Guidelines for Planning and Development of Human Settlements in Urban and Rural Areas of Bhutan to minimise environmental impacts.

This document provides for a framework of guidelines for human settlement in both urban and rural areas by mainstreaming Environment, Climate Change and Poverty. The guidelines focus on promotion of eco-friendly technologies, conservation of natural environment, management of environmental hazards (resilience planning). The best practices in planning and construction practiced in other parts of the world are also covered. Section 1 covers sustainable settlement environmental planning including retaining natural vegetation, soil erosion and sedimentation control, and land-use planning. Section 2 contains guidelines pertaining to energy and energy systems to enable reduction of energy consumed by buildings. Section 3 provides guidelines for energy efficient street lighting. Section 4 provides guidelines on water and wastewater management systems including sustainable water management, water treatment, sustainable wastewater management, water reuse and recycling. Chapter 5 contains guidelines for solid waste management and chapter 6 provides for guidelines on climate related risk mitigation and adaptation. Section 7 highlights notable building materials and construction technologies. Chapter 8 contains the implementation strategies.