Which organization’s standards help evaluate endangered species related to LEED credits?

The US Fish and Wildlife Service plays a critical role in evaluating endangered species and their habitats, which is directly relevant to LEED credits. This agency is responsible for the administration of the Endangered Species Act, which seeks to protect and recover imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. The standards and guidelines provided by the US Fish and Wildlife Service help project teams assess potential impacts on endangered species during the planning and development phases of a project.

Using the criteria set by this organization can influence sustainable site development by ensuring that projects do not harm vulnerable wildlife or their habitats, ultimately contributing to the overall goals of LEED in promoting environmentally sound practices.

Other organizations, such as the US Department of Agriculture or FEMA, have their own focuses—agriculture and disaster management, respectively—and while they may have environmental impacts, they do not specialize in the assessment of endangered species in the manner that the US Fish and Wildlife Service does. NatureServe also provides important ecological data but is not the primary agency for assessing compliance with endangered species legislation, making the Fish and Wildlife Service the most relevant organization for this particular aspect of LEED evaluation.