USGBC Launches LEED Neighborhood Development

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Green Building Council recently launched the LEED for Neighborhood Development green neighborhoods rating system. 

 

LEED ND integrates new urbanism and green building while benefiting communities by reducing urban sprawl, increasing transportation choices, encouraging healthy living and protecting threatened species. 

 

The rating system, which was developed as a partnership between the USGBC, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Congress for the New Urbanism, encourages development within or near existing communities and close to public infrastructure. 

 

A 2008 study titled “The Economic Value of Walkability” found that households in automobile-dependent communities devote 50 percent more money — more than $8,500 annually — to transportation.  

 

“Sustainable communities are prosperous communities for the occupants and businesses which inhabit them,” says Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chairman of the USGBC. “LEED for Neighborhood Development projects are strategically located in or surrounding metropolitan areas — oftentimes revitalizing brownfields, infills or other underutilized spaces, opening new revenue streams, creating jobs opportunities and helping to drive the local, state and national economies.” 

 

The scope of LEED ND projects can range from small projects to whole communities. LEED-approved neighborhoods include or are situated near good access to schools, businesses, residences, shopping, dining, and entertainment. 

Because of the scale of neighborhood development, projects are measured on acreage, and certification is awarded for Stage 1 (projects awaiting the public review process), Stage 2 (fully entitled projects or projects under construction) or Stage 3 (completed projects) completion.  

 

LEED ND is the seventh LEED rating system released by the USGBC. Projects certifying under LEED ND must achieve points on a 110-point scale in three major environmental categories: smart location and linkage, neighborhood pattern and design, and green infrastructure and buildings. 

 

Already, neighborhoods in Emeryville, Calif., Rockville, Md., Jamaica Plain, Mass., and other communities nationwide have partaken in the LEED ND pilot program.  

 

The Stage 1 Platinum-certified Emeryville Marketplace Redevelopment Project achieved 87 points for being planned for a brownfield area and for reusing existing structures for a portion of the more than 670 residences slated for the site. Pedestrian and bicycle routes tie into the city grid, and designers improved the connection to a multi-modal transit station, encouraging a free transit pass program and discounted car sharing in the process. 

 

The USGBC has also launched the LEED Accredited Professional Neighborhood Development credential for professionals participating in the design and development of neighborhoods. 

Read more about the LEED ND certification at www.usgbc.org.