Planning and Sustainability

Paul Farmer

American Planning Association

M6: Protecting the Urban Environment and Historical and Cultural Heritage

Planning and Sustainability

City and Regional Planning allocate resources

Sustainability works on environmental, cultural and economic levels

Current patterns of development are often not sustainable

Indicators of Unsustainability

Deforestation Wildlife extinction Soil loss and

degradation Global Warming Declining fish

population Economic Inequity

Indicators of Unsustainability

Increased consumption of energy and material

Population growth Dependence on non-renewable

resources Pollution Destructive development patterns Inequities in resource allocation Limited public particiaption

Definition of Sustainability

Capability to meet human needs Without compromising the ability of

future generations’ needs Using natural resources in balance

with nature’s ability to replenish them Achieves the greatest common good

for the most people Achieves equitable distribution of

resources and access to means of income

Implementing Sustainable Plans

Planning processes

Planning practices

Planning outcomes

Planning Processes

Being very comprehensive in the approach to planning

Educating the public and decision makers

Reinforcing the ethic of stewardship through every step

Planning Practices

Developing a future-oriented vision that recognizes environmental limits to human development.

promote economic development that efficiently and equitably distributes resources.

Encourage individuals and organizations to take responsibility for the economic, environmental, and social consequences of their actions

Taking leadership in the drafting and implementation of local, regional and state policies that support sustainability.

Planning Outcomes

Local and regional development patterns that expand choice and opportunity

Resilient, diverse, and self-sufficient local economies that meet the needs of residents and build on the unique characteristics of the community

Communities with a healthy economy, environment and social climate that function in harmony with natural ecosystems and allow people to lead healthy, productive and enjoyable lives.

Actions toward Sustainability

Spatial plans Transportation Housing and construction Economic Development Open space and recreation Infrastructure and growth management

Spatial Planning

Promote compact development and mixed use

Orient development around public transit Guide development in and near existing

communities Promote regional plans that protect

natural systems such as watersheds Design according to local culture and

climate

Transportation

Reduce trips by individual automobile

Develop vehicles powered by renewable sources

Encourage and design pedestrian and bike options

Provide public transit alternatives

Housing and Building

Locate housing near jobs Landscape design to improve the

environment Reuse old buildings Improve stormwater run off and reduce

impervious surfaces

Economic Development

Reduce travel to work mixed use development

Ecourage small home based businesses Implement best practices for waste

reduction Prevent and eliminate pollution on site Pursue cultural and ecological tourism

Open Space/Recreation

Provide recreational facilities within walking and bicycling distance

Use local materials and native plants Preserve wilderness areas Connect communities and neighborhoods with

green ways Use natural systems to restore damaged lands

Infrastructure

Use green space as part of the system for water quality

Develop water and sewer programs to reduce treatment facility needs

Use biological treatment for brownfield sites

Growth Management

Develop near transit systems

Link plans to carrying capacity of natural systems

Integrate all elements discussed here

Plan for the long term cost of maintenance and revenue

Cultural Sustainability

Preserve the unique aspects of culture

Language and customs

Architecture and city patterns

Use cultural diversity to inform and guide design and planning