What are the most promising sustainable land development innovations?

1 Green infrastructure

Green infrastructure is the use of natural or semi-natural elements to provide ecosystem services, such as stormwater management, air quality improvement, biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation. Examples of green infrastructure include rain gardens, green roofs, urban forests, wetlands, and bioswales. Green infrastructure can reduce the need for costly and energy-intensive gray infrastructure, such as pipes, pumps, and treatment plants, and create more livable and resilient spaces for people and wildlife.

2 Low-impact development

Low-impact development (LID) is a design approach that mimics the natural hydrologic cycle and reduces the amount of runoff and pollutants generated by urban development. LID techniques include minimizing impervious surfaces, preserving natural vegetation, infiltrating and harvesting rainwater, and using permeable pavements and materials. LID can improve water quality, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, and enhance aesthetics and amenity.

3 Smart growth

Smart growth is a planning concept that promotes compact, mixed-use, transit-oriented, and walkable development patterns that reduce sprawl, conserve land, and foster community. Smart growth principles include creating a range of housing and transportation choices, supporting existing communities and local businesses, preserving open space and farmland, and encouraging public participation and collaboration. Smart growth can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health, increase social equity, and stimulate economic development.

4 Net-zero energy

Net-zero energy (NZE) is a performance goal that aims to balance the energy consumption and production of a building or a community over a year. NZE projects use energy-efficient design strategies, such as passive solar orientation, natural ventilation, daylighting, insulation, and shading, and renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal systems, and biomass. NZE can reduce the dependence on fossil fuels, lower utility bills, increase energy security, and create a positive environmental impact.

5 Circular economy

Circular economy is a system that aims to eliminate waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems. It is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. Circular economy practices include reducing, reusing, recycling, repairing, refurbishing, remanufacturing, and recovering resources. Circular economy can optimize resource efficiency, reduce environmental footprints, create new business opportunities, and enhance social well-being.

6 Biophilic design

Biophilic design is a design philosophy that incorporates nature and natural elements into the built environment to enhance human health and well-being. Biophilic design elements include plants, water, light, air, materials, shapes, patterns, sounds, and views. Biophilic design can improve physical and mental health, reduce stress and anxiety, increase productivity and creativity, and foster a sense of connection and belonging.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?