DRAFT GreenPoint Rated Existing Home Rating Manual version 6.0 | Page 24

C. LANDSCAPE
Note: Projects with less than 15% landscape area are capped; Measures 0 through C6 and C8 through C10 are capped at 6 points for single family homes and 3 points for multifamily homes. To determine the landscape area percentage, divide the total landscape area for the project by the total site area. The landscape area is any part of the total site area that contains plants or grass. It includes planter boxes and median strips between the home and the street. Hardscapes (such as sidewalks, walkways, patios, and decks) and naturally wooded lands and fields are not considered landscape area. For single family homes, the total site area is the entire lot, including the building. For developments containing multiple homes and common landscaping areas, the total site area is the entire development boundary.

C1.

PLANTS GROUPED BY WATER NEEDS (HYDROZONING)

CRITERIA FOR QUALIFICATION Note: Measures C3.1 and C3.3 are prerequisites for this measure One point of credit is available for projects that meet all of the following: ? Plants and turf are grouped in low, medium, and high water usage hydrozones. At a minimum, all projects must have a low water zone. Projects may have one or two additional zones based on the water needs of the plants. Projects with only low water use plants may have a single zone. See Measure C3.3, “Drought Tolerant, California Native, Mediterranean Species, or Other Appropriate Species (3 Points),” on page 20 for references to determine the water use level for each plant. Each hydrozone has a separate irrigation valve.

?

Turf is included in this measure. If the project does not have a landscape area (as defined in the note at the top of page 18), it is not eligible for this measure. VERIFICATION Field Verification: The Rater shall complete field verification to verify that the landscape was installed as intended and aligns with plans. The Rater will take representative photos. Documentation: The Rater must collect a landscape plan (such as a site, irrigation, or planting plan) and/or spreadsheet showing the criteria. The plan or spreadsheet should identify the water needs of the plants and their corresponding planting areas. The Rater must collect an Accountability Form signed by the landscape architect or other appropriate expert that shows the criteria have been met. INTENT To reduce water consumption and promote healthier plants by matching water use with plant water needs.

GreenPoint Rated Existing Home Rating Manual Version 6.0, September 2013 © Build It Green

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