Conscientiously renovating existing buildings is
the most sustainable construction.
Create Community
Development patterns can either inhibit or contribute
to the establishment of strong communities and neighborhoods.
Creation of cohesive communities should be a high
priority.
Encourage in-fill
and mixed-use development
In-fill development that increases density is inherently
better than building on undeveloped (greenfield) sites.
Mixed-use development, in which residential and
commercial uses are intermingled, can reduce automobile
use and help to create healthy communities.
Minimize automobile
dependence
Locate buildings to provide access to public transportation,
bicycle paths, and walking access to basic services.
Commuting can also be reduced by working at home.
Consider home office needs with layout and wiring.
Value site resources
Early in the siting process carry out a careful
site evaluation: solar access, soils, vegetation,
important natural areas, etc.
Let this information guide the design.
Locate buildings to
minimize environmental impact
Cluster buildings or build attached units to preserve
open space and wildlife habitats, avoid especially
sensitive areas including wetlands, and keep roads
and service lines short.
Leave the most pristine areas untouched, and look
for areas that have been previously damaged to build
on.
Seek to restore damaged ecosystems.
Provide responsible
on-site water management
Design landscapes to absorb rainwater runoff (stormwater)
rather than having to carry it off-site in storm sewers.
In arid areas, rooftop water catchment systems should
be considered for collecting rainwater and using it
for landscape irrigation.
Situate buildings
to benefit existing vegetation
Trees on the east and west sides of a building can
dramatically reduce cooling loads.
Hedge rows and shrubbery can block cold winter winds
or help channel cool summer breezes into the building.
