Sustainable Communty Check List

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Sustainable aspects of community life are balanced when:

Human life-styles regenerate, rather than diminish the integrity of the environment.

Food comes primarily from local or bioregional sources, is organic - free of contaminants - and provides nutritional balance.

Structures are designed to blend with and complement the natural environment, using natural, bioregional and ecologically sound (renewable, non-toxic) materials and methods of construction. Conservation is practiced in transportation systems and methods.

Consumption and generation of waste is minimized.

A clean, renewable water supply is available. The community is aware of its water source - respecting, protecting and conserving it.

Human waste and waste water is used and/or disposed of to the benefit of the environment and community.

Renewable, non-toxic energy sources are used to heat and power the community. Innovative technologies are neither exploited, nor suppressed, but applied for the common good.

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1. Sense of Place - community location and scale; restoration & preservation of nature

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A. How many people in the community would you describe as being connected with and living harmoniously within the place in which they live:

all - very few exceptions (5)most (3)some (1)few/none (-1)

B. Size - Number of people belonging to the community (sole or major place of residence):

0-5 (0)5-19 (1)20-49 (2)50-500 (4)

501-1000 (2)1001-2000 (1)2001+ (0)

C. An estimate of how many people in the community knowledgeable of native plants and wildlife is:

majority (5)some (3)minority (1)few or none (0)

D. Native plant and wildlife habitat in the area: Check all that apply

Are actively supported/enhanced

often (4)sometimes (2)rarely (0)never (-1)

Are protected

often (4)sometimes (2)rarely (0)never (-1)

Are reclaimed when disturbed by human activity

often (4)sometimes (2)rarely (0)never (-1)

E. The depth of humus is increasing yearly: Check all that apply

throughout bioregion (5)on most land within the community (3)

in food production areas - only (1)No increase (0)

Net decrease (-1)

F. Diversity of appropriate species in the community is:

flora increasing (4)unchanging (1)decreasing (-1)

fauna increasing (4)unchanging (1)decreasing (-1)

G. Change in the health of the general environment over the last year:

Soil Quality worse (-1)same (0)better (3)

Water Quality worse (-1)same (0)better (3)

Air Quality worse (-1)same (0)better (3)

H. The extent to which the natural environment of the community is disturbed by:

Noise Pollution (unpleasant sound generated by human activity and disrupting the natural quiet)

frequently (-1) sometimes (0)rarely (2)not at all (4)

Light Pollution (bright light sources unpleasant to neighbors and/or obscuring viewing of the stars)

frequently (-1) sometimes (0)rarely (2)not at all (4)

Litter (human trash, improperly discarded)

frequently (-1) sometimes (0)rarely (2)not at all (4)

I. The extent to which the community actively plans conservation of dwindling natural resources in consideration of the needs and enjoyment of future generations:

frequently (4) sometimes (2)rarely (1)not at all (-1)

J. The extent to which community members actively participate in environmental conservation and restoration activities (tree planting, non-native species removal, etc.):

frequently (4) sometimes (2)rarely (1)not at all (-1)

Add up the numbers in parentheses behind each item above that you checked.

	50+	Indicates excellent progress toward sustainability
	25-49	Indicates a good start toward sustainability
	0-24	Indicates actions are needed to undertake sustainability

 

2. Food Availability, Production & Distribution:

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A. Sufficient food, providing adequate nutritional balance is:
Check as many as apply -

available locally (3)easily accessible (3)affordable (3)

B. Food is - estimated % (points) - (If less than the lowest %, count as 0 points)

produced within community

12% (1)13-25% (3)26-40% or more (5)

obtained from local/bioregional food producers, outside of the community

25% (1)40% (3)55% (5)

organically grown:

25% (1)50% (3)65% or more (5)

from bioregional/traditional/indigenous crops:

25% (1)50% (3)65% or more (5)

C. Surplus food is produced: Check as many as apply -

within the community (12)within bioregion (6)No surplus is produced (0)

Food must be brought in from outside the bioregion for adequate nutrition. (-1 )

Surplus food is: Check as many as apply -

stored for future use (1)sold (1) donated (1)

fed to animals (1) composted (1)discarded as trash (-3)

