OK, our final
component of a green home, Community Design, and then we can get back to
microclimate and
trees. While improving the efficiency and health of a tract home in a large suburban sprawl development is a good thing, even better is good community design in the first place, or adaptation of less efficient community structure to concentrate services, improve pedestrian access and expand open space.
"Livable communities enhance the quality of life while reducing impact on the environment. Pedestrian and bicycle friendly neighborhoods provide opportunities for exercising and meeting neighbors. High density areas where work, shopping and school are all close by allow for less time driving and fewer greenhouse gas emissions from cars." The "
new urbanism" everyone's transforming old cities with these days is our 5th green home component. There are multiple benefits to human and environmental health, not to mention enhanced real estate values.
One of the major attractions of Marin and San Francisco is the abundance of open space adjacent to wonderful
walkable communities. While a Google search will turn up conflicting rankings of healthiest cities, our fair metropolis is often touted as the
"most walkable". Preservation efforts, both of wildlands and historic character, by many valiant individuals over the years, have enhanced the quality of life here immeasurably. Worthy organizations such as
SPUR, the
Marin and
San Francisco Bicycle Coalitions, Safe Routes to Schools and many others, continue to work to improve our communities usability and quality of life.
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