APAFL.Conference.Sustanability.Collaborative.Conversations.9.12.2013
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Sustainability Round Table: Collaborative Conversations with APAFL, FL AIA, FL ULI, FL ASLA Representatives from American Planning Association Florida Chapter (APA FL) Brian Smith FAICP and Paul Farmer FAICP, Florida Chapter American Society of Landscape Architects (FL ASLA) Ruth Hamberg RLA ASLA AICP, Florida Chapter American Institute of Architects (FL AIA) Jedd Heap AIA, and Urban Land Institute Florida Chapter (ULI FL) Cecelia Bonifay Esq. discuss what their professional organizations are doing in regards to sustainability and explore how our groups can collaborate on best practices. The panelists talk about their organization's accomplishments and what projects are they are working on. Hear about new resources and tools you can use in your sustainability practice.
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APAFL.Conference.Sustanability.Collaborative.Conversations.9.12.2013
- 1. 1 Paul Farmer, FAICP Chief Executive Officer APA National Brian Smith, FAICP APA FL Sustainability Committee Ruth Hamberg, ASLA AICP PLA FLASLA CoSE Jedd W. Heap , AIA LEED AP BD+C CSI NCARB AIA Florida Cecelia Bonifay, Esq., ULI Central Florida APA Florida 2013 Conference September 10-13, 2013 ▪ Rosen Centre, Orlando Sustainability Round Table: Collaborative Conversations with APA FL Sustainability Committee, FLASLA CoSE, FL AIA and ULI FL Representatives
- 2. Sustainability Round Table Program • Overview of Each Organization’s Sustainability Programs • Discussion with Panelists and Audience on Collaboration and Issues • Q & A
- 3. APA Sustainability Overview American Planning Association Making Great Communities Happen Professional institute for certified planners (AICP), 47 Chapters, 20 Divisions and students. Sustainable Communities Division Created in 1978 by the consolidation of two separate planning organizations (AIP & ASPO), but its roots grow all the way back to 1909 and the first National Conference of City Planning in Washington, D.C. APA organization includes:
- 4. APA Sustainability Overview • Third largest of 47 chapters of APA. • Over 2,600 members. • 12 Sections based on State’s geographic regions. Our Mission: APA Florida Chapter, provides statewide leadership in the development of sustainable communities by advocating excellence in planning, providing professional development for its members, and working to protect and enhance the natural and built environments.
- 5. • Sustainability Committee • Created in 2012 • Purpose: To create a web-based resource on sustainability for planners practicing in Florida that highlights sustainable practices and provides a “tool-kit” of best practices. APA Sustainability Overview Mission: To promote the integration of sustainability principles into planning policy and practice through relevant education and outreach.
- 6. APA Sustainability Overview • Sustainability Committee Objectives • Provide advice and direction to the Chapter’s Executive Committee and Legislative Policy Committee on sustainability initiatives and efforts.
- 7. APA Sustainability Overview • Identify existing sustainability efforts and find ways to coordinate, complement, and not duplicate their efforts. • Provide resources on sustainable planning practices to planners through the Chapter’s web site. •Identify/highlight the role of planners in sustainability and building sustainable communities. •Provide a discussion forum on sustainability for planners and others.
- 8. APA Projects Publications: Sustainability: Planners Guide to Sustainable Development (PAS 467) Assessing Sustainability (PAS 565) A Guide for Local Governments. Practicing Planner: The Sustainability Imperative . Incorporating Sustainability Into the Comprehensive Plan. Sustainable Zoning and Development Controls
- 9. APA Projects A Sustainable Planning Toolkit An expanding online resource you can use and contribute to.
- 10. APA Projects Action Topics Land Use Environment Water Resources Transportation/Mobility Climate Change/Sea Level Rise Health Agriculture/Food Supply Economy/Finance Waste Management/Recycling Energy Disaster Planning/Hazard Mitigation Housing Green Building Practices I. Toolbox (hands-on examples, local ordinances) II. Florida/National Studies, Research & Manuals III. Website (Reference links) IV. Webinars/Presentations
- 11. APA Projects SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN Grassroots Initiative The community of Zephyrhills and Community stakeholders created a strategic plan guiding all levels of community involvement toward a greener, more sustainable city. The aim of the Sustainable Zephyrhills initiative is to protect the environment, conserve natural resources, grow a more resilient local economy and enhance the overall quality of life. Community input is the most important part of the Sustainable Zephyrhills initiative.