D. Food scraps are: Check as many as apply -

donated (2)fed to animals (2)composted (2)discarded as trash (-3)

E. The extent to which greenhouse and/or roof or window gardens are used for year round food production:

great (6)some (3)little (2)none (0)

not needed - outdoor food production is sufficient (4)

F. Pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers are used in the community's food production:

commonly (-3)some (-1)minimally (1)never (6)

G. Seeds used in food production are: Check as many as apply -

open pollinated seeds (6) (varieties that produce seed and preserve biodiversity, locally cultivated and exchanged)

hybrid seeds (-2) (seeds sold by commercial corporations which will not breed true and therefore cannot be saved for next year's crops)

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Add up the numbers in parentheses behind each item above that you checked.

2. Food Availability, Production & Distribution Total:_____

	50+	Indicates excellent progress toward sustainability
	25-49	Indicates a good start toward sustainability
	0-24	Indicates actions are needed to undertake sustainability

 

3. Physical Infrastructure, Buildings & Transportation - ecological materials, methods & designs

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A. Sufficient housing, providing adequate shelter is:
Check as many as apply -

available locally (4)affordable (4)

B. The extent to which building materials used are :

- natural / recyclablemost (2)some (1)few/none (0)

- recycled/reusable materialsmost (2)some (1)few/none (0)

- from your own bioregionmost (2)some (1)few/none (0)

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.)

most (3)some (1)few/none (0)

Locally appropriate insulation standards

most (3)some (1)few/none (0)

Natural/non-toxic insulation materials

most (3)some (1)few/none (0)

Orientation of buildings (for light and temperature control)

most (3)some (1)few/none (0)

Creation of favorable outdoor microclimates (planting to regulate indoor temperatures for comfort)

most (3)some (1)few/none (0)

Design to blend with the environment (colors, materials, site selection, etc)

most (3)some (1)few/none (0)

Design and construction planning for long life and/or renewability

most (3)some (1)few/none (0)

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:

often (-2) sometimes (1) rarely (2) never (4)

I. The extent to which transportation conservation methods are used:

Trail systems (walking, bike, horse, etc.)

often (2) sometimes (1) rarely (0) never (-1)

Use of vehicles powered by clean, renewable energy sources (solar)

often (2)sometimes (1)rarely (0)never (-1)

Car-pooling

often (2)sometimes (1)rarely (0)never (-1)

Sharing of vehicles

often (2)sometimes (1)rarely (0)never (-1)

Mass transit availability for longer distance travel (train/bus/air)

often (2)sometimes (1)rarely (0)none (-1)

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.

	50+	Indicates excellent progress toward sustainability
	25-49	Indicates a good start toward sustainability
	0-24	Indicates actions are needed to undertake sustainability

 

4. Consumption Patterns & Solid Waste Management

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A. Estimates of how many people in the community use the following methods to reduce consumption of natural resources and generation of solid wastes:

Voluntary simplicity - personal consumption is minimized

all - very few exceptions (10)most (6)some (3)few/none (0)

Shared resources - equipment, tools, clothing, etc.

all - very few exceptions (10)most (6)some (3)few/none (0)

Shared facilities - kitchens, storage space, offices, etc.

all - very few exceptions (10)most (6)some (3)few/none (0)

Bulk/cooperative buying

all - very few exceptions (10)most (6)some (3)few/none (0)

Other (1 point for each) Specify: ______________________________________________

B. The extent to which the community's needs are met by local marketplaces (shortening the gap between producers and consumers):

great (5) somewhat (3) very little (1) not at all (-1)

C. Indicate which of the following systems are in place and the extent they are used by the community:

Recycling: glass, plastic, aluminum, tin, etc. (2)

often (5)sometimes (3)rarely (0)never (-5)

Reuse (2)

often (5)sometimes (3)rarely (0)never (-5)

Repair or making things (vs. buying new ones) (2)

often (5)sometimes (3)rarely (0)never (-5)

Other (1 point for each) Specify: ______________________________________________

D. An estimate of how many people in the community know the location and method of managing trash from the community (garbage removal, landfill site, etc.):

all - very few exceptions (5)most (3)some (1)few/none (0)

 

Add up the numbers in parentheses behind each item above that you checked.

