Envision Courthouse Square Masterplan

SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING and FRAMEWORK DEVELOPMENT

Just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Arlington County is nationally recognized for its leadership in smart growth and climate action, with a goal of reducing per capita carbon emissions more than 75% by 2050. In 2014, Cooper, Robertson & Partners began a master planning process for a transit-oriented development district on a 9-acre site adjacent to a major Metro stop in Arlington County. Populated by underutilized properties, the district presented an excellent opportunity to create a vibrant, walkable, and sustainable urban village that showcases the county’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact. While at BuroHappold, Steven led the plan’s sustainability efforts, focusing on sustainable infrastructure planning and an overall sustainability framework.

As part of the sustainability infrastructure planning process, Steven analyzed the current energy supply, demand, and use, and established benchmarks for the project based on greenhouse gas inventory and best practice data. Stakeholders were also surveyed to evaluate priorities among the energy, environmental, resiliency, and sustainability aspects in the decision making process. District energy, combined heat and power, and renewable energy were among the measures that were evaluated. Key considerations included selecting the correct technologies, financial viability, and the future flexibility and resilience of the district’s energy systems.

Steven also provided a sustainability framework report, which included guidelines, benchmarks, and target reductions, informing the design and operation of the district. The sustainability framework considered the existing and future programs, neighboring land uses, and challenges and opportunities throughout the region and state. Adding to the site’s complexity was its significant topography, as well as the diversity of public and private users. The recommendations from this plan considered technical and financial viability, enabling Arlington County to save carbon, increase resilience, and reduce operating costs, with the added benefit of brand enhancement.

Location:  Arlington, VA

Client:  Arlington County Date: 2015

Collaborators:    Cooper Robertson & Partners