- 12. APA Projects City of Winter Springs’ Town Center District Code Neighborhood Planning A mixed-use urban center where community culture events and activities are hosted year-round. Adopted in 2000, the Winter Springs Town Center District Code was one of the first “form-based” codes adopted in the U.S. and was written as a “street-based code’ where building standards are tied to street types. The code was rewritten in 2011 utilizing a transect-based approach.
- 13. APA Projects New Peoples Choice Category
- 14. • National ASLA • http://www.asla.org/ • The Society's mission is to lead, to educate, and to participate in the careful stewardship, wise planning, and artful design of our cultural and natural environments. ASLA Sustainability Overview Photo: FLASLA Awards
- 15. 15 ASLA Position Statement on Climate Change Photo: SFWMD ASLA Sustainability Overview
- 16. 16 ASLA Policy Statements on Sustainability Issues Photo: Kevin Robert Perry/ ASLA Awards ASLA Sustainability Overview
- 17. 17 National ASLA Website http://www.asla.org/ Awards Designing Our Future: Sustainable Landscapes Sustainable Sites Initiative www.SustainableSITES.org LAND –LA in the news The Dirt – Blog/ stories LAM – Landscape Architecture Magazine covers the world of LA LATIS – technical/ research guides PPN Webinars – Prof. Practice edu ASLA Sustainability Projects
- 18. 18 National ASLA http://www.asla.org/ Advocate - Banking on Green Practice - Guides Policies - Position Statement on Climate Change Professional Practice Networks Lake Eola Park in Orlando ASLA Sustainability Projects
- 19. 19 National ASLA Website http://www.asla.org/ “Sustainable ASLA” Headquarters Green Roof Joined AIA’s 2030 Coalition Sustainability Resource Guides Photos: ASLA Website ASLA Sustainability Projects
- 20. 20 National ASLA Affiliated Non Profits: Landscape Architecture Foundation/ LAF www.lafoundation.org/lps International Federation of Landscape Architects http://iflaonline.org/ ASLA Sustainability Projects
- 21. 21 ASLA Florida Committee on Sustainable Environments FLASLA Sustainability Overview WHAT: A FL ASLA Chapter committee reporting to the Education & Research Chair VISION: To position the profession of Landscape Architectures as an integral partner in promoting and executing sustainable policy and development practices throughout Florida. MISSION: To promote sustainable practices in site and community design and development, while promoting human health, safety, welfare, security, and enjoyment.
- 22. 22 State ASLA – Florida Chapter Website www.flasla.org Awards http://www.flasla.org/?page=AwardHome Annual State Conference Book: Visions of Smart Growth Advocacy “CoSE” FLASLA Sustainability Projects
- 23. 2323 AIA Continuing Education Credit(s) earned on completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request. This course is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. _____________________________________ Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation. AIA Sustainability Overview
- 24. 2424 Florida architects, landscape architects and planners often collaborate on projects, but how often do we sit down together to discuss common concerns about the environment, urban sprawl, clean water and air as well as density, livability and clean energy? AIA CEU Course Description
- 25. 2525 At the end of the this course, participants will be able to: 1. Better understand what our sister professions think about sustainability issues, how we might differ/specialize and explore ways to work together. 2. Be more knowledgeable of what resources our colleagues have that can be shared and expanded via collaboration. 3. Have greater insight into ways we can help promote each other’s professions as sustainability resources and experts. 4. Be able to disseminate the input from our diverse panelists and course attendees, and continue the discussion and collaboration with the design professionals in each of our unique work environments. Learning ObjectivesAIA CEU Learning Objectives
- 26. 2626 •Founded in 1857 •Nearly 300 chapters in 18 regions •Over 81,000 members www.aia.org AIA Sustainability Overview The American Institute of Architects is the voice of the architectural profession and a resource for its members in service to society.
