Sustainable communities in the UK

Abstract

In the pursuit of sustainability, we must rethink built environments according to their impacts on natural and social environments. Major aims in the present global circumstances include both mitigating and adapting to climate change, ensuring the security of long-term water and energy resources, protecting and restoring the planet's biodiversity, cleansing ecosystems damaged since the industrial age, providing for economic growth and security, fostering social equity and cohesion, and preserving and enhancing cultural diversity. All of these things must be taken into consideration holistically, and ultimately, we must provide appealing, safe, and comfortable places for people to live. © 2009 Springer-Verlag New York.