SITE ASSESSMENT

Intent

To assess site conditions before

design to evaluate sustainable

options and inform related deci-

sions about site design.

Required Documentation

Site survey or assessment plan or map

Site assessment work-sheet or equivalent narra-tive

Topography

Hydrology

Climate

Vegetation

Soils

Human Use

Human Health Effects

Sample Site Plan

Step-By-Step Guidance:

Step 1. Prepare For Assessment Identify the team that will perform the assessment.

Typically consists of the landscape architect, land planner, and architect

Engage local experts and specialists for matters beyond the team’s area of

expertise

Plan to complete the assessment before conceptual design starts

Step 2. Conduct Site Inventory Using various data sources, site visits, and experts, survey and inventory the exist-

ing site conditions and surroundings with credit requirements in mind, and compile

them for the site assessment. Consider the following:

Recording all site information in a single document as inventory progresses

Preparing a list of credits that could be influenced by the site assessment

Documenting important site and ecological features for the design team

Consulting local experts for information that may not be readily available

Step 3. Conduct Site Analysis Prepare a site plan that includes information gathered during the inventory, and

the effect site features will have on the project design.

Combine information gathered with the visual layout so that relationships can

be readily seen and a site assessment can be performed.

Be aware of different techniques to make information distinct and easily com-

prehended

Highlight the most important site features that may influence future design

CEE 424—Sustainable Construction Methods Group #11

Behind the Intent

Identify assets (e.g. favorable

climate conditions), as well as

liabilities (e.g. unhealthy soils).

The site assessment is part of

an integrative design process,

and helps to make informed de-

cisions about site design, and to

understand the site’s topogra-

phy, climate, soil types, etc.

SUSTAINABLE SITES CREDIT

Applies to...

New Construction (1 point)

Core and Shell (1 point)

Schools (1 point)

Retail (1 point)

Data Centers (1 point)

Warehouses and Distribu-tion Centers (1 point)

Hospitality (1 point)

Healthcare (1 point)

Step 4. Complete Site Assessment Worksheet Or Prepare Site Assessment Narrative Complete USGBC site assessment or develop a sufficient narrative.

Must include which site features were evaluated, what was discovered, and how these findings influenced the project

design

Justify the exclusion of any elements that were not assessed

Requirements

Topography Contour mapping, unique topographic features, slope stability risks

Hydrology Flood hazard areas, delineated wetlands, lakes, streams, shorelines, rainwater collection and reuse opportunities, TR-55

initial water storage capacity of the site (or local equivalent for projects outside the U.S.)

Climate Solar exposure, heat island effect potential, seasonal sun angles, prevailing winds, monthly precipitation and temp. ranges

Vegetation Primary vegetation types, greenfield area, significant tree mapping, threatened or endangered species, unique habitat, inva-

sive plant species

Soils Natural Resources Conservation Service soils delineating, U.S. Department of Agriculture prime farmland, healthy soils,

previous development, disturbed soils

Human Use Views, adjacent transportation infrastructure, adjacent properties, construction materials with existing recycle or reuse poten-

tial

Human Health Effects Proximity or vulnerable populations, adjacent physical activity opportunities, prox-

imity to major sources of air pollution

Related Credits Integrative Process Credit

LT Sensitive Land Protection

LT Surrounding Density and Diverse

Uses

LT Access to Quality Transit

LT Bicycle Facilities

SS Site Development—Protect or Re-

store Habitat

SS Rainwater Management

SS Heat Island Reduction

EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Per-

formance and EA Credit Optimize Ener-

gy Performance

EA Renewable Energy Prod.

EQ Daylight

EQ Quality Views