What is a sustainable community?
Sustainable communities are:
- Well-planned and well-built
- Adaptable
- Safe
- Environmentally sensitive
- Well-run
- Attractive to investors
- Supported by good transport and other local services
They balance and integrate the social, economic and environmental aspects of a place to meet the needs of its residents today and in the future.
Sustainable communities support people of all ages, races, nationalities and genders and uphold the principles of sustainable development.
» Find out more about the eight components of a sustainable community.
Why are sustainable communities important?
Trying to create sustainable communities isn't just a theoretical concept - it's about creating places where people want to live and work now and in the future. Places which are prosperous and vibrant will improve everyone's quality of life. Ask yourself the simple question: "who doesn't want to live and work in a place they like"?
Are there any good examples of sustainable communities?
Good examples include the Castle Vale estate in Birmingham, the village of High Bickington in Devon and Grand Union Village in west London.
