Sustainable Sites Initative
Green Business Certification Institute
Guidelines for eco-friendly landscape and site design.
Key Strengths
- Comprehensive rating system covering the full project lifecycle — planning, design, construction, and management
- Developed by leading institutions: ASLA, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and U.S. Botanic Garden
- Applicable to a wide range of project types — parks, campuses, courtyards, streetscapes, and more
- Synergies with LEED v5 allow integrated green building and landscape certification strategies
- Internationally recognized with certified projects across the U.S., Japan, Mexico, and Singapore
- Promotes measurable outcomes: water conservation, biodiversity, reduced waste, and climate resilience
Ideal For
SITES is best suited for landscape architects, land planners, civil engineers, and project developers working on outdoor spaces such as parks, campuses, plazas, and green infrastructure projects. It is ideal for those seeking a rigorous, third-party-verified framework to demonstrate environmental performance and resilience in site design and management.
Target Audiences
Relevant Roles
Industries
Alignment & Recognition
Accrediting Body
Recognized By
- Sustainable Sites Rating System
Scope
Overview
The Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) is a program designed to promote sustainable land development and management. Launched by the American Society of Landscape Architects, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and the U.S. Botanic Garden, it focuses on creating and maintaining resilient landscapes. SITES offers a rating system to certify project sustainability, similar to LEED but focusing on landscapes rather than buildings.
Since its inception, SITES has certified numerous projects, from public parks to corporate campuses. Notable clients include the campus of Phipps Conservatory, the George “Doc” Cavalliere Park, and the Smithsonian Institution. Statistics show that certified sites use less water, produce less waste, and provide better habitats for wildlife.
Policy makers and urban planners often refer to SITES for guidelines on sustainable practices. The initiative sets benchmarks for soil management, water conservation, and fostering biodiversity, making it a crucial tool in global efforts to fight climate change and promote green infrastructure.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Project teams must document compliance with SITES v2 prerequisites and credits across categories including site context, pre-design assessment, water, soil and vegetation, materials, human health and well-being, construction, and operations and maintenance. Documentation typically includes site plans, specifications, calculations, photographs, and narrative reports submitted through the GBCI online portal for review by SITES technical reviewers.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
SITES certification does not involve a traditional exam. Instead, project teams submit documentation through the GBCI online portal demonstrating compliance with SITES v2 prerequisites and selected credits. GBCI-trained technical reviewers conduct a desk audit of submitted materials — including drawings, calculations, specifications, and narratives — across all required credit categories. Teams receive a preliminary review with opportunities to respond before a final certification decision is issued. Projects are awarded certification at one of four tiers (Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum) based on total points achieved.
Renewal & Compliance
SITES-certified projects are expected to maintain the conditions and practices that earned their certification. GBCI may require periodic recertification or performance updates, particularly for operational credits. Specific renewal cycles and requirements vary by project type; project teams should consult the SITES rating system documentation and GBCI for current recertification policies.
Accountability Model
Impact & Outcomes
Employer Recognition
Consider Alternatives If...
Teams working on projects with very limited budgets or tight timelines may find the documentation and third-party review process resource-intensive. Projects that are primarily interior or building-focused without significant outdoor/landscape components are better served by LEED or WELL.
Alternative Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Certification
English
2009
Available
How to Display This Recognition
Certification Details
Assessment
Verification
Structure
Governance
Fee Structure
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Sources & Citations
Content on this page is AI-enriched from primary sources.
Green Business Certification InstituteLast verified Mar 10, 2026