In Maryland, the ninth smallest state and the fifth most densely populated, there is a high demand for land from many different interests. Developers want to build as many new housing developments. Farmers want to preserve agricultural land. Solar companies want to cover fields in solar panels. Conservationists want to protect and restore biodiversity.
Dedicating land to a single use means that there is only one winner, but why should we limit ourselves to one option? We can combine housing, energy production, and food production, and biodiversity all in one location.
For housing developments of the future to be stable and secure, they will need to be self-sufficient in energy production and also promote the health and food security of the community and local environment.
In this snippet from a conversation I had with John Spears of the Sustainable Design Group, we discuss the concept of creating a subdivision that merges agricultural and residential land. The homes would be designed to be energy independent, while having access to food grown specifically for the subdivision. See our video on grid independent passive solar homes for examples of the design principles.
Does living or investing in these communities interest you? Do you have land that you want to see utilized respectfully in a way that benefits the local community and the environment? Send me a message below and lets get in touch.