Energy and Smart Growth: It’s about How and Where We Build

The document examines the intersection of land use and energy efficiency, proposing a framework based on 'how' and 'where' we build to reduce fossil fuel dependence. It advocates for 'energy smart' growth, which combines compact, mixed-use development with green building standards and renewable energy. The author provides recommendations for funders to support this merger through research, integrated planning tools, policy incentives, and innovative financing like location-efficient mortgages.

• U.S. energy consumption is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with approximately 85 percent of energy coming from oil (39 percent), coal (23 percent), and natural gas (23 percent).
• Land use decisions significantly impact energy demand; specifically, over 60 percent of the growth in driving and associated energy consumption is attributed to land use factors.
• The 'how to build' aspect of energy-smart growth focuses on neighborhood and building design, where energy-efficient design and insulation can reduce energy usage by 30 percent.
• The 'where to build' aspect emphasizes location efficiency, noting that individuals in high-density neighborhoods with pedestrian-friendly features and transit access can reduce driving by 15 to 50 percent.
• Energy efficiency can serve as a strategy for affordable housing, as lower-income families in the U.S. may spend between 12 and 26 percent of their household budget on energy due to inefficient homes.
• Public transportation usage in the U.S. could significantly reduce oil dependence; if Americans used it at European rates (roughly 10 percent of daily travel), the U.S. would reduce imported oil dependence by more than 40 percent.
• The LEED for Neighborhood Developments (LEED-ND) partnership aims to create a certification program that combines green building features with smart growth qualities like density and proximity to transit.

APA

Friedman, N. (2004). Energy and Smart Growth: It’s about How and Where We Build. Environmental and Energy Study Institute. https://www.eesi.org/files/2004_energy_smartgrowth_paper.pdf

Chicago

Friedman, Naomi. Energy and Smart Growth: It’s about How and Where We Build. Environmental and Energy Study Institute, 2004. https://www.eesi.org/files/2004_energy_smartgrowth_paper.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Friedman |first1=Naomi |title=Energy and Smart Growth: It’s about How and Where We Build |publisher=Environmental and Energy Study Institute |date=2004 |url=https://www.eesi.org/files/2004_energy_smartgrowth_paper.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{friedman2004energy, author = {Friedman, Naomi}, title = {{Energy and Smart Growth: It’s about How and Where We Build}}, institution = {Environmental and Energy Study Institute}, year = {2004}, url = {https://www.eesi.org/files/2004_energy_smartgrowth_paper.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }