SS Credit 2: Development Density and Community Connectivity
5 Points: Intent
To channel development to urban areas with existing infrastructure, protect greenfields, and preserve habitat and natural resources.
As we discussed in the last blog post, one of the principle components of sustainable development is the wise use of land and the preservation of existing natural landscapes. LEED Site Selection Credit 2: Development Density and Community Connectivity builds upon this concept by encouraging developers to concentrate the built environment in areas that already have existing infrastructure. By concentrating building sites in a designated land area, developers can reduce the amount of impact they have on the surrounding environment.
The new Academic Center will contain one of the Nation’s largest collections of military studies literature. It promises to provide a valuable research and educational resource to APUS students and scholars across the country. This resource would be of little value were it constructed with no electricity, no plumbing and no driveway.
It is easy to overlook the multitude of connections that make our homes and places of business function properly. The physical structure of a building is only one component of the buildings’ utility. Before the Academic Center can be fully utilized it must first be connected to the Charles Town utility grid.Power lines must be run from the local provider to the building site to power its lights, HVAC systems and computer banks. Storm drains and plumbing pipes must be installed to run water to and from the site. This is one of the issues APUS considered when siting the new Academic Center. President Boston explains the decision to build in Charles Town.
The construction of these systems all carry with them environmental and financial impacts (Click here to read EPA Report on Land Use) . Whether the power lines and pipes are above ground or below the land must be cleared along their path. The further electricity is carried from its source the more energy is lost in its transmission. The more pipes, wires and connections required to go the distance create greater opportunity for rupture or failure and increased maintenance costs. In making roads land has to be cleared, graded and paved fracturing the landscape. The further away a building site is located from an urban area the greater the impact the associated connections can have. The further electricity, water and people have to go the more materials will be necessary to make the connections. Longer power lines, longer pipes, and longer roads all translate to greater cost to the developer, greater consumption of materials and ultimately a larger carbon footprint.
By constructing the APUS Academic Center on a previously developed site, the University is able to capitalize on existing infrastructure. Roads, pipes and power lines that already exist can be tapped to supply the site with the utilities it needs to function. By adhering to the land selection criterion outlined by the USGBC, APUS has not only saved valuable natural landscapes from destruction, they have reduced the impact of utilities provision. Yet another small step towards sustainability that makes a great leap in environmental protection and financial security.
