One of the most damaging things I hear, time and time again, are claims that habitat destruction, slope eradication, and deforestation are an inevitable part of development and construction. This could not be further from the truth: each year, the US construction and development sector wastes hundreds of millions of dollars in potential revenue by flattening build sites, clearcutting forests, and eradicating natural drainage unnecessarily. In lieu of fancy rhetoric and quotable talking points, let me instead offer the public a thorough list of large scale development projects, most quite well known, where these sustainable building practices are all ready happening.
The resources and examples on this page are not meant as an endorsement of any particular project or development firm. Obviously, we live in a world full of people all of whom have the basic human right to clean water, safe and secure housing that they can afford, and a quality education. Those basic human rights typically call for infrastructure, homes, schools, businesses, etc. Consider this page to be merely a survey of some of the many construction projects which have made an active effort to mitigate their environmental impact.
Construction projects, no matter the size, can pose various risks to the environment. Some of these risks include:
Habitat destruction: The construction process often involves clearing land, which can result in the destruction of habitats for wildlife and the loss of biodiversity.
Soil and water contamination: Construction sites can result in the release of harmful chemicals and pollutants into the soil and water, leading to long-term environmental damage.
Air pollution: Construction activities can result in air pollution from dust, diesel fumes, and other emissions, which can have a negative impact on air quality and public health.
Noise pollution: Construction sites can be a source of noise pollution, which can be disruptive to nearby residents and wildlife.
Carbon footprint: The construction process and the operation of buildings can result in significant carbon emissions, contributing to climate change. Nota bene: Carbon offsets are not an appropriate mitigation strategy for this risk.
Loss of green spaces: The construction of buildings can result in the loss of green spaces, such as parks and open spaces, which can have a negative impact on the environment and local communities.
These are just a few examples of large scale building projects worldwide that have been completed in an environmentally sustainable manner. Many more projects around the world are being developed with sustainability in mind, as the world moves towards a more sustainable future.
The Bullitt Center, Seattle, USA - This building is a model of sustainability, with a net-zero energy consumption and a design that incorporates rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, and composting toilets.
One World Trade Center, New York City, USA - This skyscraper is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and is designed to be highly energy efficient, with a state-of-the-art HVAC system and a high-performance building envelope.
The Edge, Amsterdam, Netherlands - This office building is one of the most sustainable in the world, with a number of innovative features including a green roof, a building management system that optimizes energy usage, and an on-site energy plant that generates power using waste heat.
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore - This integrated resort features a number of sustainable design elements, including a rainwater collection system, a solar panel array, and a building management system that optimizes energy usage.
The Crystal, London, UK - This building is a hub for sustainability, with a rainwater harvesting system, a green roof, and a building management system that optimizes energy usage.
Baobab Tower, Milan, Italy - This residential building is designed to be highly energy efficient, with a green roof, a rainwater harvesting system, and a building management system that optimizes energy usage.
These are just a few examples of large scale building projects completed in an environmentally sustainable manner in the United States. There are many more projects like these throughout the country, as more and more building developers and owners seek to create buildings that are sustainable, energy efficient, and good for the environment.
The Tower at PNC Plaza, Pittsburgh, PA - This 33-story building is one of the most environmentally sustainable in the world, with a number of features such as a green roof, a rainwater harvesting system, and a building management system that optimizes energy usage.
The Gateway, Denver, CO - This mixed-use development is designed to be highly energy efficient, with a number of sustainable design elements, including a green roof, a rainwater collection system, and a building management system that optimizes energy usage.
The Haynes Family Of Programs Building, Los Angeles, CA - This building is a model of sustainability, with a number of innovative features such as a green roof, a rainwater harvesting system, and a building management system that optimizes energy usage.
Empire State Building, New York City, NY - This iconic building underwent a major renovation in 2009 to make it more energy efficient, with upgrades including a new HVAC system, new lighting and controls, and a number of other improvements.
The Aurora, San Francisco, CA - This mixed-use development is designed to be highly energy efficient, with a number of sustainable design elements, including a green roof, a rainwater collection system, and a building management system that optimizes energy usage.
NEMA Chicago, IL - This luxury apartment building is designed to be highly energy efficient, with a number of sustainable design elements, including a green roof, a rainwater collection system, and a building management system that optimizes energy usage.
These are just a few examples of development projects that worked to conserve mature trees and to avoid altering slopes. By taking a holistic approach to development and prioritizing the preservation of natural features, these projects have helped to create sustainable, beautiful, and environmentally responsible communities.
The Presidio of San Francisco, CA - This former military base was transformed into a national park, and the development process focused on preserving the natural landscape, including mature trees and slopes.
The Discovery Green Park, Houston, TX - This urban park was created on the site of a former parking lot, and the development process included the preservation of mature trees and the creation of landscaping that follows the natural contours of the land.
The Bluffs on the Potomac, Dumfries, VA - This residential development was built on a former golf course, and the developers worked to conserve mature trees and to avoid altering slopes, preserving the natural beauty of the land.
The High Line, New York City, NY - This elevated park was built on an abandoned elevated railway, and the development process included the preservation of mature trees and the creation of landscaping that follows the natural contours of the land.
The Wilds, Cumberland, OH - This conservation center was built on a former surface coal mine, and the development process included the preservation of mature trees and the creation of landscaping that follows the natural contours of the land.
As noted previously, carbon offsets in and of themselves are not considered an effective method for mitigation. Carbon offsets are not preferred by some people and organizations for several reasons:
Lack of transparency: Some carbon offset projects are difficult to verify and monitor, making it challenging to determine their effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Questionable quality: Some carbon offset projects may not result in real, verifiable, and permanent emissions reductions, meaning that they may not have a significant impact on the environment.
Double-counting: There is a risk that carbon offsets may be double-counted, where the same emissions reductions are claimed by multiple parties, reducing the overall impact of the offsets.
Displacement of responsibility: Carbon offsets can be seen as a way for companies and individuals to "buy their way out" of reducing their own emissions, instead of taking direct action to reduce their carbon footprint.
Inadequate coverage: Carbon offsets may not address all sources of emissions and may not provide a comprehensive solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
These concerns have led some people and organizations to question the effectiveness of carbon offsets as a way to address the environmental impact of carbon emissions and to advocate for more direct action to reduce emissions. While carbon offsets can play a role in reducing emissions, they should be part of a larger strategy that includes other measures, such as reducing energy consumption and transitioning to renewable energy sources.