Sustainable Communities

The social impacts of construction start early in the construction phase and continue for as long as the structures remain standing.

What is it?

The Bristol Accord

In December 2005, during the UK presidency of the EU, ministers from member states met in Bristol to discuss and agree the benefits of creating sustainable communities across Europe. The 'Bristol Accord', which they were asked to endorse, included eight characteristics of a sustainable community and a commitment to sharing good practice on case studies. The eight characteristics are as follows:

• Well Run: With effective and inclusive participation, representation and leadership.
• Well Connected: With good transport services and communication linking people to jobs, schools, health and other services.
• Well Served: With public, private, community and voluntary services that are appropriate to people’s needs and accessible to all.
• Environmentally Sensitive: Providing places for people that are considerate of the environment.
• Thriving: With a flourishing and diverse local community.
• Well designed and built: Featuring quality built and natural environment.
• Fair for everyone: Including those in other communities, now and in the future.
• Active, inclusive and safe: Fair, tolerant and cohesive with a strong local culture and other shared community activities.

Ministers agreed the importance of fostering skills for successful place making and the value of cooperative activity on this theme across member states.

Why is it important?

Some of the tower blocks which were rapidly built in the 1960s, together with poor building/estate management, are now widely seen as the root of serious social problems. Community issues have included low levels of well-being, increased depression and high levels of crime. Developments like these didn't properly consider the requirements of the communities involved.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Plain English Guide to Sustainable Construction

What are we doing about it?

Secured by Design

Secured by Design is an initiative by the UK police supporting the principles of 'designing out crime' through the use of effective crime prevention and security standards. Architectural liaison officers are responsible for dealing with crime risk and offering advice on the relationship between crime and the built environment.

Lifetime Homes

Dwellings which achieve Lifetime Homes standards are designed to be lexible and adaptable so that they can accommodate changes in the lifestyles of their occupants quickly, cost-effectively and without upheaval. Such changes might include changes in family size or the mobility of individuals. The standards apply to both the interior and exterior of a home and include considerations of accessibility, layout, controls, fixtures and fittings.

Where to go next?

UK Govt Sustainable Development: Sustainable communities
Sustainable Development Commission - Built Environment
Dept for Communities and Local Government - Sustainable communities
I&DeA Beginners Guide to Sustainable Communities

Related information:

The Plain English Guide to Sustainable Construction