	50+	Indicates excellent progress toward sustainability
	25-49	Indicates a good start toward sustainability
	0-24	Indicates actions are needed to undertake sustainability

 

5. Water - sources, quality & use patterns

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A. An estimate of how many people in the community know, respect and protect the water source:

all - very few exceptions (6)most (3)some (1)few/none (-1)

B. Water source and supply is: Check as many as apply

local and plentiful/renewable (4)

catchment (1) well (1) springs or other waterways (1)

piped from great distance or imported (bottled, tanked in, etc.) (1)

extremely inconvenient (excessively expensive, distant, scarce/rationed) (-1)

from a non-renewable source, or, withdrawal is greater than renewal (-2)

C. Water is: Check as many as apply

naturally clean - not treated, filtering not required (5)

filtered to remove minor natural impurities (3)

treated with environmental & health friendly additives to balance ph or mineral imbalances (2)

chemically treated with chlorine, bromine, iodine or fluorine (0)

treated with the above chemicals, then filtered/purified (1)

D. Water storage methods are:

clean and healthy (5)

unsanitary, posing contamination and health risks (-5)

E. The extent to which the following water conservation methods are used by the community:

Irrigation methods that conserve water

often (6)sometimes (3)rarely (1)never (-1)

Greywater reuse

often (6)sometimes (3)rarely (1)never (-1)

Minimizing household use

often (6)sometimes (3)rarely (1)never (-1)

Devices reducing the amount of water used (faucet aerators, low flow shower heads, etc.)

often (6)sometimes (3)rarely (1)never (-1)

Xeriscaping (landscaping with drought tolerant native plants requiring minimal maintenance)

often (6)sometimes (3)rarely (1)never (-1)

Use of natural/non-toxic products (cleaning, gardening, household products, etc.)

often (6)sometimes (3)rarely (1)never (-1)

Care and maintenance of plumbing to prevent/repair leaks

often (6)sometimes (3)rarely (1)never (-1)

Other (1 point for each) Specify: _____________________________________________

 

Add up the numbers in parentheses behind each item above that you checked.

	50+	Indicates excellent progress toward sustainability
	25-49	Indicates a good start toward sustainability
	0-24	Indicates actions are needed to undertake sustainability

 

6. Waste Water & Water Pollution Management

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A. Sewage management systems used in the community:
Check as many as apply

Composting toilets, dry toilets, constructed wetlands or living machine systems

all (7)most (5)some (3)little (1)

Low flush toilets or standard toilets with toilet damns

all (7)most (5)some (3)little (1)

Regular flush toilets, no conservation methods (-1)

Other (1 point for each) - describe: _____________________________________________

Sanitation is not adequately managed (contamination threat) (-5)

B. An estimate of how many people in the community know the location and method of sewage treatment used by the community:

all - very few exceptions (6)most (3)some (1)few/none (0)

C. Waste Water side effects/by-products are overall:

positive (e.g. growth of useful plants, aquaculture) (15)

negative (e.g. emission of chemicals or other pollutants) (-5)

neutral (5)

D. The quality of any water leaving the community, as compared with when it entered is:

improved, cleaner (10)

the same, unchanged (0)

decreased, less clean (-5)

If decreased:

does it meet local standards for waste water emissions yes (2) no (0)

does it meet local standards for drinking water yes (3) no (0)

E. Water Pollution:

Does not exist locally (10)

Exists and is being treated to restore clean water (8)

Exists and is not being addressed. (-5)

F. Systems are available locally for proper disposal of toxic substances (paint, oil, batteries, etc.):

yes (8) no (0)

Community members make use of these:

yes (8) no (0)

 

Add up the numbers in parentheses behind each item above that you checked.

