Sustainable Land Development Today - October 2007 - (Page 43)

make this concept tangible in a set of required performance conditions. Because development teams don’t often have the time to delve into this level of evaluation in the context of a project, LEED-ND becomes particularly useful by providing stepping stones to help a project begin to perform like nature. The significance of the relationships between nature, people, buildings and infrastructure underscores the important role that government has to play in laying the foundation for green community development. Through comprehensive planning, codes, zoning, incentives and assistance programs, local governments can institute mechanisms that help direct and support desirable neighborhood form and performance. LEED-ND can aid governments in developing standards to create new, or augment existing, public tools to meet this end. The pilot phase allows the USGBC to gather feedback from participating projects to revise and improve the effectiveness of the rating system, but the organization is in a difficult position of balancing rigor with program participation. Given that the inclusion of transportation can account for nearly three times the energy-related impacts of the building compared to building operations alone, the LEED-ND pilot includes a pre-requisite that precludes participation by projects not located near existing public transportation, on an infill site, within walking distance of community services or located in an area where studies show less than average driving rates. By creating a barrier for developers with projects not located near transit but who might be interested in achieving other aspects of LEED-ND, this pre-requisite raises an interesting question. Working through the LEED-ND requirements provokes thoughtful decisionmaking and offers guidance in a variety of sustainable techniques that could benefit all developers. Yet the USGBC has a responsibility to encourage better landuse policies. While developments concentrated in urban areas can become socially vibrant areas, provide environmental stewardship and meet the intent of sustainability, it’s possible that certain outlying projects might catalyze future transit. A two-pronged approach of working with local governments on zon- ing and development issues while concurrently inspiring developers outside urban areas to make changes might offer a balanced solution. Preliminary and feasibility assessments can help developers decide whether it makes sense to pursue LEEDND or not. Although the pilot program is not accepting additional projects, an early assessment can ensure that LEED-ND compliant conditions are designed into a project, preparing it for submission when the final version is released in 2009. Obtaining direction on site selection, planning and design strategy and product feasibility will save owners and designers both time and money and maximize project performance in pursuit of LEED-ND. Green community assessments can also look beyond LEED-ND requirements to help create more holistic developments. SLDT About the author: Terry Miller is the green communities’ team manager at Green Building Services, a firm that helps clients successfully adopt green building and facility management practices. Terry can be reached at 866.743.4277 or terry@greenbuildingservices.com. PREDICT THE ROAD AHEAD > SpectraPave2™ Software paves the way. Want more predictable results, reduced costs and improved performance on your next roadway project? Start with SpectraPave2 Software, now enhanced with: • Subgrade Improvement – Indicates the required thickness for an unreinforced road vs. a road reinforced with Tensar® Biaxial (BX) Geogrid • Base Reinforcement – Ensures designs comply fully with AASHTO guidelines • Cost Analysis – Compares the cost of geosynthetic and more traditional (thicker aggregate) solutions Versatile and easy to use, SpectraPave2 Software operates on the Windows® platform. Design a durable, resilient roadway today! Use SpectraPave2 Software on your next project. Call 866-504-7950 or download your free copy at www.tensarcorp.com/s2. ©2007, Tensar International Corporation, Limited LLC, Inc. 1/2PH-SP2LDT4C07. Circle 149 • or www.SLDTonline.com/adinfo www.SLDTonline.com 43 http://www.tensarcorp.com/s2 http://www.tensarcorp.com/s2 http://www.tensarcorp.com/s2 http://www.SLDTonline.com/adinfo http://www.SLDTonline.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Sustainable Land Development Today - October 2007

Sustainable Land Development Today - October 2007 Contents Our Voice Your Voice Editorial Board Mapping the Development Process Looking at a New Dimension The Environmental Liability Continuum GPS System Makes the Grade Regulations: Reactions Mixed Trends: Communications Easements Business Management: Recycling Sustainable Practices: LEED-ND Energy: Community Propane Systems Transportation: Mountain Solutions Recommended Reading Calendar Products/Services Showcase Classifieds Advertiser Index The Last Word

Sustainable Land Development Today - October 2007

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