Citizens Guide Leed ND
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Citizens Guide Leed ND
Editor's Notes
- Thanks for joining me today to talk about LEED for Neighborhood Development. I’d like to share an overview of the rating system, and explain how it guides development and redevelopment projects towards more sustainable design. LEED-ND communities harness existing resources, like transit, public infrastructure, and historic buildings, and build upon them with pedestrian-friendly streets, lots of amenities, and green building techniques. The ultimate goal of LEED-ND is to create the kind of beautiful, responsible places that we should all be able to live and work.
- While urban or suburban sprawl might be hard to quantify, we all know it when we see it. It is dominated by low-density land use, single-use zoning, and automobile dependency. With the rapid outward growth of most metropolitan areas, this kind of development has unfortunately become commonplace. There are many negative consequences, including: rapid loss of farmland, wildlife habitat, and other natural resources, reduced water quality and quantity, and public health problems resulting from a relying exclusively on cars for transportation and from environmental toxins. In the recent Urban Land Institute report “Growing Cooler,” Reid Ewing et al write that “Since 1980, the number of miles Americans drive has grown three times faster than the U.S. population.” This can result in increased pollution, traffic, obesity, and infrastructure costs. LEED for Neighborhood is looking to encourage an alternative form of development.
- Increasingly, communities are becoming concerned about the amount of carbon dioxide they produce, with good reason. This slide shows United States CO 2 consumption relative to the rest of the world. Even the largest and most highly populated countries in the world produce fewer carbon emissions than the U.S.
- We have an opportunity to drastically lower CO 2 emissions just by rethinking how we design our communities. The typical suburban development represented in this chart produces over twice the carbon emissions of a more compact development with a range of land uses. Roughly 38% of carbon emissions are attributed to buildings, with another 30% coming from the transportation sector. Personal automobiles are a major contributor to the transportation figure, and that is why development patterns that promote alternative transportation modes are so successful at reducing carbon emissions. Building compacting with attached residential units also greatly increases the energy efficiency of those buildings. According to Chris Nelson, a researcher at Virginia Tech, two-thirds of the structures in the U.S. that exist in 2050 will be built between now and then. We have a chance to change how those structures are built and laid out.
- All around us, we see automobile-dependent streetscapes like this one in Arlington, Virginia. Such development patterns do not create a safe pedestrian environment, and forcing the use of a car to fulfill even simple daily needs. But we can transform this streetscape…
- … into this instead. Here, in this visualization, Urban Advantage shows an economically strong, vibrant streetscape, complete with many modes of transportation and an obvious character and charm. Communities like this are what LEED-ND is all about. [ Presenter note: it may be helpful to flip back and forth to show different elements of the image changing.]
- The LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) rating system is the result of a partnership between the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU). First conceived in 2002, the rating system integrates the principles of smart growth, New Urbanism, and green building into the first national standard for green neighborhood development.
- Each of these three principles is an integral part of the LEED-ND rating system. Each has a unique perspective, yet they also mutually reinforce each other. The end result is a voluntary leadership standard for neighborhood developments that provides a set of criteria designed to help developers and designers envision sustainable communities in terms of where they are located, how they are designed, and how they perform. Now, let’s briefly discuss the principles behind the rating system.
- Smart growth is about thoughtfully considering where and how growth occurs, so that we support and revitalize our existing communities, particularly center cities and older suburbs, with the goal of preserving open space and natural resources. New smart growth developments are compact, transit and pedestrian oriented, with a greater mix of housing types and affordability levels, and are predominantly mixed use.
- It is important to note that smart growth is not about preventing growth, but rather about creating choices about where people live and how they get around and replacing poorly planned development with growth that supports our communities.
- New Urbanism focuses on the design elements of a neighborhood that make it attractive, successful, and tightly-knit. This photograph of Bethesda Row in Maryland, by Federal Realty, illustrates the kind of active and safe streetscape often found in New Urbanist communities. Places like this are created by applying certain design principles, such as short, walkable blocks, small setbacks, and the inclusion of a mix of uses in the neighborhood.
