How NRDC Approaches Sustainable Housing & Communities

© 2011, NRDCChicago; Southern California metro region; Mt

Pleasant, SC

Natural Resources Defense Council National non-profit environmental organization Founded 1970 Staff of 400 Priorities: energy & climate, oceans, health,

natural ecosystems, water, communities Offices: NYC, Washington, Chicago, San

Francisco, LA, Beijing

© 2011, NRDC

NRDC & Communities We pursue model solutions for the places where

Americans live, work and play Neighborhoods Metro regions Key urban systems (e.g., transportation, water, food)

© 2011, NRDC Philadelphia; DC metro region; Denver

Examples:Enterprise Green Communities

Program for green affordable homes Launched 2005 NRDC was national green partner 5-year goals: 8500 homes, $550m in loans,

grants & equity

© 2011, NRDC Denny Park & High Point, Seattle

Identifies & rewards smart, green development Smart location Neighborhood layout & design Green infrastructure & buildings

104 projects certified so far Being recognized by governments

Victoria, BC; Napa, CA; Rockville, MD© 2011, NRDC

LEED for Neighborhood Development

LEED-ND & Affordable Housing

© 2011, NRDC Clockwise from upper left: Savannah; Oakland; Oakland; Bronx, NY

A Citizen’s Guide to LEED-ND

www.nrdc.org/cities/smartgrowth/leed

NRDC working with LISC Goal: assist CDCs in green

practices Create national models Develop templates Meet LEED-ND standards

Partnership for Distressed Neighborhoods

© 2011, NRDC Indianapolis

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