At the end of the second paragraph, add the following text:

Sustainability strategies can be incorporated more effectively and efficiently at an early stage of development. Cities can register as early as the conceptual phase and earn precertification. Cities with a Master Plan that is finalized can achieve full Plan and Design certification. Cities at the development phase can also apply the Plan and Design rating system. While the evaluation is based on the Master Plan, these cities are encouraged to undertake additional strategies to ensure that they can meet the prerequisite requirements. For example, if the city is under development and the master plan does not meet the prerequisite requirements for green spaces, the city can incorporate innovative strategies such as vertical gardens or urban rooftop gardens to meet the requirements.
New cities and communities are mostly developed in phases. Projects with phases at various stages of planning and construction must follow the guidance provided below:
 Precertification: A project must use Existing precertification for the full project. Precertification is optional for these projects.
 Certification:
a. Plan and Design: A project must use the Plan and Design rating system for the phase that is at planning stage or is constructed less than 75% of its total building floor area.
b. Existing: If the phase is constructed over 75%, it must use the Existing rating system and must certify after being operational for a minimum period of one year.