DOCSLIB.ORG

Improving Water Quality with Green Infrastructure a Sustainable Framework for Growth and Development in the Central Midlands Region

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Improving Water Quality with Green Infrastructure a Sustainable Framework for Growth and Development in the Central Midlands Region ImprovingImproving WaterWater QualityQuality WithWith GreenGreen InfrastructureInfrastructure A Sustainable Framework for Growth and Development in the Central Midlands Region CENTRAL MIDLANDS Council of Governments Th is Page Intentionally Left Blank Improving Water Quality with Green Infrastructure A Sustainable Framework For Growth and Development In the Central Midlands Region Adopted by the Central Midlands Council of Governments Board of Directors on October 27, 2011. Project Sponsors Th is project was conducted with support from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCHEC) through the 604(b) Statewide Water Quality Management Program. Funding was provided through this program by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Acknowledgements Th is document was made possible with invaluable contributions from a number of individuals and organizations who served as an informal steering committee to help guide the development of this project: • Carolina Clear • Richland and Lexington Countywide Stormwater Consortiums • Richland County Department of Public Works • Lexington County Department of Public Works • City of Columbia Planning Department • Newberry County Planning and Zoning • Fairfi eld County • Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission • City of Aiken • CMCOG Transportation Planning Program A special thank you is extended to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control for their assistance with this project and their continued support for the Central Midlands 208 Water Quality Management Program. About Central Midlands Council of Governments (CMCOG) Created in 1969, CMCOG is a regional planning organization, which provides a forum in which local offi cials can work to resolve issues that transcend their own political boundaires. CMCOG currently consists of 14 member governments and serves in excess of 680,000 people in four midlands counties of Fairfi eld, Newberry, Richland and Lexington. CMCOG works to develop area-wide plans and programs for addressing a wide range of issues that collectively aff ect local governments such as: regional urban & rural transportation plan- ning; environmental and land use planning; community and economic development; workforce development; and aging services. CMOCG Staff also provides a wide of variety of research, plan- ning and technical assistance to local governments, writes and administers a variety of grants, and serves as the Area Agency on Aging/ Aging & Disability Resource Center and the Long Term Care Ombudsman for the Central Midlands region. Contents Introduction 7 Purpose and Intent 9 Organization 11 Intended Audience 11 A Primer on Water Quality Planning 13 Watersheds 14 Th e Hydrologic Cycle 14 Impacts of Development 14 Types of Pollution 15 Th e Clean Water Act 17 An Overview of Green Infrastructure 23 A Defi nition of Green Infrastructure 24 Th e Benefi ts of Green Infrastructure 27 Implementing Green Infrastructure 29 A Green Infrastructure Toolbox 31 Green Infrastructure Policies and Programs 32 Site Specifi c Green Infrastructure Techniques 54 Green Infrastructure Case Studies 77 City of Aiken 78 University of South Carolina Green Quad 80 Saluda Shoals Park Constructed Wetland 82 Noisette Community Master Plan 83 Arcadia Lakes Tree of Life Rain Garden 85 Town of Fairbluff , NC: Lumber River Riverwalk 86 Th is Page Intentionally Left Blank Putting Green Infrastructure To Work In The Central Midlands Region 89 A Watershed Based Approach to Regional Planning 91 Regional Green Infrastructure Concept 98 Concept Plan for an Impaired Watershed 100 Selected References 103 Key Terms 107 Appendix A: Model Comprehensive Plan Language 112 Appendix B: Model Conservation Subdivision and Incentive Zoning Provisions 117 Appendix C: Report on CMCOG Wetlands Mitigation Banking Activities 123 Introduction In his 2005 book Infrastructure: A Field Guide to the Industrial Landscape, author Brian Hayes presents for the reader an informative and illustrative guidebook for identifying and understanding the everyday features of the built environment (i.e., the roads, dams, water and sewer systems, electrical grids, and other engineered structures that support our soci- ety). His purpose in writing the book was to cultivate in the reader a greater awareness, appreciation, and enthusiasm for all of the “miscellaneous hardware that goes into making a civilization.” He further explains that such a fi eld guide should provide more than just basic information for identifying this hardware, but it should ultimately lead to a better understanding of how the individual elements of this engineered landscape fi t together as a “coherent whole.” Th is perceived lack of a general under- ported away from its source as quickly standing of the engineered aspects of our and effi ciently as possible. Th is is typically daily lives suggests that for too long we accomplished in an urban environment by have thought of infrastructure as some- a complex conveyance system of under- thing that is essential to our existence, but ground drains and pipes that eventually ultimately not in harmony with the natu- discharge directly into a natural drainage ral and cultural landscapes in which we system or water body with little or no prior live. We have therefore made it a prior- treatment. ity to hide this infrastructure from view and regulate its incompatibilities with Such systems typically drain impervious the cultural resources it supports and the surface areas and intensively managed natural resources it depends on. Th e word landscapes, such as parking