Columbia U. is new pilot site for the program that will save American cities

Have you seen anything about the US Green Building Council’s new LEED - Neighborhood Development standards?? If you haven’t, you should, cuz this stuff is exciting.

Columbia University’s proposed Manhattanville expansion was chosen for a new “smart growth” pilot program under LEED-ND standards. This is hot! Use the money and connections of the university system to help develop a program that will make our cities functional again.

A few reasons why LEED-ND standards are so cool:

considers impacts on physical and mental health, social capital, injuries, physical fitness, and special populations like children and low income communities

places buildings in context

makes it harder for stupid buildings like casinos and prisons

YOU can get involved! - Join the Corresponding Committee

About Mattie

Matt/Mattie Reitman got introduced to energy and climate work as an undergrad at Syracuse University, where he helped start a successful campaign to get the university to buy 20% clean renewable energy. At the time, this put SU amongst the top 25 renewables purchasers in the country. Mattie is focused on building the youth climate movement in Ohio, fighting proposed dirty energy facilities, and building campus-community solidarity. He has a degree in women's studies and sociology, and lives in Columbus, Ohio.