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To help communicate the challenges we all face in reducing our environmental impact, and to facilitate change at local and global levels, BioRegional Development Group and the World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) launched the One Planet Living (OPL) initiative in 2004. OPL continues the work of both organisations in promoting the concepts of sustainable development and ecological footprinting.
To achieve the ideal state of OPL, each of us needs to rise to the challenge, as individuals, communities and organisations. We need to consider every aspect of how we live and how we build. Having considered them, we then need to make real, lasting lifestyle choices to reduce our environmental impact.
Communities who commit themselves to the OPL initiative are asked to adopt a set of common international targets, developed by BDG and WWF. Wherever possible, these are augmented by independently certifiable international and national industry standards. OPL is structured around this set of principles:
1. Zero carbon
a. Reduction of energy demands for the project
b. Use of clean and renewable energy sources within the project's design
c. Energy efficient design of all buildings
2. Zero waste
a. Reduction, reuse and recycling of all waste at the construction phase
b. Composting of animal wastes; reuse of demolition wastes
3. Sustainable transport
a. Reducing the need to travel and provide sustainable alternatives
b. Access to public transportation
c. Bicycle paths
d. Pedestrian paths
4. Local and sustainable materials
a. Use of reclaimed and recycled materials
b. Use of natural or non-toxic materials with low environmental impact
c. Use of local materials and skills
5. Local and sustainable food
a. Promotion of local, seasonal and organic produce and reduced packaging
b. Promotion of individual initiatives such as organic gardens
c. Targeting and lowering food miles
d. Certifying organic food
6. Sustainable water
a. Reduction of water demand through sustainable practices such as water efficient fittings and waste water treatment, rainwater collection
7. Natural habitats and wildlife
a. Enhancement and protection of existing natural areas
b. Particular focus on threatened local species such as the ghaf tree and dhub lizards
c. Promotion of enriched natural biodiversity
d. Ensuring animal well being
e. Facilitating EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment
8. Culture and heritage
a. Preservation and promotion of indigenous culture
b. Preservation of limestone strata fossils
c. Conservation of heritage and archaeological finds
d. Ensuring the prompt reporting and accurate recording of archaeological finds
e. Establishing educational opportunities such as the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre
9. Equity and fair trade
a. Positively impacting on the welfare of local and worldwide neighbours and future generations
b. Promotion of positive local equity by buying local goods and services
c. Ensuring that products and services come from local and foreign certified ‘fair trade’ sources
10. Health and happiness
a. Provision of facilities and services that support healthy living and well being
b. Provision of a safe, secure environment for all – now and in the future
11. Animal welfare
a. Ensuring the highest degree of responsibility in wildlife management
b. Procurement of animals using the strictest, established zoological standards
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