Our studio manager, Lauren Colunga, recently received her SITES AP certification. In this post, she shares her top takeaways from studying for the exam.
A Process, not a Checklist
SITES is a process, not a checklist. This is how all design should be – integrated from the start.
Interdisciplinary communication – between planners, architects, landscape architects, engineers, and ecologists – is the backbone of successful projects. By engaging all these perspectives over the full lifecycle of the project, we can ensure a genuinely sustainable project, not just a “green washed” one.
Native and water-wise plants line the 25th Street in Ogden.
Ecosystem Services
Ecosystem Services are the driving forces behind all SITES opportunities. The term “Ecosystem Services” refers to the essential benefits that healthy, natural systems provide to humans. Preserving, conserving, managing, and regenerating these systems drives and benefits both nature and society.
Our ongoing work for phase 1 of Allen Park focuses on restoring the park’s ecosystem, from the stream, to the vegetation, to the road alignment.
Human Health & Well-being
Human health and well-being is deeply connected to natural processes.
“SITES-certified projects help reduce water demand, filter and reduce stormwater runoff, enhance biodiversity, provide pollinator and wildlife habitat, reduce energy consumption, improve air quality, improve human health, increase outdoor recreation opportunities and much more” (SITES website). Communities are built upon strong social connections, and strong social connections are encouraged, and strengthened by, interaction with nature. When our surroundings promote positive mental health, mental restoration, and outdoor physical activity, society as a whole benefits.
The White Dome Nature Preserve protects the dwarf bear poppy and provides vital recreation access.
Looking Forward
As many cities, including Salt Lake City, integrate SITES requirements into project expectations, we’re excited to see the quality of our landscapes and public spaces improve. The SITES certification encourages innovation, with performance-based requirements allowing teams to decide how best to achieve credits on a given site.
Do you have a project that requires SITES expertise? We’d love to talk!
