Healthy Living Environment

• Under the supervision of a radon professional, test for the presence of radon in accordance with ANSI-AARST MA-MFLB-2023 — Protocol for Conducting Measurements of Radon and Radon Decay Products in Multifamily, School, Commercial and Mixed-Use Buildings (for multifamily buildings) or ANSI-AARST MAH-2023 — Protocol for Conducting Measurements of Radon and Radon Decay Products in Homes (for single-family homes). In time-sensitive situations, consistent with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) radon policy, a radon professional may sample a minimum of 25% of randomly selected ground-level dwelling units.
• If the radon level is at or above the EPA action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), install radon-reduction measures per either ANSI-AARST SGM-MFLB-2023 — Soil Gas Mitigation Standards for Existing Multifamily, School, Commercial and Mixed-Use Buildings or SGM-SF-2023 —  Soil Gas Mitigation Standards for Existing Homes, as applicable to the project.
• After all rehab work is complete, test again.
  • » If the post-rehab radon level is below the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L, no further action is required.
  • » For post-test levels between 4 and 10 pCi/L, consider a long-term test (minimum 90 days) to confirm an increase before undertaking the mitigation process. Then, if radon levels after renovation are BOTH ≥ 4 pCi/L AND higher than the radon levels before upgrades, install mitigation in accordance with one of the following, as applicable:
• For multifamily homes, ANSI-AARST SGM-MFLB-2023 — Soil Gas Mitigation Standards for Existing Multifamily, School, Commercial and Mixed-Use Buildings
• For single-family homes, EITHER ANSI-AARST SGM-SF-2023 — Soil Gas Mitigation Standards for Existing Homes OR ASTM E2121 — Standard Practice for Installing Radon Mitigation Systems in Existing Low-Rise Residential Buildings

A radon professional shall have:

• Certification from either the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists’ (AARST) National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB)

• Certification/license from the state in which the testing or mitigation work is being conducted, if the state has this requirement

• For new construction properties, refer to these standards for construction guidelines, as applicable to the project: ANSI-AARST CCAH- 2020: Reducing Radon in New Construction: 1 & 2 Family Dwellings and Townhouses and ANSI-AARST CC-1000-2018-0523: Soil Gas Control Systems in New Construction of Multifamily, School, Commercial and Mixed-Use Buildings.
• Short-term tests offer an affordable screening method for many homes. Longer-term testing may provide a more accurate representation of the annual exposure to radon and the potential need for mitigation. If short-term results are between 2 and 10 pCi/L, consider conducting a long-term radon test (minimum 90 days).
• Elevated levels of radon have been found in homes built in all three zones on EPA’s Map of Radon Zones. Consult your state radon program for current information about radon in your area.
• A radon vent fan should be installed when the test result is 4 pCi/L or more. EPA recommends that all homes built with radon-resistant features in Radon Zone 1 pre-emptively include a radon vent fan. EPA also recommends radon-resistant features for homes built in radon zones 2 and 3, along with testing for radon prior to occupancy.
• Guidance for underground garages:
  • » The International Mechanical Code (IMC) requires a minimum ventilation rate of 0.75 CFM per square foot for garages serving multifamily projects, and ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2022 section 5.2 encourages maintaining attached-garage air pressure at or below that of adjacent occupiable spaces.
  • » If the pressure-management strategy is not designed to continually maintain negative pressure in the underground garage space relative to the occupied spaces (e.g., if a timer is used for exhaust-fan control), then radon control is not assured. In such situations, use the radon-resistant new construction techniques summarized in EPA’s Indoor AirPlus Version 2 Verification Requirements, item 2.2 ( www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-07/iap-v2-verification-requirements_508.pdf) and/or test the occupied space for radon.
  • » If the underground garage does not cover the entire foundation (e.g., some living space is directly above a slab or crawlspace), then those portions of the project should be handled per Indoor AirPlus requirements.
  • » Any mechanical or service closets in the garage area that are connected to the conditioned enclosure should be meticulously sealed between the garage and the conditioned space.
• For projects that are not in Radon Zone 1 but are located on a brownfield or proximate to industrial operations, consider testing for radon to determine whether levels are elevated on the property. If the radon level is 4 pCi/L or higher, install radon-reduction measures.
• Preemptive radon-reduction measures include:
  • » Installing airtight drain fittings (e.g., a trap or flange system) in the floor drains of the foundation
  • » Sealing and caulking penetrations, openings, or cracks in below-grade walls and floors that contact the ground with a sealant that meets the requirements of ASTM C920-18 Standard Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants
  • » Covering exposed earthen floors in basements and crawlspaces according to Section 1.2 of EPA’s Indoor AirPlus Version 2 Verification Requirements
  • » Air-sealing sumps by installing an airtight sump cover in such a way that water can drain from above (e.g., with a ball valve) and below the sump cover

