Sustainable SITES
Initiative

 

The Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES) is a
comprehensive land design and development
rating system that is being used by both private
and public sectors all around the world.
SITES certification is given to landscapes, site
infrastructure and spaces that demonstrate a
high level of environmental and social
sustainability. SITES works for all types of projects with or without a building – including parks, university campuses and commercial headquarters – for new construction or major renovation of existing sites. 

The SITES rating system is administered by Green Business Certification Inc., the premier organization independently recognizing excellence in green business industry performance and practice globally. GBCI is the only certification and credentialing body within the green business and sustainability industry to exclusively administer project certifications and professional credentials and certificates of LEED, EDGE, PEER, WELL, SITES, GRESB and Parksmart. 

Just as LEED has undeniably transformed the built environment, SITES has the ability to transform land development and use under the administration of GBCI. Like LEED, pursuing SITES certification and using the rating system also ensures that projects meet high standards and keeps everyone accountable. Yet the focus of SITES is driving sustainability beyond the building. The SITES rating system takes sustainability outside and into our landscapes, open spaces, parks, and natural resources. 

SITES considers ongoing operations and maintenance throughout the entire design and construction process by developing a site maintenance plan to incorporate considerations for the management of water, soil, vegetation, materials, sensitive site features, and maintenance equipment. An experienced consulting partner such as Spinnaker Group can incorporate strategies to minimize pesticide and fertilizer use, to protect air quality during landscape maintenance activities, and to train the maintenance staff to use proper best practices for sustainable landscape management.

The Spinnaker Group is proud to employ SITES Accredited Professionals on staff, who are currently working on several SITES projects, including the first SITES registered project in Miami Dade County.

Review a subject-related article written by Spinnaker here.

Reach out to Spinnaker Group to learn why companies, municipalities, owners and AEC industry professionals reach out to our firm to lead their SITES consulting teams. Drop us a quick query here.