Sustainable Cities (AQA A Level Geography)

• Features of a sustainable city include:
  • Liveable communities with improved transport -  developing infrastructure, networks and modes (i.e. car sharing) to meet demand, without increasing congestion and pollution; adopting and promoting affordable public transport; introducing vehicle restrictions and technical innovations (EV chargers etc.) 
  • Green architecture - reducing the number of resources used and lower greenhouse gas emissions from building city structures; using solar panels, enhanced ventilation and insulation
  • Urban farming - utilising rooftop spaces and using vertical gardens; improvement of air quality; reduced runoff and improved humidity; supports local food production thereby reducing transport costs and boost local economy; utilises neglected spaces and reduces agricultural supply chain impact
  • Carbon-neutral developments and planned expansion - compact cities and building structures that generate as much energy as is used 
  • Waste management and water conservation - improved planning and water leak detection; recycling, composting and upcycling materials and waste
  • Green space expansion - parks, nature preserves and recreational areas get people out of cars and improves mental health; improves and supports diverse ecosystems including birds, bees and butterflies
  • Renewable energy - installation of solar panels, wind turbines and central heat and power units

Opportunities & Challenges to Sustainability

• There is no one size fits all and different strategies for increasing sustainability are needed for different cities:  
• Reducing vehicle numbers - strategies can include vehicle free zones, times and days, constructing new cycle lanes, introducing park and ride schemes along with improving public transport provision
  • E.g. in Freiburg, Germany, cycling routes, pedestrian-only zones and a light rail system have reduced car use
• Increasing green space - green spaces, e.g. parks, can reduce pollution and increase biodiversity, promoting urban agriculture  
  • Programmes such as river clean-ups, wetland restoration and tree planting can provide habitats for wildlife
• Improving urban waste disposal - many cities have introduced measures to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill
  • These include expanding recycling facilities, converting to incineration with energy recovery  and encouraging people to compost green waste
• Increasing renewable energy use - using renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, decreases fossil fuel use and carbon emissions
• Reducing water use and wastage - authorities can insist that new buildings are fitted with water meters  and water-efficient fittings, and ensure that people use less water
  • E.g. in Cape Town, South  Africa, water pressure was reduced so that showers, hosepipes etc. would use less water
• Improve building efficiency - governments can offer incentives to encourage  homeowners and businesses to improve the insulation in buildings, install solar panels and use energy-efficient light bulbs
  
  • Forward planning - build with south facing windows, extra insulation, rainwater harvesting tanks, energy and water meters 
• 20 minute neighbourhood - the idea is that no resident should need to travel more than 20 minutes from work, shops, business services, education or leisure facilities
  • In Paris, the mayor is using the Rue de Rivoli to trial the concept. It is hoped that in future, no Parisian should need to travel more than 15 minutes on foot or by bike to work, shop, or deal with a government agency
• Sponge cities - sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) are open spaces within cities that can soak up floodwater and prevent damage in an ecologically friendly way
  • Many of China's growing cities suffer from chronic flooding, they are implementing measures to hold, clean, and drain water back into the system 
  • The Netherlands has created multi-functional “water squares” which holds storm water and offers a social space during other times