LE 03 - Managing negative impacts on ecology

Change in ecological value – Route 2 – credit allocation - KBCN1139

10/08/2018 - The correct credit allocation for Route 2 can be found in Version 1.2 onwards of the technical manual.

The information below is incorrect and not valid for use.

Upon completing the calculation of change in ecological value following the Route 2 methodology detailed in GN36, a percentage score will be achieved. Providing all other necessary criteria are met, the following credits can be awarded for the relevant issues:

Project Status	Percentage Score	Credits Awarded	Issue
Minimising Loss	75-94%	1	LE03
No Net Loss	95-104%	2	LE03
Net Gain	105-109%	1	LE04
Significant Net Gain	110% or more	3	LE04

A total of 5 credits is available for achieving significant net gain, with up to 2 credits available in LE 03 and up to 3 credits available in LE 04. This information will be added to the manual in the next reissue.

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Ecology dependency diagrams - KBCN1456

These dependency diagrams show how ecology prerequisites and credits interact across issues in the ecology category. UK New Construction UK NC ecology dependencies rev 0.0 Applies to:

• UK NC 2018.
• UK NC V6.

Home Quality Mark HQM V6 ecology dependencies rev 0.0 Applies to:

• HQM V6.
• HQM One.

30-Aug-2023 - HQM ecology dependency diagram added. Title and scheme applicability updated.

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Erratum – Criterion 8 – ‘No net loss’ - KBCN1210

In Criterion 8 of this issue, the wording, 'No net loss of ecological value' should read, 'No overall loss of ecological value'. This corresponds to the definition of 'No overall loss' provided in the guidance for this Issue.

Technical manual to be updated accordingly in next reissue.

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Guidance Note 35 withdrawn - KBCN1355

Guidance Note 35 has been withdrawn following the publication of v3.0 of the BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 Technical manual.  This manual reissue includes all of the information contained in this guidance note in a revised form and supersedes the GN content.  As such the GN should not be used for assessment purposes and it has been archived.  A copy can be downloaded if required for archive purposes only. Please see KBCN1221 regarding the original Guidance Note 35.

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Guidance Note 40 to be updated - KBCN1356

Following the publication of v3.0 of the BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 Technical manual, the wording in Guidance Note 40 differs to some degree from that in the manual.  However, the underlying content is the same and the form may still be used to provide evidence for assessments.  Alternatively, it may be used to guide the preparation of evidence in a different format if preferred.  This GN will be updated to fully correspond to the wording in the reissued manual. Please see KBCN1190 regarding the purpose and scope of Guidance Note 40.

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Methodology items to consider – Land use and ecology - KBCN1264

The methodology section provides a list of considerations for several credits, for example, a list of possible stakeholders and a list of items to be included as part of the survey and evaluation. The items in these lists can be applied flexibly, therefore if they are not deemed appropriate or relevant to the site by a Suitably Qualified Ecologist (or project team member if using route 1), they do not need to be included or referred to in the report. The items should be used as a basis for ensuring the delivery of the required outcomes, by ensuring all relevant aspects have been considered.

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Recognised local ecological expertise - KBCN1193

Organisations/individuals that have the expertise to provide specialist input or guidance to inform the adoption of locally relevant (within the zone of influence) ecological measures that enhance the ecological value of the site.  This may include bodies such as: a. Local Government and other statutory relevant organisations. b. Local community groups, organisations, or charities, such as the Wildlife Trusts. c. Local, regional, or national fauna focused groups such as Bug life, RSPB, Bat Conservation Trust etc.

This definition will be added to the relevant technical manuals in their next re-issue.

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Relating green roofs to multiple assessments in the same building - KBCN1195

A green roof on top of such buildings can be used to award credits for each assessment for which the Land use and ecology Issues apply. The benefit can be applied to to all assessments undertaken for the building provided all are completed within the appropriate time-frame of a valid ecological survey.

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Role of the SQE in planning and measures on-site - KBCN1372

The main role of the Suitably Qualified Ecologist for 'planning and measures on-site' is to make recommendations in their Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. It is important that these are incorporated into the project’s scheduling, management and resources and that ultimately, they are implemented in practice. The person coordinating this does not need to be the SQE, as long as this individual has the appropriate level of authority to take the relevant actions and the methodology is followed. At post-construction stage, evidence needs to demonstrate these measures are implemented in practice, through site visits and appropriate evidence. In some cases, the SQE may need to be involved themselves in checking their recommendations are implemented for certain measures, if they consider this is required. However, if this is required, it would be up to the SQE to confirm in their Preliminary Ecological Appraisal.  

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Site wide approach to ecological enhancements - KBCN1194

A site-wide approach to ecological enhancements can be used on sites where multiple buildings share areas of soft landscaping. The enhancement benefits are applied to the individual building assessments within the site. The benefit can be applied on a site-wide basis provided all developments are completed within the appropriate timeframe of a valid ecological survey.

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Targeting ecology issues using a mixture of routes - KBCN1306

Where Route 1 is pursued initially and it is subsequently decided that Route 2 should be followed, the Suitably Qualified Ecologist appointed should review all evidence available for the issues already assessed to confirm the actions taken were appropriate. Note: Route 1 and Route 2 are referred to as the 'Foundation' and 'Comprehensive' routes in HQM ONE, respectively.  

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Verification of an ecology report / information - KBCN1192

If the appointed ecologist does not meet the definition of a ‘suitably qualified ecologist’ (SQE) the report / information submitted to support the assessment must be verified by an individual who does. 1. The individual verifying the report must provide written confirmation that they comply with the definition of a ‘suitably qualified ecologist’. 2. The verifier must provide signed confirmation that they have checked and approved the report. This must clearly reference the report and can be in the form of a signed letter or their printed name and signature on a completed pro-forma. In doing so, they are deemed to confirm that the report: a. represents sound industry practice b. is correctly, truthful, and objective c. is appropriate given the local site conditions and scope of works proposed d. avoids invalid, biased, or exaggerated statements Such confirmation from the verifier must be provided in addition to all other information required by the relevant technical manual and referenced as part of the evidence submitted to demonstrate compliance. It can take a number of years for an ecologist to meet the SQE definition. Verification of information by an existing SQE supports the practical application of the assessment criteria and is in line with industry practice.

13/08/2019 Updated to clarify, in practical terms, what evidence of verification will be considered acceptable.

 

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