Follow the testing and reporting instructions below if existing combustion appliances or equipment for space or water heating are 1) located within the conditioned space AND 2) are not power-vented or direct-vented AND 3) are not scheduled for replacement:

• Conduct combustion safety testing prior to and after the retrofit for central systems and for 10% of individual dwelling-unit systems.
• Use either 1) RESNET Standard for Combustion Safety Testing and Work Scope, 2) BPI Combustion Appliance and Fuel Distribution System Inspection, or, in California only, 3) Multifamily Home Energy Retrofit Coordinating Committee (MF HERCC) Combustion Safety Testing Protocols for Existing Multifamily Buildings.
• Report any deficiencies immediately to the owner or owner’s representative if any system fails testing.

• If CO alarms or detectors are installed prior to construction completion, protect them from dust, paint, and other contaminants until construction is complete.
• Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors may be hard-wired to the heating and domestic hot-water system, thus activating if that equipment malfunctions.
• Install low-level carbon monoxide monitors for earlier detection, especially in homes where children, older adults, or people with respiratory conditions live.
• Perform gas-leak testing on new and existing systems both inside and outside buildings. Consider common leak points, such as gas meters, appliance connections, and mechanical rooms. Repair promptly if any leaks are found.

• Provide a continuous air barrier between the conditioned space and any garage space to prevent the migration of contaminants into the living space. Visually inspect common walls and ceilings between attached garages and living spaces to ensure they are air-sealed before insulation is installed.
• Do not install ductwork or air-handling equipment for the conditioned space in a garage. If installing HVAC systems for garages, these must be completely separate from HVAC systems serving conditioned interior spaces.
• Fit all connecting doors between conditioned space and garages with gaskets. Alternatively, make these doorways substantially airtight with weather stripping and airtight door sweeps.
• Install one hard-wired carbon monoxide (CO) alarm with battery backup function for each sleeping zone of the project, placed per National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72 — National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, unless the garage is mechanically ventilated or is an open parking structure as defined by code.
• Prohibit vehicles on the property from idling longer than two minutes. This policy must be noted with visible signage in parking and drop-off areas and detailed in resident and staff handbooks.

• Refer to ASHRAE standards for indoor air quality (62.2 and 62.1) and follow isolation measures for garage contaminants.
• Designate any delivery or drop-off/pick-up zones at least 40 feet from building entries, air intakes, and operable windows.
• Designate parking spaces close to play areas, building entries, operable windows, and air intakes for low-emitting, fuel-efficient, and/or electric vehicles.

• Implement and enforce a smoke-free policy in all common areas and within a 25-foot perimeter around the exterior of all residential buildings, or up to the property line if the parcel does not allow for a 25-foot distance.
• Lease language must prohibit smoking in these locations and must provide a graduated enforcement policy. This policy must not include eviction for first offenses; smoking should be considered a minor lease violation.
• The smoke-free policy shall apply to all owners, tenants, guests, and people who provide services on the property. The use of e-cigarettes and vape pens shall be prohibited wherever smoking is prohibited.
• Include the smoke-free policy, including how it will be enforced and information on the harms of smoking, in materials developed per Category 8: Operations, Maintenance, and Resident Engagement, and ensure they are readily available and easily accessible for residents, staff, and visitors.

