Development Goals

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It is the goal of Friends of Nashville to support local builders, the planning commission and metro council with policies that establish and promote a national model of “energy efficiency” for development projects that are approved and built in Nashville. 

Objectives:

  • Approach energy efficiency within the community as a whole, and create a long-term approach that combines an efficient energy supply infrastructure with homes and buildings that provide the highest levels of comfort with the least use of energy.
  • Design efficient buildings that use the least energy but provide consistently high levels of comfort, reliability and convenience.
  • Create buildings that use at least 40-50% less energy than the average of all energy types, as compared to equivalent developments elsewhere in Tennessee.
  • Reduce required needs for energy through proven building practices and proven community energy supply approaches (i.e. roof design, insulation, efficient appliances, building control, district energy etc.)
  • Utilize combinations of traditional energy sources (i.e. coal, natural gas, electric), distributed generation and heat recovery, and alternative energy sources (i.e. geothermal, biofuel, solar, wind)
  • All residential buildings will endeavor to meet or exceed the EarthCraft* (or equivalent certification program) energy standards. All non-residential buildings will endeavor to be built to meet the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)** energy standards (or equivalent certification program).
  • Use the latest technology and approaches available to create a sustainable community based on worldwide best practices Designate lots in each phase of residential construction to be designated for net zero homes, sponsored by Friends of Nashville to create a program for buyers and other interested parties to learn about energy efficiency, alternative energy supply systems, resource conservation and sustainable community design

For more information:

It is the goal of Friends of Nashville to mitigate any development’s impact on the Environment. By working with experts in best energy efficiency practices it would be beneficial for Nashville residents to see, learn and understand how small development can and will be environmentally friendly to Nashville’s residents and the neighboring residential developments. It must also be mentioned that there may be participation as a pilot project with the assistance of the Department of Energy as it relates to building what is known as “Net Zero Homes”. More information can be found at the following web sites:

http://www.energy.gov/news/1681.html

http://www.energy.gov/news/1661.html

http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/about.html

Building structures according to the Net Zero definition simply means that the homes energy consumption is equal to its energy production. With the newer technologies now available, it is possible to build homes within developments that produce as much energy as they use, and in some cases, produce more energy that consumed thus providing a positive cash flow for residents.

Objectives:

  • All residential buildings will meet or exceed the EarthCraft (or equivalent certification program) standards. All non-residential buildings will be built to meet the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards (or equivalent certification program).
  • Use of green space or non-development areas for “Renewable Energy Park”.
  • All residential buildings to be energy star compliant. This will prevent tons of pollutants from entering the atmosphere, thereby helping to clear the air for future generations.
  • Group houses and structures on less environmentally sensitive soils.
  • Utilize innovative and environmentally sensitive storm water management practices (i.e. bioswales, rain gardens, bio-retention areas, constructed wetlands).
  • Minimize land disturbance and removal of vegetation. Maintain existing trees and protect during construction.
  • Utilize native plants where they can meet design objectives.
  • Reduce irrigation needs through the reduction of lawn areas by planting native grasses in large open areas, and encouraging homeowners to landscape using water efficient plantings. Rain harvesting should be encouraged.
  • Utilize pervious pavements for parking stalls in parking lots and driveways.
  • Reduce use of curbs where appropriate.
  • Provide night-sky friendly lighting.
  • Reuse existing buildings and structures or materials from them if demolished.
  • Require the Use Bio-Diesel in all earth moving equipment for development of building pads.
  • Use building products with recycled products and non-toxic materials were possible. (i.e. composite wood, carpets)
  • Provide Recycling Center for construction materials and the future residents
  • Create a habitat that would be significantly more attractive to wildlife than might typically be expected in a new community
  • Create a development that promotes sustainability. The goal of sustainability is to enhance quality of life now while ensuring that the needs of the future will be met. A commitment to sustainability involves understanding and planning for the long-term success of the community’s educational, social, economic and environmental systems. It takes a lot of effort and no small amount of foresight. But the rewards are huge. Creating environment where residents will enjoy a sense of environmental responsibly and health, knowing that leading edge sustainable technologies have been incorporated in the buildings and site design of their community. They will also be the recipients of energy savings in a world where energy prices are going up therefore saving money in return.
  • Require homes owner and builder to use energy efficient light bulbs etc.. See the web site which features Jeff Barrie’s movie www.kilowattours.org
  • Be prepared to adjust the development plan to take advantage of future technological advancements.

It is important to provide amenities that enhance the development and promote a healthy lifestyle. 

Objectives:

  • Create gathering places for families
  • Providing scenic views for the entire community when possible
  • Provide places were kids will have places to play and be able to walk or ride their bikes to school
  • When land area permits, providing the following amenities will assist in making any development a truly special place to live and promote a sense of community and a healthy lifestyle:
  • Create Community Parks (where land size permits)
    • Pocket Parks
    • Playgrounds
    • Sports and Recreational Fields
    • Pre-School, Elementary School and Middle School Sites
    • Connectivity to Other Park Land and Trails
    • Common Areas
    • Community Swimming Pools and Club Houses
    • Fitness Facilities
    • Civic and Gathering Places
    • Lakes (Access to Water)
    • Community Gardens and Farming
    • Greenways
    • Hiking and Bike Trails

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