A template for integrated community sustainability planning

Journal Title
Journal of Environmental Management
Journal Number
2
Journal Volume
44
Journal Pages
228-241

This article describes a template for implementing an integrated community sustainability plan. The template emphasisescommunity engagement and outlines the components of a basic framework for integrating ecological, social and economic dynamics in a community. The framework is a series of steps that support a sustainable community development process. While it reflects the Canadian experience, the tools and techniques have applied value for a range of environmental planning contexts around the world. The research is case study based and draws from a diverse range of communities  representingmany types of infrastructure, demographicsand ecological and geographical contexts. A critical path for moving local governments to sustainable community development is the creation and implementation of integrated planning approaches. To be effective and to be implemented, a requisite shift to sustainability requires active community engagement processes, political will, and a commitment to political and administrative accountability, and measurement.