Barriers and incentives for sustainable urban development: An analysis of the adoption of LEED-ND projects

• Published in: Journal of environmental management Vol. 244; pp. 304 - 312
• Main Authors: Cease, Brett, Kim, HyoungAh, Kim, Dohyeong, Ko, Yekang, Cappel, Cole
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 15.08.2019
• Subjects: LEED-ND; Local government; Sustainable development; LEED-ND; Sustainable development; Local government
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.04.020

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. •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.