flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

EcoDistricts unveils sustainable neighborhood framework

Codes and Standards

EcoDistricts unveils sustainable neighborhood framework

Focus is on equity, resilience, and climate protection.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | May 9, 2016
EcoDistricts unveils sustainable neighborhood framework

Colorado Springs, Colo. Photo: David Shankbone/Wikimedia Commons.

The non-profit organization EcoDistricts has launched EcoDistricts Protocol, a process-based framework and performance standard that empowers sustainable neighborhood- and district-scale urban development.

The Protocol is structured around three core areas:

  • Three Imperatives: Social, economic, and environmental sustainability is at the center of neighborhood initiatives. These include Equity, Resilience, and Climate Protection.
  • Six Priorities: Six rigorous goals, 49 objectives, and 94 indicators are used to scope and define a district’s sustainability agenda. These include: Place, Prosperity, Health + Wellness, Connectivity, Living Infrastructure, and Resource Restoration.
  • Three Implementation Phases: A framework sets the conditions for sustained, scalable, outcomes that address the Protocol’s Imperatives and Priorities and meet the specific needs of the district over time. These phases include Formation, Roadmap, and Performance.

“The EcoDistricts Protocol represents an important tool to help city leaders think about sustainability in an integrated way and at a scale that is truly effective,” said Joel Mills, senior director, Communities by Design, The American Institute of Architects. “Using the EcoDistricts Protocol, cities can build momentum for scalable change that transforms urban sustainability and positions communities for success in the 21st century.”

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | Jan 9, 2017

New LEED for Cities, LEED for Communities pilot certifications unveiled

Requires tracking of performance data and progress toward goals. 

Codes and Standards | Jan 9, 2017

China claims top ranking outside of U.S. for total LEED-certified space

Canada, India, Brazil, and Korea round out top 5.

Codes and Standards | Jan 6, 2017

OSHA prompts more proactive approach to construction site safety

Remote operated camera systems are being used to mitigate risk in real time.

Codes and Standards | Jan 5, 2017

2018 building energy code upholds efficiency gains

Efforts to scale back efficiency requirements largely defeated.

Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2017

Low-income housing doesn’t lower neighborhood housing values

A Trulia study contradicts longstanding fears.

Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2017

Intelligent transportation systems have implications for designers, construction firms

Sensors and Internet of Things devices will have to be embedded in infrastructure.

Codes and Standards | Dec 15, 2016

OSHA releases safety recommendation guide for construction industry

It is said to be most helpful to small and mid-sized contractors.

Codes and Standards | Dec 14, 2016

Cities must invest $375 billion to avoid catastrophic global climate change

C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group advocates low carbon infrastructure.

Codes and Standards | Dec 14, 2016

Resilient construction techniques pay for themselves over lifetime of buildings

Spending $340,000 for resiliency would pay for itself over the lifetime of a $10 million structure.

Codes and Standards | Dec 12, 2016

Dept. of Energy launches program to advance zero energy school design

Six school districts and two states are among the first to mainstream zero energy schools.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category

Geothermal Technology

Rochester, Minn., plans extensive geothermal network

The city of Rochester, Minn., home of the famed Mayo Clinic, is going big on geothermal networks. The city is constructing Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) that consist of ambient pipe loops connecting multiple buildings and delivering thermal heating and cooling energy via water-source heat pumps.




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021