With all the talk about sustainability these days it is important, as a builder, to start with proper site selection. The reason for this is because the location of the building site affects a large range of environmental factors as well as security, accessibility and energy consumption just to name a few. When you address the site selection early in the project development phase you can ensure that issues such as solar access and proximity to public transportation are considered.  When working with our clients we help them to understand this very principle. We want to make sure that our client understands sustainable site design and how it impacts the overall energy performance.

It is important to understand the importance of sustainable site planning and what it seeks to do:

  • Sustainable site planning helps to minimize the development of open space through selection of disturbed land, the re-use of brownfield sites, and retrofitting existing buildings.
  • Provide and maintain areas where wildlife is still able to exist if possible.
  • Consider energy implications and carbon emissions in the site selection and building orientation.
  • Control and minimize erosion through improved grading and landscaping methods.
  • Reduce heat islands through specific building design methods.
  • Minimize the disturbance to the habitat surround the building site.
  • Reduce, control and treat surface runoff.
  • Incorporate transportation solutions along with site planning that acknowledge a need for bicycle parking, carpool staging and accessibility to mass transit. This encourages alternatives to traditional commuting.
  • Consider site security and the location to access roads, parking, vehicle barriers, perimeter lighting and other security measures.

The process of building a sustainable building doesn’t begin once the ground is broken. It starts at the planning and implementation stage. Here at Dublin Building Systems we understand how important this is not only for you, the client, but for your future employees, customers and the environment. If you are interested in learning more about how we can help with your next building project you can contact us here, we look forward to speaking with you!