	50+	Indicates excellent progress toward sustainability
	25-49	Indicates a good start toward sustainability
	0-24	Indicates actions are needed to undertake sustainability

 

7. Energy Sources & Uses

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A. The amount of energy that is generated from renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, biomass or geothermal) located at the community is:

all (7)most (5)some (3)little (1)none (0)

B. The amount of energy that is brought in from outside the community/bought from a utility provider that is generated from renewable sources:

all (5)most (3)some (2)little/none (1)

C. The amount of energy that is brought in from outside the community/bought from a utility provider that is generated by nuclear or fossil fuel sources:

all (-6)most (-3)some (0)little (1)none (5)

The extent to which community members are aware that their energy needs are met using non-renewable energy sources:

all - very few exceptions (3)most (2)some (1)few (0)none (-1)

D. Energy conservation information and education in the community is best described as:

programs and information are readily available and used by most community members (7)

programs and information are available, but not well utilized by community members (3)

programs and information are NOT available to community members (0)

E. Most household needs and activities (clothes washing, food preservation, etc.) are accomplished using:

natural, non-electric methods (5)

super energy efficient appliances (3)

basic energy efficient appliances (2)

standard appliances with conservation practices or adaptations (1)

standard appliances, no conservation practices or adaptations (-1)

other sustainable method (1 point for each) - describe ____________________________________________

F. Water heating and space heating or cooling are provided mostly by:

solar gain, geothermal, or, sustainable biomass (including wood) from community land (5)

natural gas, propane, bioregional wood or biomass, or, heat pump (3)

fuel oil, or, electricity from a non-renewable source (0)

other sustainable method (1 point for each) - describe ____________________________________________

G. Cooking is mostly provided for by:

solar, or, sustainable biomass from community land (including wood) (3)

propane or natural gas (1)

electricity from a non-renewable source (0)

other sustainable method (1 point for each) - describe ____________________________________________

If wood is a significant source, please indicate how it is renewed:

self sustaining tree planting program within the community/bioregion (2)

collection of dead wood from within the community/bioregion (2)

imported from outside the bioregion from a source that renews via tree planting (1)

from a source (local, bio-regional or more distant) with no renewal program in place (-2)

does not apply (0)

H. Refrigeration is mostly provided for by:

seasonal systems or cold boxes/cellars (3)

electricity from solar or other renewable source (2)

propane or natural gas (1)

electricity from a non-renewable source (-2)

other sustainable method (1 point for each) - describe ____________________________________________

I. Energy conservation is considered in construction of community buildings by:
Check as many as apply

building location and orientation for thermal mass, shading, etc. by climate (2)

use of appropriate construction materials/methods (super insulation, etc.) (2)

energy conservation is not considered in community building construction (-2)

other sustainable method (1 point for each) - describe ____________________________________________

J. The extent to which the following energy conservation and efficiency methods are used:

Consideration of energy conservation in the design of community buildings

often (2)sometimes (1)rarely (0)never (-1)

Appliances and electronic equipment are shared by community members

often (2)sometimes (1)rarely (0)never (-1)

Community members select energy efficient appliances, equipment and tools

often (2)sometimes (1)rarely (0)never (-1)

On-demand energy systems (only using energy when in use, such as water heaters)

often (2)sometimes (1)rarely (0)never (-1)

Household energy use is minimized through conservation practices and products, such as turning off power when not in use, timing devices, insulation of heat sources, etc.

often (2)sometimes (1)rarely (0)never (-1)

Regular care and maintenance of appliances and equipment

often (2)sometimes (1)rarely (0)never (-1)

Regular care and maintenance of buildings - windows, doors, etc. to prevent loss of heated or cooled air

often (2)sometimes (1)rarely (0)never (-1)

Natural lighting for indoor spaces

often (2)sometimes (1)rarely (0)never (-1)

Use of compact fluorescent lighting

60% or more of lights (3)20-60% (2)

10-20% (1)less than 10% of lights (0)

other sustainable method (1 point for each) - describe ____________________________________________

K. Surplus energy is generated from renewable sources within the community:

yes (2)no (0)

The surplus energy generated is:

- put to new uses within the community yes (2)no (0)

- provided to neighbors or the grid yes (2)no (0)

 

Add up the numbers in parentheses behind each item above that you checked.

	50+	Indicates excellent progress toward sustainability
	25-49	Indicates a good start toward sustainability
	0-24	Indicates actions are needed to undertake sustainability