As described by the International non-governmental organization Ecocity Builders, an ecocity is a human settlement modelled on the self sustaining resilient structure and function of natural ecosystems:
- It provides healthy abundance to its inhabitants without consuming more renewable resources than it replaces.
- It functions without producing more waste than it can assimilate or recycle for new uses, or than nature can dilute and absorb harmlessly, and without being toxic to itself or neighbouring ecosystems.
- The impacts of residents’ lifestyles are in balance with the Earth’s ecology carrying capacity; its social order reflects fundamental principles of fairness, justice, reasonable equity and consensus, and allow for high levels of happiness.