‘This is a wonderful book that should be on the desk of every architect and planner. It shows how

Ecological space (ES) trading [Chapter 11]
ES is the effective ecological area provided by a development. It creates infrastructure for ecosystem 
services through multiple integrated functions. It measures the interior and/or exterior space devoted 
to healthy ecosystems per person or square metre. It provides a measure of positive impacts, and 
enables trading to facilitate an increase in urban eco-services. Current trading systems largely simply 
offset the harm of future industrial activity, rather that fostering positive improvements to the ecology 
and public spaces. We can increase the latter by:
•
Allowing developers or building owners credit for ES or indoor/outdoor areas that provide
for eco-services; this will increase urban sustainability incrementally and at no ‘extra’ cost (as 
retrofitting is ongoing in the urban environment). 
• 
Considering new methods, such as ‘reverse’ transferable development rights that enable
people to rent space on their property for the development of eco-services or even energy
production. For example, energy contractors could rent space on private roofs for solar cells.
• 
Creating credits/awards/rebates for – or require the inclusion of – eco-services in
development through ES or bioremediation functions that improve the health of air, soil,
water, biota and habitats. 
Step 8: Develop Design Goals, Strategies and Processes 
The process of designing and creating is more likely to stimulate positive eco-innovations than 
conventional planning – which has meant defensively preparing for a non-sustainable future.
SmartMode aims instead to improve human and environmental health and whole systems efficiency 
by replacing resource-intensive machines and products with natural systems. During partnering, 
planning and decision processes, SmartMode looks beyond the site or project objectives to support 
wider needs. The design process, however, is not meant to be in separate, sequential stages (except 
for the purposes of this checklist).