Learn key strategies for minimizing the environmental impact of new construction, such as preserving habitats and using native plants. Expert tips for the LEED Green Associate Exam.
Table of Contents
Question
Which of the following is a strategy that a design team should consider In order to decrease the Impact of a new construction project?
A. Maximize views of the existing wetland
B. Select native plants to provide habitat for local fauna
C. Locate the project in an existing office park with ample parking
D. Increase the project’s footprint to maximize roof space for a solar array
Answer
B. Select native plants to provide habitat for local fauna
Explanation
Selecting native plants to provide habitat for local fauna is a strategy that a design team should consider in order to decrease the impact of a new construction project. Native plants are plants that have evolved in a specific region and have adapted to the local climate and soil conditions.
Native plants can offer many benefits for the environment, such as:
- Reducing water use and runoff by requiring less irrigation and fertilization
- Enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services by supporting native wildlife and pollinators
- Improving air quality and mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Increasing soil health and stability by preventing erosion and improving infiltration
- Creating a sense of place and cultural identity by reflecting the natural heritage of the region
The other options are not strategies that would decrease the impact of a new construction project. Maximizing views of the existing wetland may improve occupant satisfaction, but it does not necessarily reduce the environmental footprint of the project. Locating the project in an existing office park with ample parking may reduce land use and transportation impacts, but it may also increase heat island effect and stormwater runoff. Increasing the project’s footprint to maximize roof space for a solar array may increase renewable energy generation, but it may also increase site disturbance, material use, and energy demand.
Selecting native plants is an effective strategy for reducing the environmental impact of a new construction project for several reasons:
- Native plants are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, requiring less water, fertilizer, and maintenance compared to non-native species. This reduces the project’s ongoing resource consumption.
- Planting native species helps preserve and restore local ecosystems by providing food and habitat for indigenous wildlife like birds, pollinators, and small mammals. This supports biodiversity.
- Native landscaping can help the project blend in with the surrounding environment, minimizing visual and ecological disruption.
- Using native plants avoids the risk of introducing invasive species that can spread and damage local ecosystems.
The other options are less ideal:
A. While preserving wetlands is important, simply providing views does little to mitigate the project’s impact.
C. Building in an existing office park may limit habitat loss but concentrates development and increases transportation impacts.
D. Maximizing the building footprint for any reason, even renewable energy, increases the project’s direct environmental impact.
In summary, selecting native plants is a key strategy for reducing a new construction project’s environmental footprint by restoring habitats, conserving resources, and protecting local ecosystems. It’s an important concept to understand for the LEED Green Associate Exam and for sustainable design in general.
USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam and earn USGBC LEED Green Associate certification.