2. “ They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot.”
Joni Mitchell
Big Yellow Taxi
3. Sustainable Site Planning
Its all about the process!!!
Typical Process Preferred Process
● Architect ● Architect + Engineer
● Preliminary Design ● Preliminary Design
● Engineer ● Engineer + Architect
● Final design ● Final design
4. Sustainable Site Planning
Objective of the Presentation
● Basic Tool box for site planning
● Explain green methods and techniques
● Facilitate green techniques
● Create better designs/facilities
5. Site Planning BUZZ WORDS
LID - Low Impact Design/Development
Raingardens
Pervious Pavement
Bioretention
Heat Island Effect
Impervious Surface
LEED
Xeriscaping
6. Sustainable Site Planning
What is a sustainable site plan?
" A site plan that that has the least
environmental impact while still meeting the
clients project goals."
"Green design is only sustainable if it
makes sense financially as well."
8. Sustainable Site Planning
What is a sustainable site plan?
● Site selection is environmentally responsible
● Building orientation is optimized
● Impervious surfaces are minimized
● Site disturbance is minimized
● Stormwater quantity and quality is considered
● Landscaping is water efficient and active
9. Sustainable Site Planning
Topics to Cover
● Site Selection
● Site/Building Layout
● Impervious Surfaces
● Grading Considerations
● Stormwater Management
● Landscape Design
11. Site Selection
Considerations
● Limit development within/on
○ 100 year floodplains
○ Prime farmland as defined by the USDA
○ 100' of wetlands
○ 50' of high quality bodies of water
○ Habitat for endangered or threatened species
12. Site Selection
Considerations
● Select previously developed sites
○ Greyfields
○ Brownfields
● Select sites that encourage
○ Non-motorized tranportation
○ Use of public transportation
14. Site Layout
Building Orientation
● Energy savings of 25% +
● 80 can make a significant difference
● Elongate on East/West axis
● Maximize N & S exposure for daylighting
● Minimize East & West facing windows
● Orient most populated areas to N & S
17. Impervious Surfaces
Effects on the water cycle
● Limit
groundwater
recharge
● Increase
polutant load
● Increase
runoff
● Create heat
island effect
18. Impervious Surfaces
Reduce Impervious Surfaces
● Minimize parking areas
○ Zoning code minimum or less
○ Incorporate compact car spaces when possible
○ Reduce lane sizes
● Plantings in and around parking areas
● Green Roofs
28. Stormwater Management
Best Management Practices
● Raingardens/Bioretention
○ 6"-12" deep
○ 8%-10% of site area
○ <1/2 acre drainage area
■ up to 2 acres possible
29. Stormwater Management
Best Management Practices
● Raingardens/Bioretention
○ landscape islands
○ 4'-10'+ between parking
rows
○ 8'-10' for double loaded
35. Resources
1. The Sustainable Sites Initiative
2. The United States Green Building Council
3. Portland Sustainable Stormwater Management
Program
4. US EPA
1. Stormwater management
2. LID Techniques
5. The Center for Watershed Protection
6. Prince Georges County Maryland - Division of
Environmental Protection
36. Sustainable Site Planning Basics
QUESTIONS?
COMMENTS?
www.fesconsulting.com
www.thegreencivilengineer.com
BOB FAULHABER - PE, LEED AP
Faulhaber Engineering & Sustainability