The suggestions were developed through a series of workshops during the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Atlanta last November.

The U.S. Green Building Council unveiled the ideas in a presentation titled "The New Orleans Principles: Celebrating the Rich History of New Orleans Through Commitment to a Sustainable Future."

HOK sustainable design leaders played a pivotal role in the planning, implementation and follow-up documentation from the workshops, with several additional HOK design professionals also participating.

The 10 principles are:

• Respect the rights of all citizens of New Orleans.
• Restore natural protections of the greater New Orleans region.
• Implement an inclusive planning process.
• Value diversity in New Orleans.
• Protect the city of New Orleans.
• Embrace smart development.
• Honor the past; build for the future.
• Provide for passive survivability.
• Foster locally owned, sustainable business.
• Focus on the long term.

The Green Building Council promised to deliver more reports to New Orleans soon on Affordable Housing, Sustainable Schools and Gulf Coast Guidelines.

Source: "Building Council Calls for Smart Development in New Orleans," New Orleans City Business, March 20, 2006, by Deon Roberts. Read the story.