[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":208},["ShallowReactive",2],{"newsroom-design-build-sustainability":3},{"results":4,"pagination":206},[5],{"id":6,"uuid":7,"slug":8,"createdAt":9,"updatedAt":10,"locale":11,"dateScheduled":12,"documentId":13,"publishedAt":14,"state":15,"validations":16,"domContent":16,"ctaComponentLinks":16,"deleted":16,"published":17,"draft":91,"type":16,"draftSettings":122,"publishedSettings":181,"lockedBy":16,"createdBy":199,"updatedBy":203,"localizations":204,"status":205},1422,"b1ec1c67-00c1-4323-9bac-c2503efd3a82","design-build-sustainability","2025-08-07T13:44:56.801Z","2025-08-12T14:51:46.450Z","en-US","2025-08-07T10:00:00.000Z","qlwls3nuuqogv8fw6cdngy1a","2025-08-12T14:51:46.134Z","Published",null,[18,31,48,54,63,69,75],{"__component":19,"id":20,"heading":21,"subheading":16,"content":22,"credit":21,"extraSubheading":16,"settings":23},"article.main-content",52240,"","\u003Cp class=\"p1\">The \u003Ca href=\"https://www.sustainablesites.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES)\u003C/a>, closely aligned with \u003Ca href=\"https://www.usgbc.org/leed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LEED\u003C/a> and administered by the \u003Ca href=\"https://www.usgbc.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Green Building Council\u003C/a>, provides a comprehensive framework for sustainable landscape practices. While developed in the U.S., SITES principles are widely applicable and can be adapted to regional guidelines. A key component of SITES certification is the involvement of landscape contractors and maintenance professionals in the early planning stages, helping ensure that sustainability is integrated from design through long-term site management.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p1\">This article explores five essential principles for creating successful, environmentally responsible landscape projects. These principles are useful for all landscape design and landscape architecture firms, including design-build firms who are additionally responsible for installation.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>1. Site Assessment and Ecological Context\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"p1\">A sustainable landscape starts with a thorough site analysis. Understanding the ecological context of a site gives you the tools to design installations that work with, rather than against, the natural environment.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p1\">This means assessing soil types, native vegetation, hydrology, and wildlife habitats before beginning any design work. Prioritizing the protection of existing natural features — such as tree canopies, wetlands, and water flow patterns — allows you to minimize ecological disturbance and better integrate with the surrounding environment. For example, instead of clearing an entire site, a sustainable approach might involve preserving mature trees and restoring native plant communities to maintain biodiversity.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>2. Water Efficiency and Management\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"p1\">Water conservation is a core tenet of sustainable landscape design. Reducing water consumption and managing stormwater effectively can make a significant environmental impact.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p1\">Design strategies such as rainwater harvesting, permeable paving, and smart irrigation systems help to optimize water use. Additionally, incorporating native or drought-tolerant plants can drastically reduce irrigation needs. Features like bioswales, rain gardens, and green roofs can manage runoff, recharge groundwater, and improve overall water quality.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p1\">For a landscape firm, incorporating these principles early in the design process can save a lot of work when it comes time for installation. It’s critical to integrate sustainable practices into workflows even at the early stages.