lots and golf infrastructure itself, as many authors have courses, and as a result can contribute high pointed out, is based on a combination concentrations of chemicals, nutrients and of the Latin prefi x “infra” which means sediment to local water resources. Because “below” and the word “structure” which this infrastructure system is not highly visi- in this case refers to something that is ble, its positive functional value and nega- constructed or built for a specifi c civil tive water quality impacts go largely unno- purpose. By using this word to refer to ticed by the average citizen. the essential components of the built envi- ronment we are acknowledging its impor- So the question becomes, what can we tance to our existence, but at the same do to increase the public visibility of our time suggesting it should be placed under- infrastructure system and at the same time ground and out of sight. strengthen its relationship to the natural and cultural environment? Th e concepts Urban stormwater infrastructure provides of Green Infrastructure (GI) and Low a perfect example of this seemingly inher- Impact Development (LID), both of which ent tension within the built environment. are quickly becoming an integral part of Conventional stormwater management main stream planning and development techniques are based on the principle practice, off er a viable solution to these that stormwater runoff should be trans- issues. Many urban streams have been channelized and routed underground in order to make way for residential and commercial development. 8 A Green Infrastructure Plan for the Central Midlands Region Rain Gardens are a type of Green Infrastructure project that can provide wildlife habitat, aesthetic enhancments, and water quality improvements. Green Infrastructure for stormwater environmental regulatory agencies have management in particular, seeks to utilize expanded their outreach eff orts to encour- natural processes for retaining and treat- age local and regional governments to ing stormwater where it falls and by doing conduct green infrastructure planning and so creates a functional but aesthetically begin adopting green infrastructure prac- pleasing landscaped environment that tices. As a result, many local and regional can become a part of the public realm. entities across the country have developed Because such site design features add green infrastructure plans that have tradi- aesthetic value to a project rather than take tionally taken the form of informational away from it, the public can more easily be toolkits that describe common green infra- engaged in the planning and development structure practices and the environmental, process and as result become more aware economic and social benefi ts of their adop- of the relationship a building program tion. has to the natural environment in which it resides. Th e economic, social and envi- Purpose and Intent ronmental benefi ts of adopting GI and LID practices are numerous and can there- Th e purpose of the following document is fore greatly contribute to the building of to follow the lead set by the EPA by provid- community consensus around a sustain- ing a comprehensive source of general able, long-term vision for regional growth information on GI and LID Best Manage- and development. ment Practices (BMPs) for improving water quality in the Central Midlands Over the past decade, the US Environ- Region. Even though a wealth of this mental Protection Agency (EPA) and state information is currently available online from a number of authoritative sources Chapter 1: Introduction 9 such as the EPA, American Rivers and spread adoption of these concepts within the Center for Watershed Protection, it is each member governments own planning highly desirable to also have a local source and public works programs. of information where elected offi cials, planning commission members, private In addition to
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 9.3 Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas (GHG)
    General Plan 9Sustainability Sustainability is a core value of the Community Vision, and an intrinsic component of all elements of the Carlsbad General Plan. The very same policies that further sustainable development also enhance quality-of-life and public health; increase energy efficiency and eliminate waste; enhance biological resources; and further other initiatives central to this plan. The purpose of sustainability in Carlsbad— and its incorporation throughout the General Plan—is to take responsibility for development and projected population growth and their potential impact on the 9-1 City of Carlsbad environment. By implementing sustainable 9Sustainability design measures and policies, Carlsbad can reduce its contribution to global climate change, minimize its reliance on fossil-fuel sources, decrease consumption of natural resources, while promoting active living and access to healthy food and demonstrating its commitment and leadership on sustainability. Because policies more directly related to topics such as mobility and land use are addressed in other elements, those elements should be consulted along with the Sustainability Element for a full understanding of General Plan sustainability initiatives. This element, like others in the General Plan, is policy and action-oriented, with limited background material. A comprehensive analysis of sustainability in Carlsbad was performed in 2010 as part of the work effort leading to this General Plan, and is presented in Working Paper #1: Sustainability. 9-2 General Plan 9.1 Introduction Background and Purpose Sustainability can be defined as “development that meets the needs of the 9Sustainability present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Since sustainability is an integral part of the Carlsbad General Plan, sustainability policies are included within each of the elements as appropriate.
