Increasing environmental, economic, and social challenges are pushing us to come up with innovative ideas to alleviate these problems. The building of eco-neighbourhoods isn’t a recent phenomenon, but they’re being increasingly discussed as a solution to various societal issues.
Are you interested in the lifestyle this type of residential development offers? Read on to learn more about a few of these living environments’ characteristic features!
The Advantages Eco-Neighbourhoods Offer
Comprehensive urban planning is the cornerstone of any eco-neighbourhood. The objective is to design living environments that prioritize the green transition, quality of life, density, social diversity, economic development, and sustainability. This neighbourhood planning approach closely follows several guiding principles that seek, among other aims, to reduce our carbon footprint.
Mobility and Transportation
Mobility is another major aspect of eco-friendly community planning. Through densification and attention to spatial configuration, the use of public transportation, biking and walking are encouraged. Infrastructure dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists creates more convivial neighbourhoods. By limiting the appeal of individual car use, eco-neighbourhoods’ design simultaneously improves residents’ health and quality of life.
Social Diversity
Eco-friendly developments aim to build diverse and inclusive communities. An effort is made to promote social diversity by mixing affordable and higher-end forms of housing. Public spaces, such as parks, are designed to foster interactions between residents, strengthening the group’s social fabric. You will have more neighbours in this type of planned community, but their values are generally close to your own.
Local Economy
Many eco-neighbourhoods integrate local businesses and shared workspaces as part of their economy. Some developments likewise seek to introduce a circular economy by supporting reuse, recycling, and waste reduction. One example is the implementation of a car share or bike share network.
The Environment
In addition to focusing on reducing car use, eco-neighbourhoods strive to minimize environmental damage by being at the forefront of green building standards. Particular attention is paid, for example, to the use of sustainable materials and the size of homes. No McMansions here!
The Drawbacks of Eco-Neighbourhoods
Despite their numerous advantages, eco-neighbourhoods still present some challenges. Their prohibitive initial costs may deter some investors. For this reason, the development of eco-neighbourhoods requires a collaborative approach between the various levels of government and must include efforts to heighten public awareness. From the individual’s viewpoint, certain constraints, like the smaller building dimensions and the population density that are integral to eco-neighbourhoods, may cause frustration.
These vibrant and welcoming residential development projects are growing in number and popularity worldwide. They constitute a space where we can exist in harmony with nature. Eco-neighbourhoods are decidedly the future of urban planning! To visit one, contact a real estate broker in your area.