Special Credit Opportunities

Introduction to Special Credit Opportunities

12 possible points NOT included in Project Total of 100 Points.

Special credit opportunities are envisioned to go beyond LEED and GY-Framework requirements and to address specific regional issues. Since the time of Native American migrations through development of permanent settlements, the creative contributions of individuals and projects to the region have been invaluable resources for today and the future. Encouragement and recognition of these contributions has been noted and can continue for future generations. This credit category recognizes "Other Innovations" that are specific to the project but replicable by other projects, sharing of lessons learned, and sustainable leadership in the region that has not been addressed in this document.

This credit category also recognizes the challenges and opportunities in two of the region's primary economic drivers, agriculture and extraction industries. Many of the practices of early pioneers teach sustainable strategies and techniques that preserve the land for future harvests. Many of these have been lost, overcome by technology advancements. Some new methods greatly improve environment over previous practices. The GY-Framework was developed to support cultivation of productive farm and ranch lands that are managed in concert with the ecosystem processes and that contribute to the stability of rural families and communities. Sustainable farms and ranches who take a holistic approach to lessening negative environmental impacts can be recognized for their achievements in this category.

Addressing site issues is an every day challenge for extraction industries, particularly since the region's ecosystem is so fragile and its protection is essential to the future of the region. Best practices and beyond are encouraged through this credit category for extraction projects that are able to demonstrate leadership during operations and upon closure of the site.