DRE2: Site Selection Requirements
Maximum Score
3 points
Input Method
Assessment Portal
Prefill
Eligible
Scoring method
Static
Automatic Validation
Evidence not required
2026 Updates
Does the entity require sustainable site selection criteria to be considered for development projects?
Assessment Instructions
Intent: What is the purpose of this indicator?
This indicator examines the entity’s approach to sustainable site selection. Sustainable site selection encourages the use of previously occupied or contaminated land. It also encourages development on land that already has limited value to wildlife and to protect existing ecological features from substantial damage during site preparation and completion of construction works.
The site selection process should be based on structured, predefined methodologies that include limits on the development of inappropriate sites or projects with a negative impact on the immediate surroundings, and on the environment in general.
Input: How do I complete this indicator?
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Other: State the topic included in the site selection process. It is possible to add multiple other answers. If multiple other answers are acceptable, only one will be counted towards scoring.
Terminology
Aquatic ecosystems
Ecosystems such as coastal and riparian areas, wetlands and deepwater habitats that provide critical ecosystem functions for aquatic organisms, other wildlife and people.
Brownfield sites
Areas of land or premises that have been previously used, but have subsequently become vacant, derelict or contaminated. Brownfield sites typically require preparatory regenerative work before any new development goes ahead, and can also be partly occupied.
Farmland
Agricultural land, designated as such by a national, local, or intergovernmental authority (e.g., US Department of Agriculture, US Food and Agriculture Organization, Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, French Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood and Forestry).
Floodplain functions
A floodplain is an area of land adjacent to types of waterways and watercourses (e.g., a stream or a river) that experience flooding during periods of high discharge. It functions as water storage, protects habitat and benefits water quality.
Habitats for threatened and endangered species:
Areas that contain habitat for plant and animal species identified as threatened or endangered by a national or intergovernmental authority (e.g., US Fish and Wildlife Service, Australian Department of Environment, EU Habitats Directive, European Red List of Threatened Species, and International Union for the Conservation of Nature).
Heritage and historical sites
Preservation of buildings or land which are of as historical, heritage, or cultural significance.
Locate projects within existing developed areas
Development projects are prioritized in areas that have existing infrastructure, development, and urban infill as opposed to greenfield development.
Multi-modal transit networks
Pedestrian, bicycle, and mass-transit networks.
Validation: What evidence is required?
No evidence required. Only the 'Other' answer is manually validated.
Scoring
Scoring: How does GRESB score this indicator?
The scoring of this indicator is equal to the fraction assigned to the selected option, multiplied by the total score of the indicator.
Other: The 'Other' answer is manually validated and assigned a score which is used as a multiplying factor, as per the table below:
Accepted
1/1
Not Accepted
0
Duplicate
0
References
SITES v2 Rating System for Sustainable Land Design and Development
LEED BD+C: New Construction, v4, Sustainable Sites, and Location & Transportation
BREEAM International New Construction, 2016; and BREEAM Communities Manual, 2012
Get Support: Solution Providers
GRESB Solution Providers are independent, third-party organizations within the GRESB Partner network that offer specialized products, tools, and services to support sustainability performance outside the GRESB Assessment process.
Currently, there are no GRESB Solution Providers associated with this indicator.
GRESB will continue to update this section as the GRESB Solution Provider network grows. Please check back regularly to find GRESB Solution Providers who can support your sustainability performance.
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