Green Cities: Sustainable Urban Planning (PDF)

Green Cities Prof. Ali El-Keblawy Dept of Applied Biology, University of Sharjah  Green city Cities are a huge source of anthropogenic impact on the environment. The large concentration of people in a city leads to increased air and water poll...

Green Cities Prof. Ali El-Keblawy Dept of Applied Biology, University of Sharjah  Green city Cities are a huge source of anthropogenic impact on the environment. The large concentration of people in a city leads to increased air and water pollution, energy consumption, and biodiversity loss. Although cities contain half of the world’s population, they consume 60-80% of the world’s annual energy use and contribute to 75% of the world’s anthropogenic carbon dioxide emission. How to mitigate the impact of the city on the environment – This could be through careful city planning and the creation of “green cities”.  Green city Greener cities mean that’s we are referring to a sustainable urban future. – This is an opportunity to allow the next generations to have a sustainable habitat, to live with clean energy. Cities seek to provide recreation livable places for people; we must seek for cleaner air, and beautiful scenery, – We need to increase the amount of green infrastructure.  Benefit of green natural spaces There are 3 broad categories of benefits provided by nature in cities 1. Environmental benefits or ecosystem services. – Air quality – Stormwater management – Energy savings 2- Economic value – It may cost less to use vegetation than gray infrastructure. – Landscape may enhance the value of a home. – Having larger trees in yards & as street trees can add from 3-15% to home values in neighborhoods. – Homes adjacent to naturalistic parks & open spaces are valued 8-20% higher than similar properties Sustainable and Green Cities: Concepts and Applications Sustainable cities are urban areas designed to minimize environmental impact while ensuring their inhabitants' well-being and quality of life. Green cities focus on integrating eco-friendly practices such as energy efficiency, reduced waste, and enhanced public transportation. These cities aim to balance environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Urban planning, smart infrastructure, and green technologies play key roles in promoting sustainability.  Key Concepts of Sustainable Cities Eco-Friendly Infrastructure: Use of renewable energy, energy-efficient buildings, and sustainable construction materials. Smart Growth: Encouraging urban development that prevents damage and preserves natural landscapes. Waste Management: Reducing waste through recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy initiatives. Sustainable Transportation: Promoting public transit, cycling, and walking, reducing reliance on fossil-fuel- powered vehicles. Water and Energy Conservation: Efficient management of water resources and the use of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower.  Why Sustainable Cities Matter Environmental Benefits: Reduced carbon emissions, preservation of natural ecosystems, and improved air and water quality. Economic Advantages: Cost savings through energy efficiency, green jobs creation, and long- term economic stability. Improved Quality of Life: Healthier environments with less pollution, better public spaces, and improved mental and physical well-being. Resilience to Climate Change: Sustainable cities are better equipped to cope with environmental changes such as flooding, heatwaves, and resource shortages.  Applications in Green City Development Green Building Standards: Adoption of certification systems like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM for sustainable construction. Urban Agriculture: Implementation of rooftop gardens, community farming, and vertical farms to improve food security and reduce the carbon footprint. Smart City Technologies: Using data-driven technologies like smart grids, automated public transit, and IoT-(Internet of Things), based urban planning for efficient city management. Green Spaces: Development of parks, green roofs, and urban forests to enhance biodiversity, reduce heat islands, and improve air quality.  Case Studies of Sustainable and Green Cities Copenhagen, Denmark: A leader in green urban planning, known for its extensive bicycle infrastructure and commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2025. Singapore: Known for its green buildings, urban greening, and water recycling systems. Curitiba, Brazil: A pioneer in sustainable urban development, particularly in terms of public transportation and waste management initiatives.  Challenges and Future Directions Challenges: Balancing rapid urbanization with environmental protection. High upfront costs of sustainable infrastructure. Policy and regulatory difficulties. Addressing social inequalities in access to green technologies. Future Directions: Further integration of circular economy principles. Expansion of smart city technologies for data-driven sustainability. Increasing public participation in urban planning. Global collaboration to achieve net-zero emissions in urban areas.  Environment benefit of green space 3- Social value public health (eg. physical activity) mental health & function children in nature  The Essential Elements of Green Cities There are specific components that influence green cities morphology and functionality: 1. Green and blue oxygen (air and water)- producing areas: In patches, strips and composite. 2. The green corridors (or greenways): They are the network of linear spaces conceived, planned and managed for recreation and biodiversity. 3. The blue-green corridors: By Integrating water surfaces and green areas for instruments. This concept applies to city crossed by rivers. Now a day they using canals. 