• Ensure that staff members — not residents — are solely responsible for enforcement of the smoke-free policy. Enable consistent enforcement by ensuring staff receive adequate training.
• Eviction should only be a last resort in response to a smoking violation, and a graduated enforcement policy emphasizes communication to residents about the policy and its impacts. Through graduated enforcement, you may reset the enforcement steps after a set time period without another violation, include a reasonable accommodation policy, and establish steps such as these:
  • » First offense: verbal warning and reminder of property’s smoke-free policy
  • » Second offense: written warning
  • » Third offense: more serious warning paired with requirements for the resident to demonstrate that they are moving toward compliance
  • » Fourth offense: strenuous warning, cleaning fee comparable to costs required for dwelling-unit turnover, and more strenuous requirements for a resident to demonstrate that they are moving toward compliance
• If implementing a smoke-free policy in an occupied building, plan a 12- to 18-month resident engagement effort and a pre-quit campaign. See below for supportive resources.
• If working with new or unoccupied buildings, all building marketing materials should clearly state the smoke-free policy. Project owners and managers should inform residents that they are prohibited from smoking in or around the property. This information should be incorporated into the resident manual and into materials for building management and maintenance staff (see Category 8: Operations, Maintenance, and Resident Engagement).
• Effectively communicate the rationale for implementing the smoke-free policy, with particular attention and education around the harms of second- and thirdhand smoking.
• Consider designating an outdoor smoking area outside the smoke-free buffer zone as an alternative arrangement for those who smoke or vape. Design this area to be as attractive as possible, provide shelter from the elements, have lighting at night, and be accessible for people who use mobility equipment. Provide suitable receptacles in the designated outdoor smoking area for the disposal of cigarette butts. Ensure that the receptacles are inside the project line and do not encroach on public space.

• A demand-controlled mechanical exhaust system in each kitchen per ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2022 — Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Residential Buildings, sections 5 and 7. Alternatively, projects that achieve Option 2: Advanced building certification of Criterion 5.3 Advanced Building Performance may, provided there are no combustion-fueled appliances within the dwelling unit, use kitchen exhaust vented to the outdoors (e.g., a heat- or energy-recovery ventilator, or a ceiling- or wall-mounted fan) with a continuous rate of either 5 ACH or 25 CFM per Table M1507.3 of the 2009 International Residential Code. [4 points for moderate rehabs]
• A mechanical exhaust system in each bathroom per ASHRAE 62.2-2022 sections 5 and 7. [4 points for moderate rehabs]
• A whole-house mechanical ventilation system per ASHRAE 62.2-2022 sections 4 and 7, but excluding section 4.2; local exhaust airflow may be used for this system [4 points for moderate rehabs]

• Whether the ventilation equipment is new or existing, verify and test that all dwelling-unit ventilation systems operate as designed, with flow rates within +/- 15 CFM or +/- 15% of design value, whichever is smaller.
• For all new ventilation systems and associated ductwork, install per manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Specify cleaning, sealing, balancing, and right-sizing of rooftop fans for all existing central ventilation systems and associated ductwork.
• Ensure mechanical exhaust ventilation systems terminate outdoors — not in attics or interstitial spaces. Recirculating fans do not satisfy the kitchen exhaust requirements.
• For fans serving individual bathrooms, install ENERGY STAR-labeled fans.
• If bathroom fans do not run continuously, install them with controls intended to ensure adequate run time.
• For systems delivering 2,000 CFM or more of outside air, provide real-time air-volume measurements with data logging and alarms to indicate when flow varies by +/- 15% of design value.

• Substantial and moderate rehab projects, particularly those of a historic or landmark nature, may consult Appendix A of ASHRAE 62.2 for compliance options specifically for existing buildings.
• Install MERV 13 or higher-rated filters for outdoor-air ventilation equipment, particularly in geographic locations where outdoor air pollution does not meet national standards for particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) or ozone, and within 500 feet of busy streets and highways.
• Limit uncontrolled intake of air by avoiding exhaust-only ventilation strategies.
• Proper installation of ventilation systems is as critical to their performance as proper design. Adhere to best practices for installation by referencing resources below.
• Install range hoods or microwave range hoods with a minimum capture efficiency of 70%, as tested in accordance with current editions of ASTM E3087 — Standard Test Method for Measuring Capture Efficiency of Domestic Range Hoods.
• For kitchen exhaust fans, consult the prescriptive duct-sizing requirements in Table 5-3 of ASHRAE 62.2 or the ENERGY STAR Kitchen Exhaust Guidance.
• Consider testing exhaust-fan performance as soon as power is available. Hold two squares of toilet paper to the exhaust fan. If the fan can hold these squares in place when turned on, it is reasonable to assume that the fan is working correctly. If the fan cannot hold the squares of toilet paper, examine its installation.

