The term “Eco-City” in the name Biosphere Eco-City (BEC) refers to a broad movement for sustainable cities. The term was coined in 1987 by architect Richard Register, who is still a leader in this field.
The following describes some of the ways in which BEC fits within the movement.
Eco-City Definition 1
Richard Register (founder of EcoCity Movement) | Biosphere Eco-City (BEC) Approach |
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“… designed with consideration of environmental impact, inhabited by people dedicated to minimization of required inputs of energy, water and food, and waste output …” |
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Eco-City Definition 2
Ecocity Builders | Biosphere Eco-City (BEC) Approach |
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“… a subsystem of the ecosystem of which it is part of its watershed, bioregion, and ultimately the planet.” |
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Eco-City Definition 3
Virginia Tech | Biosphere Eco-City (BEC) Approach |
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“… places where people can live healthier and economically productive lives while reducing their impact on the environment … (that) integrates vision, citizen initiative, public administration, ecologically efficient industry, people’s needs and aspirations, harmonious culture, and landscapes where nature, agriculture and the built environment are functionally integrated in a healthy way.” |
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The Ottawa BEC Council presented a poster paper at the 2011 Eco-Cities World Summit in Montreal, which was attended by 1000 people.