One Planet Communities: A real-life guide to sustainable living

How can we create sustainable zero carbon communities cost-effectively at the same time as increasing the probability of people leading happy and healthy lives? Written from the perspective of practical experience gained from world-leading projects such as Beddington Zero fossil Energy Development (BedZED), One Brighton and Masdar City, this book provides a clear overview and simple insights for students, interested individuals and professionals in all areas of the property development and planning industries – including architecture, planning, engineering, surveying, development management, finance, legal, sales and marketing and estates management. It combines leading edge thinking with simple practical advice in this fast emerging field.

In the often confused realm of sustainable development, the book starts with the question of how to turn sustainability from an abstract concept into a clear framework on which to base practical design, development, long-term management and governance decisions. It describes One Planet Living, the approach which links the science of ecological footprinting to a simple framework of principles, and how the framework is being applied to create a coherent approach to projects in the UK, Europe, USA, South Africa, the Middle East, China and Australia, It also draws on other examples of best practice from around the world.

"Essential reading for the industry"
—Khaled Awad, Director of Property Development, Masdar

"...gave us the framework to create a world-renowned sustainable community."
—Brad Baker, President and CEO, Codding Enterprises, California

"...gives a clear analytical direction to follow ... reads like a historical detective story."
—David Nelson, Head of Design, Foster + Partners