It was reported in the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce by Katie Zemtseff that Diane Sugimura, the director of Seattle’s Department of Planning and Development, wants Seattle to have one of North America’s first One Planet communities. I’ve met Diane a couple of times in the last few years and she “gets it”.
Since the DJC is a subscription-only site, I can’t provide a link to the story. But I can provide a link to the source of the story: BioRegional. They are developing “One Planet” communities on a global scale that combine housing, recreation, markets, open space and job opportunities.
The photo above is courtesy BioRegional North America. The Beddington Zero Energy Development, or BedZED, is the U.K.’s largest eco-village. Located on two acres in South London, it has 100 homes, community space and workspace for 100 people.
BioRegional developed 10 One Planet principles that range from zero carbon production to economic justice, and began farming the ideas out to real estate developers. One Planet Living Communities will adopt the following guiding principles:
1. Zero carbon
2. Zero waste
3. Sustainable transport
4. Sustainable materials
5. Local and sustainable food
6. Sustainable water
7. Natural habitats and wildlife
8. Culture and heritage
9. Equity and fair trade
10. Health and happiness
To date there are projects under development in Mata de Sesimbra, Portugal; Sonoma, Calif.; Panyu, China; Paris and in the United Arab Emirates among others. They have bid on a project in Washington, D.C., that would combine a natural space, housing and a national museum on the environment.
Though there are no current plans for a One Planet community in Seattle, the city is interested in the concept. I know I sure would be!
Read the latest edition of One Planet Newspaper.
One Planet Living is a Registered Trade Mark. The vision of One Planet Living is a world in which people everywhere can lead happy, healthy lives within their fair share of the Earth’s resources. It is a joint initiative between BioRegional and WWF (World Wildlife Fund.