Every city is unique. Cities have goals that are derived from the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that they face. Consequently, the aim of any net-zero carbon targets is to tackle the negatives and make the most of the positives.
This is apparent in the approaches taken by four UK cities that are taking a lead on climate action.
- The Mayor of London has set ambitious aims for the city to be a zero-carbon city by 2030. The plan for greater London is focused on transport by expanding the Ultra-Low Emission Zone and associated vehicle scrappage scheme, low-carbon energy, and nature conservation and restoration.
- Newcastle’s plan focuses on the idea of the 15 minute city where residents can access key services by walking, cycling, or public transport. Other initiatives of the plan include transitioning to electric vehicles and working with businesses to develop infrastructure and incentive schemes, making buildings energy efficient, and renewable energy.
- Bristol Council has invested in renewable energy and energy efficiency while working with local communities to embrace innovation in sectors including energy and transport.
- Bournemouth local authority is developing strategies on carbon reduction, energy efficiency, and air pollution, as well as waste management.
What lessons have we learned during the pandemic and have these changed our approach to transitioning to net zero?
History has shown that pandemics are an urban phenomenon and climate change is also expected to make pandemics more likely and more frequent. COVID-19 proved to us once again the urgent need to redouble existing efforts addressing resilience, to cut emissions to safeguard the planet, economy, and more importantly the people.
The pandemic impacts have further accelerated the existing trends of work patterns and lifestyles. This has prompted again the importance of the smart and suitable adaptive reuse of unwanted spaces, which in turn, has increased active mobility, decreased carbon emissions, showcased the importance of green open spaces and the desire of people to live in neighbourhoods where all of life’s requirements are close to hand.
This hints at the urban renaissance that we have been talking about for decades. So, the pandemic may be seen as an opportunity to remake many things, and by applying these sustainable urban design approaches, we can accelerate the transition towards Net Zero Carbon targets achievements in our cities.
How does Dar achieve and implement sustainable urban design?
Dar’s holistic approach to sustainability is to create places that are resilient to environmental impacts, adaptable to changing societal demands, that limit the demand on precious resources, and are economically feasible and viable.
Dar focuses on environmentally responsive planning and design, while tackling core urban environmental issues such as energy efficiency, water efficiency, waste reduction, contaminated land mitigation, air quality, and urban ecology. We ensure our designs include features to improve indoor and outdoor thermal comfort, promote walkability and energy efficient mobility, reduce material use, incorporate sustainable urban drainage, the principles of a circular economy, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and net gain in biodiversity through preservation and enhancement.
The introduction of Dar’s stakeholder engagement core values encourages project teams to harness stakeholder knowledge and experience. Effectively engaging with stakeholders early on secures buy-in, which is essential to minimising and resolving any potential hesitance, concern, or resistance to emerging developments or proposals. This approach enables both public and private sector stakeholders and communities to influence project outcomes.
Urban economics are strongly embedded in the design process from visioning, to concept planning, to implementation. We incorporate circular economic and financial consultancy advice at every stage of a development proposal. Dar has the ability to incorporate layers of smart designs into projects, which consider efficiency, health, economic stability, community engagement and an ability to adapt to future challenges.
Through Dar’s sustainable urban design approach, we provide solutions that balance social, environmental and economic opportunities. We deliver these through the application of smart planning, design, and construction, aiming to enhance efficiencies, and create intelligent, resilient and future-ready cities.