The following comes from Forum Architects, designers for the Flats East project.

The Flats East development seeks to become a benchmark example of a sustainable neighborhood, aiming to be a participant in the U.S. Green Building Council’s pilot LEED-Neighborhood Development program. The city and community hope that this project can be a major element in Cleveland’s efforts to be known as a green city by a blue lake.

Low-energy/high-performance

Three strategies will be applied: the whole form and organization of the development will be shaped to be far less dependent on fossil-fuel energy; the mechanicals will be as efficient as possible; and the project and its environmental systems will connect to the city’s new, inherently highly-efficient, cogeneration network.

Potential LEED-ND credits:

• Certified Green Buildings
• Efficiency in Buildings
• Water Efficiency in Buildings
• Heat Island Reduction
• Infrastructure Energy Efficiency 

Recycling: Eliminating waste and pollution
 
Many materials will be recycled, and the new buildings and components they are made from will be designed to be robust and adaptable enough for a long life. The development will conserve and recycle water in a variety of ways.

Potential LEED- ND credits:

• Reuse of Materials
• Recycled Content
• Construction Waste Management

Embedded in place

The project is designed to create new value and utilization for previously exploited property, while respecting its impact on the existing and future neighbors. The location of the project meets the smart growth objectives of preserving open space through limiting development to the urban core, and strengthening development in existing communities.

Potential LEED- ND credits:

• Contaminated Brownfields Redevelopment
• Previously Developed Site
• Access to Public Spaces
• Minimize Site Disturbance During Construction
• Minimize Site Disturbance Through Site Design
• Applying Regional Precedents in Urbanism and Architecture 

Access and urban context

Transport, particularly automobile use, is the second biggest consumer of energy, after buildings. Traffic congestion is a major factor in this energy use, and represents a major waste of personal time and energy. The availability of quality public transit service, the creation of redundancy and connectivity in road networks, and the provision of connectivity between modes of transportation will address this issue.

Potential LEED- ND credits:

• Reduced Automobile Dependence
• Transit-Oriented Compactness
• Transit Amenities
• Reduced Parking Footprint
• Access to Nearby Communities

Health and happiness

Sustainable buildings and communities do not use materials that are polluting to the air, earth or water, or to people, plants and other creatures. Walkable communities are desirable places to live, work and play. The composition of structures, uses, and services will aim to provide a pedestrian friendly neighborhood. This project will be a pleasant, healthy place for people.

Potential LEED- ND credits:

• Certified Green Buildings
• Maintain Stormwater Runoff Rates
• Outdoor Hazardous Waste Pollution Prevention
• Block Perimeter
• Diversity of Uses
• Locating Buildings to Shape Walkable Streets
• Design Buildings to Shape Walkable Streets
• Comprehensively Designed Walkable Streets
• Street Network
• Pedestrian Network
• Maximize Pedestrian Safety and Comfort
• Superior Pedestrian Experience
• Light Pollution Reduction 

Community and connection

The project will bring about a sustainable culture, regenerating a sense of community and connection to the natural world. The development will use natural and man-made boundaries and landmarks to create its particular sense of defined neighborhood. A cohesive community fabric reflecting the interest of all residents provides a strong sense of place.

Potential LEED- ND credits:

• Contribution to Jobs-Housing Balance
• Access to Public Spaces
• Compact Development
• Diversity of Uses
• Housing Diversity
• Street Network
• Pedestrian Network
• Applying Regional Precedents in Urbanism and Architecture
• Access to Nearby Communities