Atlanta BeltLine – Westside Extension

As part of the team selection process for the Westside Trail North Extension, Atlanta BeltLine Inc. made measuring the climate performance of their future work a priority. The Climate Positive Design team joined the interdisciplinary group of designers, engineers, and other experts to help guide the design of the current phase, by conducting baseline analysis on a completed trail segment to inform current project performance.

The project goals were to maintain the established character of the 22-mile multi-modal Atlanta BeltLine and prioritize carbon accounting methods aimed at reducing embodied carbon emissions and maximizing carbon sequestration potential.

Through targeted analysis and strategic planning, the Atlanta BeltLine project achieved significant results, including a 22% reduction in emissions compared to business-as-usual practices primarily attributed to the inclusion of cementitious substitutions in concrete and utilization of recycled content in steel. There was an 84% increase in carbon sequestration due to the implementation of an afforestation strategy, surpassing conventional urban street tree planting methods.

Another achievement of the project was the successful advocacy for a change in municipal code, allowing for the use of cementitious substitutions in pedestrian concrete. This regulatory adjustment represents a critical step towards promoting sustainable construction practices along the BeltLine.