SS Flashcards
(43 cards)
SS acronym
Sustainable Sites
SS overall purpose
The sustainable sites category focuses on the vital relationship among ecosystems, ecosystem services, and buildings.
It emphasizes:
integrating the site with regional and local ecosystems,
restoring project site elements, and
preserving the biodiversity of natural systems
SS facts
A National survey in 2014 estimated that of the earth’s “natural capital”: coral reefs, woodlands, forests, and other ecosystems that provide regenerative services, approximately 60% of what has been accessed worldwide is currently used unsustainably or considered irreversibly degraded.
This results in soil erosion, deforestation, disappearing rivers, drops in water table levels, and the extinction of species.
Eutrophication
A process in which a body of water becomes rich in dissolved nutrients from fertilizers or sewage, thereby encouraging the growth and decomposition of oxygen-depleting plant life and resulting in harm to other organisms
SS measures
Specific measures rewarded by LEED sustainable sites credits:
Construction activity pollution prevention
Site development that protects or restores habitat
Storm water design with quality and quality control
Heat island reduction for non-roof and roof materials
Light pollution reduction
SS core concepts
Management and design of the site: Stewardship of the site Site development Light pollution reduction Pest management integration
Management of storm water
Storm water quantity reduction and water quality protection
Impervious surface impact
SS strategies: brownfields
Local state and federal governments offering financial incentives for the clean up and reuse of Brownfield sites (contain hazardous substances, pollutants or chemicals) to promote water quality protection, low impact development, and Smart growth.
SS strategies and technologies
- Protect or restore habitat during site development
- Restore, plan for or protect open spaces
- Manage and intercept Stormwater
- Apply cool roof technologies
- Reduce duration of lighting use and lighting density, comply with dark sky requirements.
SSP: Construction activity pollution prevention
purpose
Controls airborne dust, soil erosion, waterway sedimentation, and reduces pollution from construction sites.
SSP: Construction activity pollution prevention
concept
This prerequisite encourages project teams to reduce construction project disturbances three water systems, the site, and neighboring properties in the event that local codes do not require such measures.
Review the EPA CGP, a United States national standard, to guarantee that all projects implement ESC measures during construction.
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency
GCP
Construction General Permit
ESC
Erosion and sedimentation control
SSP: Environmental Site Assessment
purpose
To make sure the site is
evaluated for environmental contamination,
remediates the environmental contamination if needed, and
protects the health of vulnerable populations.
SSP: Environmental Site Assessment
concept
Contamination that exists on the the building sites has the potential to harm future occupants. Ground water or soil they have contaminants left by previous uses for existing buildings would have hazardous materials such as asbestos for lead.
Certain populations such as hospital patients couple young children, or the elderly are more susceptible to hazardous materials. Identifying and mediating environmental contamination can provide a safer environment for everyone.
Use ASTM ESA methodology for identifying investigating a site environmental contamination. Local standard assessments are acceptable if they are at least as stringent as ASTM phase I and II ESA.
ASTM
American Society for Testing Materials
ESA
Environmental Site Assessment
Phase I ESA
Phase I: involves a review of records, a site inspection, and interviews with owners, occupants, neighbors and local government officials.
Phase II ESA
Phase II: If a Phase I ESA identifies potential contamination of the site by hazardous materials, a Phase II ESA may be conducted.
Includes sampling and laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of
hazardous materials.
SSC: Site assessment
purpose
Evaluates site conditions to assist related design decisions and assesses sustainable options for design.
SSC: Site Assessment
concept
Site assessment assesses environmental features that should be considered in the design of sustainable site and building.
It identifies assets such as good solar access, healthy plant populations, favorable site conditions…
As well as liabilities such as steep slopes, pollution sources, blighted structures, unhealthy soils, and extreme clinic patterns.
Site assessment assists good design decisions and it is a critical part of an integrative design process.
Site assessment assists good design decisions and it is a critical part of an integrative design process.
A good assessment performed before or during the conceptual design phase can
honor a site’s unique characteristics,
promote occupant health, and
reduce project risks and costs.
It is important to understand how a site’s climate, ambient air quality, topography, soil types, and water availability can impact the project’s ultimate performance and design.
SSC: Protect/restore habitat
purpose
Restores damaged areas to
promote biodiversity,
provide habitat, and
protect existing natural areas
SSC: Protect/restore habitat
concept
Project teams should conserve and preserve high-quality or intact native ecosystems, including their soils, hydrology, sensitive species habitats, native vegetation, and wildlife corridors.
Buildings should be situated to properly protect undeveloped land.
In previously developed sites consideration should be given to restoring hydrology, soils and native plants because they manage and filter rainwater, improve the viability of ecological communities, and fulfill other ecosystem functions.
This credit encourages teams to first consider on-site restoration, but when this is not possible, consider off-site restoration and conservation.
SSC: open space
purpose
To create exterior open space that promotes interaction with the environment, passive recreation, social interaction, and physical activities.
