![Sample our Built Environment journals, sign in here to start your access, Latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5926/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Built-Environment.jpg"})
ABSTRACT
LEED v4 for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) is a neighborhood sustainability assessment tool developed through a collaborative effort between the United States Green Building Council, the Congress for the New Urbanism, and the Natural Resources Defense Council. LEED-ND utilizes a credit-based ratings system that serves as a template for the development of green, sustainable neighborhoods. This research study analyzes the locational and demographic attributes of 246 proposed, completed, and/or in progress LEED-ND sites to better understand whether LEED-ND and its ratings system are achieving its goal of promoting greater social equity. This study analyzes the temporal changes of eight demographic variables that are indicative of neighborhood gentrification. These variables include educational attainment, median income, median rent, median land values, household size, median age, percent non-white, and racial diversity. Statistically significant changes to educational attainment, median rent, and diversity were observed at various geographic levels. It was also determined that the effects of LEED-ND developments are likely felt beyond the physical boundaries of the sites. The findings suggest that LEED-ND developments may function as catalysts of neighborhood gentrification rather than promoting greater social equity.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Eric M. Benson
Eric M. Bensonis an M.A. Geography graduate from the University of Nebraska at Omaha who works as a geospatial analyst. His research and professional interests include urban sustainability,land development,and GIS.
Bradley Bereitschaft
Bradley Bereitschaftis an Associate Professor of geography at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. His research and teaching interests include urban geography, urban sustainability, and urban livability.