9.9 sustainable urban developments

Local impact of urban areas on the environment

Competition for land and urban sprawl

Consumption of food, water and energy

Vehicle use and traffic congestion

Global impact of urban areas on the environment

Urban areas are a major contributor to climate change (75% of global green house gases)

Major cities = hubs for trade, migration and tourism = increased impact of transport and transport networks around the world

Ecological footprint

A measure of how much we consume in comparison to how much the earth can regenerate

Transport contribution to large ecological footprint

Large amount of cars means large consumption of fossil fuels = emit waste gases

Building materials contribution to large ecological footprint

If an urban areas is larger/developing at a fast rate, more resources are needed = larger strain on Earth

Slow development allows Earth to catch up

Dimensions of sustainability

Natural

Physical

Social

Economic

Natural sustainability

Considers how successfully the environment is managed (natural resources, waste and ecosystems)

Characteristics of a naturally sustainable city

Waste and resource use is minimal

Emissions are controlled

Renewable energy is used

Physical sustainability

The ability for the city’s resources to support current and future populations

Characteristics of a physically sustainable city

Good housing, transport and amenities should be available to all residents (and generations to come)

Social sustainability

Ensuring the residents of a city have a good quality of life, access to public services, good living conditions and leisure activities

Characteristics of a socially sustainable city

Must be socially cohesive - people should be tolerant and respectful of each other and have a good quality of life

Economic sustainability

The ability for a city to grow economically and its ability to continue to grow for future generations without causing any negative effects

Have access to ethical, well paid jobs and a weak funded council to ensure economic growth continues

Liveability

How able a resident is to have a good quality of life eg job prospects, access to public services and leisure activities

Opportunities of the development of sustainable cities

More efficient and cost effective services and utility provision in densely populated areas

Technological innovation and implementation

Investments into cities as they benefit more people

Challenges to the development of sustainable cities

Rapid urbanisation rates = difficult to meet constant needs of growing pop

In LICs may not have money to invest in sustainable cities as expensive - widens gap of inequality between countries

Lifestyle habits have to change - many might not want to do as they are comfortable as they are

Strategies to reduce vehicle traffic

Vehicles pay to enter urban areas, congestion charge

Providence well integrated transport system with fair prices and on time

Strategies to increase energy efficiency in buildings

Improving insulation, reducing heating and air conditioning needs, BedZED development, Hackbridge, London

Strategies to Increase renewable energy

Increase use of solar, wind biomass, London Community Energy Fund

Strategies to Increasing water use efficiency

Reducing water usage and increasing grey water capacity

Strategies to Improve recycling and waste disposal

Increasing amount of products that can be reused/recycled, reducing landfill and incineration

Strategies to Increase green space

Improve access ability to open, biodiverse areas (Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London)

Use of SUDS

Strategies to provide liveable communities

All community facilities/services accessible within walking or cycling distance (10 minute town concept)