SS Credit: Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat

Protect what remains. Restore what was lost.

 What is the Intent of this Credit?

The goal is to:

👉 protect existing natural areas
👉 restore damaged areas
👉 promote biodiversity and habitat

🎯 Big Picture

Development should not eliminate nature—it should preserve and rebuild it.

🌍 Why This Matters

Construction can:

• disturb ecosystems
• destroy habitats
• reduce biodiversity
• alter natural hydrology

👉 This credit ensures projects:

• minimize damage
• actively restore ecological value

🧩 Core Requirement Structure

✅ Step 1: Protect Greenfield Areas (MANDATORY)

👉 Projects must:

👉 protect 40% of greenfield area

from:

• development
• construction disturbance

❓ What is Greenfield?

👉 Land that is:

• not previously developed
• not disturbed or graded
• capable of supporting natural habitat

🎯 Exam Insight

Greenfield = natural land
Must protect 40%

✅ Step 2: Choose ONE of Two Options

🌱 Option 1: On-Site Restoration (Preferred)

Requirement

👉 Restore:

👉 30% of previously developed site area

⚠️ Important:

• includes building footprint
• must use native or adapted vegetation

🌿 Why Native/Adapted Plants?

• support local ecosystems
• require less maintenance
• improve biodiversity

🏢 Special Allowance (High-Density Projects)

If:

👉 FAR ≥ 1.5

Then:

👉 vegetated roofs can count

⚠️ Conditions:

• must use native/adapted plants
• must provide habitat
• must promote biodiversity

💧 Rainwater Management Overlap (Important)

👉 Areas used for:

• stormwater infiltration

👉 Can be excluded if:

• treated under Rainwater Management credit

🌍 What Counts as Habitat (Important Clarification)

Even if not vegetated:

👉 These CAN count:

• natural rock areas
• ponds
• deserts

❗ Condition:

👉 Must prove they are:

• naturally non-vegetated

🛠️ Implementation Steps

• plan early (design phase)
• include in construction documents
• protect during construction