    [Show full text]
  • Seizing the Opportunity of Green Development in China
    Supporting Report 3 Seizing the Opportunity of Green Development in China 229 230 CHINA 2030 Contents Abbreviations ............................................................ 232 Chapter One WHY GREEN DEVELOPMENT? ............................................ 233 a. The traditional model of development is no longer feasible .....................233 b. New opportunities arise ................................................236 Chapter Two “GREEN” AS A SOURCE OF GROWTH ...................................... 238 a. How “green” contributes to growth? ......................................238 b. Source 1: Green transformation of traditional sectors .........................240 c. Source 2: Expansion of emerging green industries ............................243 d. Source 3: Expansion of the service sector ...................................245 e. Additional opportunities for China’s under-developed regions ..................247 Chapter Three “GREEN” IMPROVES THE QUALITY OF GROWTH .......................... 249 a. Improving the quality of China’s growth by reducing environmental degradation ...249 b. Environmental co-benefits of green development .............................253 c. The benefits of investing in environmental protection .........................254 d. Adapting to a changing climate by increasing resilience to risk ..................255 Chapter Four FACTORS FAVORING AND IMPEDING GREEN DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA .....257 a. Factors favoring green development in China ...............................257 b. Factors impeding green development
    [Show full text]
  • Sustainable Design and Green Building Toolkit for LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
    Sustainable Design and Green Building Toolkit FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS EPA 904B10001 | June 2010 Disclaimer The Sustainable Design and Green Building Toolkit for Local Governments (Toolkit) is not intended to provide guidance on local government codes/ordinances. The information here, however, can help communities evaluate their existing codes/ordinances and apply the information to create more environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable communities. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cannot attest to the accuracy of non- EPA Web sites provided in the Toolkit. Providing references to non-EPA Web sites, companies, services, or products does not constitute an endorsement by EPA or any of its employees of the sponsors of the site or the information or products presented. Furthermore, EPA does not accept any responsibility for the opinions, ideas, data, or products presented at non-EPA Web sites, or guarantee the validity of the information provided. Cover credits: Top row of photos courtesy of Loren Heyns with Neighborhood.org. Bottom photo courtesy of Neighborhood.org. Sustainable Design and Green Building Toolkit for Local Governments i Acknowledgments The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is grateful for the invaluable assistance of a number of organizations and individuals who helped develop the Sustainable Design and Green Building Toolkit for Local Governments (Toolkit). Approximately 40 individuals contributed to the development of the Toolkit by participating in a March 2009 workshop hosted by the Southface Energy Institute in Atlanta, Overcoming Barriers to Green Permitting: Tools for Local Governments. The workshop was facilitated by Michael Elliott, Director of Research, Consortium on Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Georgia Institute of Technology.
    [Show full text]
  • ECOLOGICAL REVITALIZATION: Turning Contaminated Properties Into Community Assets
    ECOLOGICAL REVITALIZATION: Turning Contaminated Properties Into Community Assets A pocket park at a Former RCRA Corrective Action facility, former service station restored to a wetland Constructed wetland on a Superfund landfill site Former weapons manufacturing site, now a national wildlife refuge Former RCRA Corrective Action facility, now part of the Audubon Trail Former Brownfields property, transformed into a natural habitat Former Superfund site February 2009 restored to natural habitat Former army ammunition plant, now a national tallgrass prairie Former Brownfields property, restored to natural habitat About the cover page: Ecological Revitalization in Action Descriptions are in a clock-wise direction, starting with top right. 1. Former RCRA Corrective Action facility, restored to a wetland: Ecological revitalization at the AMAX Metals Recovery Inc. (now Freeport McMoRan) in Braithwaite, Louisiana, where a water retention pond was dewatered to form a wetland that provided a home to alligators relocated due to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Photograph courtesy of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action Program. 2. Former weapons manufacturing site, now a national wildlife refuge: Nearly 27 square miles at Rocky Mountain Arsenal (RMA) in Colorado, one of the worst hazardous waste sites in the country, have been transformed into one of the nation’s largest urban national wildlife refuges. The open space surrounding a former weapons manufacturing facility at RMA provides a home for nearly 300 species of wildlife including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Photograph courtesy of EPA Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation (OSRTI). 3. Former RCRA Corrective Action facility, now part of the Audubon Trail: At England Air Force Base in Louisiana, areas excavated during cleanup became part of the Audubon Trail, provided habitat and a stopping point for migratory birds, and expanded an 18-hole golf course.
