12 Projects Certified by the Nation’s Most Comprehensive Landscape Sustainability Rating System
AUSTIN, Texas — The Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) has awarded certification to twelve new landscape projects across the United States. These projects not only showcase a diverse array of innovative designs but also reflect environmentally conscious practices. Furthermore, this certainly marks another milestone in sustainable design and land management. Particularly, it highlights the growing importance of integrating ecological principles within both urban and rural landscapes.
Transitioning from a historic Maryland landmark that blends classical architecture with natural elements to an innovative urban park nestled in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district, these projects not only enhance their surroundings but also serve as educational platforms for their communities. Furthermore, these projects demonstrate how responsible development and ecological restoration can coexist beautifully, actively inspiring a vision for a greener future. As a result, they encourage other developers and designers to prioritize sustainability while planning new initiatives.
By demonstrating the potential for harmony between human activity and the natural environment, these certifications remind us that it is possible to create spaces that are both functional and beneficial to the ecosystem.
SITES Pilot Rating System
These twelve sites exemplify the final group certified under the SITES Pilot Rating System, showcasing a significant commitment to sustainable landscape practices. Moreover, they join thirty-four earlier projects that actively set benchmarks for environmental stewardship. As a result, this effort totals forty-six across twenty states, demonstrating a growing trend toward enhancing ecological health and promoting sustainable development in various regions. Additionally, this collective effort highlights innovative design approaches and illustrates how communities increasingly prioritize sustainability as a core value in their planning and development initiatives.
According to Susan Rieff, Executive Director of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin, these landscapes prove that sustainable design can address pressing challenges. Such challenges include water scarcity, climate change, and habitat loss.
The SITES program collaborates with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the U.S. Botanic Garden, and the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Certified Projects and Highlights
Three Stars
1. Anacostia Watershed Society Headquarters – Bladensburg, Maryland
(Three Stars)
Located near the historic George Washington House (built 1752), this 0.35-acre project demonstrates sustainable storm-water retrofitting. It does so in a sensitive heritage context. Features include permeable paving, a rainwater cistern, dry-stream channels, and rain gardens that capture and filter runoff before it reaches the Anacostia River.
2. Evans Parkway Neighborhood Park – Silver Spring, Maryland
(Three Stars)
Once a vacant lot, Evans Parkway is now a thriving urban oasis. It has rebuilt stream channels, playgrounds, public art, and native landscapes. The park links bike paths, transit routes, and community gardens. This makes it a model of inclusive, green and urban design.
Two Stars
3. Boeddeker Park – San Francisco, California
(Two Stars)
At just one acre, Boeddeker Park revitalizes one of San Francisco’s most densely populated neighborhoods. Consequently, the renovation features a community clubhouse, outdoor gym, play spaces, native vegetation, and energy-efficient lighting. Thus, it provides residents with a safe, green refuge in the city’s heart.
4. Hempstead Plains Interpretive Center – Garden City, New York
(Two Stars)
As the last natural prairie east of the Allegheny Mountains, this site preserves a unique ecosystem. The communities green roof, solar power, accessible trails, and drainage for gathering rain systems demonstrate how education, ecology, and recreation can thrive together.
5. Luci and Ian Family Garden – Austin, Texas
(Two Stars)
Part of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, this 4.5-acre garden features 180 native Texas species. It includes a “stumpery” for climbing and a creek filled with fish and tadpoles. Recycled glass mulch, salvaged limestone, and reclaimed rainwater highlight the project’s closed-loop sustainability.
6. U.S. Federal Office Building – Miramar, Florida
(Two Stars)
Built on protected wetlands, this federal site integrates native vegetation, solar panels, and a living green wall. Visible wetland restoration around the property is also part of the design. The design blends beauty, biodiversity, and workplace wellness.
One Star
7. Environmental Laboratory for Sustainability and Ecological Education (ELSEE) – San Jose, California
(One Star)
Once a concrete parking lot, ELSEE is now a lush teaching garden. It features aquaponics, vertical planters, edible perennials, and a greywater irrigation system. It serves as a model for bringing hands-on ecological education to schools statewide.
8. HELIX Environmental Planning Inc. Headquarters – La Mesa, California
(One Star)
The firm’s own headquarters underwent a sustainable makeover. It includes drought-tolerant plants, rainwater harvesting, and also low-maintenance design. That’s certainly demonstrating how corporate campuses can model environmental stewardship.
9. New Orleans Festival and Recreation Complex – New Orleans, Louisiana
(One Star)
Transforming a 55-acre abandoned golf course, this complex now features walking trails, sports fields, and exercise stations. The constructed wetlands with educational boardwalks are notable. The design reconnects residents to nature and improves flood resilience.
10. Perot Museum of Nature and Science – Dallas, Texas
(One Star)
Built on a reclaimed brownfield, the Perot Museum’s 4.7-acre campus, therefore, mimics Texas ecosystems—from high plains to wetlands, creating a diverse natural habitat that serves as both an educational resource and a stunning visual experience. The design intelligently incorporates native plant species, which not only thrive in the local climate but also foster biodiversity, attracting local wildlife. Moreover, its green roof and water-efficient landscaping not only turn environmental learning into a living experience but also enhance the overall eco-friendly credentials of the museum, positioning it as a leading example of sustainable architectural practices. This innovative approach encourages visitors to appreciate the importance of conservation and showcases the potential for urban spaces to harmonize with nature, thus inspiring a deeper commitment to environmental stewardship among all who visit.
11. Swaner EcoCenter – Park City, Utah
(One Star)
This gateway to a 1,200-acre nature preserve features solar energy, rainwater reuse, repurposed wood boardwalks, and habitat restoration. It is home to elk, foxes, and over 90 bird species.
12. Tuthill Corporate Campus – Burr Ridge, Illinois
(One Star)
The Tuthill campus integrates wetlands and prairie restoration into its design. Native plants, limestone sourced locally, and also natural drainage systems have virtually eliminated storm-water runoff.
A New Standard for Sustainable Design
“Indeed, these diverse projects demonstrate that landscapes of any size can effectively clean air, filter water, and reconnect people to nature,” said Danielle Pieranunzi, SITES Program Director, emphasizing the universal potential of well-designed ecological spaces. “From schools to corporate campuses, the principles consistently remain the same—design with ecology in mind, ensuring that every element actively plays a crucial role in the ecosystem. Furthermore, by seamlessly integrating natural systems into urban planning, we enhance the quality of life for residents while fostering a deeper connection to the environment. Such initiatives not only promote sustainability but also serve as engaging educational platforms, inspiring future generations to appreciate and engage with their surroundings.”
As SITES transitions from its pilot phase, the program is partnering with the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). They aim to launch the full SITES v2 Rating System and introduce a professional credential for landscape sustainability.
Restored On-Site Landscaping with SITES
The restored or recreated on-site landscaping and other elements greatly reduce stormwater runoff and localized flooding. This change boosts the overall health of the environment. By incorporating native plants and sustainable materials, these landscapes enhance the area’s aesthetic appeal. Moreover, they improve soil absorption and lower erosion rates. This thoughtful design helps mitigate the effects of heavy rainfall events. It captures rainwater for efficient use instead of overwhelming drainage systems. Additionally, such practices promote biodiversity. They create habitats for local wildlife and foster a stronger ecosystem. The integration of these features allows communities to adapt to changing climate conditions. Simultaneously, they preserve natural resources and enhance water safety solutions. You can explore this topic further in the article on flood prevention.
Source: Green Living Guy, SITES program http://www.sustainablesites.org/cert_projects, Date: March 31, 2015
