Public Agencies Meet Sustainable Design

Public Agencies Meet Sustainable Design Dan Jacobs, AIA Principal, A3C – Collaborative Architecture

Agenda

Descriptors and Indicators of Sustainability

What is it?

What are the indicators

Standards for Policy Integration

APA’s Sustainable Policy

USGBC’s Site Related Sections

Alignment of USGBC & APA

Sustainable Policies from other Cities

Resources

Sustainability is: The capacity to equitably meet the vital human needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs by preserving & protecting the area’s ecosystems & natural resources. From APA Policy Guide on Planning for Sustainability The Concept of Living in Balance with Nature . . .

The Role of Planning & Planners:

Planning is key to defining how, where & when development occurs.

Planners & their policies are therefore crucial to the sustainability of our communities.

“ The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Peter Drucker

Greenhouse Gas (GHG)

The Process of developing a climate action plan can identify cost-effective opportunities to reduce GHG emissions that are relevant to the state.

Without strong incentives, climate action plans will not achieve real reductions in GHG emissions.

Regional Initiatives

Public Benefit Funds

Green Pricing

American Planning Association There is growing concern for the issue of sustainability whether the Earth’s resources will be able to meet the demands of a growing human population that has rising aspirations for consumption and quality of life, while maintaining the rich diversity of the natural environment or biosphere. To address these issues the APA adopted the POLICY GUIDE ON PLANNING FOR SUSTAINABILITY on April 17, 1000

Dimensions of Sustainability

Preserving communities as good places to live & work.

Protecting societal values - like liberty and democracy.

Protecting the bio-diversity of the natural environment.

Ability of nature to provide life support services.

A Sustainable Community is One that Respects All Aspects . . .

Global Indicators of Unsustainability:

Global Warming

Soil Degradation

Deforestation

Species Extinction

Declining Fisheries

Economic Inequity

Lifestyle Indicators of Unsustainability:

Over Consumption

Population Growth

Pollution

Non-Renewables Dependency

Destructive Patterns (Enviro. & Social)

Inequities in Resource Distribution

Limited Public Participation

Community Indicators of Unsustainability:

Suburban Sprawl

Loss of Wetlands

Segregation/Unequal Opportunity

Loss of Agriculture Land/Open Space

Depletion/Degradation of Water

Traffic Congestion & Air Pollution

Disproportionate Exposure to Hazards

Reduce dependence on fossil fuels, extracted metals of minerals.

Reduce dependence on chemicals that accumulate in nature.

Reduce dependence on activities that harm our ecosystems.

Meet needs of present & future fairly & efficiently.

Four Objectives for Greater Sustainability:

Approach to Sustainable Objectives: “ All four policy objectives need to be dealt with in an integrated , comprehensive & systems approach in order to move toward sustainability in community in planning & development."

Policy No. 1 Support policies that encourage alternatives to gas powered vehicles. Public Transit Alternative Fuel Vehicles Bicycles & Pedestrian Routes

Policy No. 2 Support policies that encourage development that uses alternative renewable energy sources and energy conservation. Solar Wind Geothermal

Policy No. 3 Support policies that encourage land uses that minimize extraction of mercury, calcium and phosphorus. Development Agriculture Sustainable Land Uses

Policy No. 4 Support policies that encourage development & businesses to reduce use of chemicals & synthetic compounds Construction Materials Services View snuggle up & read's map Taken in a place with no name (See more photos here )

Policy No. 5 Support policies that reduce the use of or eliminate pesticides and herbicides. Landscape Design Park Maintenance Agriculture

Policy No. 6 Support policies that encourage compact/mixed use development & avoids sprawl (Smart Growth) Minimize Need to Drive Reuse Existing Buildings Reclaim Brownfield's

Policy No. 7 Support policies that encourage planning, development and preservation that conserves & protects water and soil quality. Underdeveloped Land Open Space Agriculture

Policy No. 8 Support policies that encourage sustainable development, business & agriculture that reduce use of water. Reuse Waste Water On-Site Innovative Treatments Minimize Chemical Use

