Research on Housing & Greenhouse Gases
Newly published NAHB research shows that the creation of higher-density communities is likely to alter travel behavior only modestly and have a similarly modest impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Conducted for NAHB by Abt Associates, the analysis was based on a review of almost 200 studies on residential density and its relationship to travel behavior and climate change. In releasing the research, NAHB noted its strong support for higher-density, mixed-use, walkable and transit-oriented development, as well as land-use policies that make it easier to create that type of development.
However, NAHB CEO Jerry Howard pointed out that "Not everyone wants to, or can, live in a high-density community, and consumers continue to require a range of housing types and neighborhoods because of a complex set of interacting market, demographic and other factors."
With Congress and several federal agencies considering sweeping mandates and targeted incentives on density, transit and climate change, NAHB wants to make sure that policymakers understand the actual research on this issue and the complexities involved. As Jerry noted, "Before the government starts dictating how Americans should live and the types of communities they can live in, we should make sure that sound research validates that as a sensible policy approach."
NAHB's study found that, while much of the vast volume of research on the topic shows a link between higher density communities and the number of vehicle miles traveled, it is an oversimplification that higher density equals lower greenhouse gas emissions. See the full report on NAHB.org.
Author: CRBRA Admin | On: July 15, 2010 | In: Consumers | No Comments
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