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Twelve Traits of Sustainable Communities

“Sustainable Communities” have been defined by the United Nations (UN) World Summit On Sustainable Development as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Stated in other terms, it means the use and replenishment of resources for the benefit of all rather than the use and depletion of resources solely for today’s needs.

Building a truly sustainable way of life require the integration of action in three key areas:

A) Economic Growth and Development

B) Environmental Conservation and use of Natural Resources, and

C) Social Equity. 

The UN goes on to say that it calls for “Improving the quality of life for all the world's people without increasing the use of natural resources beyond the earth's carrying capacity.”

With the above as a basis, GreeningUSA, a private, not-for-profit organization, has undertaken a study of communities and organizations that are rising to the level of identifying sustainable community solutions. The "Twelve Traits of Sustainability Communities" is meant as one way to understand what makes a community “sustainable” and serve as a basis for a community to rate or assess its own sustainability when compared to these twelve traits. As such, it is a vehicle for positive change towards a higher level of sustainability in the lives of citizens, now and in the future. Future development will incorporate a how to do manual of and rating system for sustainable communities. See also ICLEI’ Star rating system.

• Trait 1.       Governmental Leadership by Executive, staff, and legislators         
• Trait 2.       Economic Development with diversified economic base   
• Trait 3.       Land Planning and Resource Management that is integrated, balanced, and diversified
• Trait 4.       Transportation & Parking with numerous options              
• Trait 5.       Infrastructure Systems addressing long and short term  
• Trait 6.       Buildings and Housing are environmentally sensitive and energy efficient
• Trait 7.       Energy Usage and Generation without fossil fuels                                
• Trait 8.       Waste Material Management is holistic and value based                     
• Trait 9.       Cultural Resources and Entertainment is well rounded and holistic                    
• Trait 10.     Education of high quality including sustainability education
• Trait 11.     Health and Safety based on clean, safe, healthy communities         
• Trait 12.     Community Involvement and participation by citizens

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