University of Florida Gateway Projects Awarded SITES Gold Certification

Orlando, FL—The GAI Consultants, Inc. (GAI) Community Solutions Group (CSG) and University of Florida today announced that the newly constructed Newell and Northeast Gateways have both been awarded Gold certification under the Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES) rating system, and are the first Florida-based projects to achieve SITES certification under the V2 program. As of late 2023 there are only 43 SITES certified projects in the U.S. and 330 worldwide.

“GAI’s CSG is thrilled to have had the opportunity to support the University of Florida in successfully completing the SITES certification process for two groundbreaking projects,” said GAI Vice President Frank Bellomo, PLA. “The Gold certifications are a testament to our commitment to creating environmentally responsible and transformative spaces, and to the campus’s pursuit of preeminence.”

The Newell and Northeast Gateway projects are both part of the University of Florida’s Landscape Master Plan Priority Projects and were constructed by Charles Perry Partners, Inc. The Newell Gateway is located at the intersection of Newell Drive and West University Avenue in Gainesville, FL. The gateway welcomes visitors to the University of Florida, enhances pedestrian safety, and offers breathtaking views of the campus. The Northeast Gateway serves as the primary entrance to the campus and strengthens the connection to downtown Gainesville. This gateway provides a warm welcome to visitors, utilizing quality materials that lead to a pedestrian-centric campus core.

“Beautiful landscapes provide an important sense of identify here at UF,” said Dustin Stephany, University of Florida Sustainable Building Coordinator. “The SITES rating system provided a framework for developing more diverse, resilient, and sustainable landscapes that will flourish for decades. These gateway projects welcome campus visitors and encourage collaboration throughout the Gator Nation.”

Administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), SITES promotes sustainable and resilient landscape development to enhance sustainability, implement green infrastructure strategies, and improve resilience.