The ecological footprint¹ (EF) of residents living in the Ecovillage at Ithaca (EVI) was calculated and compared to the hypothetical ecological footprint of a one-acre estate lot development (Rose Hill).  Rose Hill was a failed proposal for the same land in the late 80's that also included 50 townhouses.

EVI resident's have ecological footprints that are half that of the hypothetical Rose Hill residents as illustrated in Table 1.

Table 1: EF of EVI Residents Compared to Rose Hill

Subdivision		Ecological Footprint (Acres)
EVI	Minimum	21
	Average	26
	Maximum	29.5
Rose Hill	Estate Lot Houses	41
	Townhouses	29

 

 

For more information on ecological footprinting check out www.rprogress.org

For more information contact Jason Whitfield (1-877-782-6839). 

 

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¹Ecological footprinting is a method of calculating the impact humans have on the earth’s resources and systems by assigning a land value to the resources consumed and the waste produced (Wackernagel & Rees, 1996).

Wackernagel, M., & Rees, W. (1996). Our Ecological Footprint: Reducing Human Impact on the Earth  Gabriola Island, B.C.: New Society Publishers.