Urban Sustainability - Thesis

8/6/2019 Urban Sustainability - Thesis

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Abstract

The future of our world is the future of cities. Therefore, building a holistic

guiding framework for urban sustainability, which can be used in urban governance,

decision-making, capacity building, education and public awareness raising is a critical

key for a sustainable future. The thesis uses visionary and holistic approach in dealing

with urban issues. What makes a livable and sustainable city? How do people perceive

urban sustainability? How do people envision their dream cities? Among many aspects of

urban development, what matter most to them? What are public perceptions on current

urban development in HCMC? This thesis seeks to find answers for these questions, from

suggestions of experts and think tanks, to peoples opinions, their hopes and dreams.Beside the international document research and the global online survey, the case of public

perception in Ho Chi Minh City was also investigated with both online and offline

questionnaires and interviews of people in some slum areas.

Findings from experts bring out that sustainability associates with balance and equity in a

comprehensive approach, which acknowledges the interrelationships among various

dimensions of life and our interconnectedness with each other and with natural systems.

Urban sustainability strives for ecological balance, low-carbon economic development,

social inclusion and cultural vitality. Among these dimensions, good governance which is

accountable, transparent, democratic and efficient plays a vital role as inclusive decision

making processes toward sustainability.

A series of concepts and features for urban sustainability such as sense of place, green,

human friendliness, renewable energy, waste recycling, bicycle friendly and walkable

neighborhoods, rainwater harvesting, affordable housing, inclusiveness, e-governance

has been developed in the questionnaire to test responses from public perception on their

desirable city. Most of these ideas were well received by respondents; this proves that a

sustainable city can also be a desirable and lovable city. On the other hand, findings from

survey of public perception on HCMCs urban performance as well as field study in some

slum areas in the city present quite a gloomy picture. Poverty alleviation, education,

empowerment, capacity building and public awareness raising are recommended for

bringing about social change toward a sustainable urban future.


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Acknowledgments

From Daisy with love

First of all, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the two supervisors, Prof. Kosta

Mathey and Prof. Michael Schmidt for their kind guidance and for giving me a chance to

join this wonderful UDP course.

I greatly appreciate the consideration of our course coordinators, Dr. Harry Storch and

Prof. Karl Klgel. Thank you so much for believing in me and that is such a big

encouragement!

I am especially grateful to my dear friend Nigel Downes, who introduced me to this

course, for his supporting as always.

I would like to express a huge thanks to all of our Professors and Teachers for the lectures,

excursions and inspiration! Many thanks to the research group of Megacity HCMC project

for the knowledge I got from their workshops and discussions. Thank you all my friends

and the staffs at VGU for the assistance and for our memories during these last two years

together.

I also respectfully acknowledge Dr. Bui Van Nam Son for his devoted consultation.

This study cannot be done without the responses from more than two hundreds people all

over the world. I would like to thank you all, each and everyone! It was such an honor and

pleasure for me to read your various comments. Thank you very much too, my friends,

who had helped promote the survey through their blogs, websites and social networks.

My sympathy goes out to the interviewees in slum areas that I have talked to during the

field study in May. It was a unique and transformative experience. I really hope that life

will be better for you all.

Finally, I would like to take this chance to express the deepest gratitude and love from my

heart to my parents and beloved ones for their endless support and care. I know no words

would be enough...


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Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION 5

1.1 Rationale......................................................................................................................................5

1.2 Research aims .............................................. .................................................. .............................. 8

2. APPROACH & METHODOLOGY9

2.1 Backcasting and systems approach..............................................................................................9

2.2 Research methodology...............................................................................................................11

3. URBAN SUSTAINABILITY VISIONS14

Principles for Sustainability.............................................................................................................14

3.1 Ecological balance.....................................................................................................................20

City as a regenerative and symbiosis system...............................................................................20

Urban ecology and integrated land use....................................................................................23

Urban agriculture.....................................................................................................................24

3.2 Economic development .......................................... .................................................. ................. 26

Towards a low-carbon economy..................................................................................................26

Energy conservation and renewable energy ............................................... ............................. 28

ICT for low-carbon urban development .............................................. .................................... 30

3.3 Social connectedness and cultural vitality.................................................................................32

Social sustainability.....................................................................................................................33

Cultural sustainability..................................................................................................................35

Spiritual values .............................................. ................................................. ......................... 37

3.4 Good governance.......................................... ................................................. ............................ 38

4. URBAN SUSTAINABILITY & PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS42

4.1 Results from global online survey .......................................... ................................................. ..43

4.2 Results from surveys in HCMC.................................................................................................57

4.2.1 Results from online and offline questionnaires ............................................... ................... 57

4.2.2 Results from interviews in slum areas .............................................. .................................. 63

5. CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION..66

5.1 Concluding remarks...................................................................................................................675.2 Recommendations for HCMC .......................................... .................................................. ....... 68

REFERENCES...... 70

APPENDIX I Sample of Global Online Survey..............................................................................75

APPENDIX II Sample of Survey in HCMC .......................................... ......................................... 78

APPENDIX III Semi-structure Interviews in Slum Areas of HCMC .......................................... ...85

APPENDIX IV Concept Notes for Sustainability Education..........................................................87


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1. Introduction

If sustainable development does not start in the cities, it simply will not go.Cities have to lead the way. (Maurice Strong)1

1.1 Rationale

It is since 2008, for the first time in human history, more than half of the worlds

population now lives in cities. As urbanization continues to grow worldwide, to some

extent, we can say that the future of our world is the future of cities.

Urbanization has brought to us many benefits, especially in terms of economic and job

opportunities. As centers of communication, education, science, religion, commerce, and

political power, cities are hubs of innovations and great places for cultural and social

exchange. In terms of environment, the concentration of people and resources provides us

the advantages of energy efficiency and convenience in transportation, goods and services

delivering, as well as helps preserve biodiversity by reducing the stress on wildlife habitats

(Miller 2004).

As cradles of civilization, cities influences on culture and society have gone far beyond

their proportion of the total population (Cunningham et al 2003). In earlier time, there was

just a small percentage of population lived in urban areas, up to only 3% in 1800 and 13%

in 1900 (Bugliarello 2008). Then, together with population booming after World War II,

industrialization has rapidly boosted urban expansion around the globe. However, most of

these urbanizations, particularly those in developing countries, are more on quantity rather

than quality. In the international Sustainability Survey2

conducted by SustainAbility and

GlobalScan (2011), most of the experts think that urbanization is a positive for global

business, but a negative for society.

1Chair of the Rio Summit, 1992, quoted in Urban Sustainability in New Zealand: An Information Resource

for Urban Practitioners2

The Sustainability Survey uses research-driven, expert insights to explore solutions to the biggest

sustainability challenges, through ongoing engagement with more than 700 thought leaders from across

70+ countries and a variety of sectors (SustainAbility, GlobalScan 2011)


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In fact, while cities bring many advantages, they are also the cause of many environmental

and social problems. Most of cities are not self-sustaining but must rely heavily on

external sources such as food from farms, timbers from forests, minerals from mines,

water from watersheds. Cities are big consuming clusters of materials and energy.

Although city dwellers occupy only about 2% of the Earths land area, they consume

about 75% of the Earths resources (Miller 2004).

The amount of waste outputs is even greater than the materials inputs because materials

combine with air or water in the process of being used. Current urban systems are typical

examples of the degenerative throughput pattern characterized by linear flows (Lyle

1994). Ultimately, while resources are being depleted, sinks become overloaded with huge

wastes far beyond their capacity to assimilate. This one-way throughput system, like most

man-made processes but unlike natures cycle flows, results in the twin consequences of

resource depletion and environmental degradation.