• Ensure that your HVAC design assumptions include an accurate MERV rating. Otherwise, air flow in the home and HVAC system lifespan could be compromised in favor of filtration.
• Ensure filters are easy to access and replace. Inconvenient locations lead to skipped filter changes and diminished performance.
• Ensure that filters are changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Note that even MERV 13 filters may not be sufficient to safely filter indoor air during periods of intense wildfire smoke. Follow steps recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for wildfire smoke events when needed. Where possible, design new HVAC systems to accommodate MERV 16 filters. This future-proofs the system and maximizes health protection, especially in regions with frequently poor outdoor air quality.
• Communicate with residents about the purpose and health benefits of having high MERV ratings and changing filters regularly.

• Consider testing dwelling-unit air quality to ensure that desired performance levels are achieved.

Create the following:

• Condensation evaluation for window-to-wall connections and at any non-thermally-broken metal penetrations through the exterior envelope to reduce the risk that condensation will occur at the project’s outdoor design conditions with indoor winter conditions held at 68°F (20°C) and 50% relative humidity. Projects pursuing Passive House certification may submit their Passive House thermal bridge modeling report to comply with this item.
• Narrative summarizing ERV/HRV control strategies that are being used to manage year-round interior relative humidity levels
  • » Measures that must be included to help manage interior humidity levels during the cooling season are:
  • » An optional measure to help manage interior moisture levels is use of a “dry mode” on the dwelling unit’s cooling system to improve dehumidification capacity during periods of high interior humidity
  • » Measures that must be included to help manage interior humidity levels during the heating season:
• Appropriately sized cooling systems to ensure dehumidification capacity is maximized, given the expected loads in the apartments
• Use of an ERV with moisture recovery to help keep exterior humidity from entering the space
• If a unitized ERV is being used, the ERV system must have the capability to boost flow rates during periods of high interior humidity.
• If a centralized ERV is being used, the ERV must have the capacity to partially bypass the energy-recovery core or slow down the enthalpy wheel during periods of high interior humidity.
• For all ERV and HRV systems, drawings must show relative humidity monitors in return-air ducts at the ERV or HRV to monitor relative humidity.

• As buildings become more energy efficient and loads decrease, proper sizing and thoughtful approaches to year-round moisture control become more critical in all climate zones.
• For projects located in humid climates, supplemental dehumidification may be necessary to maintain comfort during times of high ambient relative humidity. Design a system with the capacity to meet ASHRAE requirements and then provide additional accommodations to adjust the outside air as needed. Calculate partial-load performance of HVAC equipment by using ASHRAE Dehumidification 1% Design Days when designing equipment to maintain 60% relative humidity. Use ACCA Manual LLH sizing calculations to size systems to maintain interior relative below 60%; refer to Appendix 3, Ancillary Dehumidification, for explicit guidance on latent loads.
• Do not use electric-resistance reheat as a strategy for controlling interior moisture as it will lead to high utility bills for those systems.
• Carefully consider interior sources of moisture (e.g., cooking) when sizing HVAC and dehumidification systems; dense properties may require more dehumidification than initially expected.
• Consider the project’s ventilation system. Although balanced systems and ERVs will not necessarily eliminate the need for stand-alone dehumidification, prefer ventilation strategies that do not exacerbate interior moisture loads.

• Refer to Category 8: Operations, Maintenance, and Resident Engagement to integrate complementary practices into materials and programming developed for staff and residents.
• Plan exterior surfaces, lighting, drainage, and landscaping to minimize the attractiveness of the site to pests.
• Complete preventive pest-management work in conjunction with air sealing. Project teams should work with an air-sealing contractor and a pest-management professional to ensure that IPM strategies are part of the scope.
• Hire a pest-management professional with experience in IPM to work with the general contractor and trades and to integrate pest-prevention activities into contractors’ scopes of work. Qualifications to consider include GreenShield or QualityPro certified; association membership with a national or state pest management association; PMP certification: Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE); or Board Certified Entomologist (BCE).
• Rehabilitation of an existing building provides the opportunity to address physical barriers that make handling garbage difficult. Engage with residents and building maintenance staff to identify and correct problems with the collection and storage of waste (e.g., inadequate space in trash rooms, narrow stairs, improper signage, unsafe access to exterior trash receptacles). Also, before the rehab, consider engaging a pest-management professional to inspect the building, review resident feedback, and provide a report on pest conditions and corrective recommendations.

