The Natural Step for Communities Study Circle Guide/Session 3

Session 3: Eco-Housing and Green Building/Businesses (Chapter 7 & 8) Begin with the Circle Question Think of a building in your community (i.e. your home, library, church, etc.) that you liked to spend time in. What are the characteristics of the building that make it enjoyable for you? What features of your current dwelling encourage or discourage alteration to a more sustainable habitat? In light of the fourth system condition, what factors should be considered when determining an affordable housing policy for your community? In light of the Natural Step framework, if you were a business owner, what steps would you take to determine how to make your business greener? The book highlights a number of types of businesses (fast-food restaurant, hotel, auto dealer, tanning company, construction, etc.) that have created a market advantage because they have gone green. What businesses or types of businesses in your community do you think could benefit most from incorporating green practices such as co-location, waste and pollution reduction, recycling, green building, etc? Explain. Did reading this section make you want to do something differently or to take some action in your life? If so, explain.