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Sustainable Sites Initiative
orchid
The Sustainable Sites Initiative is the first rating system (similar to LEED) for green landscape design, construction and maintenance. It is an interdisciplinary partnership led by the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin and the United States Botanic Garden to transform land development and management practices with the nation's first voluntary rating system for sustainable landscapes, with or without buildings.
This year the Sustainable Sites Initiative announced the selection of 150 projects from 34 states as well as from Canada, Iceland and Spain to participate in an international pilot project program to evaluate the new SITES rating system for sustainable landscapes. Three projects in San Diego County were selected to participate: two designed by the Schmidt Design Group, Inc. of San Diego (Cottonwood Creek Park and Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens) and one by Helix Environmental Planning of La Mesa (Helix Environmental Planning Headquarters).
Cottonwood Creek Park (former Orchid recipient) was selected based sustainable practices such as: the daylighting of two creeks to create a native riparian habitat corridor, stormwater management and bioswales that improve the water quality of the urban runoff that flows through the park. Other sustainable elements include native plant material throughout, sustainably harvested IPE wood decks and fencing, pervious concrete that provides infiltration in the parking lot and pathways; and interpretive educational nodes along the restored creek.
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens (former Orchid recipient) was selected based on sustainable practices including: combining entertaining and recreation within a stormwater basin, water quality improvements, use of local and reused materials, as well as Mediterranean, native and edible landscaping to create a unique and regionally appropriate garden. The garden is also 100% organically maintained.
Helix Environmental Planning Headquarters was selected based on sustainable practices including: removing high water use lawn areas, installing a native plant garden, as well as managing and re-using rainwater on site.