Sustainable Living Features in a Community

Sustainable Living Features in Buying a Home


Here is a checklist from Central Mortgage and Housing, Canada for sustainable living communities. The more questions you can answer with a “yes”, the more sustainable living features the community has.

1. Can I use my car less or not need a car at all? Yes No

Look for: nearby stores, schools, recreation facilities, restaurants, health services and other destinations that would be within walking distance. Also look for nearby bus stops and cycling lanes. Is it close to work? Find out how long a bus ride to work would take. Remember: walking and cycling instead of driving is better for your health and the environment. Driving less means less time in traffic.

2. Can I save money by living here? Yes No

Look for: compact homes with shared walls (like townhouses) that reduce heating costs; small homes and lots that require less upkeep; potential to drive less and as a result reduce car costs.

3. Could I stay in the neighborhood if my housing needs change? Yes No

Look for: a variety of dwelling types such as single detached, semi-detached, town-house and apartment.

4. Can I get to know my neighbors and local shopkeepers? Yes No

Look for: buildings with a friendly face to the street, nearby community centers, parks, shops and other meeting places.

5. Is this a pleasant place to walk? Yes No

Look for: street trees, homes that you find visually interesting, a scale that feels comfortable to you, slow moving traffic, roads that are easy to walk along or cross.

6. Is this a safe community? Yes No

Look for: homes with “eyes on the street”, street lighting, safe places for children to play, safe streets for cyclists and pedestrians, slow moving and infrequent traffic.

7. Can rain water soak naturally into the ground? Yes No

Look for: narrow roadways, small driveways and parking areas, storm water ponds, natural drain ways that lead to streams and park lands.

8. Have natural areas in the neighborhood been preserved? Yes No

9. Is land used efficiently? Yes No

Look for: narrow roadways and modestly sized lots.Remember: when land in the neighborhood is used efficiently, rural and natural areas outside it are preserved. Serving costs are also lower.

Some examples of sustainable neighborhoods

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Buying a Home Guide