SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES

The Catharina Gardens project team, when creating the basis for the project’s master plan, used the guidelines as proposed by ‘The United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development’ (Habitat III). The New Urban Agenda represents a shared world-wide vision for a better and more sustainable future, wherein urbanization can be a powerful tool for sustainable development. Catharina Gardens implements the Habitat III focal points as follows:

• Social & Ecological function of land: creating so-called ‘introverted’ living facilities that enable better connectivity within the household; uniting various types of households and levels of income; respecting the neighbors; enabling recreational facilities; and facilitating sustainable ecological development in the neighborhood.
• Conserve ecosystems and minimize environmental impact: minimum dependency on artificial energy sources; sustainable solutions such as water recycling; small footprint; modular construction of the homes; natural lighting and ventilation.
• Disaster risk reduction and reduction of vulnerability: clean design; maximum protection from natural elements; limited outside vulnerabilities; self-sustainable by means of a solar water heater.
• A sense of belonging & ownership in addition to prioritizing inclusive green: collective green facilities and awareness regarding sustainability; affordable housing through cost-effective construction; mid and high-income housing; individual green and water management.
• Safe, healthy, accessible, resilient, sustainable living: a safe neighborhood with social connectivity; burglar proof homes; open indoor spaces; heat/noise/dust management; low maintenance costs.