Recent Examples of Sustainable Conservation in Real Estate Development

Today, environmental stewardship is increasingly regarded as a social responsibility. In response, many land developers are recognizing the importance of balancing economic growth with the preservation of natural ecosystems and are embracing more sustainable development practices. This shift is driven by a growing commitment to create developments that not only thrive socially and economically, but also foster a sense of environmental stewardship.

What is the traditional approach to conservation?

When people think about land conservation, they often picture “exclusion-based” approaches—where humans are kept out of large tracts of land in order to preserve nature. While this has been common in the past, and it can still be an appropriate strategy in many cases, it shouldn’t be considered the only solution for land conservation going forward for several reasons.  Three of these are:

• Social complexities: Societies are intricate, full of subtleties, and complicated. Because of this, exclusion policies can sometimes create inequalities with land use and access. Rural communities—already facing their share of economic challenges—are often affected the most.
• Disconnection from nature: Humans can be a beneficial part of the ecosystem.  Sometimes these large tracts of protected areas are already home to communities. Preventing communities from using land in traditional ways can lead to a loss of valuable local traditional knowledge and even weaken the connection between people and nature, making long-term conservation less effective.
• Missed opportunities for meeting human needs sustainably: When people are separated from nature, it can lead to an “out of sight, out of mind” mindset. This disconnect not only makes it harder for societies to meet their needs but also blinds us to the chance of creating communities that balance ecological health with human prosperity. By blending conservation with sustainable development, we can build stronger, more resilient communities that thrive both economically and environmentally.

Current status of global conservation: What is the "30x30" Initiative?

In response to the increasing environmental threats to the planet and its biodiversity, over 100 nations, including the United States, committed to the “30x30” initiative at the 2022 United Nations Biodiversity Conference. This ambitious plan gets its name from their goal:

• To protect 30% of the world’s land and ocean areas by 2030

However, achieving this goal comes with some challenges, mainly:

• What to protect: Countries and organizations have a range of conflicting ideas on how to prioritize what areas need the most protection.
• Exclusion-based strategies: The most common approach so far has been mainly to create networks of large exclusion-based zones in order to limit human activity. As discussed, this comes with its own problems.

There’s a clear need to explore new strategies that allow us to meet this ambitious goal while addressing the complexities of conservation in today’s world.

A Better Approach: Coexistence of People and Nature

Rather than separating people from nature, which for some areas is appropriate, a different approach could be:

• Blending social and ecological needs: Communities that are closely connected to their local environments can play an active role in protecting and enhancing biodiversity.
• Advantages of integration: Building these connections helps ensure long-term environmental preservation while fostering resilient, thriving developments with a strong culture of sustainability.

Village Conservation Communities: A Rising Trend

One promising strategy is the development of Village Conservation Communities (VCCs). Developed with leadership from organizations like The Conservation Fund, these communities offer:

• Eco-friendly living spaces that prioritize both environmental and human well-being.
• Preservation of the scenic and ecological value of the land.
• Integrating human needs with the environment and helping to foster long-term stewardship.

Examples of Conservation-Focused Communities

Serenbe Community

Located in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, Serenbe is a nationally recognized example of how home development can harmonize with nature. This community prioritizes environmental sustainability while fostering a sense of belonging and well-being. Key features include:

• Nature preservation: Serenbe is built around the preservation of over 70% of its land as green space, including forests, meadows, and working organic farms. This ensures a minimal environmental footprint while maintaining a strong connection to the land.
• Focus on well-being: The community is designed to encourage healthy, sustainable living through a network of walking trails, organic farms, and a strong focus on the arts and wellness.
• Sustainable agriculture: Serenbe’s organic farms supply fresh produce for residents and local businesses, promoting farm-to-table practices and a closer connection to food sources.
• Eco-friendly infrastructure: Homes are built to rigorous environmental standards, with features such as geothermal heating, solar energy, and water conservation systems that help lower the overall environmental impact.

The Boulders, North Carolina

Located just outside Asheville, The Boulders is another conservation-focused community that is a prime example of eco-friendly living. Key features include:

• Conservation-first design: With 56 acres of conserved land, over two-thirds of the community land is preserved, offering green spaces, scenic trails, dotted with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

• Eco-friendly homes: Thoughtfully designed homes incorporate energy-efficient construction and materials, helping to reduce the carbon footprint but maintaining comfort and style.

Both communities are blending development with conservation, creating environments that prioritize sustainability, preserve natural beauty, and offer residents a deeper connection to their surroundings​.

How do VCC real estate developments lead to more sustainable growth?

The conversion of land to housing developments is a leading cause of habitat loss and fragmentation. By incorporating conservation into real estate development, projects like Serenbe and The Boulders are:

• Demonstrating how conservation and sustainable living can go hand in hand.
• Leading the way in creating eco-friendly, resilient communities that minimize their land-use impacts and promote healthier lifestyles for residents.

As the real estate industry continues to evolve, these innovative approaches set new standards, showing that sustainable development can work to help us both preserve ecosystems and improve community well-being.

What are some issues of VCCs?

While Serenbe and The Boulders do great work blending nature with development, they still have a few major issues:

1. High Costs: With homes costing over $1 million on average, these communities are very pricey, limiting access mostly to wealthy buyers. To truly make an impact, eco-friendly living should be affordable for everyone, not just the wealthy.
2. Exclusivity: Nearly all of these communities are gated or closed-off to the general public. This may be desirable to the developers and the home-buyers, this exclusivity is designed to cater to those who can afford luxury while potentially pushing out or alienating locals.
3. Scalability: While great in concept, it’s tough to see how these models could work on a larger scale, especially in denser areas with less space.
4. Environmental Impact: Even with green building practices, constructing luxury homes still uses significant resources and tends to come with a large carbon footprint. This leads to the question whether the overall environmental impact really is as low as is marketed.
   
   

How does building with conservation in mind help real estate developers and communities?

Sustainable conservation can be a boon for real estate development. By prioritizing land preservation, developers not only reduce their environmental footprint but also create communities where people and nature can thrive together. This balance makes developments more attractive to future homeowners, who increasingly value eco-friendly living. Ultimately, it can lead to long-term success for both the development and the environment.

That’s where Unique Places to Save comes in. We specialize in establishing and managing conservation easements, helping developers protect vital natural areas while still meeting their project goals. Our team guides developers through the process, ensuring the land remains conserved for future generations—all while adding potential value to developments. Whether it’s safeguarding forests, wetlands, or open spaces, we’re here to make conservation a win-win for everyone.