Our Built and Natural Environments
A Technical Review of the Interactions between Land Use, Transportation, and Environmental Quality
![Our Built and Natural Environments](images/built2.gif)
In Our Built and Natural Environments, published in January 2001, the EPA summarizes technical research on the relationship between the built and natural environments, as well as current understanding of the role of development patterns, urban design, and transportation in improving environmental quality. It is designed as a technical reference for people studying the implications of development on the natural environment.
Our Built and Natural Environments first examines trends in land use and their impacts. It then explores how various development patterns and practices can minimize environmental damage.
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I. Executive
Summary (PDF) (8 pp, 315 K)
II. Introduction (PDF) (3 pp, 72 K)
III. Land
Use: Recent Trends and Environmental Impacts (PDF) (17 pp, 406 K)
IV. Vehicle
Travel: Recent Trends and Environmental Impacts (PDF) (16 pp, 192 K)
V. Effects
of Different Types of Development on the Environment (PDF) (45 pp, 660 K)
VI. Conclusion (PDF) (3 pp, 48 K)
VII. Bibliography (PDF) (11 pp, 109 K)
The Complete Document available as one file (PDF) (102 pp, 1.5 MB)