• Reduce blind corners and keep common-space paths wide enough for two people to comfortably pass. On the site and in all common areas inside buildings, maintain clear lines of visibility and avoid blind corners (e.g., use window slits, transparent materials, convex mirrors, or other design features at corners). No more than 20% of public spaces and common areas shall include blind corners for the path of travel.
• Install “peephole” door viewers or windows in all dwelling-unit entry doors.
• Stagger entry doors into dwelling units in double-loaded corridor buildings and across walkways in walkup apartments.
• Provide secure, resident-controlled site access at all property entrances. Ensure gates and/or fences aside from the resident-controlled access point prevent direct entry to buildings from streets or adjacent lots. Barriers, fences, and gates should be designed in a way that balances security with connection to the surrounding community, avoiding tall, fortress-like fences or walls.
• Develop a landscaping and maintenance plan that promotes safety. The plan should include at least one of the following: vegetated streets, vegetated walkways, landscaped fence lines or borders, or rain gardens. All landscaped areas within 25 feet of a pedestrian path, building entry, playground, or parking area should be well maintained to preserve clear sightlines, keep shrubs and hedges trimmed to a maximum of 3 feet, and ensure tree canopies have a clearance height of 6 feet or more above ground level. Integrate resident stewardship opportunities.

• Design and equip all dwelling units with at least two different features that allow residents control over their personal environment. The features may be functional (e.g., climate systems/thermostat; ceiling fans; shading devices; lighting that allows tuning, dimming, and/or switching between task, accent, and ambient conditions; adjustable vents) or aesthetic (e.g., entryway exterior shelves).
• Provide locked storage for at least 50% of units to support control and privacy for residents. Storage should be, at minimum, 10 square feet per dwelling unit. It should be provided outside of the unit.
• Provide on-site access to consistent resources for residents, including a drinking fountain or hydration station in at least one accessible common area as well as free or low-cost access to fresh fruits and vegetables (e.g., options 3, 4, or 5 of Criterion 2.7 Access to Fresh, Local Foods).
• Provide a designated and well-lit area for mail and packages that is designed to minimize theft and promote resident safety. For multifamily properties with more than 12 dwelling units, provide secure mailboxes and lockable package storage or lockers. For single-family homes and multifamily properties with fewer than 12 units, provide lockable mailboxes.

• Engage resident leaders and community partners to identify safety priorities.
• Pair safety measures achieved with strategies from Criterion 7.16 Healing-Centered and Culturally Responsive Design. Incorporate art, color, and local cultural elements that promote identity and belonging along with feelings of personal safety and security.
• In areas where blind spots cannot be avoided, use art or murals, lighting, landscaping, or screening.
• Ensure staff members are trained in trauma-informed engagement and de-escalation strategies.
• Avoid overuse of cameras or aggressive surveillance technologies; focus instead on natural surveillance, lighting, sight lines, and other design strategies that promote safety.

Create spaces that support residents of all ages and abilities by being easy and intuitive to use and navigate. For example, consider older adults and people with vision impairments, dementia, or sensory sensitivities. Strategies:

• Provide clear signage for wayfinding throughout the interior and exterior of the property that avoids jargon, uses plain language, incorporates a positive frame, and is multilingual where appropriate. Incorporate illustrations and color to encourage universal understanding.
• Avoid strong patterns on floor finishes and instead provide subtle, neutral patterns with plain matte finishes, which can help reduce glare in brightly lit conditions.
• Install light switches and power outlets that contrast in color and value with wall surfaces and have an indicator light when turned off. Mount light switches at 52 inches and power outlets at 20 inches above the finished floor.