    [Show full text]
  • GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE Reportstatus
    GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE reportstatus University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics Infrastructure Policy Committee by Maureen Washburn March 2015 Because of its ability to help alleviate some of the issues related to LETTER FROM THE our region’s water management issues, green infrastructure has INFRASTRUCTURE POLICY become a high priority for policy makers, elected officials, and other organizations committed to providing safe, clean, COMMITTEE COCHAIRS and reliable water to residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania. DEAR COLLEAGUES: In the summer of 2014, the Institute of Politics Infrastructure Policy Committee determined it was necessary to do a report Southwestern Pennsylvania is endowed with an abundance on the status of green infrastructure initiatives in the region. of some of the freshest and cleanest water in the country. The committee was interested in examining the benefits of However, while this abundance allows our region to reliably green infrastructure, especially related to water management, fulfill all of our water needs, it also places a greater burden as well as the economic, social, and environmental benefits on us to responsibly handle this resource. derived from green infrastructure installation. Additionally, the committee wanted to further understand the challenges Since the passage of the 1972 Clean Water Act, our region and barriers associated with green infrastructure expansion and many across the country have made tremendous progress in the region, primarily related to design, maintenance, cost, in protecting precious water resources, making them the and requirements of installation. safest and cleanest possible. However, in light of frequent wet weather events, aging sewer infrastructure, and changes After months of background research on green infrastructure in our region’s land use development, Southwestern designs and interviews with a variety of stakeholders working Pennsylvania still has a long way to go in order to meet on green infrastructure-related initiatives in the region, the full environmental compliance.
    [Show full text]
  • South Cache Ecovillage
    South Cache Ecovillage: Addressing the Past, Present and Future Plan B Project Lisa Vander Wal M.S. Bioregional Planning Utah State University - College of Natural Resources Department of Environment and Society Bioregional Planning Program April 2010 South Cache Ecovillage: Addressing the Past, Present, and Future By: Lisa Vander Wal A Plan B project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Bioregional Planning Committee Chair: Michael Dietz Committee Members: Richard E. Toth, David T. Anderson, and Charles W. Nuckolls Department of Environment and Society College of Natural Resources Utah State University Acknowledgments Thank you to my major professor, Michael Dietz, Assistant Professor in the Department of Environment and Society at Utah State University. Without his direction, insight, and patience, this project would have been very difficult. Also, thank you to my other three committee members, Richard E. Toth, David T. Anderson, and Charles W. Nuckolls. Richard E. Toth is head of the Bioregional Planning Program at Utah State University in the Department of Environment and Society and contributed many valuable ideas and suggestions throughout my research. David T. Anderson, Director of the Utah Botanical Center and faculty member in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning at Utah State University, graciously offered his assistance. Charles W. Nuckolls, a faculty member at Brigham Young University in the Department of Anthropology, provided a starting point for my research. I am also very thankful for the many faculty members in the Department of Environment and Society at Utah State University for providing their expertise and encouragement throughout my time as a graduate student at USU.
