Barriers and incentives for sustainable urban development: An analysis of the adoption of LEED-ND projects. (15th August 2019) - Cease, Brett
Abstract: The adoption rate for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) projects has varied considerably across the United States. Local governments and developers face variation in the incentives and barriers while implementing LEED-ND projects across four key dimensions – economic, policy, public awareness, and organizational. This paper investigated the drivers of variation using a mixed-methods approach including a two-stage Heckman model, a survey of Texas subdivision developers and interviews with local planning officials. Results indicate that initial public funding may lead to more LEED-ND projects being completed, but with a diminishing return as these projects become established within the region. Support for local programs including tax abatement, public-private partnerships, and other incentives were also demonstrated to help facilitate LEED-ND project adoption. Overall this paper underscored the important role, especially early on, the public sector and local governments play in initiating local LEED-ND projects to inform and motivate the land development industry. Highlights: U.S. LEED-ND projects face variation in adoption rates, barriers, and incentives. 4 key dimensions identified – economic, policy, public awareness, and organizational. Initial public funding may lead to more LEED-ND projects being completed. Local interviews find support for local programs to incentivize further projects.