• When programming the design of your project, consider the daily or weekly needs of residents for space (e.g., a mailroom, laundry, and entryway). Locate these spaces off the common areas or along a common path to the stairs or elevator to encourage regular opportunities for casual encounters. Provide at least three seats in these commonly used spaces. Furniture should be flexible to allow people to rearrange, rest, socialize, or spend time.
• For properties with more than 12 units, design for opportunities to form microcommunities by creating subclusters with communal shared spaces, such as a seating nook, shared patio, shared entry area or foyer, or shared play area. These microcommunities should be designed to serve between 4 and 12 dwelling units.
• Provide at least one universally accessible restroom in common areas. Restrooms should be designed to accommodate residents of all ages, abilities, and identities and to be usable by single occupants, families, or a person and a caregiver.

Promote safety, create spaces that allow for human error, and support residents who use mobility equipment or are living with dementia, vision impairments, or aging-related mobility needs. Provide access that requires minimal physical effort.

• For shared interior spaces, provide permanent access to essential amenities, including seating, toilets, drinking water, internet, and charging stations.
• Install slip-resistant, hard-surface finishes in common spaces, hallways, entryways, and outdoor pathways.
• Install grab bars to provide extra support in bathrooms, including in the shower, and in bedrooms and other areas where they could provide assistance. Mount grab bars horizontally or vertically — not on the diagonal. Ensure all towel bars are able to support the same loads that grab bars are required to support by code.
• Install thermostatic or anti-scald faucets.
• Design all interior and exterior doors to be accessible without the use of steps or raised thresholds, and design all sloped surfaces to have proper support on both sides.
• Install handles and controls that maximize ease of use. Install lever handles on all doors within the interior and exterior of the units; drawer and cabinet hardware that requires no grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist and no small knobs. Faucets should be single-lever, and lighting controls should use rocker or large-paddle light switches.

Create spaces with the appropriate size and space to allow for use, whatever the user’s form of mobility, size, or posture.

• Design all hallways with 42-inch (1.1m) clearance.
• Ensure a 32-inch doorway clearance and/or a 36-inch rough opening for all doors to allow passage into and within the home. This includes entry doors, doors to habitable rooms or hallways, doors to walk-in closets, patio doors, and utility and storage doors.
• Ensure a turning radius for common mobility equipment of 5 feet in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Provide dedicated storage space for mobility equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, electric scooters, and strollers.

• During integrative design (see Category 1), determine which universal design features to incorporate, based on the anticipated resident population.
• Implement selected design features in as many units as possible.
• Incorporate co-design workshops into the process to foster a sense of belonging and community early in design or planning. These workshops should prioritize human-centered planning that responds to the needs of the resident community.
• Design community and amenity spaces to be human-scaled and thoughtfully arranged, with a variety of furniture layouts that welcome and encourage social interaction. Enhance the resident experience by offering choices in the level of engagement. Everyone interacts with the built environment in different ways. Incorporating flexibility can accommodate a broader range of preferences, allowing more people to comfortably interact with the same space.
• Organize circulation pathways around key communal areas of collaborative activity, such as lounges, seating spaces, courtyards, mail rooms, and other community amenities. These community spaces should be designed to improve visibility, offer flexible seating options, and integrate sensory elements like harmonious color palettes, natural materials and elements, and sound-absorbing materials.

For all dwelling units and at least one space accessible to all staff, include two or more of these strategies [3 points]:

• Direct physical connection to a usable outdoor space (e.g., a balcony, patio, terrace, or rooftop garden) that allows access to vegetation with views of the sky, multisensory interactions (e.g., touch, scent, sound), and seasonal or sensory variability
• Biophilic design features — such as indoor installation of live plants, natural materials, or patterns that mimic nature — informed by resident input or cultural preferences
• Tunable circadian lighting systems that 1) shift with natural daylight cycles to support sleep and mood regulation and 2) can be controlled by residents
• Views of biodiverse, native, and intentionally designed landscapes, such as pollinator gardens, tree canopy, or water features (does not include views of parking lots, other buildings, or areas of minimal vegetation)

Across interior and exterior common areas, provide at least three of the following strategies [3 points]:

