According to Agenda 21, the sustainable development of human settlements should provide all the world’s people with proper shelter and reduce development patterns that harm the ecosystem. Authorities should ensure sound, water management by, among other things, protecting water resources from depletion, contamination and degradation, and improving sanitation. Energy efficiency and promotion of the development of energy-saving technologies that enable energy recovery, including the development of solar, hydroelectric, wind and biomass energy, is also an important element. Countries should promote environmentally appropriate urban transportation systems including efficient public transportation and “non-motorized lifestyles” [e.g., walking or cycling]. They should also reduce the negative environmental impact of construction projects by promoting local materials, efficient labor methods, informal self-help methods, energy-efficient design, and by promoting the recovery of construction materials and reducing environmentally destructive materials, as well as by protecting environmentally sensitive zones
