Sustainable planning has simple concepts at its core. However, the application of sustainable planning is difficult in America since private land rights are at the center of our cultural ideology. Consequently, public planning agencies have fewer tools at their disposal to regulate growth when compared to other nations.
For that reason, the most effective way to pursue smart growth in America is not necessarily through governmental regulation, but rather by raising awareness of the value of sustainable planning concepts through education and choosing to support those concepts. By purchasing real estate that is in keeping with sustainable planning principles, you are supporting the sustainable development of America. To help you decide if your next purchase of real estate supports sustainable development, Eco Concepts Realty recommends using The American Institute of Architects Ten Principles for Livable Communities as your guideline. Eco Concepts Realty has abridged the Ten Principles for Livable Communities to fit within the real estate context.
The AIA's Ten Principles for Livable Communities
1. Buildings on a Human Scale Compact, pedestrian-friendly communities allow residents to walk to shops, services, cultural resources, and jobs. This helps to reduce traffic congestion and has cardiovascular health benefits.
2. Community with Choices Communities with a variety in housing, shopping, recreation, transportation, and employment creates lively neighborhoods, mixes socio-economic classes and accommodates residents in various stages of their lives.
3. Mixed Use Development Mixing different land uses and varied building types creates vibrant, pedestrian-friendly, and diverse communities.
4. Existing Urban Centers Supporting urban centers takes advantage of existing streets, services and buildings and avoids the need for new infrastructure. This helps to curb sprawl and promotes stability for city neighborhoods.
5. Transportation Options The option of walking, biking, and using public transit, in addition to driving reduces traffic congestion, protects the environment and encourages physical activity.
6. Vibrant Public Spaces Vibrant public spaces provides citizens with welcoming, well-defined public areas for personal interaction, celebration and reflection, art and cultural appreciation, civic participation and public events.
7. Neighborhood Identity A "sense of place" gives neighborhoods a unique character, enhances the walking environment and creates pride in the community.
8. Environmental Resources Protection A well-designed balance of nature and development preserves natural systems, protects waterways from pollution, reduces air pollution, and benefits property values.
9. Landscapes Conservation Significant and contiguous open space, farms and wildlife habitat are essential for environmental, recreational and cultural factors.
10. Design Matters Design excellence is the foundation of successful and healthy communities.
