Reducing urban sprawl (also referred to as "suburban sprawl") can reduce resource usage in many ways.

In parts of the world where lands is still relatively inexpensive, it is often easiest and initially least expensive to build new buildings by claiming previously "unused" land at the edges of cities. In addition to the often hidden costs of providing utilities, transportation and other infrastructure to such buildings, there are much great costs in terms of long term energy use and loss of natural habitat for other species.

Always seek to reduce urban sprawl through use of patterns such as those listed below.