Environment and sustainability

Includes: environmental sustainability, climate change, green urbanism, water resilience

The URBED perspective:

Environmental sustainability and climate change must be central to urban planning. Green urbanism, integrating natural infrastructure and water resilience, is vital for creating adaptable, healthier cities. Prioritising eco-friendly solutions and innovative water management ensures cities can reduce emissions and withstand future climate shocks effectively.

Growing Historic Cities

Growing Historic Cities

A symposium in Oxford’s Kellogg College drew members of the Historic Towns Forum ranging from St Albans to Wells and York, together with a large contingent from Oxford.The aim was to learn from success, and to debate the principles that would lead to sustainable or ‘smarter growth’ that does not outstrip infrastructure capacity. Presentations on Grenoble and Freiburg provided an international dimension, and Dr. Nicholas Falk, one of the co-organisers drew out lessons from four other European cities acclaimed by the Academy of Urbanism, including Montpellier and some Dutch examples.
Indian Urban Futures I

Indian Urban Futures I

The publication reports on a symposium held on May 11th, 2017, focusing on the future of urban areas in India. With a population exceeding 1.2 billion, only 30% live in urban settings, leading to challenges such as urban sprawl, pollution, and inadequate housing. The event featured discussions on smarter urbanisation, addressing transport, housing, public health, and community engagement. The symposium aimed to foster collaboration between Indian and British organisations to share knowledge and develop innovative solutions for urban challenges.
Investing in the green recovery

Investing in the green recovery

The 2009 Budget heralded the prospects for city regions and for introducing “innovative financing mechanisms to support locally driven investment in growth and regeneration”. This paper summarises arguments for enabling county councils and unitary authorities to raise finance to achieve new (and “greener”) housing and local economic development in the right places through infrastructure bonds and “quality deals”. It builds on the pamphlet Funding Sustainable Communities, which reviews the options, and on recent research projects into US and European experience with infrastructure funding and regeneration.