- 27. 2727 AIA Sustainability Statement AIA Sustainability Overview Architects are positioned to be leaders with regard to an expanded view of health, safety and welfare. As an Institute we must provide the access to knowledge, research, and professional collaborations that are critical to ensure our members become more informed and better prepared to lead. The AIA continues to advance, disseminate, and advocate—to the profession, the building industry, the academy, and the public—design practices that integrate built and natural systems and enhance both the design quality and environmental performance of the built environment.
- 28. 2828 AIA Sustainability Overview What is Green Building?
- 29. 29 AIA Sustainability Overview Green Building Rating Systems
- 30. 30 National Region State Local Chapters AIA & SustainabilityAIA Sustainability Programs Florida / Caribbean Region
- 31. 31 AIA & SustainabilityAIA Sustainability Programs
- 32. 32 Knowledge Communities: • Committee on the Environment (COTE) • Regional and Urban Design Committee (RUDC) • Technical Design for Building Performance • Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) AIA Sustainability Programs
- 33. 33 AIA Guide for Sustainable Projects AIA Sustainability Programs Download a copy of AIA Guide for Sustainable Projects
- 35. 35 AIA & SustainabilityAIA Sustainability Programs Advocacy: AIA advocates for federal policies that help architects design innovative buildings and that highlight the importance of sustainable design at the federal level. For example the AIA is a strong supporter of the Energy Efficient Commercial Building Deduction. While lobbing is a year long process, every year AIA Members visit with their representatives to discuss important issues.
- 36. 36 AIA Sustainability Programs Every year AIA Florida Members visit with their representatives to discuss important issues and state policies that help architects design innovative buildings and that highlight the importance of sustainable design at the state level. Works closely with other organizations to promote sustainable design. Has added separate design awards category for sustainable projects.
- 38. 38 AIA Sustainability ProgramsAIA Sustainability Programs 13 Local Chapters represents +/- 2,200 AIA Members
- 39. 39 AIA Sustainability ProgramsAIA Sustainability Programs Committee on the Environment (COTE)
- 42. ULI Sustainability Overview • A non-profit research and education organization founded in 1936 • Dedicated to creating better places • Fosters collaboration; promotes best practices • Advances land use and design practices that respect both built and natural environments • Global, national and local opportunities • to participate • www.uli.org
- 43. 43 To provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. ULI MissionULI Sustainability Overview
- 44. 44 • Promoting intelligent densification and urbanization • Creating resilient communities • Integrating energy, resources, and uses sustainably; and • Connecting capital and the built environment through value ULI PrioritiesULI Sustainability Overview
- 45. 45 “ Successful global reduction of GHG emissions requires substantial investments in local communities.” ULI Sustainability StatementULI Sustainability Programs
- 46. 46 National Program New tools, new rules: Climate Change, Land Use and Energy 2010 (CLUE) ULI Sustainability ProgramsULI Sustainability Programs
- 47. 47 National Program What’s Next? Getting Ahead of Change ULI Sustainability Programs “Communities in the United States and around the world are struggling to adapt to changing markets, changing demographics and changing technology.” ULI Sustainability Programs
- 48. 48 National Program Risk & Resilience in Coastal Regions, 2013 ULI Sustainability ProgramsULI Sustainability Programs
- 49. 49 National Program Resilient Cities: Surviving in a New World, 2010 ULI Sustainability ProgramsULI Sustainability Programs
- 50. 50 National Programs Land Use and Driving: The Role Compact Development Can Play in Reducing GHG Emissions, 2010 ULI Sustainability ProgramsULI Sustainability Programs
- 51. 51 State/Local Programs: District Councils ULI Sustainability ProgramsULI Sustainability Programs
- 52. 52 State/Local Programs Southeast Florida: Sustainable Communities Grant Initiative ULI Sustainability ProgramsULI Sustainability Programs
- 53. 53 State/Local Programs ULI Tampa Bay: Sustainability Initiative ULI Sustainability ProgramsULI Sustainability Programs
- 54. 54 State/Local Programs Healthy Communities: A New Direction in Development ULI Sustainability ProgramsULI Sustainability Programs
- 55. 55 State/Local Programs ULI Central Florida: Regional Water Strategy ULI Sustainability ProgramsULI Sustainability Programs
- 56. 56 State/Local Programs: On-going •Technical Advisory Panels (TAPS) •UrbanPlan ULI Sustainability ProgramsULI Sustainability Programs
- 57. Panel & Audience Discussion Collaboration Sustainability Education/ Certifications Global Warming/ Sea Level Rise Greening Cities Florida Issues
- 60. Discussion Global Warming, Sea Level Rise
- 63. 63 This concludes The American Planning Association Florida Chapter 2013 Conference Session
Editor's Notes
- On February 23, 1857, 13 architects met in the New York City office of architect Richard Upjohn to form what would become the American Institute of Architects. The group sought to create an architecture organization that would "promote the scientific and practical perfection of its members" and "elevate the standing of the profession.“Until this point, anyone who wished to call him-or herself an architect could do so. This included masons, carpenters, bricklayers, and other members of the building trades. No schools of architecture or architectural licensing laws existed to shape the calling.The image at the bottom is a photo of the 1883 convention. A little smaller than the one I just returned from in Denver.
