Abstract Landscape is a synthesis of the cultural and natural processes of a place. As such, landscapes provide a suitable framework for governance that promotes sustainability and resilience. Any landscape holds the possibility to both improve and regenerate the natural benefits and services of ecosystems. The Sustainable Sites Initiative was an interdisciplinary group effort which developed a rating system that advances best practices for landscape design. The system, called SITES, is grounded in the ecosystem services concept. Advantages of SITES include its credibility, replicability, and scalability. Administered by Green Business Certification Inc., SITES is being used by the cities of New York, Chicago, and Atlanta, the state of Rhode Island, and the US. General Services Administration to guide design decisions toward sustainable outcomes. These practical applications in landscape governance help inform socio-ecological practice and theory.
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