Land is one of the earliest commodities in existence and as such has a variety of classications or types. We aim to clarify the different land types to make the process of understanding the implications of owning land simpler.
Brownfield sites are land previously used by heavy industry or mining and therefore may be contaminated by hazardous waste or pollution. Generally, designated brownfield sites exist in a town's industrial section, in abandoned factories or other previously high-polluting buildings. For historical reasons, many brownfield sites are located close to important thoroughfares such as highways and rivers; their reclamation can therefore be a major asset to a city. Not all brownfields are equal: Some are severely contaminated, some moderately, some mildly, and some not at all.
Abandoned or derelict former commercial sites, such as shopping centers, that are not significantly contaminated. Greyfields, unlike brownfields, are relatively uniform in condition, and are usually the most obvious and accessible redevelopment sites.
Lands that are ecologically compromised but not significantly contaminated; usually former farms, clearcut forestland, and areas heavily impacted by other human activities. In many development countries, this is probably the largest of the four categories. They're called "whitefields" because they are like blank paper: They could be appropriate for development, or they could be appropriate for ecological purposes (after restoration).
Correctly defined (in our opinion), the term "greenfield" should be reserved for land that clearly should not be developed, usually because it's either important wildlife habitat, or productive farmland. A second category could be defined as older regrowth areas that--while not pristine--have significant ecological value.