- Architects are positioned to be leaders with regard to an expanded view of health, safety and welfare. As an Institute we must provide the access to knowledge, research, and professional collaborations that are critical to ensure our members become more informed and better prepared to lead. The AIA continues to advance, disseminate, and advocate—to the profession, the building industry, the academy, and the public—design practices that integrate built and natural systems and enhance both the design quality and environmental performance of the built environment.
- There are as many definitions of “green building” as there are architects. But one thing that is consistent among those definitions is the need for integration between the built environment and nature. A symbiotic relationship must exist between the buildings we design and occupy, our streets, parks, and gardens, and the cities and natural resouces that we all share with one another and with other species.
- And for each definition of “green building,” there is a different green building rating system! Many, if not most, of you have probably participated in the design and documentation of LEED projects, rated and certified by the USGBC. But depending on the type of project and region of the country, there are other rating systems gaining popularity such as Green Globes, the National Green Building Standard, SERF, Build it Green, Green Point Rated, and ENERGY STAR. Some cities, such as Austin, TX and Tucson, AZ even have their own rating systems. And for all of these reasons, the AIA has produced numerous tools and guidelines for assisting design teams in the selection of an appropriate green building rating system for each project.
- There are 3 levels of the AIA organization, each has it’s own activities related to sustainable design.
- The "Walk the Walk" Campaign was born from the idea that there is a lot of talk about the future of the planet but not enough action being taken to set us on the right path. At its core, "Walk the Walk" is an "empowerment" campaign designed to let people know that a course of action is available.
- AIA has 100s of knowledge communities about a multitude of subjects including sustainability.
- The updated Guide for Sustainable Projects includes:-An example Sustainability Plan and how it can serve as a model for developing a plan according to the project needs.-Expanded section on the discussion of key Sustainability Certifications, IGCC, Environmental Product ratings and insurance issues.-Detailed commentary on each of the new provisions included in the current Sustainable Project (SP) contract documents released in May 2012.
- At all levels the AIA is a strong supporter of the Energy Efficient Commercial Building Deduction. This deduction, also known as 179D, provides building owners up to $1.80 per square foot for energy efficient design. In the case of a public owner on the local, state or federal level, this deduction can be passed on to the designer since designing an energy efficient building requires more time, effort, and resources throughout the design process.
- The Florida Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Florida) is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2012. To commemorate this historic event and help educate the public to raise awareness of the architecture profession, AIA Florida is planning a year of exciting and educational events, including Architecture Month in April, the "Florida Architecture: 100 Years. 100 Places." competition, the Annual Convention at The Breakers Palm Beach in July, a celebration event in December 2012 and much more.It is a celebration of our history and heritage, a salute to those who had the insight of creating better places to live, work and play through architectural design.
- I worked with AIA Florida as their Associate Director-at-Large. We developed a theoretical design awards program for the intern architects in Florida to develop light rail stations for the Sarasota/Manatee area.
