1. SustainableEngineering@Edinburgh Group 18: Sustainable Urban Planning By: Jonathan Findon-Henry (0569518); Iain Mackenzie (0562979); Callum Murdoch (0456597); Colm O’Boyle (0789161), G-18 IMS3 Sustainability Module, March 2008 Introduction-What is Sustainable Urban Planning? From the Brundtland Commission, Our Common Future presented in 1986. Sustainable Development is a “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. How practical is this in reality? “Sustainable” ≠ “Green” “Sustainability” = Media Buzz Word Sustainable Urban Planning is the practice of Sustainable managing and directing city growth The Institute of Civil Engineers have ranked the pursuit of a “Sustainable Development” as their single most important policy. With Young Graduate Civil Engineers are at the forefront of this. The UK Indicators of sustainable development “Failure to Prepare is Preparing to Fail” Historically Cities that failed to meet the needs of their citizens using the given resources often failed to survive. Ancient Maya Failed because they over farmed their resources In order for the successful development of infrastructure to be possible sustainable development must be implemented at all levels throughout an integrated approach. References Pediaditi K., Wehrmeyer W. and Chenoweth J. (2006) Sustainability evaluation for brownfield redevelopment. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineering, Engineering Sustainability 159 Issue ES1. Girardet, (2006) Dongtan, An Eco-City, Geneva, July 2006. www.wbcsd.org/plugins/DocSearch/details.asp?type=DocDet&ObjectId=MTk4MTk (accessed 28 Janurary 2008) United Nations. 1987."Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development." General Assembly Resolution 42/187, 11 December 1987. Hunt D.V. L. and Rodgers C. D. F. (2005) Barriers to sustainable infrastructure in urban regeneration. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineering, Engineering Sustainability 158 Issue ES2. Pages 67-81 Urban Planning Aspects Brown Field Regeneration “Redevelopment of brownfield land has been identified as an essential component of the achievement of sustainable urban regeneration.” A brownfield site is any land or premises which has been previously developed and is currently not in full use. This has become so important that it is central to the UK's strategic planning approach to achieving sustainable cities. This form of redevelopment has many sustainability advantages these include : Decreasing pressures on greenfield land. Socially sustainable due to a revitalisation of communities. Economically more sustainable as existing infrastructure maybe used. This form of urban planning requires careful consideration as site may be of value to community as open space or habitat for rare wildlife. Transport This is an aspect which should be involved in the design process for a new development. Transport design is an important part of any town and city and providing fast and hassle free public transport will help reduce the amount of private vehicles on the roads. This design of public transport could include designated bus lanes, a good network of cycle lanes and electric trams, similar to those currently being built in Edinburgh. Infrastructure Infrastructure is a very important consideration when any form of sustainable urban development is to take place. Infrastructure includes utilities, water supply and energy production. These all have subservient roles to achieve the indicators shown in the introduction. There are many sustainable options for infrastructure development, for example; for energy production there is renewable technologies or CHP schemes, for water supply, portable water can be used only where it is necessary and self collected rain water used for all other types of water use. There are however great number of common barriers to the use of these options. These include: Lack of knowledge High initial costs Inherited systems (too difficult to retrofit) Lack of public awareness It is hoped these can be over come in the future by enablers like greater communication Dongtan – Eco City Why Dongtan? Major pollution problems; Limits of growth; Relieve over-crowding of Shanghai’s +20,000,000ppl What is Dongtan? A pioneering Eco-City; Template for sustainable urban design; Carbon neutral. How Dongtan?Compact City SIIC has appointed Arup; $1.3bn Densely developed; social mix and project; 3 villages; 20,000 ppl by interaction; concentration of activities 2010; To be connected to Shanghai. high quality of life; efficient transport. Energy Production and Emmission Reduction Wind, solar, bio-fuel and recycled city waste; Clean technologies to power public transport; Network of cycle and footpaths, zero vehicle emissions; Organic farming methods, Planting trees and use of green public spaces. Accessibility and Transport Island close to Shanghai on Yangtze river; high quality road infrastructure connected to Shanghai; 18-mile long bridge-tunnel; cars banned from city centre; 7 minute walk from any part of the city to bus or tram stop; Regular ferries Waste Management Capturing and purifying water; recycling; reducing landfills, creating combined heat and power systems; Clean energy from organic waste; Energy from renewable sources. Construction Impact Twice the volume of materials; Balance of cut and fill; Off-site manufacture and pre-assembly; Local sourcing where possible; Sustainable housing for workers. “ Our biggest challenge in the new century is to take an idea that seems abstract sustainable development and turn it into a daily reality for all this worlds people” Kofi Annan