Certification: A Tool for Healthy Neighborhoods

Today’s communities are not doing what they should be – keeping people healthy and safe. Part of the problem is that our transportation infrastructure is set up to support independent automobile travel rather than alternative means such as pedestrian, bicycle or public transportation. This car-reliant society not only has a negative impact on the environment, but affects our health, pocketbooks, and social interaction. A growing body of research that shows how social stimulation and interaction with nature and open space creates a significant improvement in people’s mental and physical health. When looking at the way our communities function, design can play a huge role in enabling a sustainable, healthier, more prosperous and socially active neighborhood. 

Ecodistrict Features May Enhance Corporate Campuses

Clonburris, a new proposal for an EcoDistrict located in Ireland, presents a model for sustainability in the Dublin Metropolitan area. (image source)

The rising interest in “ecodistricts” by cities and neighborhoods represents the expansion -- to a community level -- of the growing trends toward greater energy efficiency, more local services, and a sustainable quality of life. Cities including Portland, Denver, and Salt Lake City have begun to explore and implement various styles of ecodistricts, in particular as part of urban renewal efforts.

However, taking the ecodistrict concept a step further makes it applicable to industrial campuses and business parks as well. Businesses are communities also. An ecodistrict approach can translate to lower costs over the long term through energy efficiency, a healthier working environment, loyal employees, and community engagement and visibility.

Is Landscape Urbanism a Threat?

Many Earth Advantage stakeholders are familiar with the term “new urbanism.” I generally describe new urbanism as a planning framework that encourages walkable neighborhoods, dense housing patterns, and proximity between residential and non-residential uses. But have you heard of the term “landscape urbanism”? Until last year, that was a new one for me as well.

Landscape urbanism is a planning/design approach that puts an emphasis on landscape and exterior elements of a project. Charles Waldheim is a leading figure in discussions surrounding landscape urbanism. He defines the term as “a theory … arguing that landscape, rather than architecture, is more capable of organizing the city and enhancing the urban experience” in his book, The Landscape Urbanism Reader.