Site Management: Sustainable Site Credit for LEED Existing building (O+M)
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building certification program that aims to promote sustainable practices and reduce the impact of buildings on the environment. One of the credits in the LEED rating system is the Site Management credit, which is available under the Operations and Maintenance (O+M): Existing Buildings rating system and is worth one point. This credit requires environmentally sensitive site management practices that protect and enhance habitat, reduce pollutants and waste, protect soils and hydrology, and reduce site domestic water use.
Requirements for the Site Management Credit:
To earn the Site Management credit, building owners and managers must meet the following requirements:
- Conduct a Site Assessment: The first step towards achieving this credit is to conduct a site assessment to identify and document natural areas that provide habitat. The assessment should include an evaluation of the site’s ecological significance, such as the presence of wetlands, streams, and endangered species.
- Develop a Site Management Plan: Building owners and managers must have in place a site management plan that demonstrates how they meet the following best practices
Required Documentation for Compliance
To comply with the Site Management credit, building owners and operators must provide the following documentation:
- Results of the site assessment to identify any natural areas providing habitat.
- Site management plan and/or other documentation demonstrating that environmentally sensitive site management best practices were met and maintained for each operational element covered by the credit.