A significant challenge is getting people to understand exactly what it is that we are talking about when we say we are going to build a "Sustainable Development". When we mention words like sustainable, green, or environmentally-friendly, people react in different ways. These words often stir up images of sacrifice and lack of amenities or comfort. In fact, we have learned that using a variety of old and new technologies along with common sense, nothing could be further from the truth. A common definition of sustainable development is:
Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Accomplishing this requires consideration of environmental, economic, and social factors. At the level of a residential community, we are focused on the following principles:
- Create an environment that builds community
- Conserve resources
- Recycle
- Use renewable resources
- Preserve natural habitats
- Create homes that are good for people
- Create an environment that builds community