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Site Selection

Before constructing any structure, a building site needs to be chosen. Buildings are often placed where they are most convenient without considering the possible affects the building may have on the landscape and the chosen site. Proper site selection takes into consideration the effects of the building on the location and landscape, environmental concerns such as ground water and storm water flow and wildlife habitat, the amount of sunlight the building receives, and the exposure of the building to wind. The perfect location/site for a green building can cut energy costs as well as reduce the environmental impact upon the land. The goals listed below reflect the issues surrounding the selection of a building site on the CSB and SJU campuses, and the strategies and standards address ways of accomplishing the goals.

Traditional construction of new buildings contributes to deforestation, draining and filling of wetlands, disruption of groundwater flows, creation of heat islands, and the degradation of the environment . Green construction methods take into account these factors in an attempt to minimize the ecological footprint . By evaluating several potential locations, developers select a site where they will have a minimal impact on the land. Along with site selection , the building must be designed in a way as to reduce its dependence on manufactured energy by utilizing available natural energy. Proper orientation of the building will make passive solar heating and cooling viable, and strategic placement of windows will drastically reduce energy bills, not to mention add to the aesthetics of the structure.

The costs of evaluating and choosing a suitable site can be significant, because a professional landscape architect with experience in environmental engineering will need to be hired. A professional would be able to choose the least environmentally sensitive area, as well as help design the building to have a low environmental impact. Hiring a landscape architect is an initial cost, but the benefits of doing so will likely pay for the cost over the lifetime of the building.

Landscaping is another part of the building process that needs substantial consideration. Sustainable landscape design is also a way of cutting long-term costs. For example, carefully positioned trees can save on an occupied building’s energy consumption, amounting to a savings of hundreds of dollars annually. These savings help to pay back the initial startup cost of a green building .

It is possible to situate any building in a safe and healthy, or “green,” manner by following some guidelines. The following are some approaches for locating a site for a green building at CSB and SJU:

• Planners should avoid developing on inappropriate sites such as farmland, wetlands, or pristine green space. These are our natural areas that have been preserved for years. By simply using what we already have, such as trees and hills, we can create wind barriers to protect the building. Since we have harsh winters, this is important so that our dependence upon heating during the winter months can be reduced. At SJU, attention should be paid to protect the oak savanna, wetlands, and prairie. These are natural habitats that have been preserved, and therefore should not be built upon. Planners should make sure to conserve and restore nearby natural areas. At CSB, attention should be paid to utilize existing space so as to not encroach on undeveloped land.
• Planners should situate any human occupied building in close proximity to bus transportation to encourage use of public transportation. We have an efficient mass transportation system that is already being used by students and faculty. Situating a building close to the Link will reduce the use of private transportation between the two campuses. We can also increase bike use on campus by adding more bike racks to reduce dependence on fossil fuel s. A transportation survey, conducted by environmental studies students, will identify transportation needs of future building occupants, and is an easy approach to determine if parking lots will need to be installed. This survey will have educational as well as environmental value.
• Planners should pay attention to alternative energy sources so that heating and cooling costs can be cut. As a Catholic school practicing the Benedictine values of conservation and stewardship, we should not be constructing buildings that disregard alternative energy sources. Instead of the old traditional models of constructing buildings without these in mind, alternative energy sources will reduce our dependence on the electrical grid. By simply locating a building unobstructed from the sun between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M., we can reduce our dependence by using the sunlight for both heating and lighting.

An obstacle we foresee in adopting these policies is the possibility of not finding the ideal site for a building that can meet the goals specified. Because of both campuses’ commitment to land stewardship and the standards that limit the possible locations for a building, there is limited space available on which to build. In addition, resistance from the institutions would be a constraint. Some people believe that the adoption of green policies is perhaps too innovative, and they are therefore not willing to cooperate. For that reason, there could be an unwillingness to follow all of our presented standards or a tendency to follow only a select few of them. In order for a green building project to be done well and completely, nearly all of the standards set forth need to be followed.

A green building with an ideal site will not only enhance the aesthetic value of the schools, but can be used as a model for education. This model will show how designers should take into account the natural landscapes when planning to build. It is vital that we take the first step in making our campus greener, and to do this, a green building needs to be constructed with proper site selection being an integral part of the process.