A green home should not exist in isolation. One of the most important characteristics of a green home is its location and that’s why the development of entire green home communities is so important. Why build a single green home when a whole green community can be planned and created?
Leading the charge toward more sustainable communities is LEED for Neighborhood Development, a program from the United States Green Building Council, the same organization that promotes the LEED for Homes program. Many of the common characteristics of a green neighborhood have far-reaching benefits to the world at large.
Urban Density and Accessibility
Image via The Sacramento Bee
While a suburban lifestyle may certainly sound appealing, it is not without its faults. One of the greatest concerns of these kinds of communities is its relatively low-density housing. As a result of this lower density and what has come to be known as urban sprawl, transportation options are not as plentiful. Further still, this means that housing is taking up a lot more space and potentially taking that space away from wildlife.
In this way, a true green community is one that is more densely populated and, more specifically, with mixed-use neighborhoods. It is much more convenient and environmentally-friendly for people to simply walk down the street to the grocery store or post office than it is for them to get in a car and drive there. A green neighborhood is one that allows walking distance to shops and services, as well as great access to public transportation options. By promoting walking and biking, the people who live in green communities are oftentimes healthier as well.
Naturally, this also has the added benefit of reduced automobile dependence. If the people living in these green neighborhoods can walk or bike to fulfill most of their needs, then they may not need a car at all.
Sensitivity to Threatened Ecosystems
Loss of habitat is a substantial threat to natural wildlife, particularly threatened and endangered species. Urban sprawl has taken away much land that was once occupied by these imperiled species.
A green community would be one that is likely built in a pre-existing residential or urban area, and it is one that is developed with environmentally-sensitive areas in mind. If a sensitive ecosystem, like a wetland or bog, is nearby, then that location is not suitable for a green neighborhood.
Added Value for Builders and Tenants
Green neighborhoods benefit everyone involved. The builders increase interest in their green communities, because people appreciate the ease of access to shops, services, and public transit. This can increase the relative value of a home, making it potentially more profitable for the builders and developers.
Residents gain the benefit of this increased access, as well as the peace of mind that they are doing what they can to help this fragile planet of ours. Green homes are a great step. Green communities are an even greater step.
