Credit 5.1- Site Development: Protect or Restore Habitat
Decisions made concerning SS5.1 involve the owner, contractor, and civil engineer. The primary intention of this credit is to conserve existing natural areas, restore damaged areas, provide habitat space, and promote biodiversity. Projects can gain the credit by fulfilling one of two options.
For Greenfield sites, strategies are employed to ensure that construction activities are kept within certain limitations. Site disturbance must be limited to 40 ft. beyond the building perimeter, 25 ft. beyond the constructed areas, 15 ft. beyond roadways, and 10 ft. beyond walkways. For previously developed sites, 50% of the site must be green with native vegetation. Clearly marking construction areas, sharing building facilities, tuck under parking, and stacking the building program are the strategies the endorses for this credit.
(Source: -NC 2. 2 Reference Guide)