Introduction
Increasing pressure from rapid growth, urban extension and pollution in cities throughout the world is causing planers and developers to reconsider how to use land, energy and resources in more efficiency ways. Transforming urban areas into 'sustainable cities' has become the optimal goal, but it can prove to be a daunting task if a city does not recognize the need for an effective plan or course of action. By embracing green, sustainable alternatives in the construction of buildings and neighborhoods, numerous cities are overcoming these challenges and continuing to grow. With its impressive commitment to a more sustainable and livable environment, the Vancouver area has emerged as a pioneer in this effort, setting inspiring standards for other cities to learn from. The worldwide recognition given to Vancouver for its sustainability achievements are proof that progressive planning and collaborative contribution from political leadership are paramount to a successful implementation that leads to a more vibrant, livable, and most importantly, sustainable city for current and future generations.[1][2]
A city that is vibrant, livable, and sustainable
A green city visionary, Vancouver has an ambitious action plan to become the greenest city in the world by 2020.[2] With the promise to deliver urban areas that embody its drive for vibrant, livable, and sustainable spaces, Vancouver has fashioned impressive plans directed at reducing carbon emissions, energy use, and urban space adaptation. A few of the actions to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change are:
• Green Mobility: While Vancouver’s population and economy continue to grow, automobile usage is declining. In addition to expansions to the regional public transit system, the city has embarked on a program to rapidly expand and improve its cycling infrastructure with 245km of cycle routes. These measures are clearly achieving the desired results demonstrated by the 35% increase in cycling between 2008 and 2011. The city has also mandated that all new residential development should include charging stations for electric vehicles. Vancouver is also rapidly expanding its network of public charging locations.
• Extended Producer Responsibility: Vancouver is advocating for the government of British Colombia to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs which will hold businesses responsible for taking care of used products and packaging they have sold. Not only does this reduce the cost of waste disposal for city residents, it also provides incentives for manufacturers to design products and packing in a more environmentally sustainable way. Actions taken so far include demands that businesses develop EPR systems for packaging and printed paper by May 2014, and building materials, carpet, furniture and textiles by 2017. This program would ensure business-run recycling systems for plastic bags, coffee cups and fast-food packaging.
• Neighborhood Energy Strategy: Vancouver is implementing a pioneering Neighborhood Energy Strategy as a means of promoting renewable energy systems. The strategy targets areas of the city with the greatest potential to reduce carbon emissions. One Neighborhood Energy Utility is already up and running and eight new Neighborhood Energy Systems are now being planned or developed. It is estimated that these systems will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in these neighborhoods by up to 70% by 2020. [3]
The Greater Vancouver region possesses an abundant and inexpensive hydroelectric supply. Increased prices on gas and oil over the years have led to increased demand for electricity in the region. In 1989, BC Hydro Power Smart campaign was implemented to encourage conservation by promoting energy efficient technologies. Some of the proposed initiatives are:
• Energy creation through incineration of municipal garbage by Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) waste-to-energy facilities.
• East Lake Green Energy Project generates hydroelectricity through implementation of a micro turbine in West Vancouver’s water distribution system.
• Southeast False Creek plans to implement a heating system that redistributes heat collected from sewer lines.
• Geothermal technologies are used increasingly throughout the region in the form of ground source heat pumps.
• Photovoltaics—solar panels—have been installed in several buildings around the region.[1]
Because of its temperate climate and natural beauty, Vancouver has developed an appealing livable city reputation which compels attraction for new residents. Rise in housing costs however have become a growing concern. Green building offers a solution to housing affordability and sustainability impact since use of recycled-content building materials should significantly alleviate housing costs. The area’s green building background is rooted in efforts of key British Columbian businesses, non-government researchers, and industry experts. A timeline of significant green building events is offered bellow:
• 1977 – Vancouver’s Kitsun Co-op project, a passive solar townhouse complex, induces the beginning of green building design.
• 1992 – CANMET sponsored the Advanced Houses Program, which included the BC Advanced House—a single family home built with recycled-content materials.