    [Show full text]
  • A Case Study of the Brownfield Redevelopment in Wellston, Missouri
    A CASE STUDY OF THE BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT IN WELLSTON, MISSOURI by ASHLEY WILLIAMS B. S., Kansas State University, 2007 A REPORT submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree MASTER OF REGIONAL AND COMMUNITY PLANNING Department of Landscape Architecture / Regional & Community Planning College of Architecture, Planning and Design KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY Manhattan, Kansas 2009 Approved by: Major Professor John Keller Copyright ASHLEY WILLIAMS 2009 Abstract This report reviews pertinent knowledge regarding brownfield redevelopment, specifically the processes and issues involved. It addresses such topics as the type of brownfield sites, steps to remediation, types of remediation and barriers to redevelopment. Finally, a precedent study of Wellston, MO is presented. This study examines the impact that the development of two abandoned brownfield sites, Wellston Electrical Company and ABEX Foundry, had on the entire community. It was found that the onset of the development of these sites spurred the revitalization of the whole city of Wellston, having a positive influence across the city and surrounding area. Table of Contents List of Figures................................................................................................................................. v List of Tables ................................................................................................................................. vi Acknowledgements......................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Green Building in North America: Opportunities and Challenges Opportunities Two Green Building in North America
    GREEN BUILDING IN NORTH AMERICA GREEN BUILDING IN NORTH OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES SECRETARIAT REPORT TO COUNCIL UNDER ARTICLE 13 OF THE NORTH AMERICAN AGREEMENT ON ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION www.cec.org/greenbuilding CEC COMMISSION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION 393, RUE ST-JACQUES OUEST, BUREAU 200 MONTREAL (QUEBEC) CANADA H2Y 1N9 100% This Article 13 report was prepared by the Secretariat of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC). The information contained herein does not necessarily refl ect the views of the CEC or the governments of Canada, Mexico or the United States of America. The report is published in the three languages of the CEC: English, French and Spanish. However, as the text was originally prepared in English and thereafter translated, in the case of disputed meaning, reference should be made to the English version. Reproduction of this document in whole or in part and in any form for educational or nonprofit purposes may be made without special permission from the CEC Secretariat, provided acknowledgement of the source is made. The CEC would appreciate receiving a copy of any publication or material that uses this document as a source. Published by the Communications Department of the CEC Secretariat. © Commission for Environmental Cooperation, 2008 ISBN 2-923358-47-3 (Spanish edition: 2-923358-48-1; French edition: 2-923358-49-X) Printed in Canada Legal Deposit-Bibliothèque national du Québec, 2008 on Rolland Enviro100 paper containing Legal Deposit-National Library of Canada, 2008 100% post-consumer fi ber and produced using biogas energy. This paper is certifi ed For more information: EcoLogo, Processed COMMISSION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION Chlorine Free and FSC recycled.
    [Show full text]
  • Airspace in a Green Economy Troy A
    Airspace in a Green Economy Troy A. Rule ABSTRACT The recent surge of interest in renewable energy and sustainable land use has made the airspace above land more valuable than ever before. Unfortunately, a growing number UCLA LAW REVIEW UCLA LAW of policies aimed at promoting sustainability disregard landowners’ airspace rights in ways that can cause airspace to be underutilized. This Article analyzes several land use conflicts emerging in the context of renewable energy development by framing them as disputes over airspace. This Article suggests that incorporating options or liability rules into laws regulating airspace is a useful way to promote wind and solar energy while still respecting landowners’ existing airspace rights. If properly tailored, such policies can facilitate renewable energy development without compromising landowners’ incentives and capacities to make optimal use of the space above their lands. This Article also introduces a new abstract model to argue that policymakers should weigh the likely impacts on both rival and nonrival airspace uses when deciding whether to modify airspace restrictions to encourage sustainability. AUTHOR Troy A. Rule is Associate Professor of Law at the University of Missouri School of Law. The author wishes to thank Sara Bronin, Lee Fennell, Wilson Freyermuth, Blake Hudson, Henry Smith, Hannah Wiseman, and members of the Real Estate Transactions and State and Local Government Sections at the American Association of Law Schools 2011 Annual Meeting for their valuable comments on early versions of this Article. Many thanks also to Neil Hormberg for his valuable research assistance. 59 UCLA L. REV. 270 (2011) TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction ............................................................................................................272 I.
