Page 060 - effects on the environment.
Source section: Section 4 - Green Building Core Concepts and Application Strategies PDF page: 60 Guide page: 53 OCR quality: high (379 words)
OCR Text
Infill development makes use of sites in previously developed areas, often filling spaces between existing structures. This practice helps limit the amount of land covered by buildings, pavement, or infrastructure while also making more efficient use of the space within existing communities. Brownfield sites, in particular, can actually improve environmental performance. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines brownfields as land where development may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.” Development or redevelopment of brownfields may require the cleanup of contaminated soil or groundwater. Brownfields provide real opportunities for green building projects to go beyond just reducing their effects on the environment. Other sites are less appropriate for development. For example, development of sites that have been in agricultural use, called greenfields, and sites that are far from existing development and infrastructure will increase the total regional development footprint, reduce the amount of land available for open space or agriculture, and fragment wildlife habitat. Locating a project on such sites may encourage development to continue outside built-up areas. Development is also discouraged on wetland areas, floodplains, steep slopes, and endangered species habitat. SSS EEE STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS LOCATION:
- CHOOSE REDEVELOPMENT AND INFILL DEVELOPMENT. Build on previously developed land and brownfield sites.
- LOCATE NEAR EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE. Avoid triggering suburban spraw! and unnecessary materials use by consolidating development along existing roads, power lines, and water supplies.
- PROTECT HABITAT. Give preference to locations that do not include sensitive site elements and land types.
- INCREASE DENSITY. Create a smaller footprint and maximize the FAR (floor area ratio) or square footage per acre.
- INCREASE DIVERSITY OF USES. Provide the services that are most needed within communities and support a balance of jobs and housing.
- ENCOURAGE MULTIPLE MODES OF TRANSPORTATION. Enable occupants to walk, bicycle, and use public transit. Se According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, transportation accounted for 33% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2008. *° Globally, transportation is responsible for 13.5% of total carbon dioxide emissions.” Generally, this is a result of three fundamental factors: land use, vehicle technology, and transportation fuels. 19 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Brownfields Definition (2009), epa.gov/brownfields/overview/alossary.htm ed 20 U.S. Energy Information Administration, Emissions of Greenhouse Gases Report (December 8, 2009), Ss 21 K. Baumert, T. Herzog, and J. Pershing, Navigating the Numbers: Greenhouse Gas Data and International Climate Policy 0 (Washington, D.C.: World Resources Institute, 2005). uw 53