Austin’s Sustainable Communities Initiative (SCI) has a mission: “the highest quality of life in the best possible environment.” While this may seem a lofty ideal, the SCI is developing the tools to help this mission become reality.

The main premise of sustainability can be voiced in a couple of questions: will current practices allow a community to exist in comfort, and continue into the foreseeable future as a viable unit? If not, what needs to be addressed so that this objective can be accomplished?

To help answer these questions, the SCI outlines three factors of sustainability: environment, economics, and social equity.

Consuming resources without considering their renewal is the antithesis of sustainability. Maintaining respect toward available resources, acknowledging the responsibility of each member to use these resources conservatively, and the desire to allow each member equal access to these resources are the cornerstones of a green-built community.

It may seem to be a tall order to comply with the requirements for green living, but the SCI has some fairly simple suggestions each person can do to work toward sustainability.

When building or remodeling, consider using recycled materials; employ energy-efficient utilities and materials.

Purchase locally and organically. Seek out farmer?s markets and organic producers. Or grow your own!

Get informed about green building. Find out more about the Austin Neighborhood Planning Program, which offers assistance in planning sustainable neighborhoods.