Build Spaces that Strengthen Communities
Why Developers?
Developers play a critical role in sustainability by making decisions about where, how, and what types of buildings and communities are created. By prioritizing sustainable design & high-performing buildings, developer’s investments can drive market demand for sustainable development, delivering long-term economic, environmental, and social benefits.
Actions
Avoid developing on environmentally sensitive lands and limit site disturbance from construction to preserve healthy soil and habitat.
Choose sites with access to housing, jobs, transportation, and other amenities (i.e. restaurants, banks, grocery stores, etc.)
Manage stormwater / rainwater on site.
Mitigate urban heat island effect by using high reflective paving materials and integrating green infrastructure, trees, and vegetation.
Use PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) to finance energy efficient systems & envelopes and renewable energy.
Stand Out Strategies
Integrate ground source / geothermal and renewable energy systems (e.g., solar PV, battery storage) or other alternative power generating systems to maintain operations during outages.
Explore financing opportunities for public-private partnerships between institutions, utilities, and private entities to develop mixed ownership microgrid projects.
Require tracking and reduction of embodied carbon for building materials and include in requests for proposals (RFPs) and contracts.
Install Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations.
Check out our other Calls to Action.
