Learn how LEED encourages walkability and sustainable urban design by promoting compact development. Prepare for the LEED Green Associate Exam with expert insights.
Table of Contents
Question
Which of the following does LEED promote by encouraging compact development?
A. Urban sprawl
B. Walkability
C. Historic preservation
D. Development of new infrastructure
Answer
B. Walkability
Explanation
One of the things that LEED promotes by encouraging compact development is walkability. Compact development is a form of urban planning that aims to reduce sprawl and make more efficient use of land and resources by increasing density, diversity, and connectivity of land uses.
Compact development can enhance walkability by creating mixed-use neighborhoods that provide a variety of destinations within walking distance, such as shops, services, workplaces, schools, parks, and transit stops. Walkability can offer multiple benefits for the environment, health, economy, and social equity.
For example, walkability can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution by replacing car trips with walking or transit; improve physical and mental health by increasing physical activity and reducing stress; support local businesses and generate tax revenues by increasing foot traffic and property values; and foster social cohesion and civic engagement by creating vibrant public spaces and enhancing accessibility for all.
LEED promotes walkability by encouraging compact development. Compact development refers to designing and building in a way that concentrates growth in compact walkable urban centers to avoid sprawl. This approach to development promotes walkability by:
- Reducing the distance between housing, workplaces, retail stores, and other amenities and destinations
- Creating pedestrian-friendly street networks that make walking more convenient, safe and appealing
- Enabling a mix of land uses (housing, work, shopping, etc.) in closer proximity to one another
- Supporting public transit by clustering development around transit stops and corridors
By contrast, urban sprawl (A) is characterized by low-density, automobile-dependent development that requires new infrastructure (D) to be built farther out from urban centers. Historic preservation (C), while important, does not by itself promote walkability.
In summary, compact development is a key smart growth principle that LEED promotes to increase walkability, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and create more sustainable, livable urban environments. Walkability is critical to LEED’s goals of improving human health, quality of life, and environmental sustainability.
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