Green Urbanism

Erika N. Mangilaya and Faith Nicole T. Estrada

Department of Architecture, Saint Louis College

AR A422: Specialization 1 Basic: Urban Planning

Ar. Winona Elaine Soriano, UAP

March 16, 2023

Green Urbanism

Green Urbanism Concept

Green Urbanism is a concept for zero-emission and zero-waste urban architecture that

first emerged in the 1990s. It advocates compact, energy-efficient urban construction and aims

to re-design and re-engineer existing city districts as well as revitalize the post-industrial city

core. It encourages the creation of urban areas that are both socially and environmentally

sustainable (Lehmann, 2010). Smart, safe, and sustainable cities are frequently referred to as

"green urbanism" in literature. They are smart because they can adapt to the new technologies

of the twenty-first century; safe because they have built-in systems that allow them to respond

to extreme events and are long-lasting; and sustainable because they are a part of the solution

to pressing sustainability issues like climate change, peak oil, and biodiversity (Newman,

2010).

Green Design, often known as Green Architecture, is a method of construction that

reduces negative effects on the environment and human health. The "green" architect or

designer tries to protect the air, water, and earth by using sustainable building materials and

construction methods (Roy, 2008, as cited in Ragheb et al., 2016).

Urbanism as defined by Farr (2007) ”is walkable and transit-served urbanism integrated

with high-performance buildings and high-performance infrastructure. “The application of

sustainability and resilient principles to the design, planning, and administration/operation of

cities" is a more inclusive description of Sharifi (2016, as cited in Roggema, 2016).

Green Urbanism: The Concept's Origin

The debate on eco-city theory has been ongoing for over thirty-five years, with several

architectural schools of thought implemented worldwide. Early writing on green urbanism was

provided by Ebenezer Howard and Reyner Banham, who pioneered the idea that technology,
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human needs, and environmental concerns should be considered an integral part of the

architecture. Other early significant writing has come from Lewis Mumford and Jane Jacobs,

as well as Rachel Carson, Victor Olgyay, Ian McHarg, Koenigsberger, Drew and Fry, or

Szokolay. Guenther Moewes' book 'Weder Huetten noch Palaeste' is a programmatic manifesto

for designing and constructing longer-lasting buildings. Recent theories for 'Compact Cities'

and 'Solar Cities' encapsulate the visions based on these ideas.

In its 1972 report, "Limits of Growth," the Club of Rome emphasized the drawbacks of

sprawl and excessive resource usage. To prevent sprawl and the depopulation of its center,

Portland (Oregon, USA) established a 'growth boundary' that is legally obligatory. A rise in

consumption can be a feature of the inner-city revival, which frequently increases the

ecological footprint of urban dwellers, according to recent studies of inner-city lifestyles.

Although Eco-city theory concentrates on altering the interaction between the city and nature,

emerging Green Urbanism theory strives to convert existing cities from fragmentation to

compaction. Some of the built milestones in sustainable urban development at the beginning

of the twenty-first century are the solar cities in Linz-Pichling (Austria), Freiburg-Vauban

(Germany), Hanover-Kronsberg (Germany), Stockholm Hammarby-Sjöstad (Sweden), the

BedZED Development in Sutton (South of London, UK), and the green district EVA Lanxmeer

in Culemborg (The Netherlands).

Green Urbanism Principles

Timothy Beatley, Steffen Lehmann, and Peter Newman are the primary planners who

have contributed to the establishment of Green Urbanism principles. Each has its own set of

Green Urbanism principles and criteria for what constitutes a “Green Urbanist” urban space.

All of these principles include one commonality: they are grounded in the belief that

urbanization is the primary cause of environmental degradation. (Kumar, 2022)

Lehmann (2011) presented 15 Green Urbanism principles. He explained that “the principles

are based on the triple-zero framework (triple-bottom-line) of zero fossil-fuel energy use, zero

waste, and zero emissions (aiming for low-to-no-carbon emissions).” The key principles are as

follows:

1. Climate and Context

Every location or site has its distinct environment in terms of orientation, solar

output, weather, moisture levels, prevailing winds, geological structure, shading,

lighting, noise, and air pollution, among other things (Lehmann 2010). Every

project involving sustainable design requires preserving complexity within

biodiversity, the layout of an ecosystem, or a neighborhood (Nassar, 2013).

2. Renewable Energy for zero CO2 Emissions

The first criterion for choosing an energy source is the local accessibility of

renewable energy. In general, it makes sense to safeguard future supply by

combining energy sources in a well-balanced way. The distribution of energy via a

decentralized system and the use of nearby renewable energy sources are both

essential goals. As a result, urban areas will be converted into small-scale renewable

energy production facilities, using innovative technologies such as solar PV, solar

thermal, wind (on- and offshore), biomass, geothermal power, and mini-

hydropower (Lehmann, 2010).

3. Zero Waste City

Making use of waste as a resource is known as sustainable waste management.

Reducing, recycling, reusing, and composting garbage to create energy are all

components of zero-waste urban planning. The flow of materials needs to be

thoroughly evaluated, and treatment for industrial waste and e-waste in particular

demands specific care (Braungart,2002).

