Integrating these issues is key, since communities are trying to address their problems in a more holistic and integrated fashion. Many communities also organize their activities around basic community elements. These elements refer to the five functional and physical components that are the basis for our modern communities. Major community elements include the built environment, transportation, energy, water and wastes, and flora and fauna. Issues addressed in this area include building materials, safe and affordable housing, and urban design.
Transportation includes issues related to mobility and access to transportation.
Water and waste includes issues such as drinking water, waste water, solid waste, and hazardous waste management. Flora and fauna refers to issues regarding natural resources and habitat such as green spaces, parks, species protection, agriculture, habitat restoration, and ecosystem management. Many communities try to address these elements in their organizational structure and activities. Again, in addressing these elements most communities consider the environment, economic issues, and social aspects and how they are interrelated. This functional approach based on community elements is important for assessing the comprehensiveness of a sustainability activity.