The first Core Imperative, I01/C1 Ecology of Place, identifies several place types on which projects may not be sited. These are: pristine greenfield, wilderness, prime farmland, and floodplain, unless the site qualifies for an exception listed in the Place Petal Handbook.
Projects must also protect thriving vibrant ecological environments and habitats. These are habitats that have been subject to manmade disturbance, but which still retain valuable ecological function, such as a third-growth forest that has been left to regenerate. Though these habitats may occur over large expanses, they may also be found in smaller pockets on a portion of a larger site. Where a project site contains areas of both previously heavily impacted land and thriving ecological habitat, the site must be developed in a way that protects, and provides for restoration of, the thriving ecological habitat.
It should also be noted that any hazardous material on a site must be remediated prior to construction. More detail about site requirements as well as Exceptions, is provided under the Ecological Clarifications and Ecology of Place Clarifications in the Place Petal Handbook.