\u003C/p>",{"id":24,"uuid":25,"type":26,"model":27,"componentName":28,"optionsComponentName":29,"description":21,"thumbUrl":30,"anchorLink":16},108921,"324dc6d4-cd1e-415a-91cb-476cc4a4b502","article","main-content","MainContent","MainContentOptions","https://res.cloudinary.com/vectorworks/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto:good/v1752690940/timber/component-wireframes/Articles_MainContent.png",{"__component":32,"id":33,"caption":21,"heading":21,"size":34,"singleImage":35,"settings":40},"article.single-image",6527,"small",{"alt":36,"url":37,"type":38,"transformation":39},"image of VW ui","https://res.cloudinary.com/vectorworks/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto/v1754574664/article/design-build-sustainability/Permeable_Paver_UGF_1.png","images","f_auto,q_auto",{"id":41,"uuid":42,"type":26,"model":43,"componentName":44,"optionsComponentName":45,"description":46,"thumbUrl":47,"anchorLink":16},108919,"c75f0a25-ff21-4130-92d5-0bc97f9679e1","single-image","SingleImage","SingleImageOptions","Single Image","https://res.cloudinary.com/vectorworks/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto:good/v1752690939/timber/component-wireframes/Articles_SingleImage.png",{"__component":19,"id":49,"heading":21,"subheading":16,"content":50,"credit":21,"extraSubheading":16,"settings":51},52239,"\u003Ch2>3. Biodiversity and Habitat Restoration\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"p1\">Biodiversity is a critical factor in ecosystem resilience. Sustainable landscapes should encourage a diverse mix of plant and animal life, providing habitat and food sources for local wildlife.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p1\">Designing with pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects in mind means selecting a variety of native plants that support these species. Additionally, you should actively remove and manage invasive species that threaten native ecosystems. Creating green corridors — linked natural areas that allow for wildlife movement — can further enhance biodiversity and habitat connectivity.\u003C/p>",{"id":52,"uuid":53,"type":26,"model":27,"componentName":28,"optionsComponentName":29,"description":21,"thumbUrl":30,"anchorLink":16},108920,"50b76f57-d3f5-485f-8aaf-64b775814321",{"__component":32,"id":55,"caption":56,"heading":21,"size":57,"singleImage":58,"settings":60},6526,"\u003Cp>Image courtesy of Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design. \u003C/p>","medium",{"url":59,"type":38,"transformation":39},"https://res.cloudinary.com/vectorworks/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto/v1754574596/article/design-build-sustainability/Screenshot_2025-05-07_at_12.18.15_PM.png",{"id":61,"uuid":62,"type":26,"model":43,"componentName":44,"optionsComponentName":45,"description":46,"thumbUrl":47,"anchorLink":16},108917,"243eccf0-6ee2-4fc0-8947-5c8aeae71103",{"__component":19,"id":64,"heading":21,"subheading":16,"content":65,"credit":21,"extraSubheading":16,"settings":66},52238,"\u003Ch2>4. Materials Selection and Waste Minimization\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"p1\">The materials used in a landscape project have a direct impact on its sustainability. Choosing locally sourced, low-embodied-energy materials reduces the negative environmental footprint of a project. This is especially true for a design-build that's directly involved with procurement and installation and therefore can select locally sourced material reducing the embodied carbon and overall footprint of the project. Recycled and upcycled materials, FSC-certified wood, permeable paving stones, and reclaimed aggregates are all excellent choices for sustainable construction.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p1\">Beyond material selection, minimizing waste during installation is equally important. This could involve reusing site materials, such as repurposing removed stone or wood into new landscape features. Sustainable material choices both support the environment and contribute to achieving SITES credits.\u003C/p>",{"id":67,"uuid":68,"type":26,"model":27,"componentName":28,"optionsComponentName":29,"description":21,"thumbUrl":30,"anchorLink":16},108918,"f9e732eb-cf32-442d-b02c-d9d9ac31a644",{"__component":19,"id":70,"heading":21,"subheading":16,"content":71,"credit":21,"extraSubheading":16,"settings":72},52237,"\u003Ch2>5. Long-Term Site Stewardship and Maintenance\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"p1\">A truly sustainable landscape is one that is designed for longevity. Planning for long-term maintenance reduces resource consumption and helps ensure that landscapes remain functional and healthy for years to come.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p1\">Using resilient, low-maintenance plants, minimizing turf areas, and reducing reliance on chemical treatments can significantly decrease long-term resource inputs. Maintenance plans should emphasize organic soil management, integrated pest management (IPM), and efficient irrigation practices.