The issues of urban sprawl,
car-centric transportation networks, low housing
density, lack of green space, and the segregation of
work, play, and home zones are some of the most pressing
when it comes to the unsustainable design and
construction of our modern communities. Addressing these
problems requires foresight and an active commitment to
efficient design from the beginning of neighborhood
development. Enermodal provides consultant services for
communities looking to go green and achieve LEED-ND (Neighborhood
Development) certification. Our team of experts can help
developers and community planners find ways to decrease
their environmental impact and reap the benefits of
smart growth.
Our Services
LEED-ND, administered by the United States Green
Building Council (USGBC), applies the principles of LEED
to the community level through the principles of smart
growth, responsible urban design, and environmental
responsibility. LEED-ND provides clear methods for
developers to measure and improve the sustainability of
the design and construction of their neighborhoods.
Benefits
There are many reasons to
LEED certify, but there are several specific benefits that
LEED-ND communities experience:
- less traffic congestion and associated air
pollution
- less urban sprawl
- encourages healthy living
- a potential for reduced fees or fasttracking from
municipal approving authorities
- positive publicity
- better access to green spaces and active
spaces
- more wildlife
- higher real estate demand and tenancy
Aspects of LEED-ND
Enermodal’s LEED experts take developments through the
main categories of LEED-ND:
- smart location and linkage
- proximity to existing development
- reducing automobile dependence
- habitat and wetland conservation
- transportation connectivity
- neighborhood pattern & design
- compact and open development
- walkable streets
- housing diversity and density
- public access to active space, employment, and
alternative transportation
- community outreach
- green infrastructure and buildings
- energy and water efficiency in buildings
- stormwater management
- existing building reuse
- on-site energy generation
- light pollution reduction
- innovation and design process
- innovation and exemplary performance
- LEED accredited professional
Our Process
We use the following unique three-step process with
projects aiming for LEED ND certification:
Task 1: Establish Sustainabilty Goals - After developing
a full understanding of the project, we will prepare an
initial LEED-ND Scorecard. Enermodal would organize an
initial workshop to discuss the results and highlight
the key green characteristics that are most important
for the project.
Task 2: Develop Neighborhood Design Approach - Credits
will be explored in more detail as necessary with
individual members of the project team. GIS (Geographic
Information System) modelling and spatial analysis will
be used to measure project performance and refine
neighborhood design.
Task 3: LEED Documentation & Certification - As part of
our role as LEED consultant, we will be responsible for
collection, preparation and organization of the
documents required for LEED certification. Enermodal
will be the main contact for any communications between
the project team and the Green Building Council. |
