The session started with a brief on the new LEED for Neighborhood Developments (N.D) program by Tom Richman. He described the program as an initiative to certify neighborhood developments that meet smart growth and sustainable standards set aside by LEED. Started in early 2007, this pilot program currently has 238 developments registered for certification.(1) These projects would be broadly judged on the following parameters: smart location; neighborhood pattern and design; green constriction; and innovation.
Sketch of LEED-ND registered proposed project in Oakland, California
Source:http://www.dbarchitect.com/project_detail/2/Tassafaronga%20.html
The session continued with a presentation on examples of various green initiatives undertaken by different cities around the U.S. These included Boston, Portland, Seattle, Austin, Arlington, Santa Monica, Marin, San Francisco and Livermore. The most popular mandate many of these cities had implemented was requiring commercial developments of a certain square feet area and above to be LEED certified. Other incentive based initiatives used by these cities were height and density bonuses, expedited permitting and reduced fees for green project proposals.
The concluding part of the session was focused on the City of Livermore and its plans to establish General Plan policies that would be based on the LEED-ND guidelines. Some of the green initiatives by Livermore that I believe are effective and proactive include:
- Creating a green building committee of various departments like building, water and housing.
- Public outreach to the local construction industry to promote green technology
- Training staff on green building practices.
Thus, most cities are relying on a combination of mandates and incentives to kick start their sustainability goals. I recently read an interesting article in the Silicon Valley Business Journal analyzing the debate on the effectiveness of green mandates versus green incentives. The article focuses on the recent green plans by the City of San Jose and the consideration to require mandatory LEED certification for commercial projects. It seems many developers are wary of such mandates as they believe it may be too expensive and time consuming to invest in. They on the other hand would welcome incentives like expedited permit processing for incorporating sustainable features in their projects.(2)
Therefore, to achieve their sustainability goals cities and planners may have to focus more on green incentives in the initial stages. I think simple steps would at least encourage more developers and homeowners to take that one step towards a more green development. The best tool for planners would be education and public outreach on green technology to create awareness and remove myths. This could then set the stage for mandates in the near future.
Bibliography:
1. "List of Registered Pilot Projects" http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=2960
2."The way to green: mandates vs. incentives" http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/stories/2007/11/26/story1.html
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