In order to sustain our environment and natural resources, we must approach development sensibly and with forethought.  The days of erecting a building or subdivision anywhere we choose with no consideration of the environment’s ability to cope with this development are gone.

Many people do not realize the consequences of altering the landscape to accommodate human needs.  It was
not until  I  began studies in ecology  that I learned  these concepts.   Every road that is  paved over a former
wetland or drainage  area deprives that area of its  ability to both hold and drain water.   This represents two
sides of the same coin.  Every change we make to a natural feature has a consequence.

When rain falls and hits a paved surface,  the water has no choice but  to pool up on the asphalt or run off the
edges.  The ground underneath is no longer available to absorb this valuable resource.  In this way the ground
water source cannot be replenished.  This leads to water shortages and potential droughts both in the area of development and many miles (or states) away where these problems may not have existed before.

The alternate side of this problem is that because the water cannot drain into the soil it builds up more abruptly
on the pavement during a heavy storm.  This leads to increased risks of flash flooding in the area if there is not adequate drainage for this accumulation of water.  This problem is even more serious if we decide to alter the course of a river.   By straightening a river,  the water it contains will flow at a much faster pace.   The water upstream will arrive at areas downstream much faster than it would have naturally.  The problem is compounded
if we build concrete retaining walls on the river banks.   When there is a heavy rain upstream,  the water rushes downstream into an area where it has  no choice but to rise since it  cannot drain through the retaining walls into
the surrounding soil.  Once again, the threat of flooding increases.

Our own safety concerns aside, there are other reasons to properly plan development.  These include habitat destruction and loss of species diversity.  The consequences of these acts are discussed in more detail on the
Loss of Biodiversity page.

It  is  in our  best  interest to carefully   consider all  these elements when  undertaking a  new building project,
whether it be a proposed subdivision for individual families or a new shopping center.  The sites must be chosen with respect to their impact on the environment.  Another fairly new consideration when building is to construct buildings that are complementary to their surroundings.  The buildings should blend in and not be an eyesore to
the local community.

Additionally, a carefully-planned development will also be constructed to be energy efficient in order to conserve precious natural resources.  This can be done through water-saving plumbing fixtures, use of skylights for lighting, and efficient energy systems.

Another option available to new businesses is to purchase products from local suppliers.  While this may not seem an environmental concern, it fosters goodwill in the community.  It can also contribute to the success of the com-
munity as a whole,  which will ultimately  benefit the  new business  as well.  For instance,  a new restaurant can
choose  to purchase food  grown by local  farmers.   The farmers are  able to continue  their business,  and the restaurant has initiated good public relations in its community.

Establishing a  new business in an  abandoned site is also an option.   Many abandoned  buildings which  have a negative impact on the community can be revamped for another business.  This would benefit the community by eliminating the detrimental building and all its associated problems (crime, dumping).  It can also benefit the new company by decreasing its initial start-up costs.

Combining all these elements in the most effective manner requires the merging of many disciplines.  The architect, the electrician, the plumber,  the landscaper, and the developer must all work together to produce a project that is acceptable to everyone.   This is another example of how  different disciplines can be pooled for the betterment of all to achieve environmental success.  See Interdisciplinary Approach.

The term for this type of development is  “Green Development”.   It is becoming an increasingly more important concept and one that could be very successful.  Following is a list of factors to be considered in green development and a list of benefits developers can realize from this activity.
 

CONSIDERATIONS 1) Energy efficiency 2) Less impact on the environment 3) Community cohesion 4) Building worksites closer to employees’ homes to reduce dependence on      automobiles 5) Cultural sensitivity (building structures that blend with the community’s culture) 6) Making the building unobtrusive so that it will blend in with the environment 7) Using natural land features to aid in construction and building maintenance

BENEFITS 1) Higher property value 2) More satisfied and productive employees 3) Reduced running expenses 4) Good public relations 5) Reduced capital expenditure in construction by      utilizing natural features of landscape (example:     for storm sewers) 6) Less opposition by community to development 7) Higher profit margins for the company and its      stockholders