Sustainable development and the urban landscape: The future is green
Cities form an integral part of our daily lives. We live, create, work and enjoy ourselves in them. Nonetheless, besides being hubs for prosperity and innovation, urban areas are also a source of challenges. High population and infrastructure density lead to greater energy consumption and higher greenhouse gas emissions. This means that urban areas are more susceptible to the impact of climate change, resulting in health, social equality and biodiversity concerns.
The solution comes through sustainable urban regeneration. This involves developing socially responsible, green cities, that respect towards people and the environment, and ensuring a sustainable future for all.
What sustainable urban development is and why we need it
Sustainable urban development is a multifaceted and comprehensive approach to expanding and regenerating urban areas by prioritizing economic, environmental and social sustainability. It aims at meeting social needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
It combines practices that reduce pollution, respect the environment, improve housing conditions, facilitate transport, and promote health and social cohesion. As such, it leads to financially robust cities that offer a better quality of life to their residents.
According to the OECD, sustainable urban development is crucial for achieving an economically sound, socially responsible and environmentally sustainable future. Urban areas account for more than 70% of energy-related CO2 emissions and approximately 50% of global waste. They are already home to 50% of the world population and this number is growing, meaning that their impact on the environment and the climate crisis will only increase in the future.
In Europe, the situation is even more critical, as 75% of Europeans already live in cities, while an estimated 80% is expected to move to urban areas by 2050.
Green buildings, mixed land uses and other sustainable development practices
It is possible to improve the infrastructure of cities and reduce their environmental footprint while also catering to their residents through appropriate strategies and practices that promote sustainable urban regeneration:
- Compact cities – Promoting green buildings and shorter distances, facilitating public transport and reducing the use of private vehicles.
- Infrastructure repurposing – Upgrading and reusing existing investments.
- Mixed land use areas – Constructing residential complexes, offices, parks, schools, sport centers and other facilities within a short distance from one another.
- Green space enhancement – Protecting the environment and biodiversity, and promoting well-being.
Green buildings are one of the most effective strategies for green and sustainable development. In the European Union, buildings account for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of total greenhouse emissions, while 75% of the existing building stock is not considered energy efficient.
Through the use of environmentally friendly materials and improved environmental performance, green buildings:
- Reduce the environmental footprint.
- Reduce operational and maintenance costs.
- Improve water management and air quality.
- Offer leisure and wellness spaces that improve day-to-day life.
Guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable urban development features prominently among the UN Sustainable Development GoalS (SDGs). Goal 11 “Sustainable cities and communities” focuses on the establishment of sustainable, inclusive cities with accessible green areas, and convenient public transport.
The countries that form the United Nations adopted these goals in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda that aims to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and foster peace and prosperity through a global action plan. The alignment of both the public and private sectors with these goals, through targeted actions and initiatives, is crucial to achieving them.
Urban regeneration in action from LAMDA Development – The Ellinikon
The Ellinikon, Europe's largest urban regeneration project, represents a transformative development in Athens. Situated on the abandoned site of the former Ellinikon International Airport, this ambitious project revitalizes the area by introducing a sustainable urban ecosystem following LAMDA’s Sustainable Development Practices. It encompasses the creation of a coastal park, an inclusive and accessible waterfront, residential neighborhoods, and hospitality zones, all designed to foster a vibrant and connected community with major infrastructure and landscape works. Guided by the principles of the "15-minute city" The Ellinikon aims to enhance quality of life, promote inclusion and diversity, and support sustainable livelihoods. Furthermore, the project is poised to generate significant employment opportunities, contributing to the region's and the country’s socio-economic growth.