Since the demonstration project Ecolonia, 15 years ago in the Netherlands, the Dutch approach to sustainable housing projects has developed form a "adding measures" approach to a conceptual approach. Ths knowledge and approach has been practised in several projects and workshops around the world in preparing the guidelines for the design and development of a project, resulting in "the terms of reference" or Bill of requirements" for the project. This document outlines the ambitions and targets to be met in the project, as well as the conditions for designing, materialising and operating the project. This way all stakeholders start from the same perception and ambition, and secures the design and construction process. A new book describes this approach, see book section. An example of the result can be dowloaded here, where the approach is practised for a Chinese housing development.
