Sustainable Site Selection
Choosing the Best Lot to Develop
The sustainability of a real estate development is
determined as much—or more—by its location as it is by the way the site and its
buildings are developed. Developers or builders looking for land to buy should
consider sustainability criteria in their decision-making process when choosing
a site.
Choosing a sustainable location for a development has
numerous benefits. Potential financial
benefits to the developer include eligibility for incentives and funding
(designated for sustainable developments or redevelopment projects), as well as
cost savings (e.g., by avoiding or minimizing the need to build new
infrastructure or to do extensive site grading). The location of a development can
also yield broad benefits for society and the shared environment, such as:
Reducing sprawl-related automobile dependence,
vehicle miles traveled, traffic, and air pollution
Protecting public health, environmental health,
and the climate
Conserving natural resources, habitat, and open
space
Contributing to the creation of livable,
walkable, healthy, and vibrant neighborhoods that enhance the community’s
quality of life and local economic opportunities
Following are some key criteria to consider when choosing a site for development.
Seek a site that...
...was previously developed. Better yet, choose
a site that has existing buildings that can be renovated and reused, or select
a brownfield
(a contaminated site—usually a former industrial site) and have it fully
remediated. Such a site may qualify for federal or state brownfield grants
and other types of funding.
...is an infill site (i.e., surrounded by
developed parcels in a densely developed area). Even better, choose a site that
is also within a federally or locally designated redevelopment or renewal zone,
to help revitalize that area.
...has—or is adjacent to—existing infrastructure
for roads, water, wastewater, and energy utilities, to reduce the costs,
resource waste, and sprawl associated with building new infrastructure.
...is located close to housing, workplaces
(jobs), schools, shops, parks, civic buildings, and other services and
amenities—ideally within walking distance (less than 1/4 mile, or 1/2 mile max.)
and/or create a mixed-use development that incorporates many use types within
its boundaries.
...is—or can easily be—linked up to
through-streets and sidewalks or paths for connectivity to surrounding developments
and neighborhoods.
Avoid sites
that...
...are greenfield
sites (i.e., land that has never been developed before).
...are within a floodplain
(or on coastal land that is susceptible to erosion).
...contain sensitive habitat, endangered
species, wetlands, or prime agricultural land.
...consist of steep slopes (often defined as
slopes with a grade of 15% or more), which would need to be graded to enable
development of the site. The grading and development of steep slopes can cause
erosion and increased stormwater runoff, which in turn can cause water
pollution, flooding, and mudslides.