Application of GIS to Prioritize Brownfield Sites for Green Building Construction Based on LEED Criteria

Although there are many initiatives to create incentives for investors and developers to invest in and redevelop brownfield sites, efficient prioritization of brownfields by taking into account environmental, economic, and social constraints remains a challenge. This study introduces a method to screen numerous brownfields over large geographic areas by using geographic information systems (GIS) and to assess and prioritize such sites for green building suitability based on leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) criteria. A case study was completed for the greater Bridgeport, Connecticut region. With 279 brownfield sites, the city has among the highest number of brownfields in the state. Variables chosen to determine suitability and prioritization were based on LEED version 4 for New Construction and Major Renovation. Chosen variables input into GIS make up 13 points on the LEED checklist. The developed method proved to be efficient for analyzing large numbers of brownfields, making it a viable option for governments and developers alike to make informed decisions for brownfield redevelopment. The study demonstrates that GIS can be used to streamline prioritization of brownfield sites, while at the same time guiding site selection for green buildings