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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Alternative Water Sources: Supply-Side Solutions for Green Buildings
Feature Article
Water efficiency should be a top priority for our buildings. At the same time, finding alternative sources of water is also important for sustainability and passive survivability. Several sources of water can be harvested at the building level as well as through municipal-scale wastewater treatment and desalination.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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BuildingGreen Announces Top-10 Products for 2015
Product Review
Transformative products eliminate toxic chemicals and fossil fuels, and improve building and site performance.
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For a Low-Maintenance Green Roof, Give Plants Better Soil
Product Review
Inventors of the WaterGrip growing medium say it supports near-miraculous growth—but do their claims hold as much water as their soil?
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Cost-Competitive LED Outdoor Area Lighting Is Here
Product Review
Cree’s high-performing LED technology plus an improved manufacturing process create the low-cost OSQ Area LED for parking, roads, and other uses.
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Stormwater Biofiltration That’s Also Smaller and Cheaper
Product Review
Maximizing principles of low-impact development, FocalPoint offers biological stormwater treatment for streetscapes, parking lots, and other tight spaces.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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To Save Cities, Save Trees
News Brief
Urban forests do $500 million worth of heavy lifting each year for the world’s largest cities—and there’s plenty of room to plant more.
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Green Spaces May Deter Crime, Urban Studies Reveal
News Brief
Parks could be the answer for some cities wrestling with drug-related violence, vandalism, and theft.
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U.N.: Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Is Urgent Health Priority
News Brief
A report calls for countries to invest 20% of transportation budgets in infrastructure improvements to promote safety and mitigate climate change
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Natural Stormwater Treatment Saves Salmons’ Lives
News Brief
A new study shows biofiltration systems save the lives of salmon and the insects they prey on. How’s that for a stormwater quality metric?
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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