(H11) Prioritizing Nature for Equity and Resilience

Thursday, November 3, 2022

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Location: Room 204

Earn 1 Credit(s)

Cities are increasingly prioritizing landscapes and outdoor spaces as opportunities to address multiple societal needs and create value in their communities. Cities such as San Francisco, Austin, and Atlanta are embracing sustainable landscape design, and integrating nature back into cities to ensure social and ecological resilience in the era of climate change. Rating systems are used as tools to by these cities to inspire research and projects that promote targeted nature-based design interventions and green infrastructure that can substantially mitigate the heat island effect while also addressing historical inequities such as unequal energy burden, frontline community health, and food deserts. Hear from a panel of city officials and landscape designers as they highlight transformational parks and trails in multiple cities across the United States.

Learning Objectives:

Discuss the multiple social, environmental, and financial benefits of nature-based solutions and sustainable landscape design for communities.
Identify strategies to implement the “Resilience and Equity Principals” included in the “Future of LEED” report in your next project.
Articulate how LEED v4.1 BD+C and SITES v2 credit requirements provide a foundation for project teams to pursue equity and resilience goals.
Understand synergies between SITES v2 credit requirements and local regulations.

Moderator(s)

Karema M. Seliem, LEED AP

LEED Specialist
U.S. Green Building Council

Presenter(s)

Kevin W. Burke, FASLA

Director of Design
Atlanta BeltLine Inc
Liana Berberidou-Kallivoka, PhD, PE, LEED Fellow (she/her/hers)

Assistant Director
Austin Parks and Recreation Department
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Lena Ohta, LEED AP, CRL, CEA, CRM, GPR, Energy Star, NSHP, HERS, Green Rater

Sustainability Program Manager
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