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OUR SECOND CHALLENGE: To Plan and Design in a Sustainable Manner
To create sustainable neighbourhoods, an approach is required that permits the broader concepts of sustainable development and sustainable living to be translated into meaningful planning and design decisions at the neighbourhood scale.
Although the concept of sustainable development is on the agenda of many governments and organizations, it is not being translated into measurable change on the ground. Of the numerous challenges encountered in transferring this concept to planning, design and implementation, developing a common language and a single, inclusive approach have emerged as two of the most important needs.
1) Key Need: A Common Language
The numerous definitions, conceptual frameworks and sets of principles used to characterize sustainable development can create problems and lead to misunderstandings when trying to implement sustainable development initiatives. For example, debates arise about what sustainable development means; different definitions emerge among various branches of an organization resulting in departments working at cross-purposes; environmental initiatives in one area create unsustainable conditions in another.
Sustainable development principles, strategic guidelines, actions and tools are often confused, leading to debates which suggest that different sustainable development approaches are in conflict. Upon closer investigation, however, it becomes clear that each approach presents a perspective from different aspects of the same overall system model. The Natural Step organization, in cooperation with an international network of scientists, addressed this issue by developing a five-level hierarchy for classifying the numerous concepts used to characterize sustainable development.
Classifying concepts in this manner assists in developing a common language for those adopting sustainable neighbourhood practices.
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SCIENTIFIC LAWS |
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This level refers to the “rules of the game” − natural laws that determine how systems function. Examples include the laws of thermodynamics. |
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SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES |
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This level defines the “success outcome” we wish to achieve. Principles must be rigorous enough to allow us to achieve a sustainable future. |
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STRATEGIC GUIDELINES |
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This level refers to “ process characteristics”. Guidelines are generally neutral with respect to sustainability. Examples include stakeholder engagement and return on investment. |
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ACTIONS |
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This level describes “practical measures” for achieving the desired outcome. Actions must adhere to all sustainability principles. Note that concepts such as efficiency, zero carbon, natural habitat, and culture refer to categories of actions. |
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TOOLS |
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This level refers to “support tools” that assist in planning and designing, selecting and assessing actions, and measuring progress. Examples include opportunities and constraints reports, workshops and charrettes, site and scenario models, and indicators and targets. |
2) Key Need: A Single, Inclusive Approach
A comprehensive strategic model is required to guide the transition to a sustainable future and facilitate a clearer understanding of how to balance social, environmental and economic parameters. A number of established, pragmatic and interrelated sustainable development approaches have been identified as having the elements essential to a single, inclusive approach. These elements are presented in the figure below.
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