2.1a Location and Linkages

Feature	Homes  that are located close to stores, services and jobs, and are linked to the greater community with public transportation, as well as walking and bike paths, are becoming more desirable. Also desirable in today's green mindset are new homes that did not displace open lands.
Function	Allows  occupants of linked homes to cut down on car travel and to be a part of preserving open spaces.
Benefits	For those wanting to develop a greener lifestyle, a linked location creates a smaller “carbon footprint.”
Challenges	Homes built on rural lands can be cheaper than those closer in. Such outlying homes are often larger in square footage and thus appraise higher even though the location and lack of linkages will actually cost occupants more money in gas and travel costs.
Resources	• LEED for Homes Locations and Linkages point system
Examples	When homes are located near bike paths, that fact is often noted in real estate sales materials. (Source: Lake County, Illinois)   When this 2,428 sf, 3 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom home was advertised by Colorado Green Properties, the advertisement included a list of green benefits: • Located near public transportation • Tankless, on-demand water heater and dual flush toilets • Recycled, blown-in cellulose insulation • Low or zero VOC paints, coating and carpets • Low E, dual-pane windows