home

Insight Prysmian Magazine

Urban Sustainability: definition, why it is important

Urban Sustainability

Although urban settings are relatively new in human history, the world’s population is increasingly concentrated in cities. Industrialization may seem far behind us, but the United Nations estimates that 2007 was the first year when more people around the globe lived in areas classified as “urban” than areas classified as “rural.” Today, over four billion people live in what can be classified as “urban” areas, and our modern model of city living has had considerable impact on how we work, consume, live, and socialize. It’s now estimated that approximately 7 billion people will live in urban settings in 2050.

As the global community grapples with and seeks to combat the effects and threats of climate change, the way that most of the world population now lives and works must be taken into consideration. Cities are the main drivers of both the European and the global economies. Their role in the movement toward a low-carbon economy is a central one.

What is urban sustainability?

The Institute for Transport & Development Policy describes urban sustainability and sustainable urban development as “the way forward for cities to mitigate climate change.” A sustainable urban setting is a setting where community is front and center, and where buildings, activities, and public spaces are sustainably designed. Sustainable design is not just about the raw materials and processes used in construction, but about the connection of spaces through easy and eco-friendly options like walking, cycling, and reliable forms of public transit. Achieving this at the lowest possible environmental and economic cost is key to creating a culture of urban sustainability.

While international bodies, NGOs, and federal governments have the power to set standards and enact partnerships, much of the on-the-ground work of urban sustainability will happen on the municipal level. The local authorities in a given city are those who often know the citizens best, and are best poised to introduce compelling and sustainable solutions. City governments have long been key to improving water management systems, public transit, and responsible land usage; today, their roles have expanded to integrate climate change and preservation considerations when addressing these areas.

What are the characteristics of a “sustainable city?”

 

Europe in particular is a heavily urbanized continent and useful to look at as a case study for urban sustainability. Some 75% of the European population currently lives in urban areas; this percentage is expected to grow to 80% by 2050.

The European Environment Agency of the European Union has outlined a conceptual framework for urban environmental sustainability that addresses the characteristics of a sustainable city across six areas: governance, culture, technology, data and information, finance, and knowledge.

Some characteristics of an ideal sustainable city are not unlike the characteristics of any sustainable community, whether urban, rural, or suburban: renewable energy is used wherever possible, social and environmental justice is prioritized, energy consumption is low and energy efficiency is high, and environmental quality is crucial. But other characteristics are uniquely tailored to the fabric of urban environments, including integrated planning, special housing projects, sustainable mobility, and a variety of public open spaces.