Urban Sustainability

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Urban Sustainability

A sustainable city is a city that meets the needs of the current population without making it more difficult for future generations to survive.

Green Space:

Areas such as East Village, London have adopted green space into urban living.

This features rooftop gardens, that can be used for gardening and growing produce.

Wetland areas with ponds can help to recycle water.

Parks can provide space for children and recreation.

Water and Energy Conservation:

Recycling water can save up to 50% on the water demands of the city.

This can be done by filtering rainwater and allowing it to be used for toilet flushing and irrigating plants.

Combined heat and power systems can promote energy conservation by producing heat from the same source of energy, this means hot water can be piped underground before it loses heat.

Transport:

Cities can promote cycling as a means of transport.

Cycling reduces air pollution, promotes exercise, boosts tourism, and provides better access to the city.

The Bristol Cycle Strategy is an example of this.

To do this, investments need to be made into improving cycle lanes and infrastructure in the city.

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Egan Wheel

Proposed by Sir John Egan in 2004.

Acts like a checklist, showing the requirements for a city to be sustainable;

Make effective use of natural resources

Enhance the environment

Promote social cohesion and inclusion

Strengthen economic prosperity

The wheel promotes that a city is well-run, well-connected, fair to all, and environmentally friendly.