4. The green belts: They protect the natural element. The green corridors (or greenways The blue-green corridors  Sustainable cities: Masdar city as a case study It is a low (or zero) carbon, low waste planned community of 40,000 that is going to be completed in 2025. Masdar City was established in 2006 with the aim of becoming a world leader in renewable energy and an example of a commercially viable, sustainable city. Currently, Masder City has some buildings that are powered by an on-site 10 MW photovoltaic solar plant. This 22 hectare plant is the largest solar plant in the Middle East. The city will also draw on geothermal and wind energy. When the city is complete, 20% of Masdar’s energy will come from on-site renewable resources and the rest will come from renewable energy resources elsewhere in the UAE.  Masdar city All of the buildings and the entire city itself have been designed to maximize energy efficiency. The buildings constructed in the city must adhere to strict energy-minimizing guidelines with regard to insulation, lighting, windows, smart appliances and energy meters  Masdar city Orientation from sun The city itself is oriented on a southeast- northwest axis to minimize heat gain and maximize cooling shade and breezes. If it is in the southern hemisphere, what will be the direction? Streets widths: They are fairly narrow to supply more shade from the buildings, and various water and greenery installations provide additional cooling.  Masdar city City’s wind tower: one of the most interesting innovations in cooling is the city’s wind tower. It is 45m tower captures upper-level winds and directs them down onto the street below. The top of the tower has sensors that control the shutters that open toward the prevailing wind and close in the opposite direction to push the wind downwards. Windgates: These are present throughout the city to direct and regulate the flow of air on the streets. Overall, the streets of Masdar City are 15-20 °C cooler than the streets of Abu Dhabi, which is only about 10 miles away.  Masdar city Transportation infrastructure: There are no petroleum-based cars in the city. The city is designed for pedestrians, with many shaded walkways. Right now, both electric vehicles and a personal rapid transit (PRT) system are being tested in a pilot program. The PRT system features small, fully-automated, electric “podcars” that hold two people. These podcars can travel up to 25 mph and are controlled by a sophisticated navigation system.  Masdar city Water and waste management On a per person basis, Masdar City uses less than half of the water that an average city uses. – This is achieved through the use of high efficiency appliances as well as smart meters that can detect leaks in water system. 100% of the wastewater generated from the city is treated and reused in landscaping, which has led to huge water savings. Masdar City has also taken great efforts to manage its waste, with 96% of its construction waste reused in other ways to build the city.  Major Advantages of using native Landscaping No fertilization required No additional water Zero to near zero work needed for maintenance Natural landscaped plants take full advantage of rainfall Increased habitat for native flora and fauna Native plants rarely become invasive  Native Plants in Hot Arid Cities: Role in Sustainability Native plants play a crucial role in sustaining cities, particularly in hot arid regions where water scarcity and extreme temperatures are prevalent. These plants have adapted to local conditions, making them more resilient and efficient in conserving resources. This presentation will explore how native plants help mitigate the challenges posed by urbanization in hot, dry environments.  Why Use Native Plants in Urban Landscaping? Adaptation: Native plants are naturally suited to the local climate, requiring less water and maintenance compared to non-native species. Drought Resistance: Many native plants in arid regions have evolved to survive long periods without water. Soil Compatibility: Native species are well- adapted to local soil conditions, reducing the need for fertilizers. Biodiversity Support: They help preserve local biodiversity, providing habitats for native pollinators and wildlife  Native Plants and Heat Mitigation Cooling Effect: Native plants provide natural shade, reducing the urban heat island effect by cooling the surrounding air. Transpiration: Native plants regulate temperature through transpiration, releasing moisture into the air and creating a cooling effect. Green Infrastructure: Urban planning can incorporate green roofs, green walls, and urban green spaces filled with native plants to lower city temperatures.  Native Plants and Heat Mitigation Cooling Effect: Native plants provide natural shade, reducing the urban heat island effect by cooling the surrounding air. Transpiration: Native plants regulate temperature through transpiration, releasing moisture into the air and creating a cooling effect. Green Infrastructure: Urban planning can incorporate green roofs, green walls, and urban green spaces filled with native plants to lower city temperatures.  Water Efficiency of Native Plants Native plants in arid regions are highly efficient at using water. Many have evolved mechanisms such as deep root systems to tap into underground water sources. Reduced Irrigation: Because native plants are adapted to local conditions, they require significantly less irrigation, making them ideal for water-scarce cities. Water Retention: These plants improve soil's ability to retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.  