A critical discussion of the BREEAM Communities method as applied to Chinese eco-village assessment. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Chenxi; Wang, Fan; MacKillop, Fionn
• Is Part Of: Sustainable cities and society. Volume 59(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Eco-village -- Assessment method -- BREEAM Communities -- Sustainable development -- Socio-economic impacts -- Rural issues -- China -- Rural revitalisation -- Local society; Sustainable urban development -- Periodicals; Sustainable buildings -- Periodicals; Urban ecology (Sociology) -- Periodicals; 307.76
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scs.2020.102172
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2210-6707

Abstract

Highlights: An upto-date extensive review is presented on the eco-village development in China and its impacts. A further review is carried out focusing on the commonly used international and domestic assessment methods. Possible problems are identified in mock assessments using the BREEAM Communities. Limitations of using the BREEAM Communities are addressed in a comprehensive analysis of three bottom-up cases. Suggestions are provided to support the development of a new assessment method to suit oriental culture. Abstract: Rural revitalisation in China is drawing increasing attention, especially from the central government. It is considered crucial for solving various sustainability problems caused by the extensive and fast urbanisation, including the loss of young residents and an ageing population resulting in the underuse of rural land resources. As demonstrated through a range of frameworks and assessment methods for design and evaluation, eco-village development can be a valid approach to address rural issues in China, particularly for "top-down" projects. However, the existing international and domestic assessment methods cannot evaluate eco-village developments broadly in China due to the limitations of inappropriate assessment criteria, rating system, and indicators, especially for those bottom-up projects. After analysing both the process and results of the assessment when the BREEAM Communities method is applied to three bottom-up development eco-villages in China, this paper highlights three major limitations of the assessment and suggests four key elements in a new assessment method for both the top-down and bottom-up projects in China. The suggestions could guide developing the method which becomes more comprehensive and adaptable to local social, cultural, economic and environmental conditions for future eco-village developments.