NewVistas

Many groups have advocated the construction of "eco-cities" or "eco-communities" that incorporate a commitment to the natural environment. A large number of attempts have been made to construct such cities and communities. None have successfully approached genuine sustainability.

Issues and Questions

Ecocity Challenge Presentation (2009)

Speech (Belliston, NVF) presented on behalf of NewVistas at the 2009 Ecocity Challenge. Te speech outlines criteria for defining an ecocity.

International EcoCity Standards

Paper (Ecocity Builders 2011) proposes a system of ecocity standards. Identifies issues and criteria that define ecocities.

Living Building Challenge 2.0

Publication (International Living Building Institute 2010) sets out comprehensive sustainability standards for all types of development. Suggests the nature of problems to be solved by eco-development.

China's eco-cities: Sustainable urban living in Tianjin

Article (BBC, Vince 2012) discussing China's approach to turning dillapidated urban areas into sustainable eco-cities.

Cities Can Save the Earth

Blog Article (NPR, Krulwoch, 2013) explains the need to change how we build cities and live in them.

NewVistas Model

Description and Targets

NewVistas is an eco-city by any definition.
 
Targets:
1. Comprehensive community and sub-economy
2. Limitation of ecological footprint to a level that would allow the earth to support seven billion people on the specified model
3. Full-cycle systems for food, water, sanitation, renewable energy, and materials

Current Eco-City Projects

BedZED

Website discusses the Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZED), which is the UK's largest eco-village.

Where are New Green Cities?

Blog post (Common Current, Karlenzig 2009) comments on several ecocity projects.

Vauban, Germany (2009)

Article (Rosenthal, New York Time) comments on Vauban, Germany, a suburban community with no cars.

Other Useful Resources

EcoCity Builders

Website of Ecocity Builders, a non-profit organization dedicated to reshaping cities, towns and villages for long term health of human and natural systems.

Common Current

Website of Common Current, an organization that applies sustainability systems thinking to help develop projects, policies, and processes.

What Should Cities Make? (2017)

Article (Hurley, Citylab) discussing how certain manufacturing is becoming clean and efficient to be part of environmentally friendly and sustainable urban plans.