    [Show full text]
  • Removing Market Barriers to Green Development
    Removing Market Barriers to Green Development Principles and action projects to promote widespread adoption of green development practices Cover Images (clockwise from top left): Aerial view of street incorporating natural drainage, Seattle, WA. This natural drainage pilot project was the first natural drainage system constructed by the City of Seattle. It was completed in the spring of 2001. Photo credit: Seattle Public Utilities U.S. EPA Region 8 headquarter office, Denver, CO. The new Region 8 Headquarters, which is leased by EPA, features numerous environmentally friendly designs and systems. The Solicitation for Offers for the new facility included environmental provisions developed by the General Services Administration and EPA to ensure that the building promotes energy and water efficiency and uses environmentally preferable materials and design. Photo credit: U.S. EPA, Region 8 Hearst Tower, New York, NY. Completed in 2006, the 46-story Hearst headquarters floats above an existing six-storey Art Deco building and has a progressive environmental strategy—the tower was the first occupied commercial building in New York City to achieve a LEED gold rating. Photo credit: Nigel Young, Foster + Partners Chicago Center for Green Technology, Chicago, IL. Chicago Green Tech is only the third building in the United States to be designed according to the LEED rating system using the highest standards of green technology available. It is the only one of the three that is a renovation of an existing building and the only one accessible by public transportation. Photo credit: City of Chicago Anixter International distribution center, Alsip, IL. In 2007, this project became the first industrial-category building, and the second-largest building in Illinois to achieve LEED certification.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 6 – Sustainability and Green Practices
    Chapter 6 Sustainability and Green Practices PERSONAL VISION STATEMENTS “The city is a leader in sustainable development in the State of Alabama.” “Create a mindset around green innovation and conservation.” 6.1 CITY OF BIRMINGHAM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PART II | CHAPTER 6 SUSTAINABILITY AND GREEN PRACTICES GOALS POLICIES FOR DECISION MAKERS City operations serve as a model of • Continue organizational and operational improvements to maximize energy and energy and resource efficiency. resource efficiency and reduce waste. • Give preference to energy-efficient design, materials and equipment in public facilities and infrastructure. • Expand the use of renewable energy sources for city operations. Reinvestment in existing communities • Support clean-up and adaptive reuse of brownfields. conserves resources and sensitive • Encourage the preservation and adaptive reuse of existing structures to reduce environments. construction waste and conserve energy and materials. • Encourage urban farming and community gardens to reduce food deserts and food imbalance areas. Private developments incorporate • Consider incentives for energy-efficient, “green” building. cost-effective sustainable planning • Encourage development that protects the city’s water resources. and design features at citywide, neighborhood and site levels. • Encourage the use of natural drainage in stormwater management systems where feasible. • Encourage the use of conservation and low-impact development techniques • Support improvement of state water quality standards and encourage water efficiency standards and enforcement. The city makes every effort to help • Consider incentives for the development of multimodal transportation systems that meet air pollution standards. reduce vehicle emissions. • Encourage vehicle emission inspections to improve air quality, industrial opportunity, and community health. • Promote the recruitment of clean industry. • Consider incentives for private industries to further reduce emissions over time.
    [Show full text]
  • Enhancing Sustainability at the Community Level: Lessons from American Ecovillages
    Enhancing Sustainability at the Community Level: Lessons from American EcoVillages A thesis submitted to the Graduate School of the University of Cincinnati in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Architecture in the School of Architecture and Interior Design of the Design, Arts, Architecture, and Planning by Leila B Loezer University of Cincinnati June 2011 Committee: Virginia Russell, FASLA, RLA, MLA, LEED AP, GRP (Chair) Carla Chifos, AICP (Faculty Member) Robert Thayer, FASLA, FCELA (Reader) Abstract Sustainability has been a subject of concern in various levels of society. Top-down approaches proposed by governments, corporations, and non-profit organizations are responsible for implementing policies, marketing, and organized movements towards environmentally friendly practices and design. Grassroots initiatives can also contribute with experiences and encourage local communities to develop and implement strategies to enhance sustainability. Many times, urban design overlooks the unusual and rich achievements of intentional urban communities and EcoVillages. Some of the most successful examples of urban design are the result of grassroots initiatives, which many times did not engage the professional services of architects and designers. This thesis explores best practices and experiences of grassroots initiatives to make the urban environment more sustainable. The literature review chapter identifies the most relevant strategies for sustainable communities. Strategies and objectives are divided into social, environmental, and economic approaches and then detailed in a matrix. The objectives in the matrix of sustainable measures are used as criteria to compare the four communities studied: Village Homes, EcoVillage at Ithaca, Los Angeles EcoVillage, and Enright Ridge EcoVillage. This thesis proposes recommendations of best practices for communities that are striving to become more sustainable based on the experiences of the communities studied.
    [Show full text]