This report evaluates the current state of research linking public health and neighborhood design and provides recommendations for integrating the knowledge into the LEED-ND rating system to improve public health.
The LEED-ND Public Health Report comprehensively summarizes the relationship between how our communities are designed -- land use, design character, transportation system, and density -- and a series of public health outcomes such as physical activity, traffic crashes, respiratory health and mental health. This is one of the first reports that not only summarizes the impact of the built environment on public health topics but also discusses how this information can be translated into positive changes to the built environment. The report was supported with funding from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control, and sponsored by the LEED-ND partnership.
The report was prepared for the US Green Building Council (USGBC), Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU), the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the participants in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) Core Committee. LEED-ND is a rating system for neighborhood location and design based on the combined principles of smart growth, urbanism, and green building. The purpose of this report is to better understand the specific development patterns and changes to the built environment will have a significant impact on public health.
FULL STORY: Understanding the Relationship Between Public Health and the Built Environment (PDF, 300KB)
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
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Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
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Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
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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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont