On November 10th, the Sustainable Sites Initiative will release the Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks Draft 2008 for public comment. This important milestone builds on the initial Standards and Guidelines: Preliminary Report released in November of last year and will focus on measuring a site’s ability to protect, restore and regenerate sites by harnessing ecosystem services – benefits provided by natural ecosystems such as cleaner air and water, climate regulation and health benefits.

The new draft will contain over 50 proposed prerequisites and credits ranging from site selection to sustainable maintenance practices. The metrics’ format will be similar to existing LEED tools in structure and will include the following components:

Credit intent
Ecosystem services addressed
Social and economic benefits
Requirements
Submittal documentation
Technologies and strategies
Resources

The Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks Draft 2008 will be available for download and public comment beginning on November 10, 2008 at www.sustainablesites.org/report. The public comment period will close January 20, 2009.

Public review and comment is essential to the successful development of these guidelines and performance-based benchmarks. As part of the ongoing development effort, the Initiative invites you to join the review process by visiting: www.sustainablesites.org/review.