Reducing Soil Erosion and Improving Soil Health Erosion Prevention: Native plants stabilize the soil with their deep root systems, preventing erosion caused by wind and infrequent but intense rainfall. Improving Soil Quality: Native plants can enhance soil structure and nutrient content, improving overall soil health and fostering better conditions for urban agriculture. Carbon Sequestration: These plants capture and store carbon, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  Supporting Biodiversity through Native Plants Habitat Creation: Native plants support local wildlife by providing food, shelter, and breeding grounds for birds, insects, and small mammals. Pollinator Support: Many native plants attract and support native pollinators like bees and butterflies, essential for maintaining urban ecosystems. Ecosystem Services: Native plants contribute to the overall health of ecosystems by maintaining biodiversity and promoting resilience against environmental changes.  Cultural and Aesthetic Benefits of Native Plants Native plants are often linked to the cultural heritage of a region, offering aesthetic value and a sense of place to urban areas. Landscape Identity: They contribute to a region’s natural beauty and reflect the unique characteristics of the local environment. Community Engagement: Incorporating native plants into public spaces encourages local residents to connect with their natural surroundings, promoting environmental stewardship.  Urban Green Infrastructure with Native Plants Green Roofs and Walls: Native plants can be used in green roofs and green walls, which provide insulation, reduce energy consumption, and combat urban heat islands. Urban Green Spaces: Parks, walkways, and public spaces can be designed using native species, offering cooler microclimates and recreational areas. Water-Sensitive Urban Design: Native plants are essential in water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) practices, such as bio-retention basins and rain gardens, which manage stormwater and improve water quality.  Challenges and Solutions in Using Native Plants Challenge: Lack of awareness and understanding of the benefits of native plants. Solution: Public education and demonstration projects in cities to showcase the advantages of native species. Challenge: Competition from exotic species in urban landscapes. Solution: Incentives for using native plants in private and public landscaping, along with policy support for native plant initiatives.  Major Advantages of using native Landscaping in the UAE Water situation in the UAE The UAE has one of the highest per capita water consumptions in the world, – This true despite UAE has hyper arid climate with less than 100mm/yr rainfall, low groundwater recharge rate no reliable, perennial surface water resources Every resident in the UAE consumes an average ranged between 550 - 970 liters of water every day (depending on the emirate), which is one of the highest rates of water use in the world Major Advantages of using native Landscaping Water situation in the UAE The total consumption of water resources in the Emirate today exceeds 24 times its natural recharge capacity. – The total consumption of ground water in the UAE approaching about 2,300,000 M3, but the annual recharge from rainfall is only about 100,000 m3 Every mature tree needs on average 10 gallons of water every day during winter and spring and up to 40 gallons/day during summer!!!! Naturescapes do not require permanent irrigation and hence to not contribute to wasteful and costly water practices of the past.  Native plants as A Natural Heritage in the UAE Native plants represented a big component in the life of the old generations of the Gulf region The old generations used the native plants as sources for food, medicine, biofuel, etc. However, young generations have limited information about these plants. Bringing native plants to cities will help in conserving this part of the natural heritage. This will also increase the awareness of the new generations about the importance of natural environments and the natural heritage  Challenge of using Native Landscaping in the UAE Difficulty to find the seeds of native plants Innate dormancy associated with the seeds of most native plants Few nurseries are able to produce limited number of native plants Lake of information about propagation, water requirements, fertilization, maintenance, etc  Our Achievements Through A Qatar Foundation project, Sharjah University and Sharjah Research Academy were able to define around 120 native plants that have the potential to be used in landscaping We succeeded in germination and propagating around 100 of these plants Around 70 plants showed to be excellent candidates for landscaping These include trees, big and small shrubs, flowering plants and ground cover  Natural Habitats in the UAE Sandy Mountainous Gravels Salt marshes Intertidal zones Sandy habitats Convolvulus cephalopodus ‫رخام – ركيمة‬ Perennial, evergreen plants of sandy habitats and wadis  - ‫ موهشة‬Convolvulus deserti Perennial, evergreen plants of sandy habitats and wadis Flowering from Nov. June– Could extend with irrigation Senecio desfontainei; an annual (seasonal) plant in a dry year Senecio desfontainei; an annual (seasonal) plant in a rainy yea  Senecio desfontainei Salicornia europaea Verbesina encelioidesi, e newly recorded perennial plant in the UAE  - Eremobium aegyptiacum Annual plants the sand dunes – Flowering from Nov. – May (depending on rainfall Gisekia pharnacioides is an annual herbaceous plant. The plant has green or reddish-violet colors.  Silene villosa Annual of sandy habitats– flowering from Jan. - May  Arnebia hispidissima Annual of sandy habitats– flowering from Dec. - May Arnebia hispidissima Tribulus arabica Tribulus arabica  Calotropis procera The leaves are valuable as an antidote for snake bite, sinus fistula, rheumatism, mumps, burn injuries, and body pain. Also treat jaundice. Calotropis procera- 6 month old  Leptadenia pyrotechnica, evergreen perennial shrub Leptadenia pyrotechnica One year  ‫ عبل‬- ‫ أرتا‬-Calligonum crinitum Perennial, evergreen plants of sandy habitats– flowering from Dec. – May (could be extended with irrigation  Sporobolus arabicus Lasiurus scindicus Calligonum comosum Sporobolus arabicus Calligonum comosum Haloxylon salicornicum, a perennial evergreen shrub