Green Protocols for Neighbourhoods and Cities.

Abstract

The rating systems which certify the environmental sustainability of neighbourhoods or cities contribute greatly to enhancing the quality of built environments, also from a social and economic point of view, thus improving the quality of life of the inhabitants. For this reason, in a proper vision of green planning of cities and communities they are essential tools. This chapter focuses on the most widespread protocols used for the certification of urban space sustainability: BREEAM® Community, LEED® V4 for Neighbourhood Development and LEED® for Cities and Communities. The analysis confirms the validity of these instruments which, in addition to certifying the environmental, social and economic sustainability of neighbourhoods and cities, provide indicators that facilitate an objective comparison between different urban realities. The completeness of the areas covered by these protocols certainly places them among smart city protocols.