Green Building at Ground Level: Site Selection

Green features cover a lot of territory – from site selection, to building design, to materials, to lifestyle and behavior. In this series, we will look at the many green decisions that may be made during a building or remodeling process. We will start at ground level, with site selection.

If you are choosing a lot, or looking for an existing house to remodel, here are some greener choices:

1) Sites that encourage walking instead of driving:

Austin, like most cities that grew up during the twentieth century, is suburban in design. Cars are required to get around, even in older neighborhoods. Zoning laws did not allow a mix of commercial and residential uses. Very few homes have an easy walk to a grocery store. The suburban style is now being reconsidered. Downtown Austin is a good example of the new urban ethic. Here people live, work and shop on the same street. And, the new Mueller neighborhood overturns many of the long established rules of neighborhood planning. Mixed use has a growing acceptance in Austin.

2) Sites in older areas:

These lots already have utilities and roads. They take advantage of existing infrastructure. Usually older neighborhoods are closer to job centers, schools, public transit, and shopping. So, less time and gas are required to get around. They offer convenience and a good quality of life.

3) Sites that are small:

Small lots increase density and concentrate the use of roads and services. They call for smaller homes, which cost less to build and operate. Small sites present some challenges, but also offer the opportunity for innovative design.

Green Star Rating System:

The Austin Green Building Program has a grading system for new homes or remodels that want to achieve a Green Star Rating. (Total points needed for a Green Star Home)

Here are the points for items that relate to choosing a site.

5 Points: 1.01 GBP Green by Design workshop attended by homeowner, designer, or builder

4 Points: 1.02 Lot size is less than 5,750 sq. ft.

4 Points: 1.03 Street, electricity, water and wastewater have been in place for a minimum of 25 years

2 Points: 1.04 Public transit stop is within a 1/4 mile radius

2 Points: 1.05 Grocery store is within a 1/2 mile radius

2 Points: 1.06 Public hike-and-bike trail, green belt, or park is within a 1/2 mile radius

Green building is a process that is being defined by all who care to participate and explore the possibilities.

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