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp class=\"p1\">Community involvement is another key factor in site stewardship. Educating property owners and local communities on sustainable landscape practices can foster a sense of ownership and ongoing care for the space, which is valuable for design-build firms as an indirect way to maintain the project as time passes.\u003C/p>",{"id":73,"uuid":74,"type":26,"model":27,"componentName":28,"optionsComponentName":29,"description":21,"thumbUrl":30,"anchorLink":16},108916,"1864c8e3-4657-4e84-a976-c1972ded13cb",{"__component":76,"id":77,"title":78,"ctaUrl":79,"ctaLabel":80,"openNewWindow":81,"content":82,"settings":83},"article.page-cta",1031,"Using Design Technology for Environmental Stewardship","https://university.vectorworks.net/course/view.php?id=2176","LEARN MORE",true,"\u003Cp>Watch the free presentation.\u003C/p>",{"id":84,"uuid":85,"type":26,"model":86,"componentName":87,"optionsComponentName":88,"description":89,"thumbUrl":90,"anchorLink":16},108915,"6fbefa9e-cf84-4c96-8136-1bba5168c423","video-center","ArticleCta","ArticleCtaOptions","Write a quote here please","https://res.cloudinary.com/vectorworks/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto:good/v1752690938/timber/component-wireframes/Articles_CTA.png",[92,96,101,105,110,114,118],{"__component":19,"id":93,"heading":21,"subheading":16,"content":22,"credit":21,"extraSubheading":16,"settings":94},52233,{"id":95,"uuid":25,"type":26,"model":27,"componentName":28,"optionsComponentName":29,"description":21,"thumbUrl":30,"anchorLink":16},108905,{"__component":32,"id":97,"caption":21,"heading":21,"size":34,"singleImage":98,"settings":99},6524,{"alt":36,"url":37,"type":38,"transformation":39},{"id":100,"uuid":42,"type":26,"model":43,"componentName":44,"optionsComponentName":45,"description":46,"thumbUrl":47,"anchorLink":16},108909,{"__component":19,"id":102,"heading":21,"subheading":16,"content":50,"credit":21,"extraSubheading":16,"settings":103},52234,{"id":104,"uuid":53,"type":26,"model":27,"componentName":28,"optionsComponentName":29,"description":21,"thumbUrl":30,"anchorLink":16},108906,{"__component":32,"id":106,"caption":56,"heading":21,"size":57,"singleImage":107,"settings":108},6525,{"url":59,"type":38,"transformation":39},{"id":109,"uuid":62,"type":26,"model":43,"componentName":44,"optionsComponentName":45,"description":46,"thumbUrl":47,"anchorLink":16},108910,{"__component":19,"id":111,"heading":21,"subheading":16,"content":65,"credit":21,"extraSubheading":16,"settings":112},52235,{"id":113,"uuid":68,"type":26,"model":27,"componentName":28,"optionsComponentName":29,"description":21,"thumbUrl":30,"anchorLink":16},108907,{"__component":19,"id":115,"heading":21,"subheading":16,"content":71,"credit":21,"extraSubheading":16,"settings":116},52236,{"id":117,"uuid":74,"type":26,"model":27,"componentName":28,"optionsComponentName":29,"description":21,"thumbUrl":30,"anchorLink":16},108908,{"__component":76,"id":119,"title":78,"ctaUrl":79,"ctaLabel":80,"openNewWindow":81,"content":82,"settings":120},1030,{"id":121,"uuid":85,"type":26,"model":86,"componentName":87,"optionsComponentName":88,"description":89,"thumbUrl":90,"anchorLink":16},108914,{"id":123,"pageTitle":124,"articleTitle":125,"description":126,"author":127,"datePublished":128,"thumbnail":129,"isFeatured":131,"layout":132,"mainImage":133,"profiledFirm":16,"profiledFirmLocation":16,"dateUnpublished":16,"redirectUrl":16,"keyphrase":16,"categories":134,"industries":157,"visibleLocales":180},3277,"5 Keys to Sustainable Site Design | Achieve SITES Certifications ","Achieve SITES Certifications with These 5 Sustainable Design Principles","These 5 principles of sustainable landscape design will help you on your journey to achieving project certifications like SITES.","Alex Altieri","2025-08-08T10:00:00.074Z",{"url":130,"type":38,"transformation":39},"https://res.cloudinary.com/vectorworks/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto/v1754574721/article/design-build-sustainability/BEAVER_CREEK_FULL_PLAN_300_DPI.pdf",false,"Article",{"url":130,"type":38,"transformation":39},[135],{"id":136,"key":137,"label":138,"createdAt":139,"updatedAt":140,"locale":11,"documentId":141,"publishedAt":142,"createdBy":143,"updatedBy":148,"localizations":149},5,"success_and_learning","Success and 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