EA New Homes Measures Guide - Earth Advantage

2012 Earth Advantage Residential
Measures Resource Guide
1.2.4
Existing Trees of 4" Caliper or Larger Saved
Accountability Form: General
Energy
Materials
Water
0 0 1 0 1
Description: This measure rewards the preservation of trees already on site. Points are awarded for one mature tree saved. Mature tree is
defined as a tree in good health that is not considered a nuisance or invasive species, 4" caliper or larger at 4 feet above the ground. A
second point can be awarded for three or more trees saved on the lot. This measure is awarded on a per lot basis. A typical application
would be fencing at the drip line of a mature tree or fencing off the area around the tree to remain undisturbed by equipment.
Health
Land
Benefit: Trees contribute to the economic and ecological value of a site. In addition to their physical beauty, trees provide wildlife habitat,
help manage the flow of stormwater, clean the air, and they protect critical features such as stream buffers or hillsides. In addition,
properly trimmed and positioned shade trees protect the house from the hot summer sun, reducing cooling loads. Considering the effects
on energy usage, erosion control, pollution, and wildlife habitat, a single mature tree provides substantial annual and resale value.
Verification: This measure applies to single lots. However, points can be awarded to all lots in a development if a significant number of
trees or trees of significant value (heritage trees) have been preserved in a green space that is available to all residents.
1.2.5
Accountability Form: General Energy Health Land Materials Water
Stormwater Control: Bio-retention system onsite- 100 percent of
0 0 2 0 1
lot/development
Description: Develop an on-site infiltration system for rainwater for the lot and development, exclusive of the footprint of the house roof.
This is a water drainage system that routes water into the soil and groundwater of the house site. The swale must contain plants whose
roots and associated organisms cleanse the water as it percolates through the root zone. Bio-swales and rain gardens are examples of this
approach. The main goal is to keep rainwater that arrives on the site to stay on the site. An additional goal is to maintain runoff flows,
runoff durations and runoff volumes after construction as closely as possible to the natural condition of the site and minimize adverse
effect on stream flows. System should be sized to hold runoff of a 2-year storm event.
Benefit: Every building affects the natural function of a site's hydrology, particularly its processing of stormwater and the way groundwater
is replenished. One way to reduce this impact is to allow the stormwater that falls on the site to soak into the soil instead of allowing it to
flow off-site. This can decrease annual runoff volume by as much as 50 percent. It also reduces the potential for flooding and erosion and
helps recharge groundwater sources for streams and wells.Bio-retention protects the water quality in local streams by preventing silt,
pollutants, and untreated sewage from washing into these bodies during heavy rains. This helps protect the habitats of endangered
aquatic species. In addition to being environmentally responsible, allowing water to soak into the ground is resource efficient. Re-use of
this water could lower irrigation costs.
Verification: EA Rater will visually inspect stormwater storage features on the site. In subdivisions, EA rater will locate all retention systems
and verify how many exist. Plant material must be positioned in the swale or along the sloped sides of the swale. This measure INCLUDES
On-site Infiltration of Roof Drains, so that measure should be taken in addition to this one.
Page 4 of 70