• Usable outdoor spaces with a mix of native and/or culturally significant vegetation that varies seasonally, along with environmental care practices that support biodiversity (e.g., are pollinator friendly) and use hand or electric maintenance and no chemical herbicides
• Opportunities for residents to interact with plants: raised beds, community gardens, or plantings with a variety of scents and textures
• Fauna-supporting features, such as flowering plants, bird baths, pollinator houses, bat houses, or perches
• Water features (e.g., fountains, rain chains, bioswales) that offer an auditory and visual experience as well as safe and accessible access
• Pet-friendly areas and policies that allow for daily interaction with animals and the natural world

• Consider maximizing outdoor biophilic strategies alongside resilient design options from Category 3: Site Design. For example, some types of landscaping can help projects achieve high levels of stormwater performance for Criterion 3.4 Surface Stormwater Management. Certain rainwater harvesting options in Criterion 3.6 Outdoor Water Use: Alternative Sources may have synergies with outdoor amenities. And vegetated roofs could potentially meet the stringent requirements of Criterion 3.8 Heat-Island Management.
• Engage residents — particularly older adults and those with cultural knowledge of plants and land — in landscaping and biophilic design choices.
• Employ visual and kinetic experiences of nature, such as dappled or reflective light, or movement of leaves, water, or grasses.
• Provide perceptible air movement or varied thermal zones, such as breezeways, operable windows, or shaded areas with cross-ventilation.
• In architectural detailing, use mathematical sequences or patterns found in nature, such as spirals, fractals, or nested geometry.
• Make seasonal and natural cycles visible by way of deciduous plantings, seasonal light variation, or areas where residents can observe the passage of time (e.g., rain gardens, moonlight pathways, seasonal blooms).
• Select vegetation that reflects the local ecoregion and cultural traditions, and ensure plantings support local fauna and pollinators.
• Design outdoor spaces for daily usability by including water, shade, privacy, and movable furniture.
• Include community programming, such as gardening days, nature walks, or plant-care training.
• Encourage visual access to natural rhythms like sunrise/sunset, rainfall, and seasonal shifts through architectural orientation and landscape design.
• Design transitional spaces (e.g., lobbies, elevator bays) to include changing light, scents, and sounds from nature.
• In renovations or retrofits, prioritize low-cost strategies like operable windows, window views to vegetation, indoor plants, and low-noise nature soundscapes.

Select one or more strategies [6 points maximum]:

• Build on the cultural resilience assessment or cultural advisory group from Criterion 1.7 Inclusive Community Engagement to inform your design decisions.
• Engage residents early and often in the design process by using accessible and culturally appropriate methods, such as story circles, celebrations, altar making, charrettes, or participatory art making or design.
• Partner with local cultural organizations, community historians, long-term residents, or local artists to inform your design decisions.
• As the project team designs healing-centered strategies, use the following considerations as guiding principles:
  • » Do not inadvertently retraumatize people. Project teams should first consider which strategies to select based on the intention to do no harm.
  • » Consider and be sensitive toward the trauma residents may hold. This requires resident engagement and understanding. It is critical to meet residents where they are and develop strategies around that.
  • » Consider and confirm with residents which strategies are likely to help people deepen their sense of connection and well-being or move toward healing.
• Engage the full project team, including architects and interior designers, around the trauma-informed and healing-centered approach. Consider including a mental health professional or other professional with experience in designing for trauma and healing. The professional can help project teams as they consider:
  • » Biases as a developer (architect, designer, etc.)
  • » Acknowledgment of barriers
  • » Reflections on these biases and barriers
  • » How to design from a place of cultural context and empathy
• Engage residents or other community members and build power by incorporating their voices and ensuring that residents feel represented in the space.
• Use empowering language toward your community throughout this process and project life cycle.
• Evaluate this process and the strategies incorporated. This evaluation is an opportunity for continual feedback and incorporation of new needs. Sample questions could include “Do you see yourself in this space?” and “Does the space make you feel better?”

Eligibility note: Buildings that include stairs as the only means to travel from one floor to another — whether in a two-story single-family home or a multifamily walk-up building — are not eligible for this option.

