DRAFT GreenPoint Rated Existing Home Rating Manual version 6.0 | страница 35

E INTENT

Exterior

To create landscapes that are in harmony with natural conditions. To reduce waste and increase recycling. To nurture healthy soils, reduce fertilizer use, conserve water, save energy, and retain topsoil. To minimize chemical use, reduce stormwater runoff, and create wildlife habitat. “Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.” California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7. Accessed June 28, 2013. http://www.water.ca.gov/wateruseefficiency/docs/MWELO09-1009.pdf. “River-Friendly Landscaping.” RFLC (River-Friendly Landscaping Coalition). Accessed June 9, 2013. http://www.msa.saccounty.net/sactostormwater/RFL/about.asp. The River-Friendly landscaping guidelines give thorough information and landscape design strategies to conserve topsoil and minimize the construction footprint.

C14. FIRE-SAFE LANDSCAPING TECHNIQUES
CRITERIA FOR QUALIFICATION One point of credit is available for determining whether the site is in a designated fire-prone area and, if the home is in a fire-risk zone, developing a fire safe landscaping plan and implementing its guidelines. Map the site, identifying exposure to prevailing winds during the dry season and steep slopes that can increase wind speed and convey heat. Identify adjacent wild lands or open space, as well as south- and west-facing slopes and their vegetation (particularly species that burn readily). For sites adjacent to fire sensitive open space or wild lands, create defensible space around buildings; this is an area where vegetation is modified to reduce fuel load and allow firefighters to operate. Use all of the following: ? ? ? Irrigated, low-growing, fire-resistant vegetation: Specify plants with low fuel volume and/or high moisture content. Avoid plants with high oil content or plants that tend to accumulate an excessive amount of dead wood or debris. Fire resistant materials around the home: Construct roofs, fencing, siding, patios and decks with fire-resistant materials. Low-risk features in the zone immediately surrounding the structure: Do not plant trees and shrubs at distances where limbs and branches will reach the house or grow under overhangs as they mature. To minimize fire ladders, do not plant dense hedges or space tall vegetation too closely together. Use mulch (except fine shredded bark) and decomposed granite to control weeds and reduce fuel for fires. Keep trees farthest from the building and low height bedding plants closest. Keep tree branches trimmed at least 10 feet from the roof and space trees at least 10 feet apart from each other.

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VERIFICATION Field Verification: The Rater has the option of conducting field observations and taking representative photos.

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

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