Sustainability & The Built Environment

 Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment.  Sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations.

Where is Sustainability? Local Governments Schools Corporations Churches Non-Profits Residential Developments Industrial Developments Farms

 Eco-Municipality  Local, municipal, or county government that has adopted a particular set of sustainability principles and is committed to a bottom-up, participatory approach for implementing this  Private Corporations  Corporate Social Responsibility Policy  Residential Developments  Green Residential Home Construction

 Lawrence Township, NJ  Apple  Prairie Crossing (Grayslake, IL)

 Group of residents, businesses, congregations, and other organizations dedicated to creating a sustainable community in Lawrence Township, NJ.  Mission: “To encourage the people and institutions of Lawrence Township to cooperatively adopt fundamental principles of sustainability and to develop policies and practices that fulfill those principles.”

 Reduce fossil fuels and wasteful use of limited metals and minerals  Reduce harmful chemicals and wasteful use of synthetic substances  Take care of natural resources  Meet human needs fairly and efficiently

 Established in January 2005  Environmental forum held by the Lawrence Township Community Foundation the Lawrenceville School  Keynote speaker Sarah James, author of The Natural Step for Communities  She emphasized the collaboration of local governments and the community to initiate change  A 3 Day Sustainability Conference was held that led to sustainability action plans

Household Battery Management Some NJ counties have been recycling batteries since the early 1990s Rechargeable batteries can be found in: Cordless power tools Cellular phones Laptops Digital Cameras Camcorders Remote control toys Alkaline batteries however, are considered hazardous waste and can be disposed in regular trash

 Lower thermostat degree in winter months  Consume locally produced food  Use CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lights)  Less time behind the wheel – walk, bike, carpool, etc.  Turn of the lights when not using  Drink tap water instead of bottled water  Teach kids about sustainable practices

 Goal: all Lawrence Township lawns completely free of toxic pesticides and fertilizers  Purpose:  Protect surface water quality in local streams and run-off  Provide a less polluted local environment  Create a healthier living environment throughout the community  Save $$$

 Estimates for 2012 indicate Apple was responsible for 30.9 million metric tons  98% of carbon footprint is related to products  The remaining 2% is related to facilities, including data centers  Apple’s focus is to improve their products environmental performance

 Accounts for 61% of Apple’s greenhouse gas emissions  Material use:  MacBook & iPad products have become thinner but yet more durable  Toxic substance removal  Eliminated BFRs (brominated flame retardants) and use mercury-free LED lights in displays  Responsible manufacturing  Implemented 55 environment audits in 2012

5% of Apple’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation of products Efficient packaging design reduces materials and waste

 2% of Apple’s greenhouse gas emissions are related to cycling  Product recyclability  Materials used such as arsenic-free glass, high-grade aluminum, and strong polycarbonate are reclaimed by recyclers for use in new products.  Responsible recycling  Nothing is shipped overseas for recycling or disposal.  Doesn’t allow the disposal of hazardous electronic waste in solid-waste landfills or incinerators

 Recycling programs  Instituted recycling programs in cities and college campuses in 95 percent of the countries where our products are sold  Some areas have a formal take-back program that arrange for pickup, transport, and environmentally sound recycling of end-of-life electronics.  Achieved a worldwide recycling rate of 70% in 2012 and expects to maintain this level through 2015

 “Prairie Crossing is a widely acclaimed conservation community in Grayslake, Illinois. The community was designed to combine the preservation of open land, easy commuting by rail, and responsible development practices. It is now considered a national example of how to plan our communities to enhance the environment and support a better way of life”.

 Great place for boating, fishing or skating on the community's lakes, and swimming at the sandy beach  On-site Prairie Crossing Charter School, a public elementary school where learning is focused on the natural environment  Homes are 50% more energy-efficient than comparable homes in the Chicago area  There are two rail lines that connections to Chicago and O'Hare International Airport, close proximity from Prairie Crossing

 More than 60 percent of the 677-acre site is protected open land that is actively used by people and wildlife  Residents have access to the Prairie Crossing Organic Farm  Historic buildings were preserved for current use  Native landscaping also serves an important function in cleansing the storm water on the site and protecting the water quality of lakes

 Grow certified organic produce including vegetables, fruit, flowers and eggs without toxic chemicals or pesticides  Within is the Learning Farm  Promotes the integration of healthy ecosystems and the vibrant human communities they support  Includes 3 acres of land, several greenhouses, a children's garden, and a hen house as outdoor classrooms  Summer farm camp for children 12 and under  Prairie Farm Corps - a paid job training program for racially and economically diverse teens from central Lake County, Illinois interested in sustainable agriculture

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