How LEED Can Lead to a Better Building

Part 1: LEED v3: How it has Changed

Part 2: LEED Sustainable Sites Tips

Part 3: LEED Water Efficiency Tips

Part 4: LEED Energy and Atmosphere Tips

Part 5: LEED Materials and Resources Tips

Part 6: LEED Indoor Environmental Quality Tips

Part 7: LEED Innovation Strategies

LEED Sustainable Sites Tips

By Randhir Sahni - September 2009 - Green

Considering how the site on which a building sits affects its surroundings is one of the most important considerations in the built environment/natural environment relationship. The idea is to minimize the facility’s impact on its surrounding environment.

Some examples of strategies LEED asks facility executives to consider include: implementing strategies to limit light pollution; creating more green space with native plants and trees to counteract the heat island effect; retaining or detaining stormwater runoff to lessen the strain on sewer systems; and providing access to public transit and alternative transportation, thereby reducing parking capacity needs.

By following LEED’s guidelines, facility executives can conserve the basic nature of the site — preserving air quality, water and energy while optimizing their use — to achieve sustainability.