There were five primary drivers of the SW Ecodistrict Initiative:

The Monumental Core Framework Plan: In 2009 NCPC adopted the Monumental Core Framework Plan which laid the foundation for the revitalization of four federal precincts around the National Mall including the study area in the SW Ecodistrict Plan. It envisioned using federal land efficiently by restoring the street grid and increasing density; and redefining 10th street as a lively mixed use cultural corridor.

Federal Sustainability Goals: The 2009 Executive Order (EO) 13514 Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance sought to improve sustainability throughout the federal government and included aggressive sustainability requirements for new and redeveloped federal buildings. The EO was replaced by EO 13693, which establishes stronger sustainability goals.

District Scale Planning and Implementation: The SW Ecodistrict Plan was a study to determine if it is feasible and effective to advance the Framework Plan visions and achieve high performing sustainable infrastructure goals by planning and implementing district scale strategies (infrastructure shared among a group of buildings on several blocks) versus traditional building by building strategies.

Private Sector Interest: Over the last several years, an increasing number of private property owners and developers have shown strong interest in investing in and around the study area. Several new projects are already underway, including the $2 billion Wharf waterfront development and the new International Spy Museum. The SW Ecodistrict Initiative seeks to leverage this interest.

Workforce Innovations: The General Service Administration is leading the way in modernizing the federal workplace by implementing teleworking policies and creating more shared workspaces, often using technology to improve mobility. As these changes are more widely used, they could have a significant impact on the federal footprint within the SW Ecodistrict. The potential reductions are consistent with a 2013 OMB directive to limit executive branch agencies to their 2012 square footage baseline.

Tthe SW Ecodistrict Plan development scenario results in a mix of uses and neighborhood amenities, including new cultural destinations, residences and offices.

Civic Realm: The plan proposes 14.3 acres of new or improved parks and plazas for up to five memorial sites. The plan also has room for 1.2 million square feet for up to five museums.

Renovated Space: The plan improves 7.9 million square feet of existing federal office space, accommodating 19,000 additional employees. It would also accommodate at least 100,000 square feet of convenience retail development.

New Space: The plan creates 1.8 million square feet of residential or hotel development and 1 million square feet of private or federal office space.

A combination of district and building scale strategies create a high-performance neighborhood with a number of environmental benefits. A fully built out Ecodistrict can:

• Lower greenhouse gas emissions by 51 percent while moving toward a zero-net energy district as measured in carbon.
• Reduce potable water consumption by 70 percent and improve stormwater management.
• Recycle 75 percent of construction material from building rehabilitation and divert 80 percent of the every-day waste sent to the landfill.
• Cover 40 percent of the Ecodistrict with tree canopy, and make at least 35 percent of the surface area pervious to absorb more storm water.

The SW EcodistrictPlan is a road map to achieve the Ecodistrict vision that will take decades to complete as opportunities arise It is now up to private developers and federal agencies with a footprint in the SW Ecodistrict to incorporate the plan’s urban development and environmental recommendations when planning and designing new, rehabilitation, or redevelopment projects in the area. Building projects and civic realm improvements are already underway. The Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID), formed in 2015, play an important role in coordinating and encouraging development consistent with the Ecodistrict vision. Follow the Latest News section to stay up to date on SW Ecodistrict progress!