SS Prerequisite: Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)

Before building sustainably, the site itself must be safe.

 What is the Intent of this Prerequisite?

The goal is to:

👉 identify and address environmental contamination on the project site

So that we:

• protect human health
• safeguard vulnerable populations
• ensure safe site conditions before development

🎯 Big Picture

This prerequisite is about:
👉 “Is the site safe to build on?”

👶 Who Does This Apply To?

👉 ONLY required for:

• Schools
• Healthcare projects

💡 Why?

Because these projects serve:

• children
• patients
• vulnerable populations

👉 Higher level of protection is required

🧩 Core Requirement

Step 1: Phase I ESA (Required)

👉 Perform:

👉 ASTM Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

(or equivalent standard)

❓ What does Phase I do?

• reviews site history
• identifies potential contamination risks
• includes records review, site inspection, interviews

Step 2: Phase II / III ESA (If Needed)

👉 IF contamination is suspected:

👉 Perform:

• Phase II ESA → testing (soil, groundwater)
• Phase III ESA → remediation planning

🎯 Key Logic

Phase I → identifies risk
Phase II/III → confirms and addresses it

🌍 Standards

👉 Must follow:

• ASTM standards
  OR
• local equivalent (if equally stringent)