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

Step 9: Apply Self-Assessment
In the past we have conformed our analyses to what we can easily measure and already have data 
for. But assessment should consider a wider range of factors: opportunity costs, distributive justice, 
accessibility, total flows (eg detoxification, decarbonization, dematerialization) and so on. Self-
assessment of projects is more important than project review processes by planning authorities, as 
they are usually too late in the design process. Some tools for self-assessment are reviewed below.
The eco-design reporting process [Chapter 5]
Development control processes apply where developers seek approval for a project. A more pragmatic 
development control system would concentrate on creating a positive framework that encourages 
designers to increase multiple benefits of buildings beyond the site. Assessment would therefore be 
complementary to creative eco-solutions and equitable processes. The suggested eco-design reporting 
process would stimulate sustainability innovation and education:
•
Instead of outsourcing assessment reports to specialists to predict impacts, or having
developers check off the reporting requirements of a proposal, institute an eco-design report
to examine the eco-solutions that the proponents investigated in the design process.
• 
Require a systematic exploration of eco-logical design options in a public eco-design report
and enable ‘outsiders’ to provide feedback. Project proponents should have the burden of
showing in writing that net positive technologies were not feasible. 
• 
Eco-design reports should involve input from planners and NGO representatives early in the
design process. Ensure future projects can draw upon this innovation effort by making them
public as soon as is practicable.

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The SmartMode Process