Sustainable Urban Living

Question 1

Water conservation

Answer 1

• this involves collecting and recycling water rather than relying on water pumped from reservoirs
  In Freiburg:
  • collecting rainwater for use indoors
  • green roofs
  • permeable pavements that allow water to soak through
  • unpaved tramways
  • drainage wetlands

Question 2

Energy conservation

Answer 2

Freiburg has strict energy policy based on:
• energy saving
• efficient technology (400 solar panels installed)
• use of renewable energy sources (10 million kilowatts per year by solar energy)

The city plans to be 100% powered by renewable energy by 2050

Question 3

Green spaces

Answer 3

• these areas serve as the cities “green lungs “and help keep air clean
• reduce water run-off and soil erosion (44000 trees have been planted in park and streets)
• provide natural and free recreational resources and habitats for wildlife (40% of the city is forested)

Question 4

How urban transport strategies are used to reduce traffic congestion

Answer 4

Curitiba:

• public bus systems
• carry 4000 passengers per day
• 85% of the population use it
• Fares are paid in advanced speeding up stopping time
• $200,000 per km vs $60m per km for a subway