available locally (4)affordable (4)available locally (4)affordable (4)
B. The extent to which building materials used are :
- natural / recyclable
- recycled/reusable materials
- from your own bioregion
C. Buildings are designed to minimize energy needs and harmonize with the natural environment using: Check as many as apply
Shared spaces (common buildings, shared houses, etc.)
Locally appropriate insulation standards
Natural/non-toxic insulation materials
Orientation of buildings (for light and temperature control)
Creation of favorable outdoor microclimates (planting to regulate indoor temperatures for comfort)
Design to blend with the environment (colors, materials, site selection, etc)
Design and construction planning for long life and/or renewability
Other (1 point for each) - describe: ______________________________________________
D. The extent to which pre-existing buildings are retrofitted for sustainability/aesthetics:
most (6)some (3)few/none (0)
E. Some form of honoring the Earth, or attuning to it, is used to connect with the natural environment during community design, any excavating or rearrangement of the landscape, infrastructure development and community activities:
often (4)sometimes (2)rarely (0)never (-1)
F. The extent to which community design (buildings, other infrastructure, landscaping and activity areas) is done with a Permaculture or other whole system approach, that respects and includes the needs of the Earth, local flora and fauna, as well as the needs of humans:
often (4)sometimes (2)rarely (0)never (-1)
G. How well the community is designed to minimize internal motor vehicle use (clustering of buildings):
very well (4)adequately (2)minimally (1)inadequately (-1)
H. How frequently community members must travel outside of the community for their needs:
I. The extent to which transportation conservation methods are used:
Trail systems (walking, bike, horse, etc.)
Use of vehicles powered by clean, renewable energy sources (solar)
Car-pooling
Sharing of vehicles
Mass transit availability for longer distance travel (train/bus/air)
Other sustainable method (1 point for each) - describe: ______________________________________________
J. Opportunities are sought to work at home vs. leaving the community to work:
often (4)sometimes (2)rarely (0)never (-1)
Add up the numbers in parentheses behind each item above that you checked.
3. Physical Infrastructure, Buildings & Transportation Total:_____
Indicates excellent progress toward sustainability Indicates a good start toward sustainability Indicates actions are needed to undertake sustainability
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