4. Water

Managing water usage, finding more effective ways to use available water

resources, guaranteeing high water quality, and protecting aquatic habitats are just

a few of the many facets of this principle. Cities can serve as water catchment

areas if citizens are informed about water efficiency, wastewater recycling, and

stormwater management. When it comes to farming practices, it is possible to

design crops or modified seeds that use less water and are drought resistant.

(Lehmann, 2010).

5. Landscape, Gardens, and Biodiversity

To increase urban vegetation, city planning should be based on ecological

principles that employ organic cycles rather than energy-intensive technology. The

sustainable city also needs to incorporate inner-city gardens, urban

farming/agriculture, and green roofs into all its urban design projects (using the city

for food supply). Urban landscapes that reduce the "urban heat island" (UHI) effect

which uses plants for air purification and urban cooling are necessary to maximize

the ecosystem's resilience (Lehmann, 2010).

6. Sustainable Transport and Good Public Space: Compact and Poly-centric

cities

We need settings that have integrated non-motorized transport, such as cycling

or walking with a bike- and pedestrian-friendly pathways, secure bicycle routes,

free bike-rental programs, and inviting public areas. Here are a few concepts to

consider: eco-mobility theories and smart infrastructure (electric cars); integrated

transportation systems (bus transit, light rail, bike stations); enhanced public space
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networks and connectivity; and an emphasis on transport-oriented development

(also known as "green TODs") (Lehmann, 2010).

7. Local and Sustainable Materials with less Embodied Energy

This approach has many various components, such as the utilization of

innovative material technologies, prospects for reduced supply chains, and an

emphasis on integrating local resources and technological know-how in all urban

projects, such as prevalently used regional lumber (Lehmann, 2010).

8. Density and Retrofitting of Existing Districts

The key information in this text is how to encourage people to return to the city.

For example, you can promote business opportunities around green transit-oriented

developments, encourage the densification of the city center through mixed-use

urban infill, center regeneration, and green TODs, increase sustainability through

density and compactness, and retrofit inefficient buildings. There is a need for

unique approaches for huge metropolitan regions and rapidly expanding cities, as

well as innovative ideas for Small Island States and coastal communities. Moving

into downtown regions is necessary for remodeling and reviving existing city

centers to create diversified and dynamic communities. Every community in the

compact city employs Energy Services Company principles to self-finance energy

efficiency and upgrading projects and is sustainable and self-sufficient.

9. Green Buildings and Districts, Using Passive Design Principles

The emphasis should be on low-energy, zero-emission designs, best practices

for passive design principles, drastically reducing building energy use, introducing

compact solar architecture, providing solar access for all new structures, as well as

employing profound green building design concepts to repair and upgrade the
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whole city's building stock. New adaptive types should be created at a fair price to

produce stronger, more neutral structures. Buildings with adaptive architecture last

longer whilst the life cycles of technological equipment and services are shorter.

Although buildings could harvest and purify their own water as well as produce

more energy than they consume, the city is more significant than any one specific

structure (Lehmann, 2010).

10. Livability, Healthy Communities, And Mixed-Use Programs

Urban planning takes into account the need for programs to promote mixed-use

development and affordable housing in order to ensure a diversified population and

a flourishing neighborhood. It is crucial to employ sustainable land use and

development patterns, because cities with a range of uses (and income levels)

encourage more social participation and sustainability. Age-related population

changes provide a serious challenge to urban planning. Mixed land uses are very

important since they reduce traffic. Master plans should stipulate that 40–50% of

all private developments must be integrated with public (social) housing. Ethical

investments in green businesses should be undertaken to raise money. A building's

design or modification should be based on its intended use (Lehmann, 2010).

11. Local Food and Short Supply Chains

Urban agriculture and important levels of food security are features of a

sustainable city. To shift cities toward models that deal with natural ecosystems and

healthy food systems, the gap between urban and rural areas must be closed. This

encompasses efforts to "eat local" and "slow food," as well as local and regional

food production, supply, urban farming, and agriculture. To lessen our reliance on

petroleum-based transportation and our consumption of meat and other animal

products, we must shop and eat locally. Up to 50% of our food may need to be

grown locally in allotments using organic methods without the use of pesticides or

fertilizers. (Lehmann, 2010).

12. Cultural Heritages, Identity, And Sense of Place

The city of cultural identity and public health is a secure, equitable, and safe

place to live. In addition to fostering resilient communities, robust public space

networks, and contemporary community amenities, sustainable cities strive to

improve air quality, human health, and pollution levels. Every city has a unique

atmosphere, and every city should be designed with materials, history, and

demographic preferences in mind. To create distinctive communities with a strong

sense of place, city councils should create a master plan that strikes a balance

between heritage preservation, development, and conservation. These communities

should also have densities that are high enough to support basic public

transportation and close-by retail services (Lehmann, 2010).

