Site Assessment & Design
Our built environment is flooded with glass boxes that could be located anywhere, while many of the most successful and celebrated examples of architecture reflect and respond to unique site features. Whether or not a design team has a say in siting a project, carefully assessing the site should be on every project’s to-do list.
Careful consideration of these factors can inform design and support not only sustainable design objectives but also the basic architecture of the building:
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onsite climate conditions
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unique weather patterns
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solar access
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water opportunities
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unique flora and fauna
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topography
A site assessment early in design can reduce costs, allay potential risks, support the health and well-being of occupants and native habitat, and promote other unique site features.
Site Assessment & Design
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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Work Globally, Design Locally
Feature Article
In today’s global economy, American architects work on six continents—but that doesn’t mean they should all have identical glass towers.
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Pest Prevention: Steps Designers Can Take
Feature Article
Integrated pest management (IPM) design strategies can reduce structural damage and unsanitary conditions, and improve our community’s health.
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Are Cool Roofs Green? The Answer’s Not Black and White
Feature Article
Roofing choices are complicated by heating tradeoffs, climate effects, and condensation, but proponents say reflective roofs still make sense in most climates.
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Growing Food Locally: Integrating Agriculture Into the Built Environment
Feature Article
With a little ingenuity, the flat roofs and vacant lots of urban centers can be used effectively for food production. Numerous models can bring building-integrated food production to your project, while making our food supply chain more sustainable.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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How Environmental Site Assessments Work
Primer
Existing buildings and previously developed sites are great, but they often need environmental cleanup. An ESA is the first step.
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Putting a “LID” on Harmful Stormwater Runoff
Primer
Low-impact development (LID) minimizes pavement and maximizes rainwater infiltration, filtering out pollution and preventing erosion.
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Combined Sewer Overflow
Primer
Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) occur in municipalities with older wastewater systems that carry both sanitary wastewater and stormwater; eliminating CSOs involves investment in wastewater infrastructure and reducing stormwater flows.
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Porous Paving
Primer
Pavement that allows infiltration of stormwater comes in a variety of types, and offers many environmental and even cost benefits.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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BuildingGreen Announces Top 10 Products for 2017
Product Review
Our innovative Top 10 product selections reduce stormwater and wastewater, improve efficiency and IAQ, and contain fewer hazardous materials.
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Treated Wood for Ground Contact, Minus the Toxic Pesticides
Product Review
Accoya, now code-approved for fungus and termite resistance, relies on acetylation as a benign alternative to conventional pressure-treated wood.
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Win the Turf Wars with Rubber-Free Artificial Fields
Product Review
You don’t have to choose between recycled tires and natural grass for athletic surfaces. There’s a spectrum of good options in between.
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A New Place to Store Rainwater: The Fence
Product Review
Created by a 14-year-old student for a science fair, Water Fence provides an innovative solution for storing large volumes of water.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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Fighting for Environmental Justice with “Smart” Surfaces
News Analysis
Asphalt and concrete are at the root of many sustainability issues and associated inequities. The Smart Surfaces Coalition is looking to change that. -
“Smart Surfaces” Could Save Cities Billions
News Brief
Heat islands, stormwater, and energy bills can all be curbed by smart surfaces.
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Denver Votes Green Thumbs Up for Green Roofs
News Analysis
A city suffering from ozone pollution and the heat-island effect approves a ballot measure requiring green roofs.
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Analyze a Neighborhood with the Touch of a Button
News Brief
Opportunity360 scores neighborhoods on health, affordability, transportation, and more.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Water Tables and Basements
Blog Post
How to use geological, soil, and historical maps to keep your basement dry
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Integrate Food Production and Green Building
Op-Ed
Adding local food production to the goals of green building makes sense for the environment and human health.
Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Pest Prevention: Steps Designers Can Take
Feature Article
Integrated pest management (IPM) design strategies can reduce structural damage and unsanitary conditions, and improve our community’s health.
-
Are Cool Roofs Green? The Answer’s Not Black and White
Feature Article
Roofing choices are complicated by heating tradeoffs, climate effects, and condensation, but proponents say reflective roofs still make sense in most climates.