There are several options available for turning impacted or brownfields sites into sustainable developments, open recreation space or some combination of the two. The image below shows conceptually an integration of conventional and non-conventional solutions that might be applied to a site with regard, but not limited, to existing site conditions, government regulations and community acceptance.

Green structures and office buildings use modern environmental engineering techniques to conserve resources and energy.

Possible features may include:

• Roof located solar cells for power and lighting
• Roof and parking lot collection of rainwater for landscape irrigation
• In-floor heating tubes filled with hot water. The hot water can come from burning landfill gas or kitchen grease and oils
• Air conditioning condensate for plants irrigation
• Hot water from heat from refrigeration units
• Optimized internal air flow for lowered A/C costs
• Use of external natural shading offered by trees and shrubs
• Compatible use of any adjacent wetlands
• Landscaping with low maintenance native plants
• Use of bird nesting boxes incorporated into landscape design
• Solar space heating via optimal use of sunlight
• Use of non-toxic, non-VOC emitting construction materials
• Recycling plans