May 22, 2012Alan Steinbeck, AICPRenaissance Planning Group

Sustainable Communities Building Blocks ProgramEPA Office of Sustainable Communities

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN + DEVELOPMENT

About the Sustainable Communities Building Blocks Program

• The Sustainable Communities Building Blocks Program seeks to provide quick, targeted technical assistance to communities using a variety of tools that have demonstrated results and widespread application.

• This technical assistance will help selected local and/or tribal governments to implement development approaches that protect the environment, improve public health, create jobs, expand economic opportunity, and improve overall quality of life.

Sustainable Communities Building Blocks Program

Sustainable Design + Development

• Purpose of Tool: Help communities understand the key principles and decisions at the location, site, and building levels that can result in a more sustainable plan or development proposal.

• Builds upon existing EPA publication, Smart Growth Guidelines for Sustainable Design and Development

Sustainable Communities Building Blocks Program

Site Selection and AssessmentSelecting a Smart Growth Location

Strengths and WeaknessesPrimary and Secondary Issues

Site-specific ExerciseIdentifying Appropriate Features and UsesDeveloping a Design Concept

Sustainable Development Assessment

SStrengths

WWeaknesses

Three groups

Identified and prioritized

Helpful Harmful

SStrengths

• Momentum and interest

• Proactive and engaged city government

• Protection and reuse of buildings

• Historic architecture

• Park and farmers market

• Availability of parking

• Safe downtown

WWeaknesses

WWeaknesses

• Lack of attractions for visitors

• Need for more shopping opportunities

• Greater diversity of uses

• Lack of connectivity

• Lack of funds

• Communication about development plans and initiatives

SStrengths

• Small city competitive advantage

• Critical mass of people power

• Reputation for success in region

• Strong state economy

OOpportunities

• Local economy – local funds

• Expansive downtown footprint

• Identify and leverage public funds

Ten Principles of Smart Growth

Source: Smart Growth Network

• Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place.

• Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions.

• Mix land uses.• Create a range of housing opportunities and choices. • Create walkable neighborhoods.• Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities. • Provide a variety of transportation choices.

• Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost effective. • Take advantage of compact building design.• Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical

environmental areas.

Six Principles of Green Building

• Conserve materials and resources

• Protect and conserve water

• Promote healthy indoor environments

• Protect climate and ambient air quality while conserving energy resources

• Protect ecosystems and enhance communities

• Use environmentally preferable and safer building products and services

Source: EPA Green Building Principles, Goals, and Recommended Practices

W• Policies

• Programs

• Funding

• Short

• Medium

• Long

Who What

Next Steps

Document FindingsDrawings and Photographs5-8 Page Report

IssuesRecommendationsAction Steps

Sustainable Communities Building Blocks Program

Thank You!

For more information:www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

Contact:

Kevin Nelson, AICP

Sustainable Communities Building Blocks Program Manager

nelson.kevin@epa.gov

202-566-2835

Sustainable Communities Building Blocks Program