| An Analysis of Existing Sustainability Definitions,
Principles and Measures
Introduction
Sustainable communities are cities and towns that prosper because people work together to produce a high quality of life that they want to sustain and constantly improve. They are communities that flourish because they build a mutually supportive, dynamic balance between social well-being, economic opportunity, and environmental quality. While it is not possible today to point to a list and say, "These communities are sustainable," the emerging ideal of sustainable communities is a goal many are striving to achieve. And while there is no single template for a sustainable community, cities and towns pursuing sustainable development often have characteristics in common. Generally speaking, they integrate the five concepts outlined above and demonstrate their application locally. Some communities have adopted sustainable community principles through legislation, executive order, or other actions. – President’s Council on Sustainable Development, 1997
Definitions
AIA Definitions
The AIA has articulated its own previous versions of sustainability definitions, including the following:
“Draft” Definition of Sustainable Design
The linked domains of sustainability are environmental (natural patterns and flows), economic (financial patterns and equity), and social (human, cultural, and spiritual). Sustainable design is a collaborative process that involves thinking ecologically—studying systems, relationships, and interactions—in order to design in ways that remove rather than contribute stress from systems. The sustainable design process holistically and creatively connects land use and design at the regional level and addresses community design and mobility; site ecology and water use; place-based energy generation, performance, and security; materials and construction; light and air; bioclimatic design; and issues of long life and loose fit. True sustainable design is beautiful, humane, socially appropriate, and restorative.
SDAT Definition
The collaborative SDAT program brings together architects and other professionals assembled from across the country to provide a roadmap for communities seeking to improve their sustainability - as defined by a community’s ability to meet the environmental, economic, and social equity needs of today without reducing the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Principles
AIA has articulated similar sets of principles related to the creation of sustainable communities.
| AIA 50to50 Individual Criteria/Measurements |
| Site |
| Regional Planning and Land Use |
| Alternative Transportation |
| Land utilization |
| Community Development |
| Building Orientation |
| Energy-saving Landscape |
| Low-maintenance Landscape |
| Site Furnishings |
| Water |
| Conservation/Reclamation/Reuse |
| Permeable Surfaces |
| Skin, Space, Structure |
| Building Form |
| Earth Contact |
| Biomimicry |
| Appropriate Size and Growth |
| Space Utilization |
| Space Reuse |
| Windows and Openings |
| Sun Shading |
| Furniture and Equipment |
| Exterior and Interior material and finishes |
| Structural Materials |
| Systems |
| Passive Solar Systems |
| Active Solar Systems |
| Thermal Transfer |
| Radiant Heating and Cooling |
| Energy Source Ramifications |
| Renewable Energy Sources |
| Energy Generation/Reclamation |
| Daylighting |
| Efficient Artificial Lighting |
| Conserving Systems and Equipment |
| Systems Integration |
| Smart Controls |
| Water Use Efficiency |
| Waste Streams |
| Support |
| System Commissioning |
| Tuning Up |
| Building Monitoring |
| Staff Training |
| Green Maintenance |
| Occupant Awareness |
| Lifecycle Assessment |
| Integrated Project Delivery |
| Energy Modeling |
| Regulatory Initiatives |
| Community-based Initiatives |
| Institutional Initiatives |
| Environmental Education |
| Future Technologies |
| Innovation |
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