Section 3: Sustainable Sites Flashcards
What is evapotranspiration?
The return of water to the atmosphere through evaporation from plants’ leaves
What is integrated pest management (IPM)?
A sustainable approach that controls pest infestation and damage in an economical way while minimizing hazards to people, property, and the environment
Name five types of impervious surfaces
- Concrete
- Brick
- Stone
- Asphalt
- Sealed surfaces
What is light trespass?
The spilling of light beyond the project boundary
Name three main topics under sustainable sites
- Site design and management
- Rainwater management
- Heat island effect
Name five strategies for developing a sustainable site design
- Minimise hardscape
- Use native landscaping
- Precent light pollution
- Preserve open space and sensitive areas
- Protect and restore habitat
What are native plantings?
Native plants are those that grow naturally in an area or that have been in an area for many years
What are adaptive plantings?
Adaptive plants are non-native plants that perform well in the local climate
Name three strategies for sustainable site operations and maintenance
- Develop a sustainable site management plan
- Implement conservation programs
- Maintain site lighting to prevent light pollution
What is sedimentation?
Sedimentation is where pollutants from natural or human activities add particles to water bodies
What is nonpoint source pollution?
Where pollutants enter a river from multiple land uses that can’t be specifically identified
What is potable water?
Drinking water supplied by municipalities or wells
Name three strategies for rainwater management through design
- Minimise impervious areas
- Control rainwater
- Incorporate rainwater management into site design
Name two strategies for rainwater management in operations and maintenance
- Redirect rainwater
2. Harvest rainwater
Name three uses for rainwater
- Process water
- To flush toilets
- Irrigation
The flat, dark surfaces of roadways, parking lots, and tarred rooftops absorb and retain the sun’s heat during the day and are slow to radiate it at night. This is known as what?
The heat island effect
Describe the heat island effect
Heat absorption by low-SRI, hardscape materials that contribute to an overall increase in temperature by radiating heat
What does SRI stand for?
Solar Reflectance Index
A material’s SRI (Solar Reflectance Index) value is based on is based on what?
The material’s ability to reflect or reject solar heat gain measured on a scale from 0 (dark, most absorptive) to 100 (light, most reflective).
What is emissivity?
The ratio of the radiation emitted by a surface to the radiation emitted by a black body at the same temperature
Name three strategies for reducing the heat island effect
- Install reflective roof surfaces
- Reduce the area of paved surfaces exposed to sunlight
- Plant an urban forest or a green roof
Green roofs can absorb up to what percentage of rainwater?
70%
A green roof can last up to how many times longer than a conventional roof?
Two to three times
What is the development footprint?
The development footprint includes the building, access roads, parking lots, sidewalks, other hardscapes, and any other type of building like a storage shed, etc
How does LEED define open space?
The area of the property minus the development footprint
What is a dry pond?
Dry ponds are basins whose outlets have been designed to detain rainwater runoff for some minimum time (e.g., 24 hours)
What is a wet pond?
A pond designed to hold a specific amount of water indefinitely
Heat islands can elevate temperatures of up to how much?
10 degrees fahrenheit