Sustainable Sites
This element is mainly concerned with design and construction but also includes pest management and landscape management including erosion control. Also, this element covers items such as available commuting options, whether the site is protecting or restoring open space, managing storm water runoff, excessive heat generation from building construction, and light pollution.
Membership:
Christopher Everson Dana Frederick Laura Nelson Steven Weiand
Objectives:
Develop green building exterior management plan to address the following:
Reduce pollution and land development impacts from automobile use. Encourage University students, faculty, and staff to carpool, ride the bus, walk, or cycle. Transportation has the largest impact in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Work with landscaper to develop a plan for replacing excessive turf-grass areas with natural landscape features (native grass meadows and wildflowers). The conversion of existing spaces would create biodiversity, aid storm water management, and reduce fossil fuel use.