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28 Putting Smart Growth to Work in Rural Communities Residents can help determine priorities for preservation and new growth. w 0 0 0 a assist in stormwater management and reduce the heat island effect; using the public right -of -way for multiple purposes, such as trails that can permit both stormwa- ter management and recreation; and strategic plant- ings to allow biofiltration to treat runoff and improve water quality. A more specific example might be a tree canopy that absorbs excess runoff, lowers roadway temperatures, and improves air quality. This kind of amenity not only reduces infrastructure demand but also can improve a community's appearance and help it support active transportation, including walking and bicycling. Low - impact development Like green street design, low- impact development (LID) uses natural landscaping to manage stormwater as close to its source as possible. Using strategies such as green roofs, rain barrels, and permeable pave- ments, LID can minimize the impact of built areas and promote natural water movement within an ecosystem or watershed. Within a compact area, this natural infrastructure (ideally native or drought - resistant) can reduce the impact of new development projects while also providing a natural landscape amenity that requires limited maintenance. LID is especially important in fragile ecosystems and places particularly prone to climatic events like droughts. LID practices should be implemented in conjunction with com- pact development in order to reap the most benefits. Colorado recently enacted two new laws, allowing rain barrels on private property.47 Santa Fe County, New Mexico, established an ordinance requiring that all commercial developments collect 100 percent of roof drainage and that residential developments collect a minimum of 8S percent of roof drainage in cisterns. Rainwater harvesting helps address the important issue of water conservation in Santa Fe County's high desert climate.48 Strategy 3.c. Recognize and reward developers that build great places using smart growth and green building approaches Smart growth recognition programs In many communities, developers are already working to build great new places. Publicly recognizing devel- opers who build projects that are aligned with the community's vision can serve to both draw attention to local priorities and remind other developers that great new developments and community priorities are not necessarily at odds with one another. Many state smart growth organizations have existing recognition programs. Idaho Smart Growth began awarding its Grow Smart award in 2005.49 Awards are given to com- munities or projects across the state that exemplify the principles of smart growth. Smart Growth Vermont has a biannual smart growth awards program, started in 2006, which recognizes redevelopment, infill, and his- toric preservation projects exemplifying the principles of smart growth.so Green building Green building is gaining traction nationwide as an efficient and healthy alternative to conventional building practices, including siting, construction, renovation, operation, maintenance, and demoli- tion. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System" is the nationally accepted benchmark for green building. In addition to the Green Building Rating System, the U.S. Green Building Council developed the LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System', which integrates the principles of smart growth, new urban- ism, and green building.$] By completing a LEED- certified project, developers can link their commitment to smart growth with other sustainable strategies and receive plaudits from peers in both the develop- ment and environmental communities. Minnesota has adopted statewide sustainable building guidelines. All new buildings and renovations on buildings larger than 10,000 square feet receiving funding from bond proceeds must exceed the requirements in the state energy code by at least 30 percent, work to achieve the lowest possible lifetime cost for the building, and attempt to make continual improvements to energy efficiency.52 These guidelines, which are intended to reduce energy costs, improve the health and well- being of building residents or occupants, protect the natural environment, and are compatible with LEED standards. 117