- 13 Local Chapters represents +/- 2,200 AIA MembersChapters such as AIA Tampbay, AIA Gulfcoast, and of course AIA Orlando
- Tampa’s local COTE committee recently hosted [re]stitch TAMPA, an international ideas competition for urban public spaces and the waterfront located in downtown Tampa, Florida. This competition was funded in part by the University of South Florida School of Architecture and Community Design and an Access to Artistic Excellence grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
- Urban Charrette
- At the gulfcoast chapter level we try to team up with other local organizations when dealing with sustainable issues to conserve resources. Each of these chapters has +/- 100 members so sharing the burden is a great way to do bigger events and activities with the size limitations of the chapters.We have worked with local municipalities to create legislation like faster permitting and density bonuses for green buildings.
- ULI recognizes that effective strategies to combat global climate change will require cooperative effort by all segments of the economy and all segments of society around the globe. Given the multifaceted challenge and the many exemplary efforts by organizations around the world to meet this challenge, ULI does not seek to duplicate the effective efforts of others, such as those focused on transportation technologies or building technologies. By focusing on issues at the core of the ULI mission óthe responsible use of land. ULI seeks to make an important contribution within the emerging chorus of collaboration and partnership.Guiding Principles:Foster a global response at the local level. While climate change challenges are global in scope, impacts and actions vary from region to region. Individual communities must rise to the challenge of climate change mitigation and adaptation with transformational solutions. The achievement of low-carbon economies relies on individual actions within local communities worldwide.Reduce GHG emissions. GHG emissions must be reduced in an absolute and verifiable manner with strategies that embrace both supply-side and demand-side market transformation. Strategic investments in existing real estate and sound design of new buildings and neighborhoods can produce direct and indirect reductions of GHG emissions across building and transportation sectors. Policy frameworks must value the interdisciplinary nature of real estate investments accordingly.Conserve natural resources by using land wisely. Land use should minimize community vulnerability to natural disaster, foster the conservation of water and energy, and conserve or restore land with respect to its value to sustain regional biodiversity. Community land use patterns should be compact, mixed-use, and organized with ìinfillî locations prioritized to minimize waste and pollution. New land use patterns should allow communities to thrive without sacrificing the integrity, quality, or capacity of their natural resource systems.Realize strategic regional coordination. Sustainable, resilient communities are achieved through mutually reinforcing investments throughout a region. Transportation, energy, water, industry, commerce, housing, and agriculture must be coordinated as components of an effective regional land use vision. Success relies upon aligning multiple government jurisdictions and stakeholders in the effort to effectuate desired outcomes.Create compact, mixed-use, mixed-income livable communities. Employment is the cornerstone of community vitality, and housing choice is necessary to sustain a workforce. Concentrations of employment and services must be integrated with housing and public transit to form a land use framework that maximizes livability and efficiency. Housing supply must include diverse types and location choices that meet a growing diversity of demand. Housing choice mitigates the forces of land use sprawl, lowers total household costs, and reduces GHG emissions by reducing or eliminating daily vehicle miles traveled (VMT).Promote accessibility and choices in mobility. Location-based accessible land use accelerates innovations in transportation network efficiency and reduces overall VMT. Promoting walking, public transit, and other low-emission modes of transportation allows communities and regions to make moving peopleórather than carsóa priority. Reduction of total VMT is a cornerstone strategy for the absolute reduction of global GHG emissions and will result in multiple community co-benefits, including public health, individual health, and quality of life.Track progress and relentlessly explore feasibility. This includes defining metrics of sustainability and resilience for communities and stakeholders, measuring ongoing performance, and transparently communicating real progress to all stakeholders. Furthermore, innovative market transformation solutions rely on exploring feasible and effective opportunities that align with fiduciary responsibly and allow for reasonable returns on investment. Triple-bottom-line community sustainability grows from a culture of sound business practices, equitable fiscal management, and ongoing accountability.Cultivate leadership, invention, and entrepreneurship. Growth is inevitable; sustainable growth is a communityís choice. Communities can grow into a sustainable future through partnerships that transform markets and achieve the economies of scale necessary to mitigate GHG emissionsí impacts. Sustained innovation is achieved through deliberate decisions made iteratively at every stage of projects and endeavors.
