What is the Sustainable SITES Rating System?
- A voluntary third-party, global rating system for sustainable landscape design, construction, and maintenance (similar to LEED for buildings).
- A model and framework for sustainable development and land management practices. Download the free version of SITESv2 (version 2) Rating System and Scorecard here.
- SITES can be used for large and small projects.
- SITES is an important and useful land development framework to help restore damaged ecosystems and create high performance landscapes that address climate change and resiliency.
More comprehensive information is on Sustainable Sites Initiative website.
Why certify? Is Sustainable SITES certification really necessary?
- Ensures good design which streamlines site development costs and identifies risk and waste early in the process.
- Saves money through smart land design and management practices that address short and long term costs.
- Addresses climate change and resiliency. Potential for insurance savings.
- Provides tangible, verifiable standards that you can share with your shareholders, stakeholders, customers and funders.
- Provides positive Institutional and Corporate branding
What are some of the economic benefits of Sustainable SITES certification?
- Identification of costly and wasteful items early in the process
- Maintenance cost savings in energy, labor, water, materials
- Regulatory and permitting costs reduction
- Potential for insurance savings from design for resiliency.
- Human health risks reduced for all personnel
What are some of the environmental benefits of Sustainable SITES certification?
- Reduce water use
- Filter and reduce stormwater runoff
- Improve pollinator and wildlife habitat
- Reduce energy consumption
- Improve water and air quality
- Improve human health and well-being
- Increase quality outdoor recreation opportunities