Residential Choice, Demographics, and Sustainability

Residential Choice, Demographics, and Sustainability
Author: Bianjie Ji
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2019
Genre:
ISBN:

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The purpose of this thesis is to examine concerns towards sustainable development of residents living in different neighborhoods with divergent sustainability levels (most, medium, and least sustainable urban forms) in a campus town, State College, PA. The research questions considered the role of participants demographics and neighborhood features in relationship to articulated sustainability concerns as they intersected with residential choices related to residential features, housing/neighborhood satisfaction, and neighborhood of residence.The study contributes to sustainability research by investigating to what extent neighborhood choices examined through the lens of sustainable urban form (in State College) are impacted by concerns for sustainable development. Since housing preferences (e.g., electricity and air-conditioning/heating) and neighborhood of residence (e.g., transportation auto dependence versus transit) are linked to energy consumption, this linkage allows us to begin to understand the degree to which sustainability influences the decision-making process regarding housing. Residents are informed about the sustainability impact of their choices and activities, yet often continue to engage in extravagant, over-consumptive, and non-sustainable behavior. So, it is imperative to identify the barriers to sustainable behavior by examining residents attitudes towards residential features, sustainability, and residential satisfaction. Through survey and self-report, this study contributes to exploring and understanding these residential choices. Participants concern for sustainability was assessed by answers to questions derived from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs (United Nations, 2015). Measures of preference for neighborhood features were derived from the Perceived Residential Environmental Quality Index or PREQI (Bonaiuto, Aiello, Perugini, Bonnes, and Ercolani, 1999). Neighborhood satisfaction was assessed by participant self-report using a seven-point Likert scale. Neighborhood of residence was assessed by identifying residents of different neighborhoods (most, medium, and least sustainable) based on a validated measure of sustainable urban form (Song & Knaap, 2004).Within the three selected neighborhood types, a stratified random sampling strategy was used to select households for data collection. A door-to-door survey was distributed to collect responses in the selected neighborhoods. This was supplemented with mailed surveys. Finally, I surveyed 30 households in each of the three neighborhood types for a total of 90 subjects. ANOVA (Analysis of Variances), Correlation, T-test, and Chi-square tests were the primary data analysis methods. I found relatively little difference in concerns towards sustainable development between residents of neighborhoods with differing urban form (most, medium, and least sustainable urban forms). I also found that less educated, lower-income, and/or younger people were more likely to live in the most sustainable urban-form neighborhoods although they had similarly high concerns for sustainable development as more educated, higher-income, and/or older people. Additionally, it is noted that residents in different sustainable urban form neighborhoods and/or different demographics had different reasons for living in their neighborhoods assessed by PREQIs. For example, residents of the most sustainable urban form neighborhoods placed more value on school and commercial services, while those of the least sustainable urban form neighborhoods esteemed upkeep more.Both housing satisfaction and neighborhood satisfaction were significantly (positively) correlated with sociability and transport services. Housing satisfaction was also significantly (positively) correlated with building aesthetics while neighborhood satisfaction was significantly (positively) correlated with sports and school services, internal functionality (e.g. easiness to cycle around), and green areas. However, residents living in different sustainable urban form neighborhoods had no significant differences in housing or neighborhood satisfaction; they all had high housing/neighborhood satisfaction.Thus, I conclude that all study participants valued sustainability goals irrespective of where they lived. One possible explanation is that since Sustainable Development Goals are disconnected from daily living context, study participants were unable to make linkages between sustainability goals and sustainable urban form. So, I recommend the development of detailed actionable sustainable development goals that are linked to daily activities.

Sustainable Communities on a Sustainable Planet

Sustainable Communities on a Sustainable Planet
Author: Brent Yarnal
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 616
Release: 2009-09-24
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1139483609

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Scientists and policymakers have realised that localities are central to addressing the causes and consequences of global environmental change. The goal of the Human-Environment Regional Observatory project (HERO) was to develop the infrastructure necessary to monitor and understand the local dimensions of global change. This book presents the philosophy behind HERO, the methods used to put that philosophy into action, its results, and the lessons learned from the project. HERO used three strategies: it developed research protocols and data standards for collecting data; it built a web-based networking environment to help investigators share data, analyses and ideas from remote locations; and investigators field-tested these concepts by applying them in diverse biophysical and socioeconomic settings - central Massachusetts, central Pennsylvania, southwestern Kansas, and the US-Mexico border region of Arizona. The book highlights the unique focus of HERO regarding thinking and acting on complex, integrative, and interdisciplinary global change science at local scales, and is valuable for global change scientists.

Sustainable Communities

Sustainable Communities
Author: Woodrow W. Clark II
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 311
Release: 2010-01-12
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1441902198

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This book would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of each of the chapter authors. For some authors, writing a chapter was beyond their “9–5” job, and this book re?ects their commitment to sustainability at the local level for their communities. To every chapter author and their staff, friends, and families, thank you. This dynamic and paradigm-changing volume on the topic of sustainable development is focused on communities such as cities, schools, and colleges where the future of our families and children are most at risk. We must act today as each of the chapters represents in their presentations. This book marks a new era: the Third Industrial Revolution. The new age of the Third Industrial Revolution has been labeled by some as the “green era” or “green economy,” but it had already started around the world, especially in Europe and Japan, for over a decade – since the end of the 20th c- tury. More signi?cantly, the book highlights people and communities who have a shared concern and vision along with the will and determination to enact programs and polices that make sustainable development real – not just political rhetoric or “branding” or even the current “buzz word” for obtaining funds and grants. The book presents “The Sequel to an Inconvenient Truth” – actual examples of how c- munities can and have changed in order to mitigate climate change. Again, thanks to everyone and their colleagues.

