Atlanta BeltLine - Westside Extension

Atlanta, Georgia

Client
Atlanta BeltLine Inc

Associated Firm
CMG Landscape Architecture

CPD Members
Pamela Conrad
Eustacia Brossart

Project Team
Alta Planning & Design team, Atelier Ten and many more.

Date
2020 – Ongoing

Size
4.74 acres (1.3 miles long)

Image Credit
CMG Landscape Architecture

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.

Atlanta Beltline - Westside Extension
Atlanta Beltline - Westside Extension
Atlanta Beltline - Westside Extension
Atlanta Beltline - Westside Extension
Atlanta Beltline - Westside Extension
Atlanta Beltline - Westside Extension
Atlanta Beltline - Westside Extension
Atlanta Beltline - Westside Extension
Atlanta Beltline - Westside Extension