Tools for assessing sustainability in urban settlements: Case study of the Metropolitan Center neighborhood, Rio de Janeiro, applying the LEED ND environmental certification

Bianca Marinho Quintella Borges Soares

ABSTRACT: While increasing the use of sustainability in urban projects, it grows the need to develop sustainability indicators that serve as a reference for assessing urban policies implemented in the city. With it come new evaluation systems that take into consideration the environment, location, urban mobility, infrastructure and environmental management, putting into practice concepts of new urbanism and sustainable development. Through qualitative sustainability indicators, it shows how cities could be designed to absorb urban growth, without ceasing to be self-sustaining, providing opportunities without jeopardizing future generations. After a survey of urban conceptual parameters of sustainability, a case study of the neighborhood Metropolitan Centre in Barra da Tijuca was prepared, indicating the possibility of certification according to the standards required by LEED ND (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Neighborhood Development).

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