SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES: PLANNING FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

Sustainable development has become the rallying cry of dedicated environmentalists and trenchant industrialists alike. Any concept with such broad appeal across the political-ideological spectrum merits a closer look. Based on a reassessment of certain key assumptions of macro- and neoclassical economics, prevailing environmental trends, and ecological theory, this paper develops an ecologically realistic framework for planning sustainable communities and explores some of its implications for Canadian communities in the 21st century. Strong sustainability has serious implications for urban form, for the material basis of urban life, and for community social relationships that must be expressed as practical measures in planning Canadian communities. These measures must emphasize the efficient use of urban space, reducing consumption of material and energy resources, improving community livability, and organizing administrative and planning processes that can deal sensitively and comprehensively with the attendant socioeconomic and ecological complexities. International bodies and national governments may struggle to formulate policies to achieve this goal, but it is at the community level where most of these initiatives will have to be implemented. Many local governments have taken action singlehandedly. They recognize that fiscal, economic, and ecological benefits will accrue to those who get their environmental house in order.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/1853394521
• Corporate Authors:

  Intermediate Technology Publications Limited

  9 King Street
  London WC2E 8HW,   United Kingdom 
• Authors:
  • Rees, W E
  • Roseland, M
• Publication Date: 1998

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 203-221
• Serial:
  • Sustainable Development and the Future of Cities
  • Publisher: Intermediate Technology Publications Limited

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: City planning; Communities; Ecology; Economics; Energy conservation; Energy consumption; Environmental protection; Environmental quality; Land use; Land use planning; Local government; Planning; Social factors; Sustainable development; Transportation planning; Urban development
• Geographic Terms: Canada
• Subject Areas: Economics; Energy; Environment; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Society; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00768934
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 1853394521
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 23 1999 12:00AM