What are sustainable communities? Lesson 4 What do geographers mean by the term ‘sustainable?’

According to our Government, Sustainable….. “ ….means making the necessary decisions now to realise our vision of stimulating economic growth and tackling the deficit, maximising wellbeing and protecting our environment, without affecting the ability of future generations to do the same. ” Taken from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/2010-to-2015-government-policy-sustainable-development/2010-to-2015-government-policy-sustainable-development in March 2015

Thinking about the government’s definition… Highlight the key words and phases in the definition. Explain what this means. This means that….. Planners / councils are responsible for making good decisions that are sustainable This means that….. This means that….. This means that….. ‘….means making the necessary decisions now to realise our vision of stimulating economic growth and tackling the deficit, maximising wellbeing and protecting our environment, without affecting the ability of future generations to do the same.’ This means that….. This means that….. This means that….. This means that…..

Sustainable Communities What is a sustainable community? Sustainable Communities Exploitation Conservation

So what on Earth is a sustainable community? According to the GA: “ Sustainable communities are places where people want to live and work, now and in the future ” But as geographers, we want a more in depth definition!

The components of a sustainable community… Look at the cards in front you… Active, inclusive and safe Well run Thriving Well designed and built Well connected Environmentally sensitive Well served Fair for everyone

The components of a sustainable community… Arrange your cards into a rough pyramid. Write a justification of your choice. How would different groups of people change your ranking, e.g. teenagers; a family with young children; a commuter. Most important component 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

The components of a sustainable community… Active, inclusive and safe Well run Environmentally sensitive Well designed and built Well connected Thriving Well served Fair for everyone a sense of community identity and belonging strong, informed and effective partnerships that lead by example (e.g. government, business, community) actively seek to minimise climate change, including through energy efficiency and the use of renewables sense of place - a place with a positive 'feeling' for people and local distinctiveness transport facilities, including public transport, that help people travel within and between communities and reduce dependence on cars a wide range of jobs and training opportunities Well-performing local schools, further and higher education institutions, and other opportunities for lifelong learning recognise individuals' rights and responsibilities opportunities for cultural, leisure, community, sport and other activities, including for children and young people The community is involved in making decisions about what happens in their community. protect the environment, by minimising pollution on land, in water and in the air user-friendly public and green spaces with facilities for everyone including children and older people good access to regional, national and international communications networks. economically viable and attractive town centres high quality local health care and social services, integrated where possible with other services have due regard for the needs of future generations in current decisions and actions. low levels of crime, drugs and antisocial behaviour with visible, effective and community-friendly policing It’s really clear who is in charge and who is responsible for what. protect and improve bio-diversity (e.g. wildlife habitats) buildings and public spaces which promote health and are designed to reduce crime and make people feel safe widely available and effective telecommunications and Internet access a strong business community with links into the wider economy good range of affordable public, community, voluntary and private services (e.g. retail, fresh food, commercial, utilities, information and advice) which are accessible to the whole community respect the rights and aspirations of others (both neighbouring communities, and across the wider world) also to be sustainable