Under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED v4 criteria, applicants may receive 1 point toward certification for fulfilling Option 2 of Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat, credit SSc5.1.

Option 2 allows applicants to provide financial support to a nationally or locally recognised land trust or conservation organisation like An Taisce - The National Trust for Ireland within 160 kilometres or 100 miles of the project. The credit aims to conserve existing natural areas and restore damaged ones to provide habitat and promote biodiversity.

The relevant categories are:

BD+C: New Construction

Provide financial support equivalent to at least $0.40 per square foot (US$4 per square meter) for the total site area (including the building footprint).

O+M: Existing Buildings

Establishment: provide financial support equivalent to at least $0.05 per square foot (US$0.50 per square meter) for the total site area (including the building footprint). Performance: provide the support annually.

About An Taisce

An Taisce is the oldest environmental charity in Ireland. As a non-governmental organisation that is not for profit, we hold land and heritage buildings in trust for the nation. This includes the protection and conservation of nature reserves, marshes, bogs, islands, wildlife sanctuaries, and rivers and canals. As such, donations to An Taisce can be used to fulfil credit SSc5.1 for both new and existing buildings seeking LEED certification.

How An Taisce can help

In order to receive this LEED point you must have the following information, and An Taisce can help!

An Taisce will work with you to draft an agreement that confirms the following: An Taisce is a registered charity; An Taisce is a nationally accredited land trust; a description of the amount of your donation and the terms governing the use of funds; conservation project location.

For more information, please contact [email protected] or call +353 (0)1 454 1786.