Abstract
Technology, planning, and human behaviour are suggested to be the main approaches to sustainable development of our built environment. Single approach to sustainable issues has been conceived as not only being less effective but also potentially causing conflicts to other approaches. Integrating all the three aspects has been attempted for a holistic and effective approach to sustainable development. However, the current integration is a one-way and top-down relationship —from sustainable objectives, to technical and planning strategies, and finally to affected lifestyle. This imposed lifestyle is questionable on users' readiness and willingness to accept. The solving of these conflicts has often relied on social approaches —education and economic incentive —which are not always effective. Redefining the roles of the three approaches, at least conceptually, in order to form a truly holistic integration in our endeavour for sustainable development is needed.