Policy No. 9 Support policies that encourage sustainable development that include the needs of those currently disenfranchised. Public Health Safety Welfare

Policy No. 10 Support policies that reduce & reuse by-products & waste, especially those that see waste as a resource. Businesses Communities Institutions

Policy No. 11 Support policies that encourage participation & partnership approaches to planning, especially sustainable planning. Resident Involvement Community Vision Participation in Planning

Policy No. 12 Support initiatives that further R&D of technology that promotes sustainability and provides the best available economic, social & environmental data. Alternatives Costs Benefits of Integration

Policy No. 13 Support policies that encourage support incentives & other economic tools to improve the sustainability of our natural resources. Local State Federal

U.S. Green Building Council

A non-profit organization committed to sustainable buildings started in ‘93

Over 14,200 organizations involved across the building industry.

Over 3.2 billion sq. ft. of building space are involved with the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™

USGBC LEED-NC Divisions

Sustainable Site (SS)

Water Efficiency (WE)

Energy & Atmosphere (E&A)

Materials & Resources (M&R)

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

Innovation & Design Process (IDP)

Areas Relating to Planning Issues

Avoid Developing Inappropriate Sites

Do Not Develop On:

Prime farmland

Site of endangered species

Parkland unless trading

Lower than 5’ above 100 yr flood plan

Within 100’ wetland

Within 50’ open water

SS: Site Selection (Credit 1)

SS: Development Density, Connection & Community (Credit 2)

Develop previous development sites that are either:

In a community w/ density of 60,000 sq. ft./acre

OR

Within a ½ mile of basic services

Rehabilitate a damaged site where development is complicated by environmental issues. SS: Brownfield Redevelopment (Credit 3)

Develop a project that has:

Access to Public Transportation

Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms

Low-Emission & Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

Preferred Parking for Carpooling or Provides Less Parking than Required

SS: Alternative Transportation (Credit 4)

Protect or Restore Habitats

Maximize Open Space that either:

Reduce footprints & exceed open spaces (25%)

Provide open space equal to footprints

Provide minimum 20% open space where non-regulated

SS: Site Development (Credit 5)

Quantity Control Minimize impervious surfaces

Quality Control Eliminate sources of containments and remove pollutants from storm water

SS: Storm Water Design (Credit 6)

Non-Roof

Shade hard surfaces

(SRI) 29 or better

Open grid systems on areas requiring vehicle

Solar Reflective Index (SRI) is the measure of the surface to reflect solar heat as shown by a small temperate rise. SS: Reduce Heat Island Effects (Credit 7)

Roof

Vegetated “Green” Roofs

(SRI) of 78 for low slope or 29 for steep slope

Combination of both

Minimize light escaping site & building, reduce sky glow & reduce glare. SS: Light Pollution Reduction (Credit 8)

H 2 O: The Bad News

340 billion gallons of fresh water is used daily from rivers, lakes & reservoirs.

65% is discharged back into rivers after use and/or treatment.

Annual US deficit of water is estimated at 3,700 billion gallons.

H 2 O: The Good News

US industry uses 36% less water today than they did in 1950.

Water efficient measures in commercial building can reduce water usage by 30% or more.

Typical office occupants use on average 20 gallons per day/person.

WE: Landscaping (Credit 1)

Reduce use of potable water for irrigation by 50%.

Eliminate use of potable water for irrigation

Use rainwater or grey water

Plant selection

Irrigation efficiency – drip

Reduce generation of wastewater

Increase local aquifer recharge

Use water conserving fixtures

Treat wastewater on site

WE: Innovative Wastewater Technologies (Credit 2)

Reduce burden on public utilities by reducing demand by 20% (1 pt) or 30% (2 points)

WE: Water Use Reduction (Credit 3)

Use higher efficiency fixtures & consider reuse rainwater & greywater for non-potable use.

Leading the Way The APA, USGBC & AIA are all making strides to implement the tools, benchmarks and resources to bring sustainability to the main stream.

LEED Development

LEED for Neighborhood

Development, Retail &

Healthcare are currently in

pilot test.

