EcoDistrict

Architecture AM2
content:
• Representing the concept of
Ecodistrict
• Site Analysis
• Similar project

Presented by Aya Wannous

What is an
EcoDistrict
Roadmap to Sustainability
…A neighborhood, or redevelopment area, committed to advancing
sustainability through green building, smart infrastructure and
behavior.
****
They provide a framework for setting goals, defining projects,
engage in collaborative efforts, and raise the bar for sustainable
practices.

Ecodistricts foster a cooperative, integrated, neighbor-to-neighbor approach to building

community. Sustainable development practices are utilized to build on a community’s
strengths, identify ways to bring opportunity for growth into the neighborhood, and
prioritize equity, resiliency, and climate protection in the planning process.
The goal of creating an ecodistrict is to grow positive and thriving places where all
people can live, work, and play. This process can eventually lead to certification for your
community if all requirements are fulfilled.
What are sustainable development practices?
     
Sustainable development practices are those that meet the needs of the present without
compromising quality of life for future generations. These practices take into consideration
how development impacts our economy, attempt to preserve the natural resources and
beauty of our surrounding landscapes, and provide voice to the people who reside in the
community.
Sustainable development brings together neighbors, community institutions, businesses, city
leaders, and utility providers as a team to make a place where everyone is supported and
involved.

Why start an Ecodistrict

In the past 40 years, cities and small towns alike have experienced changes in their local
economies due to a number of factors, including suburban growth, population changes,
relocation of industry, and localized hyper-investment. Often, these changes result in
shrunken local economies and lack of resources. Small towns have started to diversify
their economies by finding unique ways to attract new industries and to draw in new
residents. We need to bring good jobs, families, local business, and stewardship of
natural spaces back to our small towns.
The Process
Performance
Areas
“Phase 1”

Integrating
Define Goals & Montgomery
Objectives County
Goals
“Phase 2”
“Phase 3”

Strategies for
Achievement
& Feasibility
“Phase 4”
ormance Areas
Equitable
Development

Health & Community

Well-being Identity

“8”
=
Habitat & Access &
Ecosystems Performance
Mobility
Areas

Materials Energy

Water
s & objectives 
Goal: Create cohesive neighborhood identity
Potential Objectives:
• Create beautiful, accessible safe places
• Foster social networks

Goal: Diverse, multi-model, and affordable options

Potential Objectives: 
• Mixed-uses
• Improved street access
• Reduce VMT
• Low & zero emission vehicles

Goal: Zero waste and optimized materials management

N/A Potential Objectives:
• Eliminate waste. Maximize recycling
• Reduce virgin material & toxic chemical use
• Optimize reuse & salvage materials
• Capture residuals (composting/recycling)
 Goal: Reliable & affordable water management
Potential Objectives:
 • Improve runoff quality
• Reduce runoff
• Reduce water consumption

Goal: Healthy urban ecosystems that protect & regenerate ecosystems

Potential Objectives:
• Achieve healthy urban ecosystem
• Protect & enhance local watershed

• Native & diverse vegetation
• Habitat connectivity
• Ecofriendly urban areas

Goal: Annual net zero energy usage

 Potential Objectives:
• Minimize demand
• District energy (property assemblage)
• Incentivize zero-energy buildings
• Use renewable energy
 Goal: Promote equity and opportunity
Potential Objectives:
• Job creation
• Investment opportunities
• Mitigate housing/business displacement
• Ensure diverse stakeholder involvement

Goal: Promote human health and community wellness

Potential Objectives:
• Safe and functional recreation and natural areas

 • Healthy, local and affordable food

• Healthy indoor and outdoor air quality
 Phase 1:
ormance Areas
Equitable
Development

Health & Community

Well-being Identity

Habitat & Access &

Ecosystems
Mobility

Materials Example Energy

Water
Performance Area: Water

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT

GOAL: Meet both human and environmental needs through
creating sustainable water systems

Set Targets to Meet Objectives

New Buildings (redevelopment) WATER

• Increase Non-Potable Water
• Increase Quantity of Green Roofs
• Reduce impervious cover
• Reduce flows to municipal stormwater system

District Wide
• Provide LID/ESD in underutilized areas (ROW/Public/Private)
• Reduce runoff
• Increase porous surfaces

Greenstreet retrofits (ROW)

• Increase ESD/LID Stormwater Management
Existing buildings
• Encourage SWM retrofits
• Increase Quantity of Green Roofs
• Increase rainwater harvesting

Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

 Treating Stormwater while
providing ecological benefits

Buildings that “Perform”

 Onsite Water Treatment &
Catchment

Tomorrows Towns & Cities

 HOW
Multi-agency
?
COLLABORATION

Community Local Agencies Regional Developer

• Bethesda Green • DOT Agencies Community
• BUP • DPS • COG • Housing
• The Public • General Services • DC Planning • Civic
• DEP DC DEP
• Arlington
Planners
• Chamber of
Commerce
• Research
Groups
• Economist
• County
Council
 THE ADVANTAGES OF
DISTRICTS
Eco-districts combine many advantages due to their ecological orientation and
their design designed for the well-being of the inhabitants:
 
●  A habitat with real thermal comfort: the concept of a building with a minimum
passive energy is a very strong point of eco-districts and result in houses that are
rather pleasant to live in in terms of insulation, which consume little (or none at
all) in terms of energy and therefore economical in the long term.
 
●  A pleasant living environment: eco-neighborhoods combine vegetation and
housing and are places that are generally well preserved from the inconveniences
of urban or peri-urban life.
 
●  A well thought-out infrastructure: eco-districts must integrate shops, services
and above all public transport, making life more practical and simpler.
 
●  A setting that promotes social ties: common spaces, pedestrian links, green
areas and play areas for children promote social ties and a neighborhood
life that somewhat resembles that of the villages of yesteryear where everyone
everyone knew each other!
 
THE DISADVANTAGES OF ECO-
DISTRICTS
On the other hand, eco-districts have some disadvantages that it is better
to know and measure before investing in them: 
 
●  The price: the minimum amenities and the specifications of eco-districts
inevitably make them more expensive. Of course, the savings made help
amortize this investment over the years, but the initial additional cost
remains a real pitfall for some people who would like to invest in such
projects.
 
●  Consultation imposed by living together: not only do eco-districts
impose fairly strict rules, but you don't really have the freedom to modify
your house or apartment as you see fit. 
Any project must go through the collective consent and this way of doing
things can put off some people.
 
●  Neighborhoods that can be frozen in time: the inability to quickly modify
the specifications of an eco-district can be a handicap. 
Technologies and fashions evolve quickly and eco-districts could find
themselves stuck with outdated technologies or operating modes that are
not flexible enough to adapt quickly.