Although this site contains a wealth of reference material and of recommendations, it is simple to use and not prescriptive. It is intended to be of value to commercial developers, planning consultants, community and environmental groups, householders and small entrepreneurs as well as local authority planners and designers.

The Sustainable Developer Guide is divided into twelve topic headings, each representing different aspects of development. These topics overlap, so each chapter should not be viewed in isolation. These twelve topics can be chosen from the left hand navigational panel.

For ease of reference each topic has been structured in the same way and is made up of four sections:

• ‘Introduction’ and ‘Forces for Change’ are shown by clicking on the topic header in the left hand panel.
  They make up the home page for each topic.  The Introduction indicates the context of the topic and the extent of its significance in sustainability terms.  Forces for Change sets out the factors that are driving the sustainability agenda, such as new policy or emerging legislation.
• ‘Sustainable Solutions’ is the first subsection that is available when the main topic header is clicked on.
   It consists of a series of bullet point recommendations in response to questions about how best to proceed.  Where appropriate, cross reference is made to other topic areas which contain related material.
• ‘Case Studies’ is the second subsection that is available when the main topic header is clicked on.
   These studies are devoted to the best of what is already happening at the local level. Contact details are provided, and where appropriate are cross referenced to more detailed information about a number of high profile exemplar projects in the county, to be found under Extended Case Studies.
• ‘Further Resources’ is the final subsection that is available when the main topic header is clicked on.
  This lists key reference material, including websites and publications (with contact information where available), which is related to the recommended solutions.  The most frequently quoted organisations will be highlighted in red, and this will access a link to Useful Contacts.  Here the role of each organisation is described in more detail and links to relevant other websites may be made.

Alongside Useful Contacts, there is a separate section on Useful Publications; many of these are books or published guides that cover a range of topics - and thus may not occur in individual topic chapters.  

Throughout the site, terms which may be unfamiliar to the reader are highlighted in bold and are linked to an explanation in the Glossary.  

A condensed cartoonised version of the Guide has been put together for the benefit of those involved in smaller scale building projects such as house extensions and changes of use. An A3 sized leaflet entitled ‘A Sustainable Approach to Smaller Building Projects’ is available from local planning authority reception areas, main libraries and Nottinghamshire County Council Communities Department. It highlights key messages from those chapters of the main document - notably Building Design and Specification, Energy Use, Water Use & Drainage and Waste Minimisation - that are most relevant to smaller projects. Download a pdf version of the leaflet [PDF 1008KB]