Sustainable Land Development Practices
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Land Development course at Greenwich School of Business and Finance. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Brownfield #
Refers to previously developed or contaminated land that requires environmental cleanup and remediation before redevelopment. Often, these sites have abandoned or underused buildings and are ideal for infill development.
Greenfield #
Undeveloped land, usually in a rural or suburban area, that has not been previously built upon. Greenfield development involves converting natural landscapes into residential, commercial, or industrial areas, often leading to urban sprawl and a loss of biodiversity.
Smart Growth #
A sustainable land development approach that aims to create compact, walkable, mixed-use communities with easy access to public transportation, green spaces, and essential services. Smart growth helps reduce car dependency, preserve open spaces, and foster vibrant, livable neighborhoods.
Urban Sprawl #
The unplanned, low-density expansion of cities and towns into surrounding rural areas, often characterized by leapfrog development, loss of farmland and natural habitats, and increased car dependency. Urban sprawl can lead to environmental degradation, social inequities, and inefficient public infrastructure.
Infill Development #
The process of developing vacant or underused parcels within already built-up areas, typically in urban or suburban settings. Infill development helps revitalize communities, preserve open spaces, and reduce urban sprawl.
New Urbanism #
A design movement promoting walkable, mixed-use communities that prioritize people over cars. New Urbanism emphasizes traditional neighborhood design principles, such as narrow streets, front porches, and accessible public spaces, to create sustainable, vibrant, and sociable environments.
Context #
Sensitive Solutions - A collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to transportation planning and design that considers the unique social, economic, and environmental context of a project. Context-sensitive solutions aim to minimize adverse impacts on communities and natural resources, while enhancing safety, mobility, and accessibility for all users.
Complete Streets #
A transportation policy and design approach that ensures streets are safe and accessible for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and motorists of all ages and abilities. Complete streets incorporate features such as sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, and bus shelters to create a balanced, integrated transportation network.
Sustainable Transportation #
The practice of moving people and goods efficiently, safely, and equitably while minimizing negative environmental impacts. Sustainable transportation includes walking, cycling, public transit, carpooling, and clean fuel vehicles, as well as land use policies that reduce the need for travel.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) #
An analytical method used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product, process, or service throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. LCA helps identify opportunities to reduce environmental footprints, improve resource efficiency, and promote sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Green Infrastructure #
A network of natural and semi-natural features, such as green roofs, rain gardens, and wetlands, designed to provide multiple environmental, social, and economic benefits. Green infrastructure helps manage stormwater, reduce urban heat island effects, enhance biodiversity, and improve public health and well-being.
Climate #
Resilient Design - The practice of designing and planning land development projects to withstand and adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise, increased precipitation, and extreme weather events. Climate-resilient design incorporates strategies such as elevated buildings, permeable pavements, and natural drainage systems to protect communities and infrastructure from climate-related risks.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) #
A globally recognized, voluntary green building certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED rewards environmentally responsible, resource-efficient, and cost-effective building practices, and promotes sustainable land development and urbanism.
Green Building #
A structure designed and constructed to minimize its environmental impact and enhance the health, comfort, and productivity of its occupants. Green buildings incorporate features such as energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, water-saving fixtures, and non-toxic building materials.
Urban Heat Island (UHI) #
A phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to the absorption and re-radiation of heat by built structures and pavement. UHI can be mitigated through the use of green infrastructure, light-colored materials, and reflective roofs.
Green Roofs #
Vegetated roof systems that provide a variety of environmental, social, and economic benefits, including stormwater management, energy savings, habitat restoration, and improved air quality. Green roofs can be installed on new or existing buildings and come in various types, such as extensive, intensive, and modular systems.
Urban Forestry #
The practice of managing and maintaining trees and other vegetation in urban and suburban environments to provide ecological, social, and economic benefits. Urban forestry includes planting, pruning, and removing trees, as well as developing policies and programs to protect and enhance the urban forest.
Biodiversity #
The variety of life on Earth, encompassing the diversity of genes, species, ecosystems, and landscapes. Biodiversity provides essential ecosystem services, such as food, water, and clean air, and supports the health and well-being of human societies.
Conservation Development #
A sustainable land development approach that balances the protection of natural resources and open spaces with the creation of compact, walkable communities. Conservation development typically involves the clustering of homes on smaller portions of a property, preserving larger areas as open space or natural habitats.
Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) #
A land use regulation tool that allows property owners to sell their development rights to another party, usually a local government or conservation organization, in exchange for the preservation of open space, farmland, or natural habitats. TDR can help protect valuable ecosystems and promote compact, sustainable development patterns.
Form #
Based Code - A regulatory tool that focuses on the physical form and character of buildings, streets, and public spaces, rather than their use. Form-based codes promote walkability, mixed-use development, and context-sensitive design, and help create vibrant, livable communities.
Smart Cities #
Urban areas that leverage advanced technologies, data analytics, and digital connectivity to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and livability of city services, infrastructure, and public spaces. Smart cities aim to enhance the quality of life for residents, promote economic growth, and protect the environment.
Urban Acupuncture #
A targeted, strategic approach to urban design and planning that focuses on making small-scale, high-impact interventions in key locations to improve the overall health, vitality, and resilience of cities. Urban acupuncture can involve the creation of public squares, community gardens, or art installations, as well as the redesign of streets and public transportation systems.
Urban Regeneration #
The process of revitalizing and repurposing underused, neglected, or contaminated urban areas to create vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive communities. Urban regeneration can involve a range of activities, such as brownfield redevelopment, adaptive reuse of historic buildings, and the creation of new public spaces and amenities.
New Towns #
Planned, self-contained communities designed to accommodate population growth, often located on the outskirts of existing cities or in rural areas. New towns typically feature a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial land uses, as well as ample green spaces, public transportation, and community facilities.
Green Economy #
An economic system that prioritizes the sustainable use of resources, the protection of ecosystems, and the equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities. A green economy creates jobs, reduces poverty, and improves social well-being while minimizing environmental degradation and resource depletion.
Green Jobs #
Employment opportunities that contribute to preserving or restoring the environment, while being decent, safe, and fair. Green jobs can be found in various sectors, such as renewable energy, green building, sustainable transportation, and waste management.
Green Growth #
A development strategy that seeks to promote economic growth and prosperity while minimizing environmental impacts and ensuring social equity. Green growth involves investing in resource-efficient technologies, sustainable infrastructure, and green jobs, and fostering innovation, education, and public awareness.