Building the future: Making a change through sustainable communities.

The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its memebers

Coretta Scott King

DEFINING SUSTAINaBLE COMMUNITIES

A sustainable community is one that can endure over multiple generations, with a healthy environment, thriving economy, and vibrant civic life. Such a community does not undermine its social or physical support systems but instead develops in harmony with the region’s ecological characteristics. It prioritizes multiple human needs and creates a welcoming and safe environment for individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Sustainable community development takes a long-term perspective by anticipating and adapting to change in the present and future.

We try to find natural balance and respect for humanity’s symbolic relationship with the Earth’s natural ecology and cycles.

A sustainable community approaches economic, environmental, and social issues holistically, recognizing their interdependence. It understands the sensitive interface between the natural and built environments and takes steps to move away from polluting and wasteful practices. The community considers the full environmental, economic, and social impacts and costs of development and community operations. It recognizes and protects its natural, cultural, historical, and human assets and resources while fostering collaboration and citizen participation. The community promotes resource conservation and pollution prevention, prioritizing improving community health and quality of life. It also takes action to create value-added products and services in the local economy.

When sustainability is prioritized at the local level, changes can be observed and experienced more immediately. Discussing a “sustainable society” or a “sustainable world” can be too abstract for most people, making it challenging to generate and sustain the political will required to implement sustainable practices on a large scale. In contrast, the locality is the level of social organization where the effects of environmental degradation are most acutely felt, and where successful intervention is most apparent.

Property Development

focus on Sustainable Communities

At its core, property development is all about constructing homes and communities where people can live, work, and play. It involves everything from building new homes to renovating and revitalising existing spaces. However, property development has the potential to impact people beyond its practical aspects, influencing both their emotional and physical well-being as well as the environment.

One crucial aspect of property development is its potential to create vibrant and thriving neighbourhoods where people can connect and build relationships with one another. The creation of such neighbourhoods requires thoughtful and intentional planning that prioritizes community-building elements.

A sense of community is crucial for promoting positive social and emotional development, fostering a sense of belonging, and shared purpose. When communities are well-designed, with green spaces, community centres, and other amenities, they become centres of social activity and connection, promoting community and improving overall well-being.

It takes a long-term perspective – focusing on anticipating and adapting to bring change in both the present and future.

Core Principles

COMMUNITY PRINCIPLES

The community principles suggest that planning should be in the form of complete and integrated communities containing housing, shops, work places, schools, parks, and civic facilities essential to the daily life of the residents.

The community design should help conserve resources and minimize waste, while also providing for the efficient use of water and energy.

Regional Principles

The regional land use planning structure should be connected to transit rather than freeways, while greenbelt/wildlife corridors should define and surround the regions. Regional institutions and services should be placed in the urban core, and materials and methods of construction should reflect the region’s history, culture, climate, and local character.

Implementation Strategies

Local governments should take control of the planning process instead of relying on developer-initiated, piecemeal development. Specific plans should be prepared prior to any development, based on the planning principles, and complying projects should be allowed to proceed with minimal delay. The planning process should be open, and all participants should be provided visual models of the proposals to ensure transparency.

Support for mainstreaming

Mainstreaming sustainable community development is the process of integrating sustainable practices into all aspects of community development. This can be achieved through the creation of policies and regulations that encourage sustainable development, the establishment of partnerships between businesses and communities, and the adoption of sustainable practices in everyday life.

Creating sustainable infrastructure is essential for mainstreaming sustainable community development. Communities can create infrastructure that is environmentally friendly, such as renewable energy sources, sustainable transportation systems, and green buildings. This infrastructure can help reduce carbon emissions, conserve natural resources, and improve the quality of life for community members.

In conclusion, mainstreaming sustainable community development is critical for creating communities that are environmentally friendly, socially just, and economically viable. It requires the cooperation of individuals, businesses, governments, and organizations around the world. By encouraging sustainable practices, building partnerships, educating the community, promoting sustainable economic development, and creating sustainable infrastructure, we can create a sustainable future for generations to come.