The Sustainable City 2016.ppt

The Sustainable City

Overview

The concept of sustainable cities centers around the intersection of urban life and ecological preservation. A sustainable city is designed to meet the needs of its inhabitants without compromising the environment or the well-being of future generations. This idea is critical as urban areas continue to grow, posing significant challenges to the planet.

What is Sustainability?

• Definition: Sustainability is often defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, a definition popularized by the United Nations’ Brundtland Commission in 1987.

• Triple Bottom Line: For sustainability to be achieved, it must encompass three critical dimensions: People, Planet, and Profit. Each of these domains must work together to create a balanced approach to development.

Why Cities are Unsustainable

Cities have significant impacts on the environment, characterized by four main factors:

• Landscape Consumption: Urban development consumes natural landscapes, reducing biodiversity and ecosystem functionality.

• Fragmentation: Urbanization breaks up natural areas, isolating habitats and disrupting wildlife movements.

• Consumption: Cities are loci of consumption, leading to overexploitation of resources and accelerated waste generation.

• Pollution: Urban areas are major contributors to pollution, impacting air, water, and soil quality.

Legacies of Urban Sprawl

The phenomenon of urban sprawl arises from the availability of:

• Cheap fossil fuels

• Affordable land

• The unrestricted use of personal vehicles

These factors contribute to unsustainable development patterns that exacerbate the impacts on both the environment and the quality of life.

What is a Sustainable City?

According to Herbert Girardet, a sustainable city enables its citizens to meet their own needs while safeguarding the health of the natural world and the conditions for future generations. A sustainable city must:

• Reduce landscape consumption.

• Minimize waste of resources such as energy and water.

• Decrease reliance on the automobile.

• Encourage sustainable public infrastructure investments.

• Involve public engagement in environmental matters.

• Recognize that not all places should be developed.

Ten Key Needs for a Sustainable City

To achieve a sustainable urban environment, the following needs must be addressed:

• Compact, Mixed Use and Efficient Urban Form: Promote denser, integrated land uses to minimize resource use.

• Transit and Non-Motorised Infrastructure: Develop comprehensive public transport options to reduce car dependency.

• Nature and Food Growing Within the City: Incorporate green spaces and urban agriculture.

• Human City Centres and Job Sub-Centres: Ensure cities support diverse employment hubs.

• High Quality Public Realm: Create inviting public spaces accessible to all.

• Sustainable Urban Design: Prioritize human needs in urban planning.

• Economic Innovation: Foster creativity and a high environmental quality for economic vitality.

• Environmental Technologies: Invest in green tech for energy efficiency and waste management.

• Visionary Planning: Emphasize public discussions and participatory decision-making in sustainable development.

• Integrated Decision-Making Framework: Combine social, economic, environmental, and cultural considerations.

Key Characteristics of Sustainable Communities

Hubs and Centres

• Definition: Hubs serve as focal points for community interaction, enhancing the sense of place and identity.

• Examples: Parks, pedestrian-friendly streets, markets, and public squares foster community connectivity.

Human-Scale Density

• Density Balance: A sustainable density fosters walkability and accessibility.

• Challenges: Too low density consumes vast land, while overly high density can be unwelcoming and alienating.

• Ideal Density: Cities should aim for human-scale designs that encourage interaction and connectedness.

Transportation Options

• Diverse Choices: A sustainable community prioritizes non-motorized transport (walking, biking) and efficient public transit systems.

• Benefits of Cycling: Cities such as Amsterdam exemplify efficient biking infrastructures that promote activity and lower pollution levels.

• Public Transit Efficiency: Well-designed public transit systems can alleviate congestion and enhance accessibility.

Mixed Land Uses

• Integrated Design: Combining compatible land uses reduces travel distances and promotes local economies.

• Community Benefits: This allows residents to live closer to their work, shopping, and leisure activities, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.

Ecological Protection

• Nature in Cities: Prioritizing ecological preservation within urban areas is essential for biodiversity.

• Sensitive Areas: Urban planning must focus on preserving wetlands and other sensitive habitats.

Unique Features

• Cultural Identity: Unique community features contribute to local identity, pride, and tourism.

• Examples: Parks, markets, and historical sites can enhance community appeal and visitor attraction.

What Makes a City Sustainable?

A sustainable city embodies the principles of people, planet, and profit. It creates conditions that facilitate:

• Human Connection: Residents' desire to be part of their community includes fostering social networks and participatory governance.

• Green Innovations: Implementing sustainability-driven technologies contributes not only to environmental protection but also to economic resilience.

• Nature Protection: Safeguarding natural ecosystems is pivotal for sustaining biodiversity and environmental health.

• Maintaining Community Integrity: Ensuring equitable access to resources and participation in decision-making processes will strengthen community bonds and social fabric.