- The foundation of New Urbanism is the New Urbanist Charter, which outlines the principles behind the movement. Some of the major tenets of the Charter are shown on this slide.
- Using environmentally-responsible building techniques for both individual buildings and neighborhood infrastructure is also an important part of the rating system. Green buildings and infrastructure have the potential to reduce energy use, water use and stormwater runoff, and produce other benefits, such as improving indoor air quality and supporting locally-sourced materials. [ Presenter note: You may wish to call out all, or some, of the stats below ] In the United States alone, buildings account for: • 72% of electricity consumption, • 39% of energy use, • 38% of all carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions, • 40% of raw materials use, • 30% of waste output (136 million tons annually), and • 14% of potable water consumption.
- For those of you familiar with other LEED rating systems, there are important differences to note. LEED-ND evaluates not just buildings, but the location of those buildings, the way they relate to each other, and qualities of the public realm that knit them together.
- LEED-ND speaks directly to the triple bottom line (economy, environment and equity). Everyone living or working in a community can reap the benefits of sustainable development, whether through increased business or decreased health problems.
- Research has shown that living in a mixed-use environment within walking distance of shops and services results in increased walking and biking, which can improve cardiovascular and respiratory health and reduce the risk of hypertension and obesity. Neighborhoods with decreased car use can also help combat toxic air pollution which can cause asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Inviting streets, neighborhood shops and restaurants, and great public spaces also foster a sense of community, and invite casual interaction among neighbors.
- Providing a mix of uses near housing can increase foot traffic to local businesses. Pedestrian shoppers linger longer on inviting, slow speed streets, and storefronts opening on to the sidewalk are more inviting to passersby. Rising demand for housing and commercial space in highly walkable or transit-accessible areas can also result in higher tenancy rates and higher retention of property values, even in tough economic times. [ Presenter note: See “How Walkability Raises Home Values in U.S. Cities” by Joe Cortright, CEOs for Cities and Planetizen article “Capturing the Value of Transit” for more information ]
- Responsible neighborhood developments can have numerous benefits for the environment. By building compactly and focusing development in existing areas, projects can help conserve water and other natural resources, protect habitat from fragmentation, keep air clean, and support local agriculture.
- LEED for Neighborhood Development is about all of us. LEED-ND touches everything in our daily lives, from where we work and live to how we travel and what kinds of amenities we enjoy.
- The rating system is divided into three categories: Smart Location & Linkage, Neighborhood Pattern & Design, and Green Infrastructure & Buildings. All three have prerequisites which are required of all projects and credits which reward performance. There also are ten additional points for Innovation and Design Process (exemplary performance and innovative performance) and Regional Priority Credits.
- Smart Location & Linkage focuses on WHERE the project is built. The prerequisites outline where the project cannot be located in order to preserve prime farmland, wildlife habitat, wetlands, and other places we want to save. At the same time, projects are encouraged to locate in existing areas near services or transit.
- This section looks at the broader context of the project, as well as how sensitive features within or near the project are addressed.
- Neighborhood Pattern & Design looks at HOW the project is laid out. This section promotes compact, complete, and connected developments. This kind of development can drastically change occupant behavior for the better. In the Growing Cooler study, the authors note that, “With more compact development, people drive 20-40% less.”
- The NPD section reminds us that true neighborhoods have unique character, and include a variety of uses and building types that reflect local tastes. This section promotes neighborhood design that includes plenty of opportunities for residents, workers, and visitors to meet and build community, such as parks, farmers markets, and plazas.
- Finally, the Green Infrastructure & Buildings section focuses on measures that can reduce the environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of buildings and infrastructure. It promotes more efficient energy and water use—especially important in urban areas where infrastructure is often overtaxed.