Designing Innovative Sustainable Neighborhoods

Designing Innovative Sustainable Neighborhoods
Author: Avi Friedman
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 269
Release: 2022-05-30
Genre: Architecture
ISBN: 1000588092

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This book covers fundamental aspects of neighborhood planning and architecture along sustainable principles. Written by a designer and instructor, the book’s fully illustrated chapters provide detailed insights into contemporary strategies that architects, planners and builders are integrating into their thought processes and residential design practices. Past approaches to planning and design modes of dwellings and neighborhoods can no longer sustain new demands and require innovative thinking. This book explores new outlooks on neighborhood design, which are propelled by fundamental changes that touch upon environmental, economic and social aspects. It presents contemporary well-designed and illustrated examples of communities and detailed analysis of topics including the depletion of non-renewable natural resources, elevated levels of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. It also explores the increasing costs of material, labor, land and infrastructure, which pose economic challenges; as well as social challenges including the need for walkable communities and the increase in live-work environments. The need to think innovatively about neighborhoods is at the core of this book, which will be useful to students and practitioners of urban design, urban planning, geography and urban systems; and to architecture studios focused on sustainable residential development.

Sustainable Communities Design Handbook

Sustainable Communities Design Handbook
Author: Woodrow W. Clark II
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 441
Release: 2010-07-03
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0080963366

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The objective of Sustainable Communities Design Handbook is to ensure a better quality of life for everyone, both now and for generations to come. This means creating a better and safer environment internationally through the sustainable use of natural resources, encouraging sustainable development which supports a strong economy, and ensuring a high quality environment that can be enjoyed by all. Sustainable Development Partnerships brings together in one reference today's most cutting edge technologies and methods for creating sustainable communities. With this book, Environmental Engineers, Civil Engineers, Architects, Mechanical Engineers, and Energy Engineers find a common approach to building environmental friendly communities which are energy efficient. The five part treatment starts with a clear and rigorous exposition of sustainable development in practice, followed by self-contained chapters concerning applications. Methods for the sustainable use of natural resources in built communities Clearly explains the most cutting edge sustainable technologies Provides a common approach to building sustainable communities Coverage of sustainable practices from architecture to construction

Toward Sustainable Communities, Fifth Edition

Toward Sustainable Communities, Fifth Edition
Author: Mark Roseland
Publisher: New Society Publishers
Total Pages: 402
Release: 2023-11-28
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 155092768X

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The go-to guide for sustainable community development, from the neighborhood to the regional level Fully revised and updated, Toward Sustainable Communities is the definitive guide to the why, the what, and most importantly, the how of creating resilient, healthy, equitable, and prosperous places. This fifth edition introduces the innovative Community Capital Compass as a powerful tool for maximizing the environmental, economic, and social benefits of complex community and regional decisions, and has been completely revamped to serve readers in the US, Canada, and abroad. Those seeking a comprehensive approach to sustainable community planning and development from the neighborhood to the regional level will benefit from: An expanded Community Capital framework that organizes community resources into eight interrelated forms of capital The Community Capital Compass process for navigating complex situations involving everything from municipal services and land-use planning to housing and climate change Elaboration of collaborative governance, community mobilization, public engagement, capacity building, infrastructure, policymaking, and promising practices A companion website featuring case studies, profiles, online resources, interactive tools, videos, and more. Packed with concrete, proven strategies, this "living book" is the go-to guide for sustainable community development. Toward Sustainable Communities is essential reading for current and aspiring professionals, practitioners, policymakers, educators, purpose-driven organizations, engaged citizens, and anyone concerned about their communities and a sustainable future.

How Public Libraries Build Sustainable Communities in the 21st Century

How Public Libraries Build Sustainable Communities in the 21st Century
Author: Kaurri C. Williams-Cockfield
Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing
Total Pages: 259
Release: 2023-09-08
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 1803824379

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Public libraries, through their mission, vision, and position in the community, play a significant part in building community sustainability and are already positioned to serve as a “backbone support organization” for collective impact initiatives.

Sustainable Cities and Communities Design Handbook

Sustainable Cities and Communities Design Handbook
Author: Woodrow W. Clark II
Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann
Total Pages: 632
Release: 2017-11-27
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 012813965X

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Sustainable Communities Design Handbook: Green Engineering, Architecture, and Technology, Second Edition, brings together the major players responsible for sustainable development at both community and metropolitan scales. The book aims to explain and demonstrate the practice, planning, design, building and managing of the engineering, architectural and economic development of cities and communities to meet sustainable development objectives. Offering a holistic approach to creating sustainable communities, the book includes a 40 percent increase in new methods and technology over the last edition, and 50 percent more case studies from around the world to illustrate how common sustainability problems are solved. As the concept and practices of a sustainable built environment have evolved over the years, it is increasingly recognized that the scope should be expanded beyond individual buildings to the community scale. Written by an international team of engineers, architects, and environmental experts this second edition includes new HVAC technologies for heating and cooling, energy effect technologies for lighting, and new construction materials which improve heating and cooling efficiencies. This new edition will also include critical updates on international codes: LEED, BREEAM, and Green Globes. Explains the most cutting-edge green technologies and methods for use in built communities Provides a common approach in using natural resources when building and designing green communities Features coverage of green practices from architecture to construction Covers compliance with various international codes, methods and legal frameworks

Toward Sustainable Communities

Toward Sustainable Communities
Author: Mark Roseland
Publisher: New Society Publishers
Total Pages: 395
Release: 2012-07-17
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 0865717117

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Helps citizens and their governments apply the concept of sustainable development in their communities. Original.