Incentivize Re-Building that Complies with a Sustainable Neighborhood Development Standard

Establishing an incentive based program for new development will encourage sustainable construction without forcing landowners and developers to comply with specific regulations that could limit growth and delay recovery.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development Rating System (LEED-ND) is the most widely recognized standard for sustainable neighborhood planning, and was developed through years of collaboration between leaders in urban planning, architecture, engineering, real estate , and government.

Owners that want to rebuild without considering sustainable development standards would not be penalized; however, those that meet requirements of the LEED-ND rating system would receive tax credits or other incentives. The LEED-ND rating is based on a points system. The more points a development gets the higher the ratings (ratings are: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum). The incentives could be designed so that incentives increase with higher ratings.

The LEED-ND points are based on three primary categories:
• Smart Location and Linkage – encourages development that efficiently uses infrastructure, limits construction on environmentally sensitive areas (wetlands, floodplains, and agricultural land), addresses housing affordability and access to employment, and reduces automobile dependency.
• Neighborhood Pattern and Design – encourages walkable and transit oriented development, mixed-use development, mixed-income development, landscaped streets, and reduced parking.
• Green Infrastructure and Buildings – encourages construction of infrastructure and buildings that address energy efficiency, water efficiency, and stormwater management.

More information on LEED-ND: www.usgbc.org/LEED
Citizen’s Guide to LEED-ND: http://www.nrdc.org/cities/smartgrowth/files/citizens_guide_LEED-ND.pdf