Under population and housing demand pressures, unplanned and uncontrolled

urbanization spontaneously occurs. In many of the cases, it is merely urban sprawl or

urban spreading into suburban areas, where it does not properly and fully function as

genuine urbanization, lacking of public services, causing loss of landscape, loss of

CITY

Food

Energy

Water

Goods

Materials

Waste

Pollution

Heat

Noise

INPUT Sources THROUGHPUT Processes OUTPUT Sinks

Figure 1.1 City as an open, linear and unsustainable system


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farmlands. Sometimes, it is characterized by low density development, which is not energy

efficient in general, particularly in terms of transportation. And in other times, it is

characterized by too high density. Where physical (hard) and social (soft) infrastructure

developments do not keep pace with urban expansion and become overloaded, where

cities can not manage the excess unskilled labors, urbanization can create more slums,

shantytowns, unemployment, poverty, urban segregation.

On the other hand, man-made concrete buildings and asphalt roads absorb more heat,

altering microclimate and natural hydrological cycle, limiting rainwater infiltration which

can result in more urban flooding. The lack of nature in urban environment, lack of space

and stressful city life can cause negative impact to human psychology. Sometimes, the

hidden social problems related to industrialization and urbanization can be quite serious as

the linkages within communities and between tradition and culture have broken down.Social alienation, lack of public life, isolation, ultimately results in increased crime and

fear (Goldsmith 2000).

Since our economies and societies depend so much on fossil fuel, particularly oil, in the

context of peak oil3

and climate change, many urban issues such as energy consumption,

green house gas emission, urban flooding, transportation become more complex and

inextricable. Particularly, cities which stretch over flood plains or coast lines, are getting

more vulnerable to natural disasters as sea level rising.

So, nowadays, cities are facing many challenges on the path towards sustainability, given

that sustainability is an honor goal to pursuit, characterized by livability in a

comprehensive view. Urban development patterns can not be sustainable if in themselves

there are potential risks of breakdown and collapse due to any ecological imbalance,

inequitable distribution or social injustice. Unsustainable urban development, by default,

means that it can not go far and continue in the long run.

3The label for the problem of energy resource depletion, the day that oil production reaches a maximum

and will subsequently begin to decline.


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1.2 Research aims

The fate of our cities is the fate of the Earth (Callenbach 1992). Unfortunately, most of

our urban development patterns nowadays are not sustainable. Hence, for our future to be

possible, we need creative visions of urban sustainability which must be very differentwith current reality.

Although urbanization causes many problems, urban densities also have in themselves

great potential for socio-economic innovation and opportunities, for compact and energy-

efficient development. Moreover, the dark sides of urbanization do not always have to

manifest, but rather they are often exacerbated by bad planning and governance4, low

public environmental and social awareness. Since awareness involves creating a shared

understanding of sustainability and a common sense of purpose among teams, institutions

and organizations, it is essential that everyone, especially those participates in the planning

process, has a common understanding of what sustainability is and why our current system

is not sustainable (Baxter et al. 2009). Therefore, building a holistic guiding framework

for urban sustainability, which can be used in urban governance, decision-making,

capacity building, education and public awareness raising is a critical key for a sustainable

future.

What makes a livable and sustainable city? How do people perceive urban sustainability?

How do people envision their dream cities? What matters the most for them? This thesis

seeks to find answers for these questions, from suggestions of experts, and by listening to

peoples voices, their hopes and dreams. Beside the international document research and

the global online survey, the case of public perception in Ho Chi Minh City was also

investigated.

4

Findings from the international Sustainability Survey (SustainAbility, GlobalScan 2011) suggest that, poor

city management, plus corruption are the greatest barriers to addressing urban issues.


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2. Approach & Methodology

Success requires an understanding of the complex forces at work, a vision ofthe future and a strategy for making the vision a reality. (Edwards 2005)

2.1 Backcasting and systems approach

This thesis uses visionary (backcasting5) and holistic (systems) approach in dealing with

urban challenges and building the framework for sustainability. The concept of

backcasting is a way of planning which begins with the vision of what we want in the

future, and then goes back to the present, figures out what we have to do to get there.

Having first a desirable vision in mind is a powerful step to manifest it in reality. As

visions provide inspiration and guidance for decision-making towards sustainability, they

allow us to ensure that our actions and strategies aligned with the direction we want to

head and as efficiently as possible.

Since backcasting starts with the final end, the image of the desired outcome, it usually

refers to long time frames, where there is great uncertainty and less control over what may

happen. Hence, the future vision may usefully be defined using principles rather than

specifics (Outhwaite 2009). Backcasting does not describe for measurable and fixed

targets and goals, but rather for flexible, evolutionary and continuously re-created visions.

Backcasting is an opportunity to let go of the current reality for a moment and freely

imagine what might be possible (Outhwaite 2009). As forecasting mostly based on

current trend, it tends to present a more limited range of options, hence stifling creativity

and new possibilities, and more important, it projects the problems of today into the future.

When we start with problems, often the vision is limited to having fewer problems, or

solving an isolated problem; it does not necessarily encompass how we can satisfy ones

needs more effectively, or how we can live rich and meaningful lives (Hallsmith 2003).

As Albert Einstein once said the significant problems we face cannot be solved at the

same level of thinking we were at when we created them, backcasting is particularly

5The Natural Steps Backcasting: http://www.naturalstep.org/backcasting


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useful when current trends are part of the problems that we are trying to tackle. Thus,

though forecasting is very effective if we are happy with current situation, if what we want

is a very different future than the one we are headed toward, that is when we need to

backcast (Baxter et al. 2009).

In brief, backcasting is looking at the current situation from a future perspective, which

allows complex problems to be approached by let us first simply focus on outcomes, then

think backwards to identify numerous potential pathways to reach the desired outcomes. In

turn, exploring many alternatives makes it easier to find solutions that best fit and optimize

all of the parts and relationships within the system toward achieving these outcomes

(Haines et al. 2005). Therefore, backcasting is a helpful methodology in planning for

urban sustainability because of the complexity of urban challenges and the need to develop

new ways of doing things to address them.

Backward thinking is the core of where to start in systems thinking, a systems view and

comprehensive approach that can help us to design smart and enduring solutions to

problems. Systems thinking is a holistic approach which encourages us to see the whole

- the bigger picture, so that we can structure more effective, efficient and creative system

solutions.

The systems view looks at the world in terms of relationships and integration, recognizing

the essential interrelatedness and interdependence of all phenomena physical, biological,

psychological, social, and cultural (Capra 1988). In order to understand whats behind

our sustainability challenges, we need to step back and look at the big picture, see the

connections, identify the root causes of our problems and find the leverage points for

change (Baxter et al. 2009).

Systems approach attempts to widen the circle of understanding in order to comprehend

the connections that exist between all things in the web of life. It is a continuing process

that involves honoring the past, being present, looking ahead, and keeping future

generations in mind (Newman and Jennings 2008). Identifying cause and effect

relationships requires us to see not only bigger but deeper, further in all dimensions of

space and time. The following quote by Grazia is a beautiful metaphor on contemplation

through longer time frames to recognize patterns: Imagine you want to shoot an arrow.

The further back you pull the bowstring, the further the arrow flies. The same is true for


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our own understanding and vision. The further back we look into history, the further we

can see into our future (Grazia 2009).

The holistic approach towards sustainable urban development is a strategic thinking to

address the complex challenges of our urban issues. Thus, urban sustainability visions

should encompass an integrated and interdisciplinary framework in which cities are

considered as parts of larger natural ecosystems and socio-economic communities.

