What is a key principle of sustainable design in urban development?

A key principle of sustainable design in urban development is to create places that work well for people, the planet, and the economy at the same time. This means planning neighborhoods so that homes, shops, and parks are close together, which reduces the need for cars and saves energy. Designers also use local materials and renewable energy, like solar panels, to keep the city’s environmental impact low. For example, a new mixed‑use district might have a community garden, bike lanes, and solar‑powered streetlights, all of which help residents stay healthy, cut pollution, and keep costs down.