The negative impact that our cities have on the environment is becoming more thoroughly understood. Coupled with the fact that oil supplies are dwindling and energy costs are rising, this is leading to an increased awareness of the importance of sustainable urban design. Cities planned in such a manner can dramatically decrease their detrimental effects on the planet by being more energy efficient, reducing pollution, and generally being healthier places for people to live.
Reducing the number of cars that are used is sometimes considered to be the number one component of planning an environmentally friendly city. Large numbers of cars and other private vehicles contribute greatly to air pollution, the creation of urban heat islands and to global warming in general. There are a number factors related to lowering the use of cars.
One of these is to limit urban sprawl. The longer the distances that one must travel, to get from home to work for example, the greater the likelihood will be that a car will be seen as a necessity. Shorter distances also mean less fuel will be needed in order to make the journey.
Public transportation can play an extremely vital role in providing people with other transport options. Buses and trains are much more efficient ways of getting around and can help to decrease traffic congestion and reduce air pollution. These means can also be more cost effective for commuters. In order for a public transportation system to be used successfully, it must be both affordable and easily accessible.
Another preferred method of locomotion is simply walking. There are a number of ways to encourage the people of the city to walk. Establishing car-free pedestrian zones is a common way of doing this. In urban areas where the weather tends to be less than ideal, underground or covered walkways can be very beneficial.
Approaches for reducing car use are not the only aspects of sustainable planning. Another one that has been growing in popularity is the use of urban farms for growing and distributing food in and around the city. As times this also includes raising animals for farming uses. Among the benefits of this practice are the decreased cost and energy usage of getting the goods to market. This can also create a significant number of jobs in the urban area.
Architecture is another vital aspect. Buildings made out of recycled materials can have a vastly lower impact on the environment than normal ones. Also, methods of generating energy, such as solar panels, or collecting rain water to be used in the building can be employed. Having greenery on the rooftops can act as insulation and help to filter pollution from the air.
This is certainly not an exhaustive list of the factors involved in sustainable urban design. These and others must be considered in terms of projected growth and changing needs of the city in the future. Taking such measures can help tremendously in the fight to preserve the planet on which we live.
Reducing the number of cars that are used is sometimes considered to be the number one component of planning an environmentally friendly city. Large numbers of cars and other private vehicles contribute greatly to air pollution, the creation of urban heat islands and to global warming in general. There are a number factors related to lowering the use of cars.
One of these is to limit urban sprawl. The longer the distances that one must travel, to get from home to work for example, the greater the likelihood will be that a car will be seen as a necessity. Shorter distances also mean less fuel will be needed in order to make the journey.
Public transportation can play an extremely vital role in providing people with other transport options. Buses and trains are much more efficient ways of getting around and can help to decrease traffic congestion and reduce air pollution. These means can also be more cost effective for commuters. In order for a public transportation system to be used successfully, it must be both affordable and easily accessible.
Another preferred method of locomotion is simply walking. There are a number of ways to encourage the people of the city to walk. Establishing car-free pedestrian zones is a common way of doing this. In urban areas where the weather tends to be less than ideal, underground or covered walkways can be very beneficial.
Approaches for reducing car use are not the only aspects of sustainable planning. Another one that has been growing in popularity is the use of urban farms for growing and distributing food in and around the city. As times this also includes raising animals for farming uses. Among the benefits of this practice are the decreased cost and energy usage of getting the goods to market. This can also create a significant number of jobs in the urban area.
Architecture is another vital aspect. Buildings made out of recycled materials can have a vastly lower impact on the environment than normal ones. Also, methods of generating energy, such as solar panels, or collecting rain water to be used in the building can be employed. Having greenery on the rooftops can act as insulation and help to filter pollution from the air.
This is certainly not an exhaustive list of the factors involved in sustainable urban design. These and others must be considered in terms of projected growth and changing needs of the city in the future. Taking such measures can help tremendously in the fight to preserve the planet on which we live.
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