2.2 Research methodology

Three research methods were used in this thesis: document research, questionnaire (online

and offline), and semi-structure interviews (fig. 2.1).

The thesis starts first with international document research to seek for experts views and

ideas on urban sustainability, the principles and ingredients of a sustainable city, as well as

some suggested models and good practices. The materials came from various resources:

books, specialists websites, articles, and experts blogs.

Figure 2.1 Thesis methodology flowchart


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The results from this document research stage are summarized in chapter 3. Some main

ideas from the experts visions on urban sustainability were used to design the

questionnaires for the surveys of public perceptions. Samples of these questionnaires are

attached in the annex (appendix I, II and III). Results from these surveys are presented and

discussed in chapter 4. The purposes of these questionnaires are assessment of public

perceptions/awareness on some aspects of urban sustainability, as well as testing publics

responses on some sustainable urban development models. Then, the results from these

surveys can be considered in making public awareness raising programs, as well as public

opinions can be integrated in the framework for urban sustainability.

Table 2.1 Research questions & methodology

Main Research Questions

Methodology

DocumentResearch

QuestionnaireInterviewOnline

Survey

Offline

Survey

How do experts envision a sustainable city?

What make a sustainable city?

How do people envision their desirable cities?

What are their perceptions on urban

sustainability?

Among many aspects of urban development,what matter most to them?

Global

HCMC HCMCs

slum

dwellers

What are public perceptions on current urban

development in HCMC?

HCMC

The surveys of public perceptions on urban sustainability were conducted online globally

(in English), and both online and offline for citizens in Ho Chi Minh City (in Vietnamese).

The free Google Docs Form was used in designing the online surveys.

The global online survey in English was launched in May of 2011 at this link:

https://sites.google.com/site/sustainabilityvision/urban-survey


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Then, it has been promoted by posting on websites, social networks, blogs and mail groups

such as Wiser Earth, Facebook, YES Alumni, ERM, Scribd

Also in late May of 2011, the other survey with target groups of Ho Chi Minh City

citizens was launched both online and offline (distributed in papers) in Vietnamese. The

translated English version of this survey for Ho Chi Minh City is available in the website

as well as in the appendix:

https://sites.google.com/site/sustainabilityvision/urban-survey/survey-for-

hcmc/vietnamese-version (Vietnamese origin)

https://sites.google.com/site/sustainabilityvision/urban-survey/survey-for-hcmc

(English, translated version)

In addition, the fieldwork study in some slum areas, especially those along the polluted

canals in district 4 and district 8 of Ho Chi Minh City, with observations and interviews of

slum dwellers, had been conducted in May 2011. Since most of slum dwellers are

powerless and poor, their voices are often left unheard while they are the most vulnerable

to the disadvantages of urbanization. The questions asked to people in slum areas must be

modified to be appropriate in their specific contexts and situations (appendix III). Mostly,

the main purpose of this fieldwork is to get the real picture of the urban poor lives, and to

listen to their wishes.

Figure 2.2 Locations of the fieldwork study at slum areas in Ho Chi Minh City


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3. Urban Sustainability Visions

Vision is seeing the potential purpose hidden in the chaos of the moment, but

which could bring to birth new possibilities for a person, a company or a nation.

Vision is seeing what life could be like while dealing with life as it is.

Vision deals with those deeper human intangibles that alone give ultimate purpose to

life. In the end, vision must always deal with lifes qualities, not with its quantities.

(Van Duisen Wilhard)6

Principles for Sustainability

Sustainability literally means the capacity to endure over time. Symbolically, it refers to

what is of true values, what is good, genuine and resilient, which can stand the test of time.

Sustainability associates with balance and equity in a comprehensive approach, which

acknowledges our dependence on the health of natural systems for our survival and well-

being, the limit carrying capacity of the Earth and the detrimental impact of unchecked

human activities (Edwards 2005). Thus, sustainability strives for balance among the

interconnected ecological, economic and social systems. As implied from the most popular

definition of sustainable development7

(the Brundtland report 1987), sustainability

requires a long term, intergenerational perspective. Equity should be maintained, not only

across communities within generation but also between generations.

The Earth Charter is a global consensus, a product of a decade-long, worldwide, cross-

cultural dialogue on common goals and shared values. As a vision of hope and a call to

action, it provides us with inspiration and guidance to a sustainable future. In October

2003, UNESCO adopted a resolution recognizing the Earth Charter as an important ethical

framework for sustainability (ECI Secretariat 2011). Main principles of the Earth Charter

are summarized in the following box 3.1.

6

Quoted in Beyond You and Me - Inspirations and Wisdom for Building Community, Robin Alfred &

Kosha Anja Joubert (Ed.), Gaia Education - Permanent Publications 20077

Our Common Future, the report by World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED 1987):

Sustainable development is development which meets the needs of the present without compromising

the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.


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Box 3.1 The Earth Charter - values and principles for a sustainable future8

THE EARTH CHARTERS PRINCIPLES

Respect and Care for t he Com m unity of Life:

To respect Earth and life in all its diversity;

To care for the community of life with understanding, compassion and love;

To build democratic societies that are just, sustainable, participatory and peaceful; and

To secure Earth's bounty and beauty for present and future generations.

In order to fulfill these four broad commitments, it is necessary to:

Ecological Integrity

Protect and restore the integrity of Earth's ecological systems, with special concernfor biological diversity and the natural processes that sustain life.

Prevent harm as the best method of environmental protection and, when knowledgeis limited, apply a precautionary approach.

Adopt patterns of production, consumption, and reproduction that safeguard Earth's

regenerative capacities, human rights, and community well-being.

Advance the study of ecological sustainability and promote the open exchange and

wide application of the knowledge acquired.

Social and Economic Just ice

Eradicate poverty as an ethical, social, and environmental imperative.

Ensure that economic activities and institutions at all levels promote human

development in an equitable and sustainable manner.

Affirm gender equality and equity as prerequisites to sustainable development andensure universal access to education, health care, and economic opportunity.

Uphold the right of all, without discrimination, to a natural and social environment

supportive of human dignity, bodily health, and spiritual well-being, with special attention to

the rights of indigenous peoples and minorities.

Democracy, Nonviolence, and Peace

Strengthen democratic institutions at all levels, and provide transparency and

accountability in governance, inclusive participation in decision making, and access to

justice.

Integrate into formal education and life-long learning the knowledge, values, and

skills needed for a sustainable way of life.

Treat all living beings with respect and consideration.

Promote a culture of tolerance, nonviolence, and peace.

8

Full version of the Earth Charter and more at www.earthcharterinaction.org


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The spirit of the Earth Charter is beautifully highlighted in the core principle of Respect

and Care for the Community of Life: respect Earth and life in all its diversity, care for the

community of life with understanding, compassion and love. It helps us to recognize what

is deeply and fundamentally important to us our connection with each other and with the

natural world. That holistic worldview leads us to do no harm and cooperate with nature,

with all other humans and other living beings in the web of life.

One Planet Living9 is a global initiative developed by BioRegional10 and WWF11. While

the Earth Charter is an ethical framework, the One Planet Livings sustainable city

concepts are more of a practical vision that helps us to focus on how we can take action

for a sustainable future.

Box 3.2 The Ten Principles of One Planet Living (BioRegional and WWF)

9

One Planet Living: http://www.oneplanetliving.org/index.html10

BioRegional Solutions for Sustainability: http://www.bioregional.com11

World Wildlife Fund: http://www.wwf.org


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The Philips Centers framework for Livable Cities - In the urban context, sustainability

can be perceived as visions of livable and lovable cities (The Philips Center for Health &

Wellbeing 2010). Experts from the Philips Center have identified three important

interlinked ingredients of a livable city: resilience, inclusiveness and authenticity (fig. 3.1

and box 3.3).

