Land and Natural Development (LAND) Code: Guidelines for Sustainable Land Development
Sustainable land development strategies based on scientific informationLand and Natural Development (LAND) Codeoffers a pioneering method to develop sites in harmony with natural processes that is solidly based on peer-reviewed scientific findings. While the LAND Code can be readily used in conjunction with LEED, EPA, and other guidelines, it features several unique characteristics, including:Recommendations based on peer-reviewed scientific researchRating scheme that weights each development and land use practice based on its environmental benefit and difficulty of implementationStraightforward, step-by-step system that is accessible to non-expertsFocus on land rather than buildingsExtensive use of photographs and diagrams to illustrate practices and proceduresAfter an introduction, the book begins with chapters covering water, soil, air, living resources, energy, and materials. Throughout these chapters, the authors recommend tested and proven strategies that minimize disruption of the natural processes. Each chapter provides background, describes benefits for both developers and ecosystems, and recommends protective strategies in simple, non-technical language (a glossary is provided explaining all terms not in common usage). A toolbox of environmental engineering methods to implement the strategies follows, and the final chapter of the book provides a series of examples of actual development projects in which a variety of approaches have successfully attained sustainable development. With its emphasis on scientific understanding, the LAND Code offers you the information needed to make and implement decisions for ecologically sound land development.