• Provide a staircase that is accessible and visible from the main lobby as well as visible and within a 25-foot walk distance from any edge of the lobby. Ensure that no turns or obstacles prevent visibility of or access to the qualifying staircase from the lobby, and that the staircase is encountered before or at the same time as the elevators. Ensure that stairway lighting and finishes are consistent with, or better than, those in the building corridor to encourage use. Place point-of-decision signage at building entrances and corridor intersections to promote stair use (rather than elevator use) for health and other benefits. From the corridor, accessible staircases should be made visible by at least one of the below means:
  • » Providing transparent glazing of at least 10 square feet at all stair doors or at a sidelite
  • » Providing magnetic door holds on all doors leading to the stairs, as long as allowable by fire code
  • » Removing door enclosures and vestibules, as long as allowable by fire code [5 points]

Encouraging everyday stair use:

• Include residents in exploring active design strategies as part of the integrative design process. Determine which features are appropriate based on the expected resident population, building characteristics, and potential related programming strategies.
• Stairwell finishes, as well as clear and appealing visuals such as windows or artwork, provide a pleasant experience and encourage stair use for those who are able.
• In high-rise buildings, provide an integrated vertical circulation system that incorporates stair use for travel between adjacent floors so that elevators are used primarily for vertical travel of four floors or more.
• Consider programming elevators so they do not automatically return to the ground floor and do not rest in the open position when not in use.
• While maintaining at least one (or more if required by code) ADA-accessible elevator to all floors, consider installing additional skip-stop elevators, where appropriate for the building.
• Provide daylighting at each floor and at the roof level of the stair by using windows and/or skylights of at least 8 square feet in size. Consider fire-rated glass at egress doors on stair landings to increase lighting and encourage use, along with daylighting in all corridors if feasible.
• Incorporate permanent artwork, murals, and/or music into the stair environment.
• Incorporate natural ventilation into the stair environment.
• For rehabs, consider working with existing patterns on the property and enhance an existing pathway or stairwell.

Activity spaces:

• Develop complementary resident engagement strategies to promote outdoor play, exercise, gardening, or other physical activity.
• Include residents in exploring active design strategies as part of the integrative design process. Determine which features are appropriate based on the expected resident population, building characteristics, and potential related programming strategies.
• Design a courtyard, garden, terrace, or roof that can serve as outdoor space for play and/or fitness activities for people of all ages.
• Design recreation spaces for versatile use by people of a variety of ages and abilities, including landscape features when possible, rather than traditional playground equipment. Play spaces can be works of art or landscape architecture that provide a visual appeal and a pleasant environment for all users.
• In the design of parks and playgrounds, create a variety of environments to facilitate activity in different seasons and weather conditions. Provide shaded areas as well as areas that are open to sunlight.
• Ensure play areas and fitness amenities do not contribute unnecessarily to stormwater runoff, and consider how these spaces might help the project attain higher levels of performance under Criterion 3.4 Surface Stormwater Management, Criterion 3.8 Heat-Island Management, or other criteria in Category 3: Site Design.
• Locate physical activity spaces in a centrally visible location in the building to help increase awareness and use of these spaces, as well as a sense of safety and security.
• Provide lights on sidewalks and active play areas to extend opportunities for physical activity into the evening. (Ensure the lights meet the mandatory requirements of Criterion 3.3 Exterior Lighting.)
• Install water-bottle fillers adjacent to activity spaces and supply residents with reusable water bottles.
• Provide views to the outdoors from playrooms and other areas for physical activity.

Notes:

• “Local preference” is defined as preference for any individual who resides within 25 miles of the project site or is located within the city or county limits.
• Native American preference can be solely that, without a miles-to-project requirement.

Notes:

• If sweat-equity hours were used to complete some of the labor for the project, those hours are eligible and should be included in the above calculation.
• “Local employment” is defined as any individual who resides within 25 miles of the project site or is located within the city or county limits.
• Native American preference can be solely that, without a miles-to-project requirement.

• Engage with residents early to understand their priorities and tailor the wealth-building strategies to their interests and readiness.
• Pair opportunities with education by offering coaching or support on financing alongside any ownership, savings, or business initiative.
• Consult with legal, financial, and other technical experts when developing a program for Option 1: Homeownership or equity opportunities for residents.
• Use proven models for ownership or entrepreneurship, or start small with a pilot program.
• Track impact over time by monitoring metrics like income, credit, savings, and participation in programs. This can build additional support moving forward.