DRAFT GreenPoint Rated Existing Home Rating Manual version 6.0 | Page 29

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Exterior

C6.

SOIL AMENDED WITH COMPOST

CRITERIA FOR QUALIFICATION Two points of credit are available for projects that use fully stabilized, certified compost or homemade compost as a soil amendment. Loosen all soil in planting and turf areas to a minimum depth of six inches prior to final landscape grading. Top-dress with compost around established shrubs, around trees, and on turf. Specific organic content is not required, but a goal of attaining a healthy composition is desired. Organic matter includes compost, fallen leaves, grass clippings (leaves and grass clippings are more appropriate as mulch or compost additives, not amending into the soil), sawdust, and aged manure. Sawdust can be added to homemade compost but should not be added directly to the soil as an amendment. This measure applies to all projects that have landscaping (not including planter boxes); if the project has no landscape, the measure is not applicable. Turf areas are included in this measure. VERIFICATION Field Verification: The Rater will visually verify the presence of substantial organic matter in the soil as verified by soil texture or other means. The soil should be dark and crumbly, and should form a light ball when watered, but falls apart fairly easily. Alternately, the Rater can visually verify the presence of a healthy earthworm populations. Documentation: The Rater will collect a soils report and amendments that indicate compliance with the measure, or an approved field verification protocol that validates the existence of adequate compost and organic material content in the soil. INTENT To reduce water consumption and fertilizer use. To promote healthier plants and trees by improving soil composition.

C7.

RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM

CRITERIA FOR QUALIFICATION Up to three points of credit are available as follows: The following criteria apply to single family projects only: Points will be awarded for installing a rainwater harvesting and storage system (including a gutter and downspout that conveys rainwater to a cistern). In a simple system, the cistern has a hose bib at the bottom of the tank, which can be used for simple garden hand watering purposes. A more extensive system has a pump that can be integrated into the landscape irrigation system or even through filters and into the home’s toilet tank system. Credit is available based on the size of the cistern(s), as follows: ? ? ? Less than 750 gallons—One point Between 750 and 2,500 gallons—Two points Greater than 2,500 gallons—Three points

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

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