ASIS believes that construction projects should have as little impact on the environment as possible. It is because of this belief that ASIS is leading the way in Green Sustainable Site Development (SSD) by actively engaging in SSD and Low Impact Development (LID).

Generally, SSD can be defined as meeting the needs of the present without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. SSD focuses on a site design strategy to meet sustainable principles in land development. Low Impact Development or LID is term widely used to describe the techniques used to mimic the pre-development site hydrology. Both of these principles incorporate the following:

• Maintain pre-development site hydrology
• Preserve and protect highly permeable soils
• Protect riparian buffers, wetlands, trees, and floodplains
• Prevent erosion and sedimentation to protect streams, fish, and wildlife habitat
• Conserve Natural Areas and Minimize Development Impacts
• Maintain Site Runoff

Practices for Sustainable Site Management

Disconnection Practices- disconnect impervious areas from receiving waters by planting vegetation downstream of a runoff source. Some examples are: filter strips, grass swales, and vegetated buffers.

Land Use Practices- permeable surfaces such as pavers, or other porous surfaces. Green roofs also pretreat runoff by filtering, absorbing and/or detaining rainfall.

Volume-based Practices- bioretention, rain gardens, dry wells, and infiltration trenches are all alternatives to other Best Management Practices (BMPs)