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Site selection is arguably the most critical element of sustainable
site design. There are a myriad of issues and concerns that impact
the decision-making process. The following information and links are
an attempt to help those involved with base development comprehend
these elements and apply them to future development. It is important
to recognize that the tools included here begin with the assumption
that the site designer has already conducted thorough analysis of
the design requirements (facility sizes and intended category codes,
parking requirements, land use category, force protection buffers,
etc.) and has cognizance of installation constraints (environmental
restoration areas, quantity distance arcs, noise contours,
operational airfield boundaries, utility corridors, etc.).
The process of site selection for sustainable development is one
of identifying, weighing, and balancing the attractiveness (view
sheds or proximity to the gate, base services, and mission related
activities) of a site against the impacts inherent to development
(expense, storm water runoff, loss of native vegetation or damage to
environmentally sensitive areas). The characteristics of potential
sites should be described spatially through maps to provide a
precise geographic inventory. Spatial zones meeting programmatic
objectives, within acceptable environmental parameters, should be
considered viable development site alternatives.
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