LEED Green Neighborhood Applications Due April 6

Criterion Planners

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is accepting applications until April 6 for the LEED for Neighborhood Development program. The program is open to existing and proposed neigborhoods. LEED-ND is a rating system that integrates the principles of green buildings, smart growth, and new urbanism into the first national standards for sustainable neighbhood design.

To conduct LEED-ND certification reviews, USGBC has selected Criterion Planners of Portland Oregon, an urban planning firm that specializes in measuring the environmental performance of neighborhoods. Criterion will be assisted by CTG Energetics, Raimi & Associates, and Laura Watchman.

"We look forward to implementing this groundbreaking rating system," said Criterion Principal Eliot Allen, "and certifying neighborhoods that reduce global warming, improve pulic health, and create superior living and working environments."

The rating system is composed of 53 standards for neighborhood location, design, and green technology. Based on points earned for each of these standards, neighborhoods will be certified at Silver, Gold, or Platinum levels. The system was developed in a partnership between USGBC, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Congress for the New Urbanism.