Sustainability in Minnesota
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Session:Sustainability in Minnesota (March 11, 2:30 pm)
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Sustainability in Minnesota
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Session:Sustainability in Minnesota (March 11, 2:30 pm) |
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Abstract: Conventional wisdom has said that communities must trade environmental quality for economic growth. The trick to prosperity has been seen as one of balancing these two objectives. But we are slowly realizing that thinking only in terms of balance is like dying by inches. In sharp contrast, the goal of sustainable development is not to balance environmentally damaging activities with just the right amount of environmental protection, but instead to move toward technologies, development patterns and daily practices that are, by their nature and design, profitable, ecologically intelligent and socially just. Papers from this session:
Sustainability in Minnesota2001 APA National Planning Conference March 10 to 14, 2001 Moderator: Rolf Nordstrom State Perspective: John R. Wells Rural Perspective: Jean Coleman (Esq.) Principal Urban Perspective: Michael Orange "Travel Demand Management Planning in Downtown Minneapolis" by Michael Orange
Minnesota Web sites Minnesota Sustainable Development Initiative Model Ordinances for Sustainable Development Sustainable Downtown Planning Handbook (The heart of the community: Downtown Planning and Sustainable Development) City of Minneapolis Planning Department Green Institute Institute for Local Self Reliance Institute for Social, Economic & Ecological Sustainability Minnesotans for an Energy Efficient Economy Next Steps Toward a Sustainable Future St. Paul’s Sustainable Decisions Guide for Capital Facilities Sustainable Design Guide and Rating System for Buildings
We will know we are achieving sustainability when . . . turning a profit, environmental restoration and social justice become one and the same act.
Planning for Sustainable CommunitiesSustainability is the goal, sustainable development the means to get there. Conventional wisdom has said that communities must trade environmental quality for economic growth, and the trick has been seen as one of balancing these two objectives. In sharp contrast, the goal of sustainable development is not to balance environmentally damaging activities with environmental protection, but to move toward technologies, development patterns and daily practices that are, by their nature and design, good for people, business and the environment over the long-term. Simply posing the question, "Is this activity sustainable over the long-term?" can be a revealing way to evaluate the directions a community is heading and chart new ones if necessary. Instead of seeing economic, environmental and social issues as separate and unconnected, sustainable development can help communities see and think through the long term, and often unintended, consequences and spill-over effects of any given policy, decision or activity. Characteristics of Sustainable CommunitiesNo two places have exactly the same ecology, values, geography, businesses or cultures, so what is sustainable in one place may not be in another. Yet there are some general characteristics that more often than not describe communities that are sustainable places to live and work. Sustainable communities: Promote informed decision-making by ensuring that community plans and decisions are based on broad citizen participation; a comprehensive, up-to-date inventory of economic, environmental and social conditions and trends; and an understanding of the cumulative impacts of human activity. Maintain natural and cultural assets by protecting, preserving and, as needed, restoring forests; surface and ground water; recreational, scenic and open areas; diversity of native species; agricultural land; significant historic and archeological sites; watersheds; and ecosystems. Promote local and regional economic prosperity by adding value to local resources, keeping capital circulating within the local economy, supporting a diversity of new and existing local businesses, and helping all business enterprises use resources more efficiently (including land, energy, water and materials). Promote a mutually supportive network of businesses Careful analysis of industry clusters and the "flows" in and out of the local economy can reveal beneficial business relationships in energy, water, wastes, information, regulatory functions, transportation and marketing. The relationships could take place within a single firm or among firms, for example through waste exchanges in which one firm may be able to use the waste energy or materials from another firm. Account for the full environmental, social and economic costs of new development, including infrastructure costs such as transportation, sewers and waste water treatment, water, schools, recreation, open space and functioning ecosystems. Plan for, finance and provide public facilities and services in a timely, orderly and efficient way by guiding development toward areas with existing capacity. They ensure that facilities and services are in place when needed, based on the carrying capacity of the land. Develop a balanced transportation system that takes advantage of energy-efficient, lowest-cost modes of travel such as walking, bicycling, telecommuting, rail, transit and clean-fuel vehicles. They use roads and development patterns to make driving an amenity in life rather than a liability. Use physical resources in a way that can be sustained over time by asking critical questions about the flow of natural resources through the community:
Foster livable communities using design principles including efficient land use; regional cooperation; integration of residential, commercial, civic, recreational and open spaces; access to job opportunities and housing for all income and age groups; a variety of appropriate transportation options; and safe, attractive public spaces. Preserve community character which includes providing clear distinctions between development suitable for urban areas and rural environments.
Author and Copyright InformationCopyright 2001 by Author Rolf Nordstrom |