Learn about effective strategies to minimize the environmental impact of new construction projects, as discussed in the USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam. Discover how native plants and habitat conservation can contribute to sustainable building practices.
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
When considering strategies to decrease the impact of a new construction project, the most effective option among those listed is:
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 for landscaping is a key strategy in minimizing the environmental impact of a new construction project. Native plants are well-adapted to the local climate, soil conditions, and wildlife, requiring less water, fertilizer, and maintenance compared to non-native species. By incorporating native plants into the project’s landscaping plan, the design team can:
- Reduce water consumption: Native plants are accustomed to the local precipitation patterns and can thrive with minimal irrigation, conserving water resources.
- Minimize the need for fertilizers and pesticides: As native plants are naturally resistant to local pests and diseases, they require fewer chemical treatments, reducing the project’s ecological footprint.
- Provide habitat for local fauna: Native plants support local biodiversity by offering food, shelter, and breeding grounds for native wildlife, such as birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
- Promote ecosystem stability: By maintaining the natural balance of the local ecosystem, native plants help prevent the spread of invasive species and preserve the area’s ecological integrity.
The other options listed, while potentially beneficial in certain contexts, do not directly contribute to decreasing the project’s environmental impact:
- Maximizing views of an existing wetland may increase occupants’ appreciation for the natural environment but does not actively reduce the project’s impact.
- Locating the project in an existing office park with ample parking may limit the need for new infrastructure but does not address the project’s direct environmental footprint.
- Increasing the project’s footprint to maximize roof space for a solar array, although promoting renewable energy, may result in a larger building footprint and increased site disturbance.
In summary, selecting native plants to provide habitat for local fauna is the most effective strategy among the given options to decrease the impact of a new construction project, as it promotes water conservation, reduces chemical use, supports biodiversity, and maintains ecosystem stability.
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.