Explore practical insights on climate-friendly development, efficient planning, and resilient urban solutions for a sustainable future
Without attention to resilient development and avoidance of protected areas, by 2050 570 coastal cities and 800 million people could be at risk (World Bank, 2022)
Smart development focuses development in areas that allow conservation corridors to preserve the 1 million species currently at risk of extinction (IPBES, 2019)
Climate change could reduce global crop yields by up to 30% by 2050 (FAO, 2023); regenerative development and sustainable farming can mitigate this
The earth's temperature has risen by about 1.2°C since the late 19th century with 2023 the hottest year on record (NASA, 2024)
If we cut emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050, we can limit the worst consequences of global warming (IPCC, 2023). By focusing on sustainable, carbon neutral development, we can play our part to
literally save the planet.
Developing low carbon footprint communities can fight this vulnerability
Resilient and thoughtful development can reverse this economic loss - $2.98 trillion in climate disaster destruction from 2000 - 2019 (Swiss Re, 2023)
Now is the time to incorporate renewable energy into developments; since 2010 the cost of solar and wind energy has dropped 70% (IRENA, 2022)
Focusing on a sustainable economy is a financially rational decision if we are forward looking
Developing resilient infrastructure can help mitigate this projection.
Incremental infill projects can be impactful with the right partners and financing strategy.
There is not a one-size fits all for sustainable development just as people have unique desires and needs. The Farm at Okefenokee, owned by Doug Davis, real estate developer, and Jeff Meyer, conservationist, created the 1000-acre agrihood located in Folkston, GA. This is a low density development of just 250 residential cabins with the majority of the land focused on regenerative farming. The vision was inspired by people’s desire to live in a farm environment and farm lifestyle without having to be responsible for all of the work needed to successfully run a farm.
As a larger community, residents get to reap the rewards of knowing where their food comes from, participating in growing their own food, and partaking in the harvest. As an example of one village within this geographically large master-planned community, The Orchard features just 25 homes, but boasts an olive orchard as well as a pecan orchard, blackberry patch, chickens, goats, and a sugar cane field and cane press. The homes feature natural materials, water-efficient fixtures, and low-VOC finishes. The community focuses on well being, a strong connection to nature, and a sustainable off-grid lifestyle.
This development, built to Florida Green Building Coalition standards, is best known for its expansive green open space preservation and large investment in solar-power. In fact, the community features 440 acres of solar equivalent to 333 football fields! This yields 150 megawatts of energy which can power the full development plan of 19,500 homes and 6 million square feet of commercial space. The solar field was donated by Kitson and is owned and operated by FPL. This large-scale design produces 2.5 times more energy for the money than residential rooftop solar. Energy generated at the plant flows to the substation near the water and wastewater facility and into the town of Babcock Ranch. Leftover energy from here flows to the FPL power grid to serve those outside the town.
The infrastructure is also very resilient to hurricanes with their 40,600-sf Field House at Babcock Ranch High School serving as an evacuation center due to its ICC 500 standards. Infrastructure was planned to be outside coastal surge areas at ~ 24 feet above sea level and consists of storm-hardened utilities, underground power transmission and fiber optic lines, and stormwater management systems. Resilience was practically tested during Hurricane Ian at which point none of the 5,000 people lost power during the storm.
This is the first LEED net-zero certified single-family home development in the United States with carbon emission reductions of 8 tons annually. In fact, it has a HERS score of minus 11. The 18-acre community includes 86 solar powered homes and 47 boat slips. It was developed with help from the Florida Solar Energy Center, a research institute within the University of Central Florida. Technological advancements include Guardian IQ2 Panels which acts as the tablet for the smart home controlling security, and controlling light, heating, air conditioning, and smart irrigation. Products assisting in energy-efficiency include WaterSense high-efficiency fixtures and Hunter Smart Irrigation, EPA Energy Star appliances and EV charging stations. Sonnen technology is used for home energy management and storage to provide smart energy and independence through a fully integrated community that connects to form a virtual powerplant.
In terms of resilience to flooding and hurricanes, several design strategies were employed including building 16 feet above sea level, incorporating continuous rebar into the garage level’s block walls, and infill of spray foam insulation for all exterior surfaces. More than 70 tons of concrete and masonry were used to anchor the structure and footing dimensions were sized large to accommodate a solid monolithic foundation. None of the homes have experienced damage after Helene and Milton - hurricanes that hit three weeks apart in 2024.
Some eastern Caribbean islands such as the Grenadines have already implemented solar to a large extent with some islands using solar for up to 90% of their energy production; a good reason to ensure this energy infrastructure is resilient to Category 5 hurricanes. With Puerto Rico experiencing consistent struggles and vulnerabilities of frequent power loss in this island, it follows that renewable energy projects should be prioritized on this island.
Puerto Rico has historically been woefully dependent on coal and oil produced energy which have been far more expensive that the continental U.S.; a problem compounded by the fact that roughly a third of Puerto Ricans are currently living below the poverty line. That makes the news all the more promising of DOE’s $1.2 billion in loan funding for projects contracted to several solar projects on the island. Project Marahu, for instance, plans to add 200 MW-AC of solar and up to 285 MW of stand-alone energy storage to Puerto Rico’s grid. The $861.M loan guarantee finances the construction of two solar PV farms that will reduce emissions by nearly 2.7 million tones of CO2 per year, provide 750 construction jobs, and 50 permanent jobs once operational. Projects like these can build resilience not just for energy, but can strengthen communities all over the island who rely on clean, consistent energy.
Flexible green financing tool that ties funding to a developer's ability to meet predefined performance targets - issued by REITs
Commercial property-assessed clean energy is a lending structure for projects focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy
Mortgage-Backed Securities program providing liquidity for multifamily developments meeting green building requirements
Federal tax credit for energy efficient home builds - phasing out in 2026
International mobilizer of global capital for climate action and resilience
Investing in sustainable real estate without having to take on full ownership or management
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The RMI innovation center shares research and insights into on-site energy production and storage with rooftop PVs, on-site battery storage, and electric vehicles
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A quick factsheet that covers the geothermal resource and potential, heating and cooling impacts, generation, manufacturing and cost
High-level insights on planning for solar system needs for rural or off-grid homes
Guides, principles, and certifications to move from strategy to tactics
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Explore green products that help to pencil a triple bottom line return for sustainable real estate development - this is just a sampling of the many creative, and resourceful products in the market sourced from the USGBC national conference
More products to keep you eye on