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 LEED – New Construction LEED – Commercial Interior LEED – Existing Building LEED – Core/Shell ANSI Standards LEED – Home

Policy 1: Alt. Transportation Policy 3: Min. Extraction Policy 4: Reduce Chemical Use Policy 5: Reduce Pesticides Policy 6: Smart Growth SS: Credit 4 Alt. Transportation SS: Credit 1 Site Development SS: Credit 2 Density & Connection SS: Credit 3 Brownfield Redevelopment SS: Credit 5 Protect Habitats & Open Space SS: Credit 6 Quantity & Quality Control SS: Credit 7 Reduce Heat Island SS: Credit 8 Light Pollution Reduction Policy 7: Water & Soil Policy 8: Storm Water & Treatment Policy 9: Public Wellness Policy 10: Re-use Waste Policy 11: Community Involvement Policy 12: Support R&D Policy 13: Support Incentives Policy 2: Renewable Energy WE: Credit 1 Reduce Irrigation WE: Credit 2 Innovation WE: Credit 3 Reduce Use EA: Credit 2 Renewables EQ: Credit 4 Low Emitting Mat. MR: Credits 3 & 4 Reuse/Recycle

AIA 2030 Challenge Goals

All new buildings, developments and major renovations shall be designed to meet a fossil fuel, GHG-emitting, energy consumption performance standard of 50% of the regional (or country) average for that building type.

At a minimum, an equal amount of existing building area shall be renovated annually to meet a fossil fuel, GHG-emitting, energy consumption performance standard of 50% of the regional (or country) average for that building type.

AIA 2030 Challenge Targets Edward Mazria AIA, is a senior principal at Mazria Inc. and is the architect who initiated the 2030 Challenge. Carbon Neutrality

Counties & Cities Adopt 2030 Challenge

NACo supports the goals of the 2030 Challenge to encourage counties to set goals for renovated & all new public buildings to become carbon neutral by 2030.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors encourages it’s members to adopt the “2030 Challenge” for building performance targets.

Sustainability can be encouraged by offering incentives to those who make environmentally supportive decisions.

Expedited Services

Discounts

Training

Incentives and Policies The key to increasing implementing sustainability is establish an action plan

Paths to a Green Building/Planning Policy The Pew Center on Global Climate Change was established in 98. The Center's mission is to provide credible information, straight answers, and innovative solutions in the effort to address global climate change.

Incentive Options Communities offer several incentives varying from cost free to a direct investment by the city to encourage sustainable planning concepts and development of green buildings. The following options represent the most common incentives offered by cities across the country . . .

Streamline the permitting process for building, plan & site permits.

May require some reorganizing of staff or policy changes.

Great cost-savings to the city, the architects & developers involved.

Expedited Service

Offer a Green Award for marketing purposes.

Highlight your Green Award on your green building web site & provide links to participating firms.

Green Building Awards

Subsidize USGBC cost through direct grants.

Subsidized LEED Fees

Establish a loan fund specifically for green improvements.

Initial investment start-up cost, but proven profitable in the long run.

Reduced interest rates to developers that agree to build to green standards.

Pay back loan cost through future energy savings.

Green Loan Fund

Train building inspectors & other officials in green building standards.

Trained local officials can educate the community and assist developers.

Cities can use these officials to earn revenue by offering discounted consulting for green building projects.

Training

In return for achieving levels of green building ratings the following with be offered:

Implement height & floor/area ratio bonuses.

Reductions in landscaping requirements.

Counting green roof space as landscaping/open space.

Density Bonuses

Waive or give partial or total reimbursement of the application, building, or permit fees in return for reaching specific levels of green rating systems. Permit Fee Waiver Temporarily reduce taxes for specific levels of green certification. Property Tax Abatement

Buy these energy-efficient appliances in bulk & offer discounted prices. Discounted Energy Star Appliances Incentives for additional costs on energy-efficient & other green systems such as HVAC, windows, solar energy and water. Subsidized Green Premium

LEED initiatives including legislation, executive orders, resolutions, ordinances, policies, and incentives are found in 75 cities, 23 counties, 17 towns, 27 states, 12 federal agencies, 10 public school jurisdictions and 36 institutions of higher education across the US. Gaining Momentum for Sustainability

U.S. Cities with Green Building Programs

AIA Sustainable Study Findings Green Building Programs in Cities with a Population Over 50,000

D.C. Sets A Green Standard

First major U.S. city to mandate sustainability guidelines for privately owned real estate.

