Broadly speaking, green neighborhoods can be described in terms of location, linkage, design, and green elements.  Location is the most important factor determining travel-related greenhouse gas emissions, and green elements are most important in determining building-related emissions.

Location and linkage

In general, encouraging development within existing built-up areas is the most effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It’s also important to locate development where there is good access to transit and to provide good connections to adjacent areas.  Smart Growth initiatives across the U.S. strongly support these approaches, which can be addressed in a comprehensive plan as well as through other policy instruments.

• Strategy: A specific strategy to facilitate development in these locations is important because it is often easier to build on the outskirts of a community.  Infill projects may face extra hurdles involving financing, traffic, the existing character of the neighborhood, gentrification, and the impact of regulatory change on land values.

• Other development sites: Sites on the periphery of town will continue to be developed for the foreseeable future. Although they will produce higher greenhouse gas emissions, it’s still beneficial to incorporate as many green neighborhood elements into them as possible. A strong focus on walkable streets and densities that support transit may allow the emissions to shrink over time.

Neighborhood Design

To ensure neighborhoods that are compact, mixed-use, and pedestrian-oriented, you will need different strategies for different places. 

• Urban infill: Focus on small-scale ways of getting more from each space, a process known as intensification.

• Suburban retrofits: Improve the connectivity of road and pedestrian networks, and promote small-scale intensification.

• Grayfields and brownfields: On properties with old abandoned buildings (grayfields) and contaminated industrial properties (brownfields), ensure well-connected local roads, paths and green spaces. Carefully evaluate financing and remediation plans.

Green elements

To achieve more energy-efficient and attractive neighborhoods, incorporate green building standards, explore green infrastructure opportunities, and create networks of open spaces where people can gather and preserve a connection with nature.  Maximize the impact of local government action with strategies such as these:

• Link green development with affordable housing: Good examples are the City of Austin’s SMART Building program and the Green Communities program of the non-profit Enterprise Community Partners.

• Integrate building design requirements with infrastructure planning: For example, consider encouraging green roofs and on-site storm water management as part of the overall storm water infrastructure.

• Layer systems intentionally: Identify and promote green neighborhood design elements that yield multiple benefits. For example, use streets and other public spaces for stormwater management, mitigation of heat island effects, pedestrian access, and recreation.