerequisites
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None
Credits
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6.1 Moderate Density (2 points).
OR
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6.2 High Density (3 points).
OR
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6.3 Very High Density (4 points).
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Total Allowed Points: 4
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Total Expected Points: 0