From developing the energy-efficient LEED for Neighborhood Development system to guiding cities and towns in building greener, CNU has promoted a more sustainable future for the places we love.
In particular, the challenges of a more volatile climate call on us to create solutions to multiple challenges: climate, social equity, economic opportunity, and public health. Urbanism provides practical and attainable strategies for all of these, through the promotion of compact development and walkable, bikeable streets.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, compact, walkable development patterns have advantages in:
- Air quality
- Climate change mitigation
- Water quality
- Open space preservation
- Brownfields redevelopment
The effects of building compactly can also be felt across entire regions. Building and reinvesting in human-scaled places helps to protect open space from development, preserving vital forests, farmland, animal habitats, and watersheds. High-quality transit networks and regional collaboration can multiply the impact, allowing for large communities to grow and prosper without sacrificing their character.
As more of America’s cities and regions focus their efforts on sustainability, open space protection, and climate resilience, CNU is a leader in supplying innovative design and development solutions. Together, we are helping to equip communities to thrive and prosper on a changing planet.