Features of a Sustainable City

In this period of immense technological advancement, attention has begun to shift toward the preservation of our natural resources. When it comes to supporting environmental health and adopting more sustainable practices, the idea of a sustainable city (also sometimes known as an “eco city”) has become more prevalent and feasible. Determining what makes a city sustainable can be challenging, but there are a number of key features that are commonly found in the concepts and blueprints of sustainable cities.

Public Resources

In a sustainable city, the wellbeing of residents is a top priority. Because of this, it is expected that sustainable cities provide access to public resources such as clean air, quality education, and public transportation . Public resource accessibility promotes both a reduced amount of harmful emissions (by allowing for more environmentally-friendly means of travel) as well as a higher quality of life overall.

Technology

Sustainable cities will take full advantage of the technology available to them. The focus on new and developing technology ensures that a sustainable city is prepared to last while also providing a sufficient platform for the later adoption of newer programs and practices. From wireless security systems to climate resilient constructions, a sustainable city is designed and built with the future in mind.

Energy

Naturally, a sustainable city operates on renewable energy sources. Solar and wind energy are commonly integrated into the designs of sustainable cities. A more nuanced form of energy production comes from green waste; known as anaerobic digestion , producing natural gas from green waste can help provide heat and power to the city. Sustainable cities are often designed with energy production in mind, allowing for a higher volume of renewable resources to be integrated into the daily production and usage of energy.

Environment

With a focus on urban growing and green spaces, the environment of a sustainable city is composed of urban structures as well as organic materials. Vertical and rooftop gardens are often integrated to serve as a food source for the inhabitants of the city. Likewise, sustainable cities may opt for greenery that has multiple roles; rather than simply making the environment appear more green and natural, a sustainable city may choose to plant herbs and fruit-bearing trees to supply additional nutritious resources for the people.

Originally published at http://ronaldchagouryjr.org.