Developers are finding it easier to get funding for sustainable building projects due to federal incentives and investor interest in green certification.
"WHEN CROSLAND WAS designing its ?rst full-scale sustainable community, it wasn't focused on certi? cation.
The developer began the design process by lea?ng through several green building ratings systems-LEED, EarthCraft, Green Globes EnergyStar-and decided to use whichever aspect of each made the most economic sense.
But when it came time to secure ? nancing, the deal's lenders-Bank of America and U.S. Bank-and the equity partner- Northwest Mutual Life-all were excited to be part of a certi?able "green" community.
The ?nanciers encouraged Crosland to apply for the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED certi?cation and even helped the company ?nd consultants to execute the vision. In today's ?nancing world, Crosland wasn't about to say no."
FULL STORY: Bridging the Green Divide
‘Passive House’ Standard Gaining Ground in Multifamily Housing
Developers in Chicago and around the country are taking notice of a design standard that encourages energy efficiency and sustainable materials.
Boston Eliminates Fossil Fuels in New City-Owned Buildings
Mayor Michelle Wu said the new rule will help boost demand for green materials and create new jobs in the green building sector.
Montgomery County To Require Decarbonized New Construction
Under a new bill, most new buildings will be banned from using natural gas in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shift to all-electric power.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.
