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SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
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s important as building green is to the environment, it’s just the beginning. The real focal point is sustainable development.
For some, this may still be a new term. In general, sustainable development is a comprehensive approach to community planning that views a community as a dynamic, living entity.
It integrates green ideas into every aspect of the community and focuses on creating an environment where humans and nature can mutually thrive for generations to come. Therefore, in each and every decision, the interdependent relationships between the two are carefully considered.
In Developing Sustainable Planned Communities,
a book published by The Urban Land Institute, a group of industry experts explore how sustainable development is the umbrella under which traditional neighborhood development (often called New Urban), conservation development, transit-oriented development, smart growth and green building converge. Another component to consider is landscaping.
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oisette, in North Charleston, S.C., has become a nationally-recognized sustainable community and illustrates all of these ideas. Under the thoughtful guidance of John Knott, Jr., a historic urban area that includes parts of the former Charleston Naval Base is slowly being transformed into a vital community.
One major consideration for the Noisette team, like all sustainable-minded community planners, is stormwater management. “We feel confident that we can create a pervious community that will not create flooding or other water problems downstream,” says Mr. Knott. Considering a community’s effect on surrounding areas is an important aspect of sustainable planning.
But Noisette is just one of many communities in the Carolinas that is taking a stand for socially responsible, sustainable development.
“The real estate industry, in general, has the potential to make a significant impact on the environment,” insists Jack Cecil, president of Biltmore Farms in Asheville, N.C., and the grandson of George W. Vanderbilt.
In honor of his grandfather’s passion for conservation, all of the communities within the Biltmore Farms family are sustainable. “It’s incumbent upon our company to plan wisely, to invest in best management practices, and to act in an environmentally-responsible manner, as these communities will likely outlast us.”
With forward-thinking communities like Noisette and Biltmore Farms in the Carolinas, we’re thankful they will.
click on this image to read more about ...
sustainable construction: green building design and delivery
by charles j. kibert
Going Green Primer
Check out our Carolina GreenHome TourTM -- a growing list of sustainable communities
and green idea homes across the Carolinas!
"Going Green"
Conservation &
Environmental
Resources
Have some fun. Get some expert feedback.
Post your Carolina
Going Green! questions,
comments and experiences on the "Carolinas
Message Board."
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