1. Sustainable Communities Building Blocks Program
EPA Office of Sustainable Communities
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN +
DEVELOPMENT
May 22, 2012
Alan Steinbeck, AICP
Renaissance Planning Group

2. About the Sustainable Communities
Building Blocks Program
• The Sustainable Communities Building Blocks Program seeks
to provide quick, targeted technical assistance to
communities using a variety of tools that have demonstrated
results and widespread application.
• This technical assistance will help selected local and/or tribal
governments to implement development approaches that
protect the environment, improve public health, create jobs,
expand economic opportunity, and improve overall quality
of life.
Sustainable Communities Building Blocks Program

3. Sustainable Design + Development
• Purpose of Tool: Help communities understand the key
principles and decisions at the location, site, and
building levels that can result in a more sustainable
plan or development proposal.
• Builds upon existing EPA publication,
Smart Growth Guidelines for Sustainable Design and Developm
Sustainable Communities Building Blocks Program

4. Site Selection and Assessment
Selecting a Smart Growth Location
Strengths and Weaknesses
Primary and Secondary Issues
Site-specific Exercise
Identifying Appropriate Features and
Uses
Developing a Design Concept

15. Sustainable Development Assessment
Helpful Harmful
Three groups
S
Strengths
W
Weaknesses
Identified and
prioritized

16. • Momentum and interest
S
Strengths • Proactive and engaged city
government
• Protection and reuse of buildings
• Historic architecture
• Park and farmers market
• Availability of parking
• Safe downtown

17. W
Weaknesses

18. • Lack of attractions for visitors
W
Weaknesses • Need for more shopping opportunities
• Greater diversity of uses
• Lack of connectivity
• Lack of funds
• Communication about development
plans and initiatives

19. • Small city competitive advantage
S
Strengths • Critical mass of people power
• Reputation for success in region
• Strong state economy
• Local economy – local funds
O
Opportunities • Expansive downtown footprint
• Identify and leverage public
funds

20. Ten Principles of Smart Growth
• Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of
place.
• Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in
development decisions.
• Mix land uses.
• Create a range of housing opportunities and choices.
• Create walkable neighborhoods.
• Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities.
• Provide a variety of transportation choices.
• Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost effective.
• Take advantage of compact building design.
• Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical
environmental areas.
Source: Smart Growth Network

21. Six Principles of Green Building
• Conserve materials and resources
• Protect and conserve water
• Promote healthy indoor environments
• Protect climate and ambient air quality while conserving energy
resources
• Protect ecosystems and enhance communities
• Use environmentally preferable and safer building products and
services
Source: EPA Green Building Principles, Goals, and
Recommended Practices

47. • Policies
W • Programs
Who What
• Funding
• Short
• Medium
• Long

48. Next Steps
Document Findings
Drawings and Photographs
5-8 Page Report
Issues
Recommendations
Action Steps
Sustainable Communities Building Blocks Program

49. Thank You!
For more information:
www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm
Contact:
Kevin Nelson, AICP
Sustainable Communities Building Blocks Program Manager
nelson.kevin@epa.gov
202-566-2835
Sustainable Communities Building Blocks Program