Sustainable neighbourhoods—a qualitative model for resource management in communities

The need to improve the management of natural and societal resources in communities is becoming increasingly evident to urban planners in the Nordic countries. In this paper we propose a qualitative model that can help us understand the concept of sustainability from a neighbourhood perspective. Starting points in our analysis are five general conditions for survival characteristic to all living systems. Sustainability in human communities is further influenced by the individualʹs basic needs and preferences. We argue that the neighbourhood level is especially suited for a thorough discussion on sustainability in communities in general. We define six types of valuable resources that need to be managed properly to maintain sustainability and resilience in any community: natural, individual, social, historical, organisational and economic resources.