Charrette Toolkit & other Tools from YRG

This Green Charrette Toolkit provides resources to help project teams and facilitators design and implement successful Enterprise Green Communities Charrettes. Use this Toolkit to find background information, guides, checklists, agendas and more. These flexible tools are templates that can be used “as-is” or modified to fit the team and facilitator’s resources and experience.

Facilitator’s Guide
An introduction to the Charrette process, with essential information about implementing and facilitating an Enterprise Green Communities Charrette.

Preparation Checklist
A checklist for facilitators to prepare in advance of the Charrette.

Sample and Annotated Agendas
A suggested structure and flow for the Charrette, demonstrating how to establish goals, organize topics for the day, set a structure and schedule, and more.

Green Development Plan
A matrix based on the Enterprise Green Communities Mandatory and Optional Criteria, which is designed to help the project team discuss green strategies and assign responsibilities for meeting the Criteria in design and development.

Powerpoint Presentation
A basic introductory Powerpoint presentation provides important background information, defines key issues based on the Enterprise Green Communities Criteria, offers basic education on integrative design, and helps structure Charrette activities and discussion among the project team.

Guidance for Facilitating the Touchstones Exercise andTouchstones Results Example
A valuable tool for setting green goals and the team’s ownership of the project’s objectives. The companion Touchstones Results Example file illustrates how to engage this exercise, and a “blank” version of this file can be used to implement this exercise during the Charrette.

Guidance for Facilitating Breakout Group Exercises andBreakout Sessions Worksheets
A helpful guide for facilitating the small group exercises identified in the Charrette agenda, which are most effective in groups of 5-8 people to allow everyone to be involved. The Guidance document outlines an approach focused on the following breakout group topics: site, building, and operations.  The companion Breakout Sessions Worksheets are designed for these small groups to use to record their findings.

Resources Checklist
Provides additional links to information on Charrettes, green affordable housing, and related incentives.

Other tools:

Carbon Calculator
Calculate the carbon footprint for your organization, event or household. Then, find out how to offset it through the Green Communities Offset Fund.

Enterprise Green Communities Certification

Online process for certifying green affordable housing developments. The process is available for any affordable housing project that meets the eligibility parameters.

Funding
Enterprise Green Communities offers a comprehensive array of fundingoptions for interested developers. Explore our funding options such as grants, loans and housing tax credit equity.

Going Green
Benefits and rationale for Going Green and an exciting way for organization and individuals to offset their carbon footprint by supporting our efforts to bring green housing to low-income people.

Enterprise Green Communities Criteria
The Enterprise Green Communities Criteria were developed collaboratively by Enterprise and a number of leading national organizations and experts for the purpose of providing a clear, cost-effective framework for all kinds of affordable housing: new construction and rehabilitation in multifamily as well as single family buildings. Learn if your project has the potential for green classification.

See also: http://www.greencommunitiesonline.org/tools/criteria/EGC_Criteria_Checklist.pdf

Information Resources

Enterprise offers an online resource for developers that includes reports of best practices, links to helpful Web sites and regulation information.

Neighborhood Stabilization

Case studies and online resources for green development under the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

Policy
Policymakers at all levels of government play a key role in creating sustainable affordable homes and communities.

Technical Assistance Providers Database
Access our network of approved technical assistance providers who support project teams in one or more of the following categories: integrated design, design review, energy services, construction review, inspections and performance testing, operations and maintenance

Training & Events
Explore a series of training sessions and events supported by the Green Communities program, which provide practical steps and examples of how to make housing developments healthier to live in and environmentally sound.

Transit-Oriented Development
Transit-Oriented Development is the creation of compact, walkable communities centered around transit systems, making it possible to live without complete dependence on a car. Get information on our Funds anb reports.

Weatherization
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has increased funding for weatherization by a factor of 20 times. Learn how to help low-income families permanently reduce energy bills.