Facilities Toolbox: Sustainability Tools, Page 10

What practical methods help make land use and site development more sustainable?

Photo of a large building with large windows and well-maintained landscaping.

Xeric landscaping can be very
attractive.

Forest: 6
District: Willamette
Region: McKenzie

To improve the sites of existing buildings, check out the information in the Landscaping and Site section of Incrementally Greener—Improving Sustainability Over Time Through Operations and Maintenance (Optional link for FSweb users).

Sometimes, options are limited for locating a new or leased building. When choices are available, siting and land use decisions should include as many of the following ideas as practical:

Reuse an existing building. Reuse typically requires less materials and resources than building new. In particular, consider reusing a significant historic building. Information on accomplishing the sustainable re-use of a historic building is available in the article Historic Preservation and Green Building: A Lasting Relationship in the January 2007 Environmental Building News.
If no suitable existing buildings are available, reuse a site that has been used previously for industrial, office, or residential development. Doing so helps preserve vanishing agricultural and wild land.
Limit the ground floor building size to leave more landscaped or undisturbed space for use by both people and animals.
Protect and restore open space and wildlife habitat that's part of the site. To save on lawnmower time, irrigation costs, and chemical fertilizers and pesticides, use water-wise landscape design (Xeriscape). Retain and plant native species for landscaping.
Preserve existing trees and plant new trees to provide shade for buildings, pavement, and pedestrian areas. Choose deciduous trees for the south sides of buildings in hot summer/cold winter climates to allow the sun to warm the building in the winter while limiting heat gain during the summer. Use shade structures instead of shade trees in desert areas. In areas prone to wildfires, trees and shrubs should be a safe distance from structures.
Limit pavement and other surfaces that shed water. Where a solid surface is needed for parking, driving, or walking, use porous surfacing such as grass pavement systems, gravel, porous concrete, or porous asphalt paving. Construct a green roof if low slope or flat roofs are practical in your climate. Vegetation and porous surfaces limit runoff and help keep summer air conditioning costs lower.
Manage storm water carefully with on-site aquifer replenishment where possible. Prevent erosion during construction and landscaping.
Locate the building within walking distance of public transportation. Provide bicycle storage and changing rooms to encourage employees to use public transportation, walk, or ride bicycles to work. Let employees know about reimbursement programs (Web site available only to FS and BLM employees) for using public transportation.
Provide preferential parking for alternative fuel and carpool vehicles to encourage their use.