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HOUSING
 recommended
highly recommended
 regularly updated
 specialised or technical site
YXC link to youthxchange content
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SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
Midrand ecocity - the Johannesburg EcoCity initiative demonstrates alternative ways of planning and organising communities that can put sustainable development into action. The EcoCity Trust is a public-private partnership with the City of Johannesburg which oversees the management of the programme. The project has involved a range of partnerships including government (local, provincial, national and international), international aid agencies, non-governmental agencies (local and international), the private sector and the community. [www.ecocity.org.za]
Design-for-all (or ‘universal design’) - its intent of is to simplify life for everyone by making products, communications, and the built environment more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost. Universal design benefits people of all ages and abilities. [www.design-for-all.org] [www.adaptiveenvironments.org] [www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/center]
Ecovillages - are urban or rural communities of people who strive to integrate a supportive social environment with a low-impact way of life. To achieve this, they integrate various aspects of ecological design, ecological building, green production, alternative energy, community building practices, and much more. In 1998, ecovillages were officially named for the first time among the United Nations' top 100 listing of Best Practices, as excellent models of sustainable living. [gen.ecovillage.org]
Soweto houses - conceived as a technology demonstration and a teaching resource, the Soweto ECOTM House is the first fully energy saving house to be built in Soweto (Johannesburg, South Africa). The house achieves natural thermal comfort for its residents, reducing energy consumption and the need to burn fossil fuels or consume large amounts of electricity. The project was showcased on the occasion of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) held in 2002 in Johannesburg.[www.housing.gov.za/sustainablesettlements/CaseStudies/DisplayCase.asp]
Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) - is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing organisation. Dedicated to the ideal that all people deserve a simple, decent place to live on terms they can afford to pay, Habitat builds houses all around the world. [www.habitat.org/how/tour/1.html?r=quote]
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