- What’s Next? Getting Ahead of Change explores new approaches in building practices and industry trends that are emerging in the post-recession economy, and which could dramatically change the built environment for the 21st century. The publication, prepared as part of ULI’s year-long recognition of its 75th anniversary, is being released this week during the Institute’s annual Fall Meeting and Expo in Denver. It is the follow-up to a report distributed at ULI’s 2011 Fall Meeting, which raised the prospects for significant change within the real estate industry.“Today’s operating environment for investment and development has perhaps never been more complex, but it presents as many opportunities as obstacles,” said ULI Chairman Peter S. Rummell. “Being successful in this environment means more than thinking differently about what’s built going forward. The real opportunities for success and leadership lie in how well we adapt what we’ve already built to fit the new dynamics of a world upended by demographic and economic shifts, environmental concerns, and continous, immediate advances in technology.”Among the significant trends identified in What’s Next:Greater risk — volatile and interconnected global financial markets increase risk associated with investment and development, as governments, consumers and the financial industry struggle to restructure debtTechnology as both boon and bane — technology advances will continue to boost productivity, but reduce the need for both workers and shelf space, cutting office and retail demand.Stressed living standards — as more jobs migrate to lower-cost labor markets, unemployment will wage stagnation will remain problematic in the US and EuropeCareer challenges — Gen Yers will continue to face challenges securing career-building employment, while baby boomers still employed will be increasingly vulnerable to corporate makeovers.Diminished senior savings – as pensions and government entitlements dwindle, seniors’ cratered savings will create lasting financial hardship for many aging baby boomers, with only a small group of affluent retirees able to coast on their savings and investments.Rich versus poor – the wealth gap will widen, further separating a minority of highly affluent people from the majority who face declining resources, dimming job prospects and tight credit.Natural disasters – increasingly intense storms and droughts will affect various types of development, ranging from waterfront projects vulnerable to flooding to inland communities with dwindling water resources.What’s Next anticipates an era of less, one that is characterized by segmentation and specialization rather than “one size fits all.” The market will subdivide, the report says, into niches to fit the numerous preferences and specific needs of several demographic groups, ranging from Gen Yers entering the housing and job market to senior citizens of vastly different financial means and physical capabilities. What is likely to be part of the lifestyles of all these age groups: more clustered development integrating a variety of land uses. The preferred place to live for most: urban areas that attract clusters of brainpower, offering better job prospects for the young and better healthcare facilities for the old.Smaller, more flexible space – for housing, offices and shopping – will redefine urban design and development in the years ahead, the report says.In terms of housing, both young and older adults who spend the bulk of their time socializing outside of home offer a lucrative market for small residences. Rising in popularity: micro-residences offering innovative multipurpose features to maximize living and storage space. At the other end of the spectrum, large suburban homes may still appeal to younger families with school age children, multigenerational households, and unrelated adults who prefer suburban lifestyles.In term of offices, bigger floor plates may be needed to accommodate a larger number of smaller individual work spaces, as businesses seek to fit in more cubicles, small meeting spaces and privacy nooks that will be shared “hoteling style” by multiple workers.In terms of retail space, retailers are likely to cut space and operating costs by trading large stores packed with merchandise for smaller displays oriented to online purchasers. Shopper-friendly apps for locating stores and sales will become a common feature.“In these ambiguous times, it’s clear that the real estate leaders will be those who adapt, adjust and become more nimble in meeting changing market preferences and needs,” said ULI Chief Executive Officer Patrick L. Phillips. “Whether owning, investing, planning or developing, the demands of the new world order require novel thinking and innovation, and entirely different business strategies.”What’s Next also explores the increasing emphasis on accessibility as a vital component of thriving cities, citing numerous successful case studies from around the world. Places that are investing in accessibility, both in terms of international airports and inter-linked transportation hubs, will be “magnets for face-to-face deal making, money sourcing, decision-making and career building,” it says. At the granular level, living near mass transit will command a growing premium, giving centrally located suburbs on transit lines a significant edge over less convenient exurban neighborhoods. “When Gen Yers leave the cities to raise families, these more convenient suburbs will top their house hunting lists,” the report says.It points to ample growth opportunities in the green building and retrofitting industry, with natural light, fresh air, and wireless access making tiny workspaces more tolerable, and lower energy and water bills improving building performance. Additionally, cloud computing and file digitization will help reduce space needs, potentially reducing leasing costs. The competitive consequences of forsaking green must be weighed in every transaction, the report notes, as more proof emerges that “green beats brown” from an economic as well as environmental standpoint.Opportunities for developers, says What’s Next, will lie primarily in under-served emerging markets, whether they are compromised neighborhoods ripe for gentrification in the U.S. or rapidly urbanizing cities in Asia and Latin America. “Intelligently remaking districts and communities into prosperous centers for the next generation should be the focus of the entire industry, led by local developers, lenders and investors,” says What’s Next. “Working in concert with planners and policy leaders, the real estate community has the chance to become problem solvers, making places with enduring value.”
