Sustainable Infrastructure

Sustainable Infrastructure

Sustainable infrastructure is the development of innovative solutions for housing, public utilities, urban design and development, and other human structures. Sustainable or green infrastructure refers to products and processes selected by land use planners that reduce negative impacts to resources and increase aesthetic and recreational values. An example is the use of permeable parking lots designed to retain and filter stormwater runoff.

Green buildings are buildings that are designed, constructed, operated, and deconstructed in a manner that uses environmentally friendly products and processes to improve resource efficiency use. Green buildings may use recycled materials, non-toxic paint, dual flush toilets, bamboo flooring, a living roof, or alternative energy. They are often designed to maximize the long-term efficiency and functionality of the buildings including the living and working areas.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is a third-party voluntary certification program established by the US Green Building Council that can be applied to any building type and at any point in the building life cycle. The program promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability and focuses on recognizing key performance areas like sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy efficiency, materials and resources, indoor air quality, location of building and community linkages, awareness and education of tenants, innovation in design, and regional priority.

Financing opportunities for the construction or retrofitting of buildings enrolled in the LEED program can be found on the Mission Markets Private Capital Marketplace.

Brownfield Redevelopment

Brownfields are real estate areas where the presence or potential presence of environmental contaminants or pollutants can complicate the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of the land. By cleaning up and reinvesting in these spaces, the environment is enhanced and development pressure is reduced in other areas. These areas are often undervalued and can present an interesting option for knowledgeable developers.

There is strong support from the EPA and local governments to provide funding to turn brownfields into useful, commercially viable sites. The “Brownfields to Brightfields” programs focus on creating renewable energy projects on brownfields thereby revitalizing communities by producing jobs and tax revenues from these previously unproductive properties.

Mission Markets supports brownfield redevelopment projects by providing access to private funding and investor awareness of these social and environmental opportunities.