Ways to make urban living in the UK more sustainable Flashcards
What is Sustainable Living?
Sustainable living encompasses a broad range of aims including the use of renewable resources, energy efficiency, use of public transport, accessible resources and services. Bordon is an example of an Eco town in the UK, given government funding for sustainable measures and Masdar City in Abu Dhabi is an example of a sustainably planned city.
Give some of the key features of a Sustainable City.
• Resources and services in the city are accessible to all.
• Public transport is seen as a viable alternative to cars.
• Public transport is safe and reliable.
• Walking and cycling is safe.
• Areas of open space are safe, accessible and enjoyable.
• Wherever possible, renewable resources are used instead of non-renewable resources.
• Waste is seen as a resource and is recycled wherever possible.
• New homes are energy efficient.
• There is access to affordable housing.
• Community links are strong and communities work together to deal with issues such as crime and security.
• Cultural and social amenities are accessible to all.
Inward investment is made to the CBD.
What are some key points to Sustainable Transport?
A city can plan to make transport more sustainable. This includes:
• Discouraging the use of private transport. In London this is achieved by a congestion charge for vehicles driving through certain areas.
• Investing in public transport - improving the efficiency and safety of buses and tubes.
• Encouraging the use of bicycles. Bristol was the UK’s first cycling city. It encourages the use of bikes by having bike festivals, investing in cycle lanes and supporting projects which promote cycling.
• Promoting car sharing schemes for areas poorly served by public transport.
What is good about the city of Curitiba and its Transport System?
Curitiba is the capital city of the Parana state in Brazil. Nearly 2 million people live there. The city has had an urban master plan since 1968.
• It was the first city in Brazil to have dedicated bus lanes.
• A bus rapid transit system operates. This is cheaper to run than a tube system. Some employers subsidise their employees who use it.
• 80 per cent of travellers use the BRT.
• The bus rapid transit system uses triple section bendy buses. It carries 2 million passengers a day.
• The bus fare is the same wherever you go.
• No one lives more than 400 metres from a bus stop.
• Urban growth is restricted to corridors of growth - along key transport routes. Tall buildings are allowed only along bus routes.