In their conceptual framework for urban sustainability, think tank of the Philips Center

pointed out that these three essential attributes of a livable city should present in all

dimensions of sustainability (social, cultural, economic, technical and environmental).

So, a livable city should be a resilient city, environmentally, socially and economically;

this is particularly true in the growing context of climate change, as resilience is about

Figure 3.1 The Philips Centers Visualization Framework for Livable Cities

(adapted from The Philips Center for Health & Well-being 2010)

ECOSYSTEM (environmental dimension)

SOCIETY (socio-cultural, economic & technical dimensions)


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adaptability, flexibility, the ability of a city to balance continuity with change. A resilient

city is a strong city which has inner strength to help it remain stable through shocks and

stresses. A livable city is also an inclusive city, which cherishes social integration and

cohesion. Moreover, a livable as well as lovable city usually has its own unique identity.

Box 3.3 Three important interlinked ingredients of a livable city12

VISION OF A LIVABLE & LOVABLE CITY

(The Philips Center 2010)

Resilience

Preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems for local environmental quality

Energy, food, water, materials at low global ecological footprint

Green areas and water as environmental mitigation factors, parks as lungs of a city

Cultural diversity, multiple lifestyle, continuity and change, tradition and innovation

Adaptability, regeneration, transformation, interdependency, systems view

Economic diversity, local entrepreneurship, job creation

Inclusiveness

Public green areas as outdoor gyms, recreational spaces, social bridges

Empowerment, justice and freedom

Equitable access to resources, rights to public goods and services

Social participation, economic inclusion

Cultural diversity and integration, toleranceSense of ownership, security and safety

Authenticity

Local ecosystem for local identity, native species as uniqueness of a place

Natural heritage as collective memory

Connection between people and nature

Historical heritage and identity

Valuable local knowledge and culture

Appropriate innovation and choices of change

Cultural and technological rootedness

Sense of place, belonging and pride

Connection between people and people, people and land

12

First edition of the Insight Series on Livable Cities (The Philips Center, 2010)

http://www.philips-thecenter.org/livable-cities/recent-activity/2011/Insight-1-on-Livable-Cities


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Ecocity - Figure 3.2 feature

experts of Ecocity Builders13

building, and operations in re

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13

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19

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3.1 Ecological balance

Cities can become more sustainable by modeling urban processes on ecological

principles of form and function, by which natural ecosystems operate. The

characteristics of natural ecosystems include diversity, adaptiveness,interconnectedness, resilience, regenerative capacity, and symbiosis. (Newman and

Jennings 2008)

City as a regenerative and symbiosis system

The core philosophy of sustainability lies in the appreciation of nature as the symbol of

integrity, stability and beauty. Sustainability deals much with creative designs and

planning in harmony with nature. From the perspective of sustainability, natures design

and technologies are far superior to human science and technology (Sterry 2010).

Figure 3.3 City as a regenerative system with circular metabolism

INPUT (Sources)

Reduced Consumption and

Increased Efficiency

THROUGHPUT

(Processes)

OUTPUT (Sinks)

Reduced Pollution & Waste

RenewableResources

Renewable

Energy

Regenerative

Water

Waste

PollutionCITY

Recycle

organic wastes

Recycled

materials, water


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In nature, nothing is useless, nothing is waste but everything is resource for other process

in the sophisticatedly interconnected web of life, where circular metabolism is the

principle of ongoing self-renewal system. Thus, a sustainable system is a regenerative

system that mimics natures circular patterns, replacing the present linear flows (fig.1.1)

with cyclical flows (fig.3.3).

On a predominantly urban planet, cities will need to adopt circular metabolic systems to

assure their own long-term viability as well as that of the rural environments on which

they depend; outputs will need to become inputs into the local and regional production

system (Girardet 2010). Most importantly, it is crucial to return organic waste into plant

nutrients, for assuring farmlands long-term fertility. By recycling wastes back into the

system, it also minimizes pollution. Sustainably using renewable resources, instead of

fossil fuels and chemicals is also more resource-conserving, healthy and lessenvironmentally damaging.

On the other hand, creating a circular urban metabolism can create resilient cities and

create many new local businesses and jobs (Girardet 2010). About resilience, Melissa

Sterry is developing the model of Bionic City14

, which embraces natures approach to

building complex infrastructures: Whereas the conventional city is a mass of static,

disconnected and inert structures operating independently and irrespective of one another

and their environment, the Bionic City operates as an interconnected and intelligent

ecosystem in which every entity is engaged in an ongoing symbiotic relationship with all

others, from the molecular to the metropolitan in scale. Beyond preventing the problems

traditionally associated with flooding, the Bionic City will also feature the means to utilise

excessive quantities of water, including hydropower and water harvesting technologies.

According to Melissa Sterry, the sensitivity the city has with its surroundings is key to its

ability to predict and prepare for environmental changes.

One essential characteristic of nature systems that helps maintaining stability in constantly

changing conditions is diversity (Holmgren 2002). Multiple associations nurture each life

form, thereby increasing the stability and resilience of the whole system. In natural

system, everything is connected to everything else, each important function is supported

by many elements, and each element performs many functions. Thus, this provides the

14Bionic City- article on Earth 2.0 magazine: http://earth2channel.com/magazine/article/22


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22

thinking of multiple pathways to achieve one goal as well as a common solution to

disparate problems (Lyle 1994). For instance, rainwater infiltration with thoughtful design

can replenish groundwater, create landscape, as well as reduce urban flooding

The idea of solving problems simultaneously is also the main theme of SymbioCity15

, an

urban sustainability approach by Sweden. Symbiosis means the integration of two or more

organisms in a mutually beneficial union. Looking at the city as a whole, we find benefits

through synergies in urban functions such as combination of industrial waste heat with the

municipal energy plant, combination of architecture and landscape planning

It takes more than one petal to make a flower. SymbioCity means urban resource

efficiency across and between different urban technological systems, letting nothing goto waste; combining energy, waste management, water supply and sanitation, traffic and

transport, landscape planning, architecture and urban functions for new and better

solutions as well as a more efficient use of natural resource (SymbioCity 2009).

15

More on SymbioCity: http://www.symbiocity.org

Figure 3.4 Building blocks of SymbioCity a holistic and integrated approach for sustainable urban development

(adapted from SymbioCity)

Urban functions

(housing,

industries,

services

Waste

management

Energy

Landscape

planning

Architecture &

master planning

Traffic &

transport

Water supply

& sanitation

SymbioCity


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There are many ways to make an urban function effective, but focusing on them

individually may let us miss out the synergies between them, which can only be found

with a holistic approach. Therefore, an integrated planning approach is key to unlocking

hidden synergies in the city. Instead of managing urban sectors one by one, SymbioCity

combine them, saving valuable city resources and creating new values (SymbioCity 2009).

Urban ecology and integrated land use

As the spirit of sustainability lies in the heart of nature, protecting and restoring ecology

within urban areas, bringing nature back into city is an essential theme in urban

sustainability. Green spaces in cities offer us a lot of benefits. They provide shading,

filtering the air, enriching urban biodiversity, reducing urban heat island effect, thus

simultaneously making bioclimate comfort and lowering energy use for cooling. Urban

ecology uses climate- and region-appropriate plants, xeriscaping16 to minimize the need

for fertilizer and water, and uses land for multiple functions such as food production,

wildlife habitat, recreation and beautification (Roseland 2005). Urban ecology also

acknowledges the role of water and urban aquatic systems streams, ponds, rivers in

revitalizing cities. Besides those ecological advantages, thoughtful urban designs in

concert with nature and embracing culture of a place also have many aesthetic values,

social and psychological healing benefits. Green public spaces can enhance community

connection and interaction, providing places to contemplate, play, relax and meditate.

Since land use permeates nearly all urban aspects, appropriate land use is a decisive factor

for a sustainable city. In order to be sustainable, city should minimize land consumption,

integrating green spaces and preserving farm land for food security as well as for other

ecological functions. It is not always easy as land is a limited resource and the cost of real

estates is often too high, while cities have to balance among conflicts of urbanization,

development, population pressure with environmental and social goals. Therefore,

symbiosis integrating planning or whole systems design17

for multi-purpose use can help

afford this balance. Many examples illustrate this concept (Roseland 2005): green roof,

solar photovoltaic panel on rooftop (no extra space needed); parks, urban gardening as

16Xeriscaping refers to landscaping and gardening in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for

supplemental water from irrigation17

Whole systems design concept for sustainability: http://www.wholesystemsdesign.com


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both recreation areas and edi

facility, natural habitats, recre

Urban agriculture

Urban agriculture or urban fa

Urban agriculture is a dyna

ranging from subsistence

commercialized agriculture (

In response to serious pr

degradation, there is a grow

world, along with the mov

Increasingly, urban farming h

Ecological

Environmental healt

Greening urban lan

Urban biodivers

Improved microcli

Reduced ecological f

Waste recyclin

Recreation & leis

Figure 3.5 Urban ag

24

ble landscaping; constructed wetlands as sew

ation areas, drainage for rainwater run off

ming can be understood as farming within and

ic concept that comprises of a variety of far

roduction and processing at household le

Zeeuw et al. n.d.).

blems of poverty, food insecurity, and e

ing attention and promotion of urban farming

ement of resilient, self-sustaining and low

as been seen as part of sustainable urban develo

Urban

Farming

Social

Food secure & inclusive city

Food security & nutrition

Poverty alleviation

Social inclusion

Community building

Economic

Productive cityIncome generation

Local economic develop

Emloyment generatio

hy city

scape

ity

ate

otprint

g

ure

iculture as a tool for sustainable urban develop

(adapted from Zeeuw)

age treatment

around cities.

ing systems,

vel to fully

nvironmental

all over the

arbon cities.

pment.

ent

ent


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Urban farming can contribute to a food secure and inclusive city, a productive and

environmentally healthy city (fig. 3.5). Therefore, it is necessary to acknowledge the links

between urban agriculture and various policy target areas, such as the alleviation of

poverty, economic development, or environmental protection, in order to justify the

inclusion and mainstreaming of urban agriculture into municipal policies and public

support programs (Zeeuw et al. n.d.).

The most striking feature of urban farming, which distinguishes it from rural agriculture, is

its integration into the urban economic and ecological system (RUAF)18

. Urban farms and

gardens complement rural agriculture in local food systems and can also become an

important income supplement for households. Since food production is close to home and

market, it helps reduce energy for transportation and packaging costs. This is also helpful

in situations when supply chains from rural areas have been interrupted and cities areunable to receive food imports (Worldwatch 2011). Another essential benefit of urban

agriculture is that it can contribute to waste management and nutrient recycling by turning

urban wastes into a productive resource, thus reducing the use of expensive chemical

fertilizers and improving local soil fertility (Veenhuizen and Danso 2007).

In his theory of Food Urbanism (2009), Jason Grimm showed that urban food system of

production, processing, distribution, marketing, consumption and waste management can

become infrastructure that transforms urban experience by thoughtful sensitive design and

planning. According to Grimm, food production can be integrated into the daily activities

of community residents through recreation and communal gatherings. Community gardens

can also provide beautiful and pleasing spaces, helping improve the air quality in urban

areas. And through cooperative market outlets, a larger series of food access points can be

developed, supplying healthy fresh and affordable food.

18

RUAF Resource Centres on Urban Agriculture & Food Security: What is urban agriculture?

http://www.ruaf.org/node/512


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3.2 Economic development

To break dependence on oil, stop contributing to global warming, and build

resilient cities that can thrive in the new urban age of energy and climate uncertainty,

the bottom line for local governments is this: Reduce consumption, and producelocally. (Lerch 2009)

Towards a low-carbon economy

We are in the time of Peak Oil, and the time of cheap oil will end soon (Kuhlman 2007).

Many experts have been warning about the end of our civilization as we know it is today19

,

the end of oil age with its catastrophic consequences20

. The world economy heavily

depended on high-carbon fossil fuel is eventually coming into crisis as these fuels go

exhausted. Moreover, the problem is not only the depletion of oil, but also many

environmental, political and socio-economic issues related, especially the green house

effect that leads to global climate change. Thus, we need a thoughtful vision, a shift to new

models of development that are more sustainable, a green economy based on climate

friendly low-carbon energy.

The concept of Zero carbon, one of the One Planet Livings ten principles (box 3.2)

which aims at making building more energy efficient and delivering all energy with

renewable technologies, is being developed at the Masdar initiative21. The European

Union22

is making real efforts to reduce green gas emissions with their Roadmap for

moving to a low-carbon economy in 2050. More and more, there is a growing trend of

transition to low-carbon city or post carbon city city on a path of resilience for a world

of energy and climate uncertainty (Lerch 2009).

The Japanese Ministry of Environment has pointed out three principles for a low-carbon

society: (1) Carbon minimization in all sectors, (2) Shifting from mass consumption

society toward simpler lifestyles that realize richer quality of life, (3) Coexistence with

Nature - maintaining and restoring natural environment that essential for low-carbon

19Life after the oil crash: http://www.famguardian.org/Subjects/Politics/Articles/LifeAfterOilCrash.htm

20The Olduvai theory and catastrophic consequences: http://www.energybulletin.net/node/45518

21Zero carbon city Masdar initiative: http://www.masdar.ae/en/home/index.aspx

22EU, March 2011: Roadmap for moving to a low-carbon economy in 2050

http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/roadmap/index_en.htm


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society (Ministry of Environment - Japan 2007). Thus, building a low-carbon city requires

the efforts and active involvement of whole social system.

Figure 3.6 Benefits of a low-carbon transport system

(based on the CATCH23

factsheet series)

*ITS: Intelligent Transport System, applied ITC in smart logistics

Though Peak Oil can conceive quite catastrophic potential, it also opens some hopeful

possibilities, a chance to address many underlying social problems, and the opportunity to

return to simpler, healthier and more community oriented lifestyle (Kuhlman 2007). The

example of Cuba can serve as a positive and instructive model for a world facing Peak

Oil24

. Cuba is the only country that has faced such a crisis the massive reduction of fossil

fuels, after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990. Cuba's transition to a low-energy society

has taken place by creating cycling culture, sharing public transportation and turning from

a mechanized, industrial agricultural system to one using organic methods of farming and

local, urban gardens. Lesson from Cubas survival gives us hope in the power of

23CATCH (Carbon Aware Travel Choice) is an EU project with the ultimate aim to reduce CO2 emissions of

the urban transport sector by encouraging carbon-friendly travel choices. http://www.carbonaware.eu24

See more: The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil (Documentary), Arthur Morgan

Institute for Community Solutions (2006): http://www.communitysolution.org

More lively urban

neighborhoods

Better neighborhood

accessibility

More efficient in terms

of energy/cost/time

Higher

security

More social

interaction

Social

equity

Better

health

Safer

roads

Less

congestion

More walking

& cycling

More public

transport

Use of

ITS*

Less private

vehicles

Less noise &

air pollution

Low-carbon

Transport System


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community, and the effectiveness of their strategies, which can be summarize in three

words: curtailment, conservation and cooperation25

.

The guidance for low-carbon city development focuses on three key sectors of

transportation & urban structure, energy and greenery (Kamata 2011). As discussed in the

previous part, conservation of green spaces, farmland and urban greenery is essential as

carbon sinks for the city. Besides, shifting from urban sprawl and diffusive urban structure

to compact urban development is encouraged. Compact city in harmony with nature is an

urban model that consists of station-centered communities with a mix of houses, stores,

offices, and convenient facilities accessible mainly by public transportation, on foot, or by

bicycle (City of Nagoya 2009). Many benefits of a low-carbon transport system are

illustrated in figure 3.6.

Public transportation is key for low-carbon city; together with policies to support local

consumption of goods produced locally (Ecologist 2008). Many policies available to

alleviate energy insecurity can also help to mitigate local pollution and climate change, as

a triple-win outcome (IEA 2007). For examples, development in public transportation

does not only conserve energy, but also relieve congestion, improve air quality, provide

access for all (APTA 2008).

Energy conservation and renewable energy

In dealing with the energy issue, the first and foremost available strategy is energy

conservation, through reducing energy waste and increasing energy efficiency. We should

recognize the fact that in the mean time alternative energies can not replace fossil fuels at

the scale, rate and manner at which the world currently consumes them. Moreover, the

deepest roots of our current energy crisis lie on the patterns of wasteful production and

consumption (Capra 1988). Therefore, what truly matters is profound change in our

values, attitudes and lifestyle. Energy conservation is our short-term key energy source

and will always be a good solution in the long run too.

Energy conservation brings many benefits. It is low cost and available at all levels. Using

less energy resource also means reducing pollution and environmental degradation, while

25See more: Peak Moment TV program (2006) Learning from Cuba response to Peak Oil, interviewing

Megan Quinn. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7i6roVB5MI


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prolong fossil fuel supplies and buying time to phase in renewable energy. Saving energy

can start just right at each individuals lifestyle. For examples: buy and use energy-

efficient devices, look for electronics that are rechargeable, walk or cycle for short trips,

consider car-pooling or take public transport for longer ones, eat lower on the food chains,

buy regionally and seasonally produced organic food whenever possible26

The list goes

on, and every bit can help.

Many measures can also be done on the technical sphere, where there is a lot of space for

creative innovations. In housing, remarkable energy-saving can be achieved by improved

heat insulation or green building design which takes advantages of natural elements like

sun, wind, plants, trees, green-roofs instead of using air conditioning. Many intelligent

lighting systems with energy-saving sensors have become widely used for hotels, official

buildings. In transportation, energy-saving techniques can be attained through increasingfuel efficiency. In industry, the idea of co-generation, producing both heat and electricity

from one energy source can be well applied.

Eventually, we will use up non-renewable energy resources. From a long-term point of

view, renewable ones are what we should rely on. The Sun shines for all of us, and the

wind blows, free of charge. Although the equipments to collect solar and wind energy,

such as solar panels and wind turbines cost money, when considering that the resource is

taking for free, the overall cost of using solar and wind energy can make them smart

choices. Renewable technology cost trends typically show a steep decline during last

decades (NREL 2002), and that trends will continue to reach reasonable levels in the

future as their markets expansion. Moreover, renewable energy are often clean, such as

wind and sunshine, they do not emit smoke or create pollution. Others, such as biomass,

almost always cause less pollution than fossil or nuclear alternatives.

Renewable energies would bring a number of benefits to the economy. First, they help

increase the diversity of energy supplies, and thus lower the dependency on imported

fossil fuels and improve the security of energy supplies. Second, they help make use of

local resources to provide a cost-effective energy supply while reducing regional and

global greenhouse gas emissions. Since they are often flexible, small-scale designs, which

26See more in the article on The Ecologist Magazine: 30 steps to an oil free world

http://www.theecologist.org/how_to_make_a_difference/climate_change_and_energy/360427/30_steps

_to_an_oilfree_world.html


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take the advantages of local conditions, they can be located close to the demand. Then,

transmission and distribution costs are reduced, as well as losses. Finally, from the social

point of view, renewable energies can create more domestic employment. Such benefits

have created a strong motivation for pursuing renewable energies. The investment costs of

renewable technologies have been reduced remarkably today and this makes renewable

energies more attractive, quickly developed and expanded (Nguyen 2005).

Future will belong to the age of Renewable Sources. It is also the scenario described in the

Energy [R]evolution report, by the European Renewable Energy Council and Greenpeace

(2007). The vision would be made by optimized integration of renewable energy,

developing smart consumption, generation and distribution systems and maximizing the

efficiency of building through better insulation. Solar faade would be a decorative

element on office and apartment buildings. Rooftop wind and solar would be placed sothat energy is generated close to the consumer. Clean electricity would also come from

offshore wind parks or solar power station in deserts. Electricity would be much more

prominent and become the principal source of energy for transportation, replacing gasoline

and diesel fuels. Hydrogen can become a way of back-up to store solar, wind energy to use

at night or during cloudy days (EREC & Green Peace 2007).

Shifting to low-carbon economy means shifting to more diversified systems which

maximize the use of locally available, environmental friendly resources. It is encouraging

to know that we now have the technologies to build a new energy economy, one that is not

climate-disruptive, that does not pollute air and that can last as long as the sun itself

(Brown 2008).

ICT for low-carbon urban development

From mobile phone, computer, software to internet, information and communications

technology (ICT) has become integrated in our everyday life and remarkably influenced

our society in many levels. Recently, ICTs enormous potential in contributing towards a

low-carbon society has been recognized and getting more and more attention. Using high

technology, optical fiber, ultra-high speed, ultra-low power consumption network, nearly

the most energy-efficient infrastructure, ICT can lead to smarter ways of doing and

significantly reduce carbon footprint in cities (Yamakawa 2008). Efficiency of production

and consumption can be improved. Movement of people and things can be reduced


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through online shopping, e-service, online media, teleworking, virtual meeting. ICT can

also support smart and integrated city planning, environmental management, urban

monitoring.

Figure 3.7 ICT applications for a low-carbon city

ICT can play crucial role in helping to improve energy efficiency in power transmission

and distribution (smart grids), in smart buildings and factories, and in the use of

transportation to deliver goods (smart logistics). They can also help in dematerialization27

and shifting to a circular economy, where resources are efficiently used (WWF & Ericsson

2009).

27Dematerialisation can be applied to a range of current everyday practices and ultimately reduce the

number of material objects that need to be produced. For example, online billing, online media replace

paper and CDs, thus reduce the emissions associated with their manufacture and distribution (GeSI 2008).

SMART

&

CONNECTED

CITY

E-Government

E-Commerce

E-Health

E-Services

OnlineMedia

SmartLogistics

SmartBuildings

Smart Grids

Teleworking

Paperlessoffice

E-learning


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3.3 Social connectedness and cultural vitality

When you are connected to yourself, you live with integrity you act on your

values and you are committed to truth and honesty. When you are connected to others,

you commit to living in community, to caring for the common good, and to working forequality, justice and democracy. You commit to living joyfully with family, friends and

the wider community. When you are connected to the planet, you try to live more

sustainably, not using up or destroying nature. (Andrews 2006)

If the definition of a sustainable society involves meeting human needs, it is worth asking

what human needs are, and whether or not the system we are designing meets real human

needs in a synergistic and positively reinforcing way (Holocene 2004). According to

Manfred Max-Neef

28

, most of our needs are related to the social (protection, affection,understanding, participation) and cultural (recreation, creation, identity) aspects of life.

Once the basic need for subsistence has been met, the fundamental human needs are

understood as an interrelated and interactive system, not as a hierarchy as postulated by

Maslow29

(Hallsmith 2003). It was also reflected in the core principle of the Earth Charter

Respect and Care for the community of life: to care for the community of life with

understanding, compassion and love; to build democratic societies that are just,

sustainable, participatory and peaceful.

Social and cultural sustainability has been considered as soft infrastructure which is vital

for a healthy community. The social and cultural intertwined dimensions of urban

sustainability embrace vision of a humane society, where compassion, mutual respect and

care are nurtured, where sharing30

and cooperation become a celebrated social priority31

.

Where social capital is strong, communities exhibit high rates of volunteerism and citizen

involvement as well as greater inclusion of all sectors of society in the social and cultural

fabric. Also, a community that is rich in social capital provides a wealth of intelligence,

28Manfred Max-Neef: a German-Chilean economist and environmentalist, mainly known for his human

development model29

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a theory in psychology, proposed by Abraham Maslow30

10 ways our wolrd is becoming more shareable (Gorenflo & Smith 2010)

http://www.yesmagazine.org/happiness/10-ways-our-world-is-becoming-more-shareable31

Earth 2.0 Sharing as one of the four chief operating principles of the Earth 2.0 upgrade

http://earth2channel.com/blog/post/28


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sensitivity, and wisdom that will underpin and support appropriate ecological, economic,

and social sustainability strategies (Kingston 2010).

Figure 3.8 Social and cultural intertwined dimensions of urban sustainability

Social sustainability

According to the WACOSSs model, socially sustainable communities are equitable,

diverse, connected, democratic and provide a good quality of life (Hodgson 2008). So, a

sustainable city is a just and inclusive city, where benefits of development would be

distributed fairly across society. It is a city for all, regardless of their status, gender, race,

ethnicity or religion. An inclusive city provides the opportunities and support that enables

all residents to develop fully and allow them access to decent housing, transport,

education, recreation, communication, employment and the judiciary, as well as cultural

and religious expression. In an inclusive city, residents take part in decision-making that

Cultural Capital

Traditions

Ethics

Arts & Creativity

RecreationHistory & heritage

Custom & lifestyle

Spiritual values

Sense of Place

Social Capital Equity

Social networks Inclusiveness

Shared knowledge Diversity& Tolerance

Understandings Compassion& Love

Mutual trust Care& Supporting

Connectedness Sharing

Social cohesion Peace& Security

Solidarity Democracy

Sense of Community Sense of Belonging

PUBLIC SPACE

Communication

Participation

Interaction

Empowerment

Adequate &

affordable housing

Health & child care

Volunteerism

Community gardens

Life-long education

Common houses

Festivals

Community celebration


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ranges from the political to issues of daily life. Such participation injects a sense of

belonging, identity, place into residents, and guarantees them a stake in the benefits of

urban development (UN-HABITAT 2010).

In an inclusive city, diversity is respected; people are tolerant of differences, and are open-

minded. This creates condition for true communication can develop. Communication leads

to trust, trust to sharing, sharing to co-operation and thus community solidarity is

strengthened.

As human beings, we all need meaningful relationships with others, the sense of

community, the sense of connectedness, knowing that another person cares, supports and

looks out for us. This corresponds with Maslows need for love/belonging and Max-Neefs

need for affection and participation. People with a strong sense of community are more

likely to report being in good health and less likely to feel isolated than those that have a

weak sense of community (Jochmann 2010).

Research has shown that communities where there are high levels of volunteerism and

many opportunities for people to have contact with others outside of work or school have

more consensus and are more resilient (Hallsmith 2003). Thus, public spaces in city are

very important for communication, interaction and exchange to build sense of community.

Jan Gehl32

once said, a sustainable city would be a very people-friendly city. It would be

a city with good public spaces and a city that is rather compact. It would be a city that

really invites people to walk and bicycle as much as possible. Research also confirmed

that individuals in more walkable neighborhoods tended to have higher levels of trust and

community involvement, and also reported being in good health and happy more often

than those in the less walkable neighborhoods (Williams 2011).

32

Jan Gelh Interview (2008): Making healthy cities

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/actions/interviews/jan-gehl-making-healthy-cities


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Cultural sustainability

UNESCO (1995) defined the cultural dimension of community development33

as being

the whole complex of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features

that characterize a society or social group. It includes not only the arts and letters, but alsomodes of life, the fundamental rights of the human being, value systems, traditions and

beliefs. The basic role of art, culture, and heritage has long been to bring beauty, depth

and meaning into our daily lives, they also nurture individual and community identity,

promote social cohesion, and contribute to the creation of social capital (Kingston 2010).

More and more, culture has been recognized as an essential dimension with the potential

to transform communities and individuals in positive and meaningful ways over the long

term.

Jon Hawkes (2001) wrote The Fourth Pillar of Sustainability: Cultures Essential Role in

Public Planning", recognizing that a communitys vitality and quality of life is closely

related to the vitality and quality of its cultural engagement, expression, dialogue, and

celebration34

. Current main themes of cultural sustainability are summarized in box 3.4.

Hawkes model demonstrates that the contribution of culture to building lively cities and

communities plays a major role in supporting social and economic health (Duxbury and

Gillette 2007). According to him, the key to cultural sustainability is fostering

partnerships, exchange, and respect between different streams of government, business,

and arts organizations.

33

Sustainable Future - Culture and Knowledge Workshop

http://www.actpla.act.gov.au/topics/significant_projects/planning_studies/sustainable_future/workshop_

two/issues_brief34

Models of sustainability incorporating culture:

http://www.creativecity.ca/se-newsletters/special-edition-4/models-sustainability.html


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Box 3.4 Key themes of cultural sustainability35

10 KEY THEMES OF CULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY(Creative City Network, Canada 2007)

1. The culture of sustainabilityChanging peoples behavior and consumption patterns, and adapting to a more

sustainability-conscious lifestyle.

2. Globalization & cultural identity

Protecting local culture from globalization and market forces.

3. Heritage conservation

Recognize the history of a place and its tangible and intangible attributes.

Revitalizing and re-using heritage buildings for cultural facilities.

4. Sense of place

Building sense of place through intimate connection with our natural environment

and history. The importance of heritage and symbols, and the role of the arts in raising

community awareness and interest in sustainability are recognized.

5. Indigenous knowledge & traditional practices

Recovery and protection of cultural health, history, and the culture of indigenous

knowledge in society. Storytelling is a tool to keep memories alive and celebrate history.

6. Community cultural development

Using arts and culture as community-building tools to promote sense of place,empowerment, and public participation. Creative collaboration fosters social development

and change.

7. Arts, education & youth

The arts are seen as both development and communicative tools in communities and

schools, as they increase the effectiveness of teaching, research, policy, and actions toward

cultural sustainability and development.

8. Sustainable design

Sustainable design is seen as a component of cultural sustainability. Supporting

cultural identity can ensure the past is part of the present and will benefit the future.

9. Planning

A cultural lens is needed in city planning and design. This requires community

culture-based planning strategies that address civic identity, youth, multiculturalism, and

other aspects of communities.

10. Cultural policy & local government

The multidisciplinary nature of sustainable development requires that policies for

sustainability transcend boundaries and integrate cultural aspects.

35

Creative City Network, Canada 2007: Ten key themes of cultural sustainability

http://www.creativecity.ca/se-newsletters/special-edition-4/ten-key-themes-of-cultural-sustainability.html


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Spiritual values

We need a spiritual compass to find our direction in life. A spiritual compass can help us

to navigate our path through confusion and crises, through the suffocating allure of

materialism, and through delusion and despair (Kumar 2007).

Spiritual values are essential as an inner guiding light which helps us to develop our

worldview, to seek wisdom of truth and wholeness, to find meaning of our existence and

to connect with a greater transcendent reality. Justice and compassion spring from the

hearts of people who recognize our profound interdependence and interrelatedness with

one another and the Earth (Lamborn 2010). Spiritual connection is the basis for love,

compassion and community. Our desire to deeply connect can be the most powerful force

for good (Jones et al. 2007). People with compassion have deep concern for social equality

and justice; they want to see that all people and other existences are treated with dignity

and love; they become more tolerant, more embracing, always ready to reach out to help,

to support, and glorify others (Lin 2006).

The virtues of justice, humility, service and compassion can motivate us to address our

social and environmental challenges and to build a world of peace and harmony (Jones et

al. 2007). Therefore, creating a culture of sustainability which cherishes those values of

tolerance, love, care, respect is essential in empowering and transforming community

towards a sustainable future.


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3.4 Good governance

Good governance must be built from the ground up. It cannot be imposed,

either by national authorities, or by international agencies. Good governance is the fruit

of true dedication, selfless leadership, and a politics of integrity. (Annan 1997)

Good governance plays a decisive role in urban management, planning and operating

towards sustainability. While government is an entity (an official governing organization),

governance refers to the process of decision making and the process by which decisions

are implemented (UNESCAP). These governing processes involve not only the state

(government), but also the private sector and the whole civil society.

Figure 3.9 Three interrelated actors of governance

All three interconnected actors are critical for urban sustainability. Government creates a

conducive political and legal environment; the private sector generates jobs and income;

and civil society facilitates political and social interaction - mobilizing groups to

participate in economic, social and political activities (UNDP 1997). Since each part has

weaknesses and strengths, it is important for good governance to promote constructive

interaction, partnership, cooperation and coherence among all three.

Box 3.5 describes an ideal image of good governance, adapted from UNESCAP and

UNDP. Main attributes of good governance are long term vision, openness - transparency,

responsibility - accountability, equity - inclusiveness, democratic participation - citizen

involvement, effectiveness, efficiency and responsiveness to the needs of the people.

State

(Government)

Civil Society(NGOs, Community

groups)

Private Sector

(Businesses)

GOVERNANCE


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Box 3.5 Characteristics of good governance (UNESCAP36 & UNDP37)

KEY ATTRIBUTES OF GOOD GOVERNANCE(UNESCAP & UNDP)

Participation All men and women should have a voice in decision-making, either directly or

through legitimate intermediate institutions that represent their interests. Such broad

participation is built on freedom of association and speech, as well as capacities toparticipate constructively.

Rule of law

Legal frameworks should be fair and enforced impartially.

Transparency

Transparency is built on the free flow of information. Processes, institutions and

information are directly accessible to those concerned with them, and enough information is

provided to understand and monitor them.Responsiveness

Good governance requires that institutions and processes try to serve all

stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe.

Consensus oriented

Good governance requires mediation of the different interests in society to reach a

broad consensus in society on what is in the best interest of the whole community and how

this can be achieved.

Equity and inclusiveness

A societys well being depends on ensuring that all its members feel that they have a

stake in it and do not feel excluded from the mainstream of society. This requires all groups,but particularly the most vulnerable, have opportunities to improve or maintain their well

being.

Effectiveness and efficiency

Good governance means that processes and institutions produce results that meet

the needs of society while making the best use of resources.

Accountability

Decision-makers in government, the private sector and civil society organisations are

accountable to the public, as well as to institutional stakeholders.

Strategic vision

Leaders and the public have a broad and long-term perspective on good governanceand sustainable development. There is also an understanding of the historical, cultural and

social complexities in which that perspective is grounded.

36

UNESCAP, Good governance:

http://www.unescap.org/pdd/prs/ProjectActivities/Ongoing/gg/governance.asp37

Governance for sustainable human development (UNDP 1997): http://mirror.undp.org/magnet/policy


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These features assure that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities and the needs

of future generations are taken into account, and the voices of the most vulnerable in

society are heard in decision-making. Good governance also contributes to peace and

security because it gives societies sound structures for inclusive, equitable economic and

social development. In post-conflict settings, good governance can promote

reconciliation and offer a path for consolidating peace (Annan 1997).

Good governance demands the consent and the participation of the governed and the full

and lasting involvement of all citizens (Annan 1997). Key strategies for cultivating good

governance include developing more decentralized state, active civic organizations, and

responsible private sectors (Wheeler et al. 2005).

Decentralization is an important strategy to attain citizen involvement and government

responsiveness. Since power and decisions are closer to local people, decentralized

government is more knowledgeable and accessible. It can respond faster, more effectively

to peoples needs, with more accountability and transparency. Resource use would be

more equitable and the gap between the rich and the poor would be narrowed (Wheeler et

al. 2005).

As Kofi Annan once said (1997), good governance has to begin with the will of the

people. The will of the people must be the basis of governmental authority. That is the

foundation of democracy. Democratization is definitely vital in building good governance,

but it requires mature civic awareness, ongoing education, the development of government

structures, institutions, and time. Once established, democracies need to be tended

carefully in order to stay healthy and provide good governance for the people (Wheeler et

al. 2005).

Nowadays, the development of ICTs promises a huge potential of facilitating governance

processes. Core components of e-governance include e-participation, e-administration and

e-service delivery38. E-governance can enhance government and public institution

efficiency, transparency and accountability by providing better public service and

information delivery to citizens and others. Moreover, e-governance fosters greater

interaction between authorities and citizens, thus encouraging more public participation

38Governance assessment portal: http://www.gaportal.org/areas-of-governance/e-governance


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and involvement. Various online tools can be used, such as RSS feeds, tag clouds,

interactive map, webcasts for information; blogs, online polls for consultation; e-petitions,

wikis, forum and virtual worlds for participation (WEF 2011). Social networks also

support e-governance with more equity, decentralization and democratization.

On the other hand, e-governance can make a significant positive impact on reducing

carbon dioxide emissions through the dematerialization of public service delivery. Many

paper-based services can be digitalized and situations where face-to-face interaction has

been previously required (to prove identity) can be done virtually (GeSI 2008).


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4. Urban Sustainability & Public Perceptions

If you want to build sustainable cities you have to take into consideration thethoughts and values of the citys inhabitants. (Paul Sinclair)39

While chapter 3 trying to search for suggestions on principles and models of urban

sustainability from expert views, chapter 4 explores how these ideas are perceived from

public perspectives, how people envision their desirable cities, and among many aspects of

urban development, what matter most to them. Moreover, opinions of HCMC residents on

current urban development of the city were also collected.

Concepts of urban sustainability researched in chapter 3 were utilized to develop the

questionnaires in chapter 4. The interrelated dimensions of urban sustainability described

in chapter 3, which are ecological balance, economic development, social cohesion,

cultural vitality and good governance, were integrated in the public surveys as features of

a desirable city.

Ecological balance is associated with a green city. Low-carbon economic development is

manifested through characteristics of a regenerative, smart and connected city with

renewable energy, waste recycling, bicycle friendly and walkable neighborhoods... Social

cohesion and cultural vitality correspond to attributes of a human-friendly and interesting

city, a city with sense of place. And in general, good governance is responsible for all of

these good practices, particularly for a just and inclusive city. In fact, these features are not

clearly categorized into any dimensions but they are interconnected, interactive and

complementary to each other.

39

Professor of African and Comparative Archaeology at Uppsala University, mentioned in Mistra article on

the Urban Mind research, T

Documents

Urban Sustainability - Thesis