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West Texas Sustainability Model . Dr. Lou Mills Sept 23,2010. Why a model for Sustainability?. Competitiveness with urban centers and international markets Trade local products, skills, and services Focus on sustainability using high tech skills and methodologies
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West Texas Sustainability Model Dr. Lou Mills Sept 23,2010
Why a model for Sustainability? • Competitiveness with urban centers and international markets • Trade local products, skills, and services • Focus on sustainability using high tech skills and methodologies • Refine sustainability for rural hinterland • Model for other areas.
Strategies for Sustainability Model • Integrated water management • Alternative transportation system • Renewable energy- distribution, trade, promotion • Model Codes for Sustainable Development • New Building & Community prototypes • Green infrastructure and product development & Marketing • Improved streetscape design • Protection, renewal of natural habitats and ecosystems
Sustainability Systems- Quantitative Methods • LEEDS • BREEAM • ASLA Sustainable Sites Initiative
USDA Rural Business Development Grant Programs • The agency encourages applications that: • Promote economic growth, job creation within region that have fewest prospects and greatest need • Clear leadership in organizing effort • Common economic basis that would support success • Collaborative effort and willingness to work • Seek contributions for regional strategies • Demographic diversity • Adequate funding to support disadvantage communities
USDA Grant Selection Criteria • Local and regional food systems that encourage wealth creation • Renewable energy generation and conservation • Access to broadband infrastructure • Access to capital to ensure sustainable business development and opportunity • Innovative utilization of natural resources to expand business opportunities • Federal Register/Vol.75, No.59/Monday, March 29,2010
Sustainability Research Hypothesis/ Questions • Sustainability is predictable based on key variables in environmental design. • Most predictive variables are: water use, plant materials, and lawn areas. • Sustainable design is scaleable from small sample areas. • West Texas has unique features affecting sustainability • Sustainability can be readily mapped and quantified. • To improve sustainability, increase particular natural/cultural environmental design variables
Sustainability= Consistent, equitable, environmentally sound and productive change
Future Research Directions for Sustainable Design & Environmental Planning • Verification of sustainability criteria • Scale • Connection to Marketing for Sustainability • Internet based decision-making • Interaction and expandable modeling • Progressive design changes • Carbon neutral construction • Land use code relevance • OTHER IDEAS ????
References • www.asla.org • Dinep, Claudia and Kristin Schwab. 2010. Sustainable Site Design. New York: John Wiley & Sons • Calkins, Meg. 2009. Materials for Sustainable Sites. New York: John Wiley & Sons. • Balmori, Diana. 2007. Land and Natural Development (LAND)Code. New York: John Wiley & Sons