ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the meaning of 'sustainability' and 'sustainable development' in the context of property development, where both concepts have now become an important if an essential consideration in most developments. Conducting a development in a sustainable manner is arguably already being undertaken by all developers as they re-use some of their resources for subsequent developments. An alternative definition of sustainability was produced by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development: Sustainable development involves the simultaneous pursuit of economic prosperity, environmental quality and social equity. Sustainable buildings tend to maximise natural daylight and fresh air, therefore improving both the internal air quality and the internal environment quality in their design which research has shown to be preferred by building users. Sustainable buildings are promoted on the basis of their benefits to health and consideration is given to optimising the health of occupants in the actual design of a project.
