Sustainable Systems| Designing Sustainable Communities That Include Consideration of Human Health

• Main Author: Brown, Jerri
• Language: EN
• Published: Prescott College 2015
• Subjects: Sustainability
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=1590402

<p> As societies work toward more sustainably functioning systems, it is important to study those systems that currently operate unsustainably. While unsustainability can take many forms, in general, when the natural world or human welfare are neglected, the outcome is an unsustainable system. Moving from unsustainable to sustainable systems requires dialogue and coordination between disparate disciplines. Understanding the complex hurdles associated with this emerging dialogue is essential. Current examples of the implementation of sustainability and healthy living initiatives have focused on minimizing impact to the environment by reducing energy usage. In the case of healthy living communities, the focus has been on designing neighborhoods to encourage more walking by residents or building homes designed to reduce indoor allergens. Exploring the depth and breadth of what can be done to create sustainable, healthy communities was the focus of my study. The primary objective of my research was to provide information and supporting documentation to a redevelopment project with the goal that they would include design elements that would benefit the health of the natural world and the human world.</p>