LOCATION + TRANSPORTATION Flashcards
Creating sustainable buildings starts with
Selecting a proper location
What environmental factors does location impact in a building
Energy use, land use and preservation, erosion and rainwater management, access to public transportation
Traditional development Vs Sustainable development
Traditional. Reflects the view that earth’s resources are for human use.
Sustainable. Accentuates the indigenous natural and cultural assets while respecting resource constraints
Location, transportation alternatives, and preservation of sensitive lands contribute to
Discouraging sprawl smart location and linkage
Site area includes…
the total area within the project boundary defined as both constructed and non-constructed areas
Site selection has an impact on :
Energy conservation strategies,
Landscaping and vegetation
Proximity to public transportation and the ability to curb automobile use
How to promote smart growth
Location, transportation alternatives, and preservation of sensitive lands while also discouraging sprawl
What does smart growth seeks to
Protect undeveloped land reuse/restore previously developed sites Reduce automobile use Develop efficient rainwater management Reduce heat island effect Provide stewardship of nature and the site’s surroundings Reduce light pollution
Benefits of choosing Pre-Developed land over Green Fields
he undeveloped land has a positive impact on the environment because of the presence of trees, streams, and native plants or species
Avoid encroachment and division of natural habitats
areas that should be avoid building on
Prime farm land
Wetlands
Public parkland
Areas below flood plain
Areas that are a habitat for threatened or endangered species
Land close to lakes, streams, or other bodies of water
Greenfield sites
USGBC´s definition of brownfield
Previously used or redeveloped land that may be contaminated with hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.
A site can be classified as a brownfield by “perceived contamination” (An abandoned factory)
Whats an infill location
Infill locations can be a previously developed site, one that was previously built on, has been graded, or contained a parking lot, roadway, or other structure
Benefits of densely developed areas
Densely developed areas are usually on public transportation lines plus diversity of land use.
Density radius calculation
Is used to draw a circle around the site and to determine all properties within the radius that will be included to determine the density. public land, such as parks and waterways, and public roads and right-of-way areas are excluded
Options to promote walkability
Basic grid pattern streets vs. cul-de-sacs or gated areas
Mixed types of housing
Building uses
Locating near diverse uses.
Pedestrian access
People´s ability to walk between the project and the service without being blocked by walls, highways, or other barriers
Some diverse uses and its exceptions
Bank Church Supermarket / convenience store Day care Dry cleaner / laundry mat Fire station Salon Hardware store Library Medical / dental office Park Pharmacy Post office Restaurant School Theatre / museum Community center Gym *It does not include automated facilities such as ATMs, vending machines, and touchscreens.
How to determine diverse uses in the site?
By measuring ½ mile (800 meters) walking distance
Environmental impacts of site development can include
Loss of topsoil Increased rainwater runoff Destruction of ecosystems Disturbance of wildlife Loss of plants and trees that absorb CO2
How to avoid negative impacts a building has on a construction site
By reducing the size of the development footprint and maximizing the area that is undisturbed
How to preserve open space and wildlife habitats
Clustering buildings
How to preserve preserve undisturbed areas
Building at the edge, rather than in the middle, of the open space
Keeping roads and service lines short helps…
reduce the development footprint
How to protect ecological features such as streams or natural rock formations
Making the development footprint small
