Sustainable Suburbia began as Mark Di Cecco's doctoral dissertation SUSTAINABLE SUBURBIA a new development model for fallow suburban residential sites. We believe that with efficient resource use, it is possible to create a sustainable community at a much higher density than a standard single family neighborhood in the same location at the same cost without increasing resource demand. The individual resource elements include:
LAND RESOURCES Smaller house size, reduced setbacks, narrower streets, all land per unit is livable and usable, common open space is available, but still predominately single family homes.
ENERGY RESOURCES Less overall energy use via building efficiency rather than expensive energy generation.
WATER RESOURCES Less water use through efficient indoor fixtures and xeriscape drip landscape irrigation. Stormwater flow and aquifer replenishment via Low Impact Development practices.
ECONOMIC RESOURCES Home offices, local business spaces, and the "innovation garages" that will support entrepreneurs in the green economy to make the neighborhood economically sustainable. For the developer or jurisdiction, a sustainable community of higher unit count at the same cost as a standard single family neighborhood.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES Common open space and private livable yards, connected pedestrian friendly streets, varied housing opportunities, community business locations.
All of these elements individually are achieveable with today's construction practices. Combining them requires an interdisciplinary approach, but it is the combination that provides for true sustainability. We are capable of providing the vision and leadership to apply these principles to your project and would welcome the opportunity.
LAND RESOURCES Smaller house size, reduced setbacks, narrower streets, all land per unit is livable and usable, common open space is available, but still predominately single family homes.
ENERGY RESOURCES Less overall energy use via building efficiency rather than expensive energy generation.
WATER RESOURCES Less water use through efficient indoor fixtures and xeriscape drip landscape irrigation. Stormwater flow and aquifer replenishment via Low Impact Development practices.
ECONOMIC RESOURCES Home offices, local business spaces, and the "innovation garages" that will support entrepreneurs in the green economy to make the neighborhood economically sustainable. For the developer or jurisdiction, a sustainable community of higher unit count at the same cost as a standard single family neighborhood.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES Common open space and private livable yards, connected pedestrian friendly streets, varied housing opportunities, community business locations.
All of these elements individually are achieveable with today's construction practices. Combining them requires an interdisciplinary approach, but it is the combination that provides for true sustainability. We are capable of providing the vision and leadership to apply these principles to your project and would welcome the opportunity.
