Sustainable Urban Development

Created by

Hasset Kifle

Cards (24)

What is urban sustainability? 
the idea that a city can be organised without excessive reliance on the surrounding countryside and be able to power itself with renewable sources of energy
An example of a sustainable city 
Freiburg, Germany
When did Freiburg set a goal for urban sustainability 
1970
Social planning in Freiburg 
- local people involved in urban planning at a local and city level
- Incentives/rewards for people who are environmentally aware e.g financial rewards given to people who compost green waste, investors receive free football tickets
-children put their views forward
Economic planning in Freiburg 
-People attend meetings on sustainability in Freiburg
- Many jobs have been created in the research and manufacture of solar technology
- e.g Freiburg's 'Solar Valley' where more than 10 000 people are employed in 1500 environmental businesses.
-in Solar Valley more energy is produced than what is sued so residents can sell the energy
Environmental planning in Freiburg 
Freiburg has:
- more than 1 million corks recycled each year.
- a biogas digester for organic food and garden waste which is collected weekly.
- provided energy for 28 000 homes from burning waste.
- reduced annual waste disposal from 140 000 tons 50 000 tonnes in 12 years
- more than 88% of packing waste recycled
- 350 community collection points for recycling
- 90kg per head of non-recyclable waste (Germany's average is 122kg)
Vauban (in Freiburg) 
• A new neighbourhood planned for 5,000 inhabitants and 600 jobs to the south of the town centre in Freiburg, Germany
• Built as "a sustainable model district"
• Sustainable buildings
o Low energy consumption houses: first housing community in the world in which all homes produce a positive energy balance!
• Transport
o Primarily by foot or bike
o Development laid out such that all homes are in walking distance of a tram stop
What does a sustainable water supply depend on
depends on individuals using as little water as possible
What does a sustainable water supply involve and what do houses need to have 
This involves collecting and recycling water
homes need to have roof gardens with facilities for rainwater harvesting and wastewater
what is the most important source of drinking water
Groundwater
What have Freiburg done to reduce waste water
Freiburg waste water allows rainwater to be retained, reused or to seep back into the ground
What does water conservation involve in Vauban
-collecting rainwater for use indoors
-Green roofs
-Pervious pavements that allow rainwater to soak
-unpaved tramway
How does the River Dreisam help Freiburg
Water in the River Dreisam flows through Freiburg is managed using flood retention basins. These reduce the danger of flooding by storing excess water, which can be used in the city
What is Freiburgs energy policy based on
Freiburg has a strict energy policy based on:
- energy saving
- efficient technology
- use of renewable energy sources
What is the aim for Freiburg to achieve by 2050 and what does this require
The city plans to be 100% powered by renewable energy by 2050. This will require halving energy consumption by increasing energy efficiency in homes, offices and factories
What is the most important source of renewable energy in Freiburg
Solar power is the main source of energy
How much solar energy is produce in Freiburg and what do they do with the surplus 
10million kilowatts of electricity is produced per yr.
they sell the excess produced
Where does the largest proportion of renewable electricity come from
comes from biomass using waste wood and rapeseed oil
What is biogas used for 
heating, cooking, lighting or to power a turbine to generate electricity
How does the provision of open spaces contribute to urban sustainability 
These areas serve as the city's lungs and help keep the air clean
Soil is protected and prevents runoff water during heavy rainfall
green spaces provide a natural and free recreational resource as well as providing a habitat for wildlife
Why is there a need to reduce traffic congestion and what are the negative economic effects 
- it leads to air pollution
- negative economic effects due to increased journey times
- higher fuel consumption
- greater risk of accidents
- respiratory problems
Sustainable traffic management in Freiburg 
-a connected traffic plan updated every 10yrs
-tram network provides efficient, cheap and accessible public transport
-400km cycle paths with 9000 parking spaces for bikes
-restriction on car parking spaces
Vauban charges £20,000 for 1 space
-70% of the population live within 500m of a tram stop with a tram every 8mins
Sustainable traffic management in Singapore 
since its a small island, traffic congestion is common
transport policies have meant
-45% less traffic in the city centre
-25% fewer accidents in the city centre
-restricted entry to the city centre during rush hrs
Sustainable traffic management in Beijing 
an estimated 5million cars in Beijing so is often gridlocked
the restrictions in Beijing since 2008 Olympics have
-led to 20% drop in car use
-12% drop in the use of car parks in the city centre
BUT
-the widening of roads has increased car use at the expense of cycling
has the widest road in the world=50lanes
Cars are banned from the city centre one day a week based on a number plate system