Sustainable Site Development Initiatives Sustainable development can be defined as "development with a goal of preserving environmental quality, natural resources and livability for present and future generations." It means working with project proponents and regulators to balance environmental preservation and economic prosperity.
 Sustainable development is a cornerstone of the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Program. LEED is an internationally recognized green building verification system, providing third party verification that a building has been designed and built using sustainable development strategies aimed at improving energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions, indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of environmental resources.
In Massachusetts, Governor Deval Patrick's Executive Order 484, Leading By Example - Clean Energy and Efficient Buildings, mandates that all new construction and significant renovation projects over 20,000 sf. meet a Mass. LEED Plus building standard and that projects smaller than 20,000 sf. meet LEED minimum energy standards.
Under the Cape Cod Commission 2009 Regional Policy Plan, LEED project certification is an available option for demonstrating compliance with Development of Regional Impact guidelines with Energy and Economic Development goals. The Sustainable Sites LEED credit category system promotes responsible, innovative, and practical site design strategies that are sensitive to plants, wildlife, and water and air quality.
 Choosing the property location for a building is the first step toward achieving the sustainable development of a site. Managing that site during construction is also an important consideration for a project's sustainability. The Sustainable Sites credit category system embraces measures that discourage development on previously undeveloped land; minimize a building's impact on ecosystems and waterways; encourage regionally appropriate landscaping; reward smart transportation choices; control stormwater runoff; and reduce erosion, light pollution, heat island effect and construction-related pollution.
Selecting and Developing the Site Wisely Sustainable practices avoid the development of inappropriate sites and reduce the environmental impact from the location of a building on a site. Development of previously undeveloped sites consumes land that could have agricultural, wetlands, and wildlife habitat value. Developing a site in an urban area with existing infrastructure can protect greenfields and preserve habitat and natural resources.
Reducing Emissions Associated with Transportation Vehicle emissions and the need for increased impervious areas for paved parking lots are an environmental concern. Parking areas and roadways result in increased stormwater runoff and contribute to heat island effect. The use of alternative forms of transportation can be promoted by providing bicycle racks and changing rooms, preferred parking for carpooling and low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles, and access to public transportation.
 Planting Sustainable Landscapes
Sustainable landscape practices minimize the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. Using native and adaptive non-invasive plant species requires less maintenance and uses little or no irrigation, fertilizers, or pesticides. Sustainable landscaping practices reduce maintenance costs over the life of the
facility.
Protecting Surrounding Habitats Development of building sites can encroach on agricultural land and adversely affect wildlife habitat. Sustainable development promotes preserving and restoring native vegetation and wildlife habitat.
 Stormwater Management
Impervious surfaces and reduced permeability within developed areas increase stormwater runoff that can contribute to off-site flooding and pollution. Effective strategies exist to reduce and treat stormwater runoff before it leaves the project site and has an impact on sensitive water bodies.
Heat Island Effect Reduction Dark, non-reflective surfaces in parking areas, hardscapes, and roofs absorb solar radiation and radiate that heat to surrounding areas resulting in an increase in ambient temperature. This increase in temperature can have an impact on habitat as well as increase building energy costs for cooling. Installing reflective surfaces and increasing the vegetation on the site can reduce or eliminate heat island effect.
Light Pollution Prevention Poorly designed site lighting can result in negative impacts due to light trespass from the building and site. Light pollution reduction measures reduce night glow and the impact from building interior and site lighting on nocturnal environments, while still providing lighting for safety. Luminaries that do not enhance safety, such as landscape lighting, should be avoided.
LEED Sustainable Sites incorporate responsible, innovative, and practical site design strategies that are sensitive to the environment. Through sustainable site development initiatives, we can optimize resource efficiency and work toward preserving environmental quality, natural resources, and livability for the future.
Martin R. Donoghue, P.E., LEED AP BD&C Coastal Engineering Company, Inc.
Send e-mail to Martin Donoghue
Mr. Donoghue is a LEED Accredited Professional with specialty credentials in Building Design & Construction. He has an advanced level of green building knowledge, a thorough understanding of the LEED Rating System, and has been a member of LEED-Certified project teams, including the Wellfleet Wildlife Sanctuary - a LEED Platinum project. He is a registered professional engineer and has been practicing for more than 26 years.
Reference: U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction, 2009 Edition. |
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