13. Urban Governance, Leadership, And Best Practice

If we wish to turn current cities into sustainable compact communities, effective

urban administration is crucial. To manage sustainability via cogent integrated

management and governance approaches, city governments require strong

management and political backing. To guarantee that urban design is attentive to

people's needs and to promote community involvement, public consultation

processes and engagement from the grassroots are crucial. Authorities could update

building codes and regulations, compile a database of eco-city best practices and

international policies, revise contracts for construction projects and integrated

public management, educate the public, enhance planning participation and policy-
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making, build sustainable subdivisions, implement anti-sprawl land-use and growth

boundary policies, pass legislation, and more to improve bureaucratic urban

governance (Lehmann, 2010).

14. Education, Research, and Knowledge

The city needs to offer all residents instruction and training in sustainable urban

development, including technical training, skill upgrading, research, experience

sharing, and information dissemination. Universities could serve as "think tanks,"

and centers for research on sustainable urban development best practices and policy

should be established (Lehmann, 2010).

15. Strategies for Cities in Developing Countries

To balance the effects of fast urbanization and globalization, cities in emerging

nations require sustainable urban planning solutions. For communities to be

empowered, new employment to be created, and job structures to be varied, low-

cost construction and mass housing typologies are required. The fight against

climate change is equally important (Lehmann, 2010).

It is important to keep in mind that a dynamic city cannot be created with only

a few creative engineering ideas. The world's technologies combined cannot

provide sustainability and vitality on their own (Lehmann, 2010).

Urban design is a far more complicated issue. Creating a city needs the

integration of both qualitative and quantitative knowledge, as well as

comprehensive, multi-dimensional methodologies that are tailored to each specific

situation (Lehmann, 2010).

The 15 Principles of Green Urbanism give an integrated framework, include all the

essential elements required to achieve sustainable development, and promote best

practice models. They are pragmatic and comprehensive. Thus, it is important that

models be replicable. The principles provide a sustainability matrix that will enable

urban designers to "do more with less," in the words of Richard Buckminster Fuller

(Buckminster Fuller, 1973)

Case Study

Local: Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

One of Metro Manila's most desirable addresses is Bonifacio Global City (BGC). BGC

is one of the greatest areas for young professionals due to its cosmopolitan vibe and exciting

daytime and nighttime activities. It is also home to several top-notch restaurants and the

corporate offices of numerous international firms. But another factor that draws people to BGC

is its walkable layout. Because of the distinctive urban planning of BGC, even the stroll

between enterprises is an experience in and of itself.

The urban design of BGC is ideal for walkability, which makes it a local model of green

urbanism through: greater use of open spaces; maintaining a connection with nature while

building density; having pedestrian-friendly streets; having, in accordance with the 2011 Air

Quality Index, much higher air quality than the air in Makati and other locations; enticing

commuters to utilize their clean, well-kept BGC buses and electric tricycles, which helps to

minimize the carbonized smoke released by public vehicles; A five-story cistern that gathers

rainwater and flushes it into Manila Bay after the torrential rains is another method of flood

management; usually, a good waste management system is in place to make sure that waste

does not tarnish the BGC's tidy reputation; centralized utility networks to keep the city’s

landscape clean; and, lastly, strictly implementing city rules that show discipline.
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International: Singapore

In terms of urban growth and planning, Singapore is constantly cited as an example of

a successful Asian metropolis.

Since Singapore's built and natural ecological environment are in balance, Newman

(2010, 2014) acknowledges that Singapore is a model city for green urbanism. Singapore's

compact and biophilic urban setting plays a significant role in the synergistic expansion of

public transportation and land use. Under the self-sufficiency principle, the Housing and

Development Board (HDB) built new towns at the crossroads of rail transit routes during the

construction of the MRT lines.

Almost all construction waste is recycled in the city, and waste stream collection

ensures that only a small amount of trash ends up in landfills. The city also has an outstanding

recycling system. Currently, the city is a pioneer in the practice of turning sewage waste into

potable water, and nearly all precipitation and stormwater runoff is gathered in reservoirs.

Green transit-oriented development (TOD) is an extension of the idea, informed by green

urbanism and sustainable development. This improvement broadens the scope of traditional

TOD in terms of environmental and ecological considerations. (Newman,2010)

In Singapore, biophilic strategies are already in place. Moving from "the garden city to

the city in a garden" is the new mindset. This is accomplished using a wide range of approaches,

such as the Skyrise Greenery initiative, which has provided grants for balcony, roof, and wall

greening; the Streetscape Greenery Master Plan, which has created heritage roads with full

canopy cover and heritage tree programs; the Hort Park, which highlights gardening

opportunities; the ABC Guidelines, which outline how to do water-sensitive urban design; and

the construction of wetlands/drains that are green rather than concrete. the Park Connector

Network, which promotes tree-top walks and other shady routes around the city

(Newman,2010).
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Conclusion

As global worries about climate change, peak oil, water, waste, biodiversity, and urban

quality of life increase, green urbanism for the city of the future is becoming a priority that

cannot be ignored. With the help of green urbanism, these issues can all be resolved

simultaneously. If any city is to address these issues, it will need to have the infrastructure to

support the mentioned principles. Samples of each agenda's current state have been given

nevertheless; no city has started working equally on all of the concepts. This will eventually be

necessary for the future. Challenging it may be, and daunting is the task, this is a great

opportunity for a better urban future.

References

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