Urban Sustainability

Question 1

Define sustainability.

Answer 1

Meeting the needs of today, without impacting the needs of tomorrow.

Question 2

Name the 4 inputs of a city.

Answer 2

1) Food - mainly imported
2) Water - taken from stores such as aquifers and reservoirs
3) Energy - drilled or mined
4) Resources - timber and concrete

Question 3

Name the 3 outputs of a city.

Answer 3

1) Waste - landfill or burnt
2) Sewage - treated and returned to the river
3) Pollution - air and water

Question 4

How can cities become more sustainable?

Answer 4

Recycling more waste
Improved public transport
More green spaces
Local energy schemes
Better cycling routes

Question 5

Where is Curitiba?

Answer 5

Brazil

Question 6

What is the population of Curitiba?

Answer 6

1,760,500 people

Question 7

How is Curitiba sustainable?

Answer 7

1) The former major, Jamie Lerner had a vision which would make Curitiba one of the most sustainable cities on the planet winning an UN Environmental Prize.
2) COHAB, the public housing programme, is providing 50,000 homes for the urban poor
3) “Lighthouses of Knowledge”. These are free educational and internet centres

Question 8

How is the East Village (Olympic park) sustainable?

Answer 8

Open spaces - 10 hectares
Green roofs - increase biodiversity and reduce surface run off
Affordable housing - 2,800 new affordable homes
Cycling - cycle routes to reduce traffic. Residence pay extra for car parking spaces.