UNC-Charlotte Urban Institute collaborated with UNCA’s RENCI Institute and found there’s been a 500 percent increase in Western NC developed lands since 1976 — which translates to six acres of greenspace developed per day, and outpacing population growth by 10 to one.

The study is in its initial phase, looking at four counties around Asheville (Buncombe, Madison, Henderson and Transylvania). The study will be expanded to evaluate land use in 19 WNC counties.

This 10-minute video explains the study.

Thanks to WNC Green Building Council for call this story to our attention.