Efficient land use patterns and communities designed to accommodate all modes of travel, including walking, biking, and public transportation are vital parts of increasing the energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of the U.S. transportation system. EESI advances policies that help local communities build and develop in “energy-smart” ways. Community features that can enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions include:

• Compact development
• Mixed land use, that can combine residential, commercial, job centers, schools, social services, public institutions, etc.
• Design practices that enhance travel between destinations by all modes (also known as “complete street” practices)

Comparisons of different neighborhoods, regions, and states in terms of transportation costs and fuel consumption have shown reductions in energy use and carbon emissions attributed to land use planning and community design greater than 50 percent. These studies strongly suggest that one's personal carbon footprint, in terms of transportation, often depends more on where you live than on what you drive.

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