SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS
Asset Classes
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Offices
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Enclosed Shopping Centres
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Open Air Retail
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Light Industrial
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Multi-Unit Residential Buildings
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Health Care Facilities
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Universal
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Focus Area
Resilience and Site
Topic
Site
Question #
R1.2 – Sensitive Site Management
Question
Are environmentally sensitive site management strategies implemented and maintained on the site?
Applicability
All asset classes
Owner/landlord occupied building
Tenant occupied building
Answer & Scoring
- Yes = Points as indicated below
Select all that apply:
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- Native plant species = 1 point
- Native pollinator-friendly flowering plants = 1 point
- Edible garden = 1 point
- Bee hives or hotels = 1 point
- Bird-safe = 1 point
- No = 0 points
Max of 5 points
Requirements
Strategies include:
- >80% of landscaping contains native and drought resistant plant species
- >80% of landscaping contains native and drought resistant flowering plants that encourage pollinators
- Removal of invasive/non-native plant species
- Environmentally preferable pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides
- Bee hives or bee hotels
- Bird-safe strategies include grey or black deterrent markers installed on reflective or clear glass surfaces
If there is no landscaping on site then there is still the possibility of implementing the proposed strategies in other areas of the building, such as bee hives on the roof, bird-friendly films on glazing etc.
Measures should be in place for at least a year, or one prior summer season.
Documentation
- Photos, specifications, excerpts from landscaping contract etc. showing example of specific strategy implemented
Suggested Lead
In-house, with third-party support
Value
- How the landscaped areas at a building are managed can significantly impact the surrounding environment
- Chemical run-off in fertilizers and pesticides, invasive plant species, and non-native plant species all negatively impact on the local fauna and flora
- Implement environmentally sensitive site management strategies to reduce the building’s impact on the local environment, such as using environmentally preferred products. Contracted service providers are required to implement these strategies (if applicable)
- Create spaces that enhance the local environment by reintroducing native species to their site and incorporating strategies to help local fauna such as bee hives and bird-safe designs
Description
How a building manages its landscaped areas through mowing and fertilization practices can have an impact on the surrounding environment (e.g., the persistence of invasive species; the release of harmful chemicals and toxins into the environment such as pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides; and on resource use like water).
Broad-spectrum application of pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides has significant impacts on the health of the landscape and the runoff of harmful chemicals into the environment. Building managers can reduce non-point source pollution by focusing on using non-chemical control methods. When chemical options are used, these should be low in toxicity and persistence. Their use should be part of an overall landscape management plan.
References
Adapted BB 3.0 Question
Question 09.01.01 – Is a landscape management program in place for the building that includes the following considerations?