MPC roundtable connects developers with LEED-ND experts from around the region to build further understanding of and support for a development rating system that encourages sustainable communities.
A group of 30 prominent development professionals,
including developers, planners, architects, and city officials, joined MPC on
Sept. 24 for “Setting the Standard: A Practical Discussion for Developers
Considering LEED-ND.” This event
connected developers and real estate professionals with Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) experts from around
the region to build a deeper understanding of and support for the LEED-ND
development rating system.
Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) is a nationally
recognized certification program that promotes a whole-community approach to
sustainable development. The program, which is still in its approval phase,
encompasses surrounding buildings and neighborhoods, aiming for not only green
buildings, but green, sustainable neighborhoods, through increased walkability
and reduced automobile dependence. LEED-ND projects are certified in 41
different countries includingCanada, Brazil, Mexico and India.
At the Sept. 24 forum, Douglas
Farr, Jonathon Furr, and other development presenters shared their experiences
with LEED-ND, emphasizing its benefits and accessibility. The
group of featured speakers included Mary Engwall, a planner for the City of
Chicago and Mike Royse, President of One Main Development, LLC, as well as
representatives from the U.S. Green Building Council and the National
Association of Home Builders. The group engaged in lively discussion,
asking pertinent questions about the program and its implications. Attendees
unanimously agreed that the forum was informative and, as a result, 89
percent expressed interest in developing future LEED-ND
projects.
Building “green” has substantial benefits for both
homeowners and developers. Homeowners in LEED-certified homes see an average 40
percent savings in energy costs over comparable non-certified homes. LEED-ND
incorporates energy-efficient housing into sustainable neighborhoods by
encouraging access to mass transit and shorter commutes.
Because of the many community benefits,
municipalities frequently create special programs to encourage environmentally
friendly developments. Because LEED-ND is still in its approval phase, these
municipal programs currently focus on LEED projects. For example, fees can be
waived and waiting periods for LEED certified projects can be expedited much
quicker than regular proposals. The City of
Chicago is the only city in the
U.S.
that can
guarantee reduced wait times and waived fees up to $25,000 for certified
developments. Because of these efforts,
Chicago
leads the nation in the number of
LEED-registered projects.
LEED-ND takes green
development a step beyond LEED by encouraging cooperation between developers and
communities to build more sustainable, energy-efficient neighborhoods. LEED-ND’s
rating systems are developed through a consensus-based process led by LEED
Committees = voluntary organizations of practitioners and experts in the
building and construction industries.
To comment on future drafts or become a LEED
Committee member, email a request to nd@committees.usgbc.org. Additional
information is available on the U.S. Green Building Council’s website at http://www.usgbc.org/leed/nd/.
For more information on MPC’s LEED-ND event,
please contact Karin Sommer at ksommer@metroplanning.org or (312)
863-6044.
Sponsorship
generously provided by the Prince Charitable Trusts, in partnership with the
Illinois Association of Realtors.