Green Building Practices Colorado

Within several green building certification programs currently available and on the cusp of release, builders are required and afforded the chance to earn additional credits for engaging and integrating fundamental design and planning steps early in the process. The goal of placing such a high value on design is to achieve optimal site orientation, responsible land use, and the ideal density for the parcel - the cornerstones of sincerely sustainable building practices.

Land development practices, determining lot design, and site preparation are among the first disciplines addressed in most green building programs. Both the forthcoming National Green Building Standards (based largely on the NAHB's voluntary guidelines) and the LEED for Homes rating system nearing release by the USGBC, put those requirements and credits up front to further underscore the awareness and importance of those steps in the green building process.

The LEED for Homes rating system, for instance, requires integrated project planning and awards extra credits toward a higher rating (beyond basic LEED) for a design-build project team and for conducting a design charrette as a preliminary planning tool. Doing so, say program managers, emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive project team to achieve higher levels of sustainability.

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