GEOG 2.1 : SUSTAINABLE URBAN NEIGHBOURHOODS

What is standard of living ?

Measure of the consumption of goods and services by an individual or group

What is economic sustainability ?

To ensure that all human beings can enjoy prosperous , fulfilling lives and economic progress can occur in harmony with nature.

What is social sustainability ?

To ensure that societies are inclusive and resilient , where residents have a voice.

What is urban neighbourhood ?

A sub-division of an urban area that is distinguished by some characteristic or quality, where residents share commonalities.

What is environmental sustainability ?

To sustainably manage natural resources and take urgent action on climate change to support the needs of present and future generations.

What is development ?

Development refers to the economic , social and political process which results in an improvement of standard of living for a population.

How can countries be classified based on level of development ?

They can be classified by economic indicators : Gross Domestic Product ( GDP) per capita and social indicators : Life Expectancy and Adult Literacy Rate .

What is gross domestic product and why is it an indicator of developed countries ?

GDP refers to the total value of all final goods and services produced by a country in a given year divided by the total population. Developed countries usually have a higher GDP per capita than developing countries, as they will have a larger number of productive industries and a well-developed service industry

What is life expectancy , adult literacy rate and why is it an indicator of developed countries ?

Life expectancy refers to the average number of years a person born in a country is expected to live. This is influenced by the quality of healthcare , access to clean water , sanitation , food supply and living conditions in a country. Developed countries usually have a higher life life expectancy than developing countries. Adult literacy rate refers to the percentage of those aged 15 and above who can read and write a short, simple statement on theit everday life. Countries with higher literacy rates tend to generate more professionals who can contribute their skills and expertise in driving the country’s economy. Developed countries usually have a higher adult literacy rate.

What is proxy measure ?

Average years of schooling / primary school completion rate

What is sustainable development ?

Meets the needs of the present population by achieving high standards of living for all. Ensures the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

What are the 3 key aims of sustainable development ?

Economy , environment and society.

Why is it important that all 3 dimensions need to be considered in the pursuit of sustainable development ?

An overfocus on one dimension may lead to a neglect of others. The approach to sustainable development may vary from place to place and across time. It does not mean that all 3 dimensions of sustainability can always be balanced. Some places might have to place more emphasis on one dimension over others due to their local context.

How can economic sustainability be achieved ?

It is achieved by ensuring all human beings can enjoy properous , fufilling lives and economic processes, by ensuring that a neighbourhood has a high enough population density , which helps to support local businesses, and keep transport and infrastructure costs low.

What does economic sustainability look like in businesses ?

Local businesses are able to sustain themselves as there will be sufficient demand for their goods and services.

What does economic sustainability look like for residents ?

Residents can also take up employment at these shops, earn income and increase their standard of living.

What does economic sustainability look like for transport and infrastructure costs ?

They can be kepy low within the community.

What does economic sustainability look like for buildings and objects ?

Buildings and objects are usually located closer to another , hence residents need not travel far , keeping their transportation costs low. When schools are located near an integrated transport hub, students may opt out to walk over a short distance to get to school, minimising their transportation costs.

What does economic sustainability look like for transport infrastructure ?

Transport infrastructure may also be located closer to one another, keeping the cost to develop transport infrastructure low. This is because connecting infrastructures need not be built or built over long distances. Hence transportation costs for residents are lowered. When a bus interchange is located next to a train station there is no need to build additional infrastructures ( e.g. roads , bridges ) to connect them , lowering the cost of developement.

What is social sustainability ?

Achieved by ensuring residents feel included and have a sense of shared identity.

How can we achieve social sustainability ?

By fostering shared community spaces to promote regular social interactions. If the population size in the urban neighbourhood is kept small , it can facilitate regular interactions amongst the residents. Residents may come together to discuss issues affecting the neighbourhood and find solutions to various challenges. This builds resilience and positive relationships between residents, as this helps to maintain a culture of open communication,mutual respect and understanding, thus reducing misunderstandings and conflicts. A majority of the problems faced by local residents are day-to-day , mundane issues which can mostly be resolved locally with an adequate neighbourhood structure. EXAMPLE : In Singapore, the Residents’ Networks ( RN ) was set up to promote neighbourliness and community chesiveness amongst residents. Each neighbourhood is divided into smaller designated zones and residents are encouraged to join the network. Regular activities are organised at the designated zonal level to cater to the small population size in the zone. This encourages residents to voice their opinions and participate in decision-making processes regarding isues affecting their neighbourhood.

How can neighbourhoods be sustained environmentally ?

There are various ways environmental sustainability can be achieved in an urban neighbourhood such as : ample protection for nature, facilities that support waste minimisation and recycling , energy and water - efficient design approaches for buildings and landscapes.

How does ample protection for nature help environmental sustainability in neighbourhoods ?

When there is ample protection for nature, wildlife can thrive in our urban spaces and humsn-wildlife coexistence can be fostered. Concentrated efforts should be made to protect existing native species habitats and ecosystems, and to re-establish species that once existed. EXAMPLE : The National Parks Board has developed multiple strategies aimed at safeguarding Singapore’s habitats and ecosystems for long-term sustainability. Some of these strategies include the implementation of species conservation and recovery programmes.

Biodiversity in urban neighbourhoods can be maximised by having a wide variety of habitats including street trees , pocket parks and roof gardens in the neighbourhood, instead of just having large uniform areas of grass. The types of plants and trees planted in an area should also be of different varieties and species. This provides adequate shelter and food for a wider variety of wildlife to thrive, thus maximising biodiversity in an urban neighbourhood.

EXAMPLE : The existing 44 Nature Ways in Singapore connects areas of high biodiversity across Singapore.

How does having facilities that support waste minimisation and recycling help environmental stability in the neighbourhood ?

Conveniently located recycling facilities and infrastructure such as blue recycling bins around the estates can encourage residents to recycle. Having a high enough population density in a neighbourhood ensures adequate waste can be collected and recycled in an economically viable manner. Waste recycling can be encouraged through neighbourhood-scale recycling activities organised by either the residents or the town council. EXAMPLE : The town council may put posters or banners to educate and encourage their residents to recycle properly.

How does energy and water efficient design approaches for buildings and landscapes help environmental sustainability in neighbourhoods ?

Buildingfs and landscaping in urban neighbourhoods may be designed to be energy- and water-efficient to minimise the use of resources. Smart technology and eco-friendly features can be installed. EXAMPLE : Under the scale large-scale Housing Development Board ) HDB ) Green Towns Programme, cool paint is going to be used in neighbourhoods to lower temperatures by up to 2 degrees Celsius, reducing energy consumption. Water harvested from rain is used for block washing of void decks and corridors to reduce overall water consumption.