Does developing a building to LEED standards cost more -- or less -- than conventional development? There's no easy answer.
"Even as the word LEED becomes synonymous with green building, discussion over whether it actually costs more to build to the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards continues - and no cut-and-dried answer is in sight.
...Scott puts the cost between 1 percent and 3 percent, especially for commercial buildings. Developers tend to look at retail and other commercial projects on a 20-year timeline, he said. Cost per square foot is typically lowered, and attention to quality - and to potential long-term returns on LEED projects - may not be as focused as it is in public projects, he said."
FULL STORY: Green builders can prove sustainable projects cost less
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie