The SITES™ rating system, developed between 2006 and 2014 by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and acquired by GBCI in 2015, provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating and certifying sustainable land development projects, from residential communities to commercial developments.
SITES goes beyond traditional sustainability standards by focusing on the entire site, including its natural features, water management, energy use, and ecological impact. By taking a holistic approach, SITES promotes sustainable land development that has positive impacts on both the environment and human health.
The SITES protocol, currently available in version v2, can be applied to projects located in areas with or without buildings, including:
- Open Spaces: local, state, and national parks; botanical gardens; arboretums
- Urban Spaces: streets and plazas
- Commercial Areas: retail and office parks; corporate campuses
- Residential Areas: neighborhoods or individual courtyards
- Educational/Institutional Areas: public and private campuses; museums; hospitals
- Infrastructure
- Government areas
- Military areas
- Industrial areas
The ASLA team and GBCI have already started the development of the rating system in version v3.
As the world faces increasingly pressing environmental challenges, the Sustainable SITES Initiative offers a path to a more sustainable future. By adopting the SITES rating system, we can create places that are not only beautiful and functional, but also resilient and respectful of the environment, and above all that promote the well-being of people in open spaces.
Macro Design Studio is working within the framework of the “Call for the design and construction of green and blue infrastructures in urban and peri-urban areas”, alongside two virtuous Italian municipalities, Riccione and Correggio, that have undertaken the SITES certification process.
Stay tuned with us, new developments coming soon!
Want to know more? Macro Design Studio can guide you in the SITES certification process! Contact us: info@macrodesignstudio.it.