Development experts often refer to a "triple bottom line" when they assess the sustainability of a project. Depending on the alphabetical preferences of the expert, the triple bottom line of sustainable development promotes "environment, economy and equity" or "planet, people, and profit." Regardless of the specific details, the concept is that a project must be environmentally responsible, address the needs of all people affected by the project, and must be economically viable over the long run to be truly sustainable.
From the start, Lake Oliver has been conceived as a sustainable development. From an environmental perspective, sustainable practices will include:
- Creation of bio-swales to naturally filter storm water which will be cleansed before it is pumped into the lake
- Use of rain gardens and constructed wetlands to control runoff
- Construction of a large-scale geothermal system to provide economical heating and cooling
- Construction of solar-powered domestic hot water system for homes and commercial buildings
- Use of environmentally friendly building materials such as low VOC-emitting paints and adhesives and urea formaldehyde-free plywood and lumber
- Houses will be super-insulated with energy saving windows and lighting fixtures
The project will also promote healthy lifestyles for its residents and guests.
- Bike paths and nature trails will connect residents with the land
- Alternative means of transportation (non-automobile) within the community will be promoted
- A community garden will encourage residents to share in the process of growing, caring for, and consuming nature's bountiful harvest
- Ample sporting activities - on the lake, around the clubhouse, and in the park, will expose families to recreational outlets that may last a lifetime
Finally, from an economic perspective, Lake Oliver will provide:
- Hundreds of desperately needed jobs for Central Illinois during construction and afterwards as a new population of homeowners seeks the comforts of resort living in an area without the requisite amenities
- Lake Oliver will be a unique development that demonstrates how a community with a carefully conceived land plan and environmental plan can serve as a model for future communiities
- A Pre-Development agreement with the town of Chatsworth to allow Lake Oliver to be developed using the town's authority to treat the project as a TIF (tax increment finance) District ensures that there will be sufficient capital available to build the dam and the necessary infrastructure for a first-class community