The Urban Ecovillage Movement
Elizabeth Slate — May 31, 2008 — Eco
References: ic.org & ena.ecovillage.org
This is an excerpt from a research paper I wrote on the ecovillage movement:
Robert and Diane Gilman, in Ecovillages and Sustainable Communities, have defined an ecovillage as “a human-scale, full-featured settlement in which human activities are harmlessly integrated into the natural world in a way that is supportive of healthy human development and can be successfully continued into the indefinite future†(qtd. in Joseph and Bates, 22).
An ecovillage is a community of people who work together to live in an ecologically sound manner, and is usually set up in a rural area due to the benefits plots of arable land and green spaces provide for sustainable lifestyles. However, there are a growing number of co-housing projects and "neighborhoods" in urban areas that reflect many of the same practices and beliefs upheld by the ecovillage movement. These have become identified as urban ecovillages. The ecovillage movement has proven itself to be the most promising venue for change and sustainable living. In particular, urban ecovillages should be most effective in bridging the divide between the ecovillage culture and the mainstream lifestyle.
Robert and Diane Gilman, in Ecovillages and Sustainable Communities, have defined an ecovillage as “a human-scale, full-featured settlement in which human activities are harmlessly integrated into the natural world in a way that is supportive of healthy human development and can be successfully continued into the indefinite future†(qtd. in Joseph and Bates, 22).
An ecovillage is a community of people who work together to live in an ecologically sound manner, and is usually set up in a rural area due to the benefits plots of arable land and green spaces provide for sustainable lifestyles. However, there are a growing number of co-housing projects and "neighborhoods" in urban areas that reflect many of the same practices and beliefs upheld by the ecovillage movement. These have become identified as urban ecovillages. The ecovillage movement has proven itself to be the most promising venue for change and sustainable living. In particular, urban ecovillages should be most effective in bridging the divide between the ecovillage culture and the mainstream lifestyle.
Trend Themes
1. Ecovillage Movement - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop sustainable and self-sufficient communities that integrate human activities with the natural world.
2. Rural Ecovillages - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the potential of establishing ecovillages in rural areas to leverage arable land and green spaces for sustainable living.
3. Urban Ecovillages - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create co-housing projects and neighborhoods in urban areas to promote sustainable practices and bridge the gap between ecovillage culture and mainstream lifestyle.
Industry Implications
1. Sustainable Community Development - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Drive the growth of sustainable communities by designing and implementing integrated approaches that support healthy human development and long-term viability.
2. Renewable Energy - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Provide innovative renewable energy solutions to support the energy requirements of ecovillages and sustainable communities.
3. Urban Planning and Design - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Redefine urban planning and design strategies to create urban ecovillages that promote sustainable living and harmonious integration with the natural environment.
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