Reconciling Security with Sustainability: The Challenge for Eco-Homes

The importance of sustainable development is clear. The United Kingdom needs more
homes, yet the impact upon the environment must be minimised. Planning policy has
begun to reflect this challenge, and the Code for Sustainable Homes (albeit voluntary)
sets standards to improve the sustainability of new homes and offers a tool for developers
to differentiate themselves within the market, based upon their green credentials.
Although there is no doubting the importance of sustainable development, it is essential
to ensure that a step forward for the green agenda does not present a step back
for crime prevention and designing out crime. This paper presents the findings from a
recent project to establish the extent to which security and sustainability criteria might
conflict. Through a detailed analysis of both planning and crime prevention policy, as
well as a review of existing eco-homes throughout the United Kingdom, conflicts are
identified and recommendations are made for aligning the two agendas.