Sustainable Site Planning Basics
BOB FAULHABER - PE, LEED AP Faulhaber Engineering & Sustainability
They paved paradise And put up a parking lot.”
“
Joni MitchellBig Yellow Taxi
Sustainable Site PlanningIts all about the process!!!
Typical Process Preferred Process
● Architect + Engineer
● Preliminary Design
● Engineer + Architect
● Final design
● Architect
● Preliminary Design
● Engineer
● Final design
Sustainable Site PlanningObjective of the Presentation
● Basic Tool box for site planning
● Explain green methods and techniques
● Facilitate green techniques
● Create better designs/facilities
Site Planning BUZZ WORDS
LID - Low Impact Design/Development
Raingardens
Bioretention
Impervious Surface
Xeriscaping
Pervious Pavement
LEED
Heat Island Effect
Sustainable Site PlanningWhat 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."
Sustainable Site PlanningWhat is a sustainable site plan?
WHY NOT??!!
Sustainable Site PlanningWhat 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
Sustainable Site PlanningTopics to Cover
● Site Selection
● Site/Building Layout
● Impervious Surfaces
● Grading Considerations
● Stormwater Management
● Landscape Design
Site Selection
Site SelectionConsiderations
● 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
Site SelectionConsiderations
● Select previously developed sites○Greyfields○ Brownfields
● Select sites that encourage○Non-motorized tranportation○Use of public transportation
Site Layout
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
Site Layout Building Orientation
Impervious Surfaces
Impervious SurfacesEffects on the water cycle
● �Limit groundwater recharge
● Increase polutant load
● Increase runoff
● Create heat island effect
Impervious SurfacesReduce 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
Impervious SurfacesReduce Impervious Surfaces
● Pervious paving options○ Pervious pavement○ Pervious concrete○ Permeable pavers○Grasspave systems
Grading and Slopes
Grading and SlopesLimit Site Disturbance
● <40 feet beyond the building perimeter
● <10 feet beyond surface walkways, patios, surface parking, and utilities
● <15 feet beyond primary roadway curbs
● <25 feet beyond constructed areas with permeable surfaces (pervious paving, stormwater detention, and playing fields)
Grading and SlopesGeneral slope considerations
● Parking areas - 2%-5%
● Drives - 2%-8%
● Vegetated slopes - 3:1 or less
● Vegetated swales - 1%-15%
● Pervious pavement - 0%-5%
Stormwater Mangement
Stormwater ManagementQuanitity
● Maintain pre-development hydrology○Rate - usually required○Quantity
Stormwater ManagementHydrology
● Stormwater Quality○Best management
practices (BMP's)■ Structural■Non-structural■VEGETATIVE
Stormwater ManagementBest Management Practices
Why Not TradeTHIS for THIS
Stormwater ManagementBest Management Practices
Why Not TradeTHIS for THIS
Stormwater ManagementBest Management Practices
● Raingardens/Bioretention○ 6"-12" deep○ 8%-10% of site area○ <1/2 acre drainage area
■ up to 2 acres possible
Stormwater ManagementBest Management Practices
● Raingardens/Bioretention○ landscape islands○ 4'-10'+ between parking
rows○ 8'-10' for double loaded
Stormwater ManagementBest Management Practices
Landscape Design
Landscape DesignConsiderations
● Limit potable water use○Use Native Species○Place landscape areas to receive runoff○Use captured rainwater
Landscape DesignConsiderations
● Shade large hardscapes
● Shade buildings in summer, allow sunlight in during winter
Landscape DesignConsiderations
● Place to filter and clean stormwater○Raingardens in
parking areas○Bioretention
rather than retention ponds
Resources1. The Sustainable Sites Initiative2. The United States Green Building Council3. Portland Sustainable Stormwater Management
Program4. US EPA
1. Stormwater management2. LID Techniques
5. The Center for Watershed Protection6. Prince Georges County Maryland - Division of
Environmental Protection
Sustainable Site Planning Basics
BOB FAULHABER - PE, LEED AP Faulhaber Engineering & Sustainability
QUESTIONS?
COMMENTS?
www.fesconsulting.comwww.thegreencivilengineer.com
Top Related