Sustainable Sites: Translating Research Findings into a Practical Guide for Decision Making

Throughout time, human activity has affected our global landscape in dramatic ways. Now, more than ever before, we must demand respect from our interaction with land and accommodate native ecosystems along with human needs, present and in the future, for the long term health of the planet and all its inhabitants. The widespread adoption of LEED® has shown that measurable benefits — environmental, economic, and quality of life — result when people have the necessary information and tools to guide their building decisions and when commitment to environmental excellence is recognized. By extending this approach beyond structures and to the planned landscape, we can realize even greater improvements.