- This image highlights how green building and infrastructure strategies can also create amenities and contribute to the character of a place, in addition to their environmental benefits. This rendering is of Via Verde, a proposed 18-story, 202-unit, working-class apartment complex in the Melrose section of the Bronx that won New York City’s first juried design competition for affordable and sustainable housing. The plan was developed by Jonathan Rose Companies and its nonprofit partners.
- The LEED-ND rating system is a product of many years of input by staff and volunteers involved with the three partner organizations, including many leading experts in sustainable planning and design. Since 2007, nearly 240 pilot projects have participated in a pilot program, giving feedback on how the rating system works with real world projects. During 2008, the LEED-ND core committee – made up of industry experts in the topics covered in the rating system – started revising the rating system based on feedback from the pilot projects and other stakeholders. During 2009, the revised rating system went through two public comment periods, and was then officially balloted by USGBC’s membership, and approved by the Congress for the New Urbanism and the Natural Resources Defense Council. For the most up to date information about registration and certification, visit the LEED-ND webpage (I’ll give the address at the end of the presentation). Since you now have an overview of the overall mission of the rating system and the credit categories, let’s take a look at a case study of a LEED-ND pilot project.
- Twinbrook Station is a 26 acre project that earned Gold certification of its plan as part of the LEED-ND pilot program. Located in Rockville, MD, the Twinbrook project is a transit-oriented development that transforms an underutilized commuter parking lot into a walkable, mixed-use development. The project is an example of a public-private partnership since The JBG Companies are developing the project in collaboration with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), the land owner.
- As you can see from the bullet points, the Twinbrook Station project is using a wide variety of strategies that will create a sustainable place, reducing automobile use by providing ample transit service, and addressing building performance by earning LEED certification on 80% of its buildings.
- Currently under construction, the Twinbrook development will soon help restore the urban fabric of this area of Rockville and create new life around a transit hub.
- You’ve seen an example of one kind of project that can use LEED-ND, so let’s talk a bit more about other types of projects that might be a good fit. LEED for Neighborhood Development can be used in many different situations. There are no requirements in terms of use type – the project could be residential, commercial, or mixed-use. Projects may constitute whole neighborhoods, portions of neighborhoods, or multiple neighborhoods. Though there is no absolute minimum or maximum size limit, the recommended size range is at least two buildings up to 320 acres. LEED for Neighborhood Development can be applied to infill development, brownfield redevelopment, suburban retrofits, as well as appropriate development of undeveloped land.
- LEED for Neighborhood Development differs from other commercial and residential LEED rating systems as it has three certification stages, which relate to the phases of the real estate development process. The stage structure gives projects at any stage of development a way to use LEED-ND. Stage 1 results in conditional approval of a LEED-ND Plan. It is available for projects before they have completed the entitlements, or public review, process. It is envisioned that completing Stage 1 will help projects get support from the local government and from the community. Stage 2 results in a pre-certified LEED-ND Plan. It is open to fully entitled projects or projects under construction. Completing this review might help projects secure financing, expedited permitting, or help attract tenants. Finally, at Stage 3, completed projects can certify the LEED-ND Completed Project to recognize that the project has achieved all of the prerequisites and credits attempted. A review of just the Smart Location & Linkage prerequisites will also be available for project teams after registration and before committing to a Stage. This will enable project teams to evaluate if their location is eligible for LEED-ND.
- There are many ways to increase your knowledge of LEED-ND, including educational offerings at several levels, including in-depth workshops. In 2010, a LEED AP ND specialty credential will be available to those who have demonstrated a deeper understanding of the rating system.
- Though it is important to note that LEED-ND is a voluntary rating system designed for development projects, rather than to certify a city, a comprehensive plan, or sector (or small area) plan, there are many ways that local governments can use LEED-ND to incentivize sustainable communities. [ Presenter note: run through bullet points on slide ]
- With that, I will conclude my presentation. Please visit the LEED-ND webpage for more information about the program and additional resources that you may find helpful. The webpage also includes instructions on signing up to receive an occasional LEED for Neighborhood Development e-newsletter. Thanks for your time.