sustainable urban development
impact of urban areas on local and global environments
high density of people and buildings compete for space consume vast quantities of water, energy and other resources
problems air pollution, traffic congestion and waste disposal
the use of ecological footprint the impact of cities on the environment can be highlighted dramatically
sustainable cities and liveability
liveability = describes the natural, physical, social and economic dimensions of sustainability in an urban concept
sustainability = meeting the needs and hopes of today without messing up the future
the nature and features of sustainable cities
greener built environments - using energy and water more efficiently, reducing MSW and managing it better
improved transport - developing infrastructure, networks and modes to meet demand without increasing congestion and pollution
planning expansion - encouraging 'compact cities' rather than uncontrolled and unrestricted urban sprawl (developing brownfield sites)
conserving buildings and open spaces - restoring important historic buildings, brownfield clearance to create new green spaces (improving biodiversity within urban river systems and ecosystems
carbon neutral development - building structures such as houses that generate as much energy as they use (reducing pollution)
contemporary opportunities and challenges in developing more sustainable cities
challenges
globalisation - inter-connectedness of cities within the global economy has increased the power and influence of TNCs. these companies must embrace the need for change
economic gains for all - must be economic incentives for both the wealthiest and poorest (must be inclusive)
politcal will - needs to be long-term strategic planning, joint thinking involving stakeholders siuch as governmental departments
climate change - sustainable cities must stimulate economic growth without increasing greenhouse gas emissions
strategies for developing more sustainable cities
greener built environments
to create buildings that use resources efficiently, that reduce urban waster and increase recycling
improved transport
to expand and develop existing transport infrastructure and networks
planned expansion
to encourage 'compact cities' and planned expansion, rather then uncontrolled and unrestricted urban sprawl
economic opportunities
to provide a range of local economic opportunities, including jobs and new opportunities for a 'green economy'
carbon-neutral development
to remove as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as was put into in construction- zero carbon footprint
conserving buildings and open spaces
to protect existing and create new green spaces and support high levels of biodiversity within urban ecosystems