Brytan is 1 of only 6 projects in the state of Florida to be accepted into the
LEED-ND (LEED for Neighborhood Development) Pilot Program

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) Rating System integrates the principles of smart growth, urbanism and green building into the first national system for neighborhood design. LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a development's location and design meet accepted high levels of environmentally responsible, sustainable development.


Benefits of Developing a LEED for Neighborhood Development Community

Reduce Urban Sprawl
In order to reduce the impacts of urban sprawl, or unplanned, uncontrolled spreading of urban development into areas outside of the metropolitan region, and create more livable communities, LEED for Neighborhood Development communities are:
           locations that are closer to existing town and city centers
           areas with good transit access
           infill sites
           previously developed sites 
           sites adjacent to existing development
Typical sprawl development, low-density housing and commercial uses located in automobile-dependent outlying area, can harm the natural environment in a number of ways. It can consume and fragment farmland, forests and wildlife habitat; degrade water quality through destruction of wetlands and increased stormwater runoff; and pollute the air with increased automobile travel.

Encourage healthy living
LEED for Neighborhood Development emphasizes the creation of compact, walkable, vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods with good connections to nearby communities. Research has shown that living in a mixed-use environment within walking distance of shops and services results in increased walking and biking, which improve human cardiovascular and respiratory health and reduce the risk of hypertension and obesity.

Protect threatened species
Fragmentation and loss of habitat are major threats to many imperiled species. LEED encourages compact development patterns and the selection of sites that are within or adjacent to existing development to minimize habitat fragmentation and also help preserve areas for recreation.

Increase transportation choice and decrease automobile dependence
These two things go hand-in-hand; convenient transportation choices such as buses, trains, car pools, bicycle lanes and sidewalks, for example, are typically more available near downtowns, neighborhood centers and town centers, which are also the locations that produce shorter automobile trips.

Read more about green building practices and features by clicking on the articles below:

USGBC -- LEED for HOMES Fact Sheet

USGBC -- LEED for Neighborhood Development FAQs

USGBC -- Green Building Overview Power Point Presentation

FCIC -- Energy Efficient Mortgage Guide

NRDC -- If You Build It, They Will Come: Americans Want Smart Growth Alternatives

BUILDING GREEN -- LEED Delivers on Predicted Energy Savings

B.E.S.T. -- Green Building Primer for Builders, Consumers & Realtors