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Sustainable communities are places that are able to support the needs of all residents, providing a decent quality of life in the present, as well as for future generations.

Egan’s Wheel

When building sustainable areas or communities, geographers can use Egan’s Wheel to assess how sustainable the community or idea being developed is. For example, building a new leisure centre in a rural area can help make the area more sustainable if some or most of the criteria in Egan’s Wheel can be met. Alternatively, a whole new town can be considered if most or all the criteria in Egan’s Wheel are met.

There are many examples of sustainable communities or developments which are regarded as sustainable in rural areas across Wales.

National sporting buildings

The national sailing academy near Pwllheli in north Wales hosts annual sailing events. Extra visitors help boost the local rural economy. They stay in local hotels, guest houses and camping/caravan parks. The academy itself employs many people full time and recruits part time workers during key events. The building also has a large business conference centre which can be used by businesses to host key events. Local businesses such as restaurants, sport shops and gift shops also benefit from the knock-on effect. These factors generate full- and part-time jobs which contribute to the positive multiplier effect.

National festivals

The winter and summer Welsh agricultural shows in Llanelwedd, near Builth Wells, are both environmental examples of sustainable community initiatives. During the events themselves, which last around a week, there is a range of cultural and social activities. While many are linked to agriculture, there are also many other examples such as sporting events, musical performances and Welsh cuisine. Outside of the major events, the area is home to the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and specialist banking and insurance services to support local farmers and farming societies across Wales.

New schools

New schools have been built in many rural areas across Wales. With birth rates largely declining in traditional rural villages, some local authorities have closed smaller schools which have become too expensive to maintain and operate. In Powys, the council have decided to close two comprehensive schools and replace them with one much larger one. The new school will be very environmentally friendly compared to the two older schools.

Features of a new school

• Well insulated walls, ceilings and floor spaces will trap in heat during the winter months and reflect it during the summer months, keeping it cooler.
• Renewable energy will provide a large percentage of electricity and heat through solar panels, wind turbines and air source pumps.
• Natural light will flood the buildings, reducing the need for electricity.
• The canteen will source food locally, reducing transport costs and pollution emissions, as well as encourage recycling and composting. Walk to school schemes and cycle sheds will encourage pupils to safely walk or cycle during the year.
• Within the school grounds, an allotment, raised beds, ponds and tree planting will help the school further improve its environmental friendliness.
• In addition, outside spaces will shelter pupils from cold northerly winds and recycled materials will be used to create seating areas.

Transport

A range of sustainable transport initiatives have also been implemented in rural locations around Wales. From car-pooling, to electric/hybrid public transport schemes, there have been a lot of new developments.