Northern Arizona University

Sustainable Communities Research Program

Virtually every major ecological system, as well as our social structures and communities, are in decline.  In the industrial world, 80% of the population lives in cities, so it is not surprising that cities are the largest contributor to ecological and social stresses.  This also means that if cities could change, they could make the greatest contribution to creating sustainable conditions.  Many cities are working to become more sustainable, but the gap between where we are and where we want to be is growing in spite of the many gains of cities in resource conservation, pollution reduction, and improving social wellbeing.

How can cities become more effective in achieving their sustainable goals?  To date there has been little research on the factors that are most likely to lead to success.  This research project asks the question:  What are the factors that are critical to the success of sustainable city programs that are not present in unsuccessful programs?

Read the Project Documents:

·          Full Project Proposal, July 2006

·          Synopsis of Interim Report, August 2007

·          Complete Interim Report, August 2007