Residential construction is a major contributor to Florida's economy, but for every housing unit built the demand for resources like energy, water and land grows. Because of this, it is important now, more than ever, to build sustainable communities, which follow environmentally-friendly design and construction practices. When it comes to building a sustainable community, UF/IFAS Extension can help. Through educational materials, applied research, and initiatives like the Program for Resource Efficient Communities (PREC), UF/IFAS Extension can provide you with the information you need to live more sustainably.

Residential construction is a major contributor to Florida's economy, but for every housing unit built the demand for resources like energy, water and land grows. Because of this, it is important now, more than ever, to build sustainable communities, which follow environmentally-friendly design and construction practices. When it comes to building a sustainable community, UF/IFAS Extension can help. Through educational materials, applied research, and initiatives like the Program for Resource Efficient Communities (PREC), UF/IFAS Extension can provide you with the information you need to live more sustainably. Sustainability Starts Here Building a sustainable community begins with individual impact. Through PREC, UF/IFAS Extension offers resources to help you reduce environmental deterioration within your community. PREC supports sustainable community development via direct training, education and consultation. Find out how you can get involved in your local community to minimize waste and non-renewable resource consumption. Florida-Friendly Partners PREC works closely with local certification agencies to promote sustainable design, performance and management practices for community development. Some of these agencies include Audubon International, the Florida Green Building Coalition, the U.S. Green Building Council and the St. Johns River Water Management District's Florida Water Star program. See how these organizations are promoting more sustainable development. Community Planning & Design Getting involved on a local level is an integral part of developing sustainable communities. PREC works with local government through conducting educational workshops and overseeing the implementation of resource efficiency strategies and low-impact design practices that span the house, lot and community levels. PREC also influences real development projects and reviews residential and reviews plans for conservation.