Passed the Green Building Act of 2006 which calls for all new development in the city to conform to the USGBC’s LEED standards.

Law takes force in 2008 for all publicly financed buildings and will be phased in by 2012 for private construction .

D.C. Sets A Green Standard

Incentives:

Green Building Fund (an advisory counsel)

Incentives for developers

Green development ambassador

Green building permit application reviewer

Fast-track permits

Revision of codes to include green building

Priority leasing for green buildings

Established a Green Building Task Force in 2003 composed of public & private experts in the field to recommend a comprehensive green building plan for the city.

First major U.S. city to implement a green building zoning code in 2007.

Requires all major new & rehabilitation construction projects exceeding 50,000 Sq. Ft. to earn 26 LEED New Construction points .

Green collar jobs created is a strong incentive for the program. Boston, MA

New York, NY

In September 2006 Mayor Bloomberg created the Sustainability Advisory Board , a panel of environmental design & policy experts gathered to develop strategies for greening NYC.

Announced PlaNYC 2030, a sweeping climate change proposal, on Earth Day of 2007.

Since the release of PlaNYC 2030, the Sustainability Advisory Board has refocused their efforts to ensure that the city’s strategies for sustainability are implemented in full & remain publicly accountable to citizen’s concerns.

New York, NY

Uses a series of mandates, challenges, & incentives to reduce demand among the city’s largest energy consumers.

Encourages the installation of green roofs through a new incentive program.

Uses upcoming rezoning to direct growth toward areas with strong transit access .

New York, NY

Dedicates $15 million to a fund supporting brownfield redevelopment .

Implements more efficient construction management practices, including accelerating the adoption of technologies to reduce construction-related emissions.

Amends the building code to address the impacts of climate change .

New York, NY

The green building component:

Offers incentives for green building techniques.

Strengthens energy & building codes to support energy efficiency strategies & other environmental goals.

Supports the construction of the city’s first carbon-neutral building .

New York, NY

APA WRHF MSHDA NASEO NYCT RBF SURDNA KSFTF USTC GGF GMHF GG USA EP CGF BMF AIA PGAFF PFTE EIEN CDX GLWQA EC MEWG MPWMDSS MARSSIM NEPPS OPPT TEN WCC ACORE ARS CSC CDP GCI KP NBM NHC NLIHC NTHP NVPC PPED PERSI PFC SA SGA SGN SWC SAC STPP USGBC DOE DHS USSD USCM ACHP ASCE AC ATBCB CEQ CFPAES DHUD DOT EPA GSA TLR NAC NCDA NIBS NOD OMB PATH SBA ISP USGBC FEC

American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) Works to bring all forms of renewable energy into the mainstream

Alliance for Regional Stewardship (ARS) A peer-to-peer network of leaders working to solve community problems

Complete Streets Coalition (CSC) Promote change in how streets are designed to accommodate all users

Community Design Partnership (CDP) Public health, government, design, and development associations promoting health through planning and design.

Green Communities Initiative (GCI) The initiative is a 5-year, $550 million commitment to build environmentally friendly affordable homes

APA Resources

USGBC Resources

The Playbook for Green Buildings and Neighborhoods: Strategic Local Climate Solutions

LEED Initiatives in Governments and Schools

State and Local Government Toolkit

Energy Policy Act of 2005 Analysis

USGBC Facts and Figures

Sustainable Design Assessment Teams (SDAT) Designing a Sustainable World

The AIA offers the SDAT program as a community assistance program that focuses on the principals of sustainability.

SDAT brings teams of volunteer professionals (such as architects, urban designers, planners, hydrologists, economists, attorney’s & others) to work with community decision-makers and stakeholders to help them develop a vision & framework for a sustainable future.

Thank You!