Dr. Lou MillsSept 23,2010

West Texas Sustainability Model

Why a model for Sustainability?Competitiveness with urban centers and

international marketsTrade local products, skills, and servicesFocus on sustainability using high tech skills

and methodologiesRefine sustainability for rural hinterlandModel for other areas.

Strategies for Sustainability Model Integrated water management Alternative transportation system Renewable energy- distribution, trade,

promotion Model Codes for Sustainable Development New Building & Community prototypes Green infrastructure and product development

& Marketing Improved streetscape design Protection, renewal of natural habitats and

ecosystems

Sustainability Systems- Quantitative MethodsLEEDSBREEAMASLA Sustainable Sites Initiative

USDA Rural Business Development Grant Programs

The agency encourages applications that:

Promote economic growth, job creation within region that have fewest prospects and greatest need

Clear leadership in organizing effortCommon economic basis that would support successCollaborative effort and willingness to workSeek contributions for regional strategiesDemographic diversityAdequate funding to support disadvantage

communities

USDA Grant Selection CriteriaLocal and regional food systems that

encourage wealth creationRenewable energy generation and

conservationAccess to broadband infrastructureAccess to capital to ensure sustainable

business development and opportunityInnovative utilization of natural resources to

expand business opportunitiesFederal Register/Vol.75, No.59/Monday, March

29,2010

Sustainability Research Hypothesis/ Questions

Sustainability is predictable based on key variables in environmental design.

Most predictive variables are: water use, plant materials, and lawn areas.

Sustainable design is scaleable from small sample areas.

West Texas has unique features affecting sustainability

Sustainability can be readily mapped and quantified.To improve sustainability, increase particular

natural/cultural environmental design variables

The Model

Site Data Collection- BASE INFORMATION

SustainabilitySurvey Questionnaire

Sustainability= Consistent, equitable, environmentally sound and productive change

Future Research Directions for Sustainable Design & Environmental Planning

Verification of sustainability criteriaScaleConnection to Marketing for SustainabilityInternet based decision-makingInteraction and expandable modelingProgressive design changesCarbon neutral constructionLand use code relevanceOTHER IDEAS ????

Referenceswww.asla.orgDinep, Claudia and Kristin Schwab. 2010.

Sustainable Site Design. New York: John Wiley & Sons

Calkins, Meg. 2009. Materials for Sustainable Sites. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Balmori, Diana. 2007. Land and Natural Development (LAND)Code. New York: John Wiley & Sons