- Sustainable Communities Grant InitiativeThe Southeast Florida Regional Partnership (SFRP) is a voluntary, broad-based and growing collaboration of more than 200 public, private, and civic stakeholders from the Southeast Florida region of Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties. The Partnership has united to leverage resources and coordinate strategic long-term planning to drive competitiveness and prosperity for the region. SFRP seeks greater opportunities for sustained job creation, access to affordable housing, a better menu of transportation options, and more people-friendly, environment-friendly places to live.Seven50 (“seven counties, 50 years”) is a blueprint for growing a more prosperous, more desirable Southeast Florida during the next 50 years and beyond. The plan is being developed to help ensure socially inclusive communities, a vibrant and resilient economy, and stewardship of the fragile ecosystem in what is quickly becoming one of the world’s most important mega-regions.
- SustainabilityThe term “sustainability” has become common language, it has also grown in scope — and the business case for engaging in sustainable practices is stronger than ever. It is also often misunderstood or oversimplified in the public arena. ULI Tampa Bay’s Sustainability Council will focus ULI members on identifying what the primary issues are in Tampa Bay, who is doing relevant work in this area, and how ULI can best allocate our resources to advance the regional commitment to sustainable practices. In Florida, it’s much more than green building, LEED certification and conservation — it’s also about resiliency. This group will also plan and produce our annual Sustainability Forum, designed to educate industry leaders and convene key stakeholders around current trends.
- Through the “Building Healthy Places” project, ULI is pursuing a cross-disciplinary effort to engage ULI members and others in efforts to advance the design, planning, and building of projects and places that promote human health.
- n November 2008, ULI-Central Florida began collaborating with myregion.org on behalf of the Congress of Regional Leaders to identify barriers and solutions to the implementation of the How Shall We Grow? vision.In 2007, myregion.org asked nearly 20,000 Central Floridians the question, “How Shall We Grow?” Through a series of community meetings, presentations and surveys, the answer was clear: Central Florida residents desired a region focusing on the “4Cs” – Conservation, Countryside, Centers and Corridors.From this effort, the Congress of Regional Leaders was formed. Composed of City officials, County Commissioners and members of the Central Florida Public School Boards Coalition, the Congress of Regional Leaders is dedicated to developing shared regional-scale solutions to regional issues.At their first meeting in 2009, the Congress of Regional Leaders reviewed the progress made toward implementing the Regional Growth Vision and adopted the issue of “Water” as one of the highest priorities for the region. What we learned through How Shall We Grow? is that preserving and enjoying our natural resources is of upmost importance to citizens across the region.In partnership with the St. Johns River, Southwest Florida and South Florida Water Management Districts, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the University of Central Florida Metropolitan Center for Regional Studies, myregion.org, and ULI-Central Florida under the leadership of the Congress of Regional Leaders, created an 18-month project to develop a Central Florida Regional Water Strategy that would avoid the use of public dollars to litigate over water.The Central Florida Regional Water Strategy process included convening “Stakeholder Meetings” in each of the seven counties represented on the Congress of Regional Leaders (Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Polk and Volusia) to identify key issues surrounding Water Supply, Demand, Conservation, and Governance. Using input from these meetings, the Steering Committee made recommendations on what would be required to reach a regional solution to our water needs.