• Mid 1990s – The first green buildings are introduced—C.K. Choi Institute for Asian Studies and 2211 West Forth Avenue.
• 2000s – Continuous introduction of green buildings in the region with many more in planning stages including the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability.
• 2004 – City of Vancouver becomes the first municipality in BC to commit all new buildings over 500 square meters to LEED Gold standard.[1]
The city of Vancouver has also introduced VIVA, a program that transforms road spaces into vibrant pedestrian spaces. VIVA’s success relies directly on the collaboration of community groups, local businesses, and regional partners, and the program implements street closures throughout the year in order to create public spaces for walking, lounging, and lunching enhancing the sense of community throughout the city, while also encouraging forms of lower carbon emission transportation—walking and cycling.[4]
Healthy Environment
The protection of farmland has enabled the development of a specialized agricultural industry in a major metropolitan area intensifying the greenhouse industry.[4] With approximately 320 greenhouse farms increasing the output of natural gas and electricity costs, solid waste landfill gas from Vancouver is being utilized as heating source to some of the region’s greenhouse operations. And as an extension of its commitment to sustainability, Vancouver provides funding and support for urban agriculture initiatives even with no formal mandate or coordinated strategy on the subject.[7]
To become the greenest city in the world, City staff is working with Council, residents, businesses, other organizations, and all levels of government to implement the Greenest City 2020 Action Plan (GCAP).[1] A document originated on the efforts from a team put together by Mayor Gregor Robertson, the plan is subdivided into ten smaller plans with medium to long-term targets and goals. Despite organizationally separated, the GCAP’s smaller plans work in synergy as the actions implemented in one plan help solidify the goals of another. The plan presents bold initiatives poised to solve future environmental challenges in Vancouver and aims to target three specific topics: carbon footprint, waste management, and local ecosystems. The city of Vancouver’s GCAP has specific goals for each of these topics:
Increasing pressure from rapid growth, urban extension and pollution in cities throughout the world is causing planers and developers to reconsider how to use land, energy and resources in more efficiency ways. Transforming urban areas into 'sustainable cities' has become the optimal goal, but it can prove to be a daunting task if a city does not recognize the need for an effective plan or course of action. By embracing green, sustainable alternatives in the construction of buildings and neighborhoods, numerous cities are overcoming these challenges and continuing to grow. With its impressive commitment to a more sustainable and livable environment, the Vancouver area has emerged as a pioneer in this effort, setting inspiring standards for other cities to learn from. The worldwide recognition given to Vancouver for its sustainability achievements are proof that progressive planning and collaborative contribution from political leadership are paramount to a successful implementation that leads to a more vibrant, livable, and most importantly, sustainable city for current and future generations.[1][2]
A city that is vibrant, livable, and sustainable
A green city visionary, Vancouver has an ambitious action plan to become the greenest city in the world by 2020.[2] With the promise to deliver urban areas that embody its drive for vibrant, livable, and sustainable spaces, Vancouver has fashioned impressive plans directed at reducing carbon emissions, energy use, and urban space adaptation. A few of the actions to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change are:
• Green Mobility: While Vancouver’s population and economy continue to grow, automobile usage is declining. In addition to expansions to the regional public transit system, the city has embarked on a program to rapidly expand and improve its cycling infrastructure with 245km of cycle routes. These measures are clearly achieving the desired results demonstrated by the 35% increase in cycling between 2008 and 2011. The city has also mandated that all new residential development should include charging stations for electric vehicles. Vancouver is also rapidly expanding its network of public charging locations.
• Extended Producer Responsibility: Vancouver is advocating for the government of British Colombia to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs which will hold businesses responsible for taking care of used products and packaging they have sold. Not only does this reduce the cost of waste disposal for city residents, it also provides incentives for manufacturers to design products and packing in a more environmentally sustainable way. Actions taken so far include demands that businesses develop EPR systems for packaging and printed paper by May 2014, and building materials, carpet, furniture and textiles by 2017. This program would ensure business-run recycling systems for plastic bags, coffee cups and fast-food packaging.
• Neighborhood Energy Strategy: Vancouver is implementing a pioneering Neighborhood Energy Strategy as a means of promoting renewable energy systems. The strategy targets areas of the city with the greatest potential to reduce carbon emissions. One Neighborhood Energy Utility is already up and running and eight new Neighborhood Energy Systems are now being planned or developed. It is estimated that these systems will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in these neighborhoods by up to 70% by 2020. [3]
The Greater Vancouver region possesses an abundant and inexpensive hydroelectric supply. Increased prices on gas and oil over the years have led to increased demand for electricity in the region. In 1989, BC Hydro Power Smart campaign was implemented to encourage conservation by promoting energy efficient technologies. Some of the proposed initiatives are:
• Energy creation through incineration of municipal garbage by Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) waste-to-energy facilities.
• East Lake Green Energy Project generates hydroelectricity through implementation of a micro turbine in West Vancouver’s water distribution system.
• Southeast False Creek plans to implement a heating system that redistributes heat collected from sewer lines.
• Geothermal technologies are used increasingly throughout the region in the form of ground source heat pumps.
• Photovoltaics—solar panels—have been installed in several buildings around the region.[1]
Because of its temperate climate and natural beauty, Vancouver has developed an appealing livable city reputation which compels attraction for new residents. Rise in housing costs however have become a growing concern. Green building offers a solution to housing affordability and sustainability impact since use of recycled-content building materials should significantly alleviate housing costs. The area’s green building background is rooted in efforts of key British Columbian businesses, non-government researchers, and industry experts. A timeline of significant green building events is offered bellow:
• 1977 – Vancouver’s Kitsun Co-op project, a passive solar townhouse complex, induces the beginning of green building design.
• 1992 – CANMET sponsored the Advanced Houses Program, which included the BC Advanced House—a single family home built with recycled-content materials.
C.K. Choi Institute for Asian Studies
www.library.ubc.ca
• 2000s – Continuous introduction of green buildings in the region with many more in planning stages including the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability.
• 2004 – City of Vancouver becomes the first municipality in BC to commit all new buildings over 500 square meters to LEED Gold standard.[1]
The city of Vancouver has also introduced VIVA, a program that transforms road spaces into vibrant pedestrian spaces. VIVA’s success relies directly on the collaboration of community groups, local businesses, and regional partners, and the program implements street closures throughout the year in order to create public spaces for walking, lounging, and lunching enhancing the sense of community throughout the city, while also encouraging forms of lower carbon emission transportation—walking and cycling.[4]
Healthy Environment
Residents of Vancouver value the beauty of their natural setting, and rely on the prosperity created from its abundant natural resources.[1] With this in mind, the city has continuously strived for an environment that is healthy and that experiences low impact from manmade structures and/or activities by redefining urban development strategies and introducing new tactics to address human impact.
Environmental Action examples:
o Aldergrove Bowl is located in the heart of Fraser Valley and it is considered a model for sustainable practices. It is a gravel pit turned into natural setting where bio-solids have been used to supplement inadequate soil. Bio-solids are treated organic solids from wastewater treatment plants, which are rich in nutrients and organic matter. The use of bio-solids demonstrates a more sustainable closed system of nutrient cycling which saves money and reduces environment impact.
BC Hydro Salmon Stream
www.seatoskygreen.ca
o A former parking lot in Stanley Park, the BC Hydro Salmon Stream project is a manmade stream geared at promoting public education and salmon stewardship. The project highlights the life cycle of BC salmon showing that habitat damage can be alleviated.
o The Central Valley Greenway is an extensive transportation and recreation project that links Vancouver, Burnaby, and New Westminster. The positive impacts of this environmental friendly greenway are far reaching inducing reduced traffic congestion and greenhouse gas, improved awareness of non-motorized transport alternatives, increased plant and wildlife habitat, and promotion of physical activity.
Waste management initiatives timeline:
o 1992 – Provincial government mandated each region in Greater Vancouver to reduce per capita waste to 50% of its 1990 levels by the year 2000. This reduction was prompted by the closures of several landfills following extensive population growth in the late 1970s and increase of