PRINCIPLE FOUR
Maintain and, if possible, enhance the
quality of society through community building
 A sustainable society is one that persists and thrives. It
provides a high quality of life for all of its inhabitants without
harming the integrity and productivity of the natural systems and
resources upon which all life depends. Humans' needs and
desires are met within the limits of what nature can provide.
Choices on design, particularly at medium and high density, greatly
affect energy use and natural materials consumption. Public
transport and road investment, and decisions that affect an
individual’s car ownership choices are important when talking about
improving the quality of society through community building.
PRINCIPLES
|
4.1 |
Communities should be the primary focus
of responsibility for creating a sustainable society
Communities should be the primary locus of responsibility for
creating a sustainable society. This is because most of the
individual behaviors and governmental policies that support
sustainability are best nurtured at the local level. The
human species has an innate inclination to care about our
neighbors and our community, and the beauty of the natural
environment in the place which we happen to call home. |
|
4.2 |
A sustainable society should value
cultural diversity
A sustainable society values diversity because it provides
strength and resilience to the human community, just as it
does in nature. A sustainable society resolves the inherent
conflicts among its members through peaceful, respectful and
non-violent means. |
|
4.3 |
A community should contain an ample
supply of open space
The community should contain an ample supply of specialized
open space in the form of squares, greens and parks whose
frequent use is encouraged through placement and design.
|
|
4.4 |
Infrastructure systems that encourage
more efficient, productive use of resources should be used
Infrastructure can be defined as the basic facilities,
services, and installations needed for the functioning of a
community or society. Sustainable infrastructure systems deal
with energy systems, water and wastewater, stormwater
management, and solid waste management. Though the solutions
for each sector differ, all grew out of creative thinking, a
team approach to problem-solving, and a belief in more
efficient, productive use of resources. |
|
4.5 |
Communities should use and invest in
technology that supports the ability of local enterprises to
succeed, improves civic life, and provide open access to
information and resources
Communities should use and invest in technology that supports
the ability of local enterprises to succeed, improves civic
life, and provides open access to information and resources.
Coupled with the development of online educational content
and access to useful information online (like job
opportunities, childcare, health and benefits information)
progress can be made in wired communities.
|
|
4.6 |
Employment and a healthy and safe work
environment should be available to anyone willing to prepare
themselves (education, training, attitude and ethic) for work
The ability to find work, be provided with healthy work and
stay healthy is significantly shaped by socio-economic
status. Employment is one of the most strongly evidenced
determinants of health. People’s employment status and
the nature of their work have a direct bearing on their
physical and mental health and even their life expectancy.
This is related to income, a sense of making a valuable
contribution and increased social networks gained through
work.
|
|
4.7 |
Individuals should have the opportunity
to obtain education and training to develop work and life
skills
Because human resources are so valuable in the information
age, communities should provide life-long skills and learning
opportunities by investing in excellent schools,
post-secondary institutions, and opportunities for continuous
education and training available to all. |
|
4.8 |
Regional institutions and services
(government, stadiums, museums, etc.) should be available in
the urban core
Regional institutions and services (government, stadiums,
museums, etc.) should be located in the urban core. |
|
4.9 |
Materials and methods of construction
should be specific to the climate and region
Materials and methods of construction should be specific to
the region, exhibiting a continuity of history and culture
and compatibility with the climate to encourage the
development of local character and community identity. |
|
4.10 |
Integration of transit systems should be
promoted and encouraged
The location and character of the community should be
consistent with a larger transit network. The regional
land-use planning structure should be integrated within a
larger transportation network built around transit rather
than freeways. |
|
4.11 |
Measures to minimize the impacts of
vehicles and transportation should be promoted and encouraged
Measures to minimize the impact that vehicles, the
manufacturing of vehicles, the construction of roads, and
production of cement have on the environment. Most cities
are dependent upon global transportation systems.
Particulates and other pollutants from the burning of fossil
fuels and biomass are transported long distances. Global air
chemistry is thus affected by local air pollution. Further,
humans suffer health effects due to air pollution from
distant sources. |
|
4.12 |
Streets, pedestrian paths and bike paths
should contribute to a fully integrated system to all
destinations
Streets, pedestrian paths and bike paths should contribute to
a system of fully-connected and interesting routes to all
destinations. Their design should encourage pedestrian and
bicycle use by being small and spatially defined by
buildings, trees and lighting; and by discouraging high speed
traffic. |
Principles of Sustainability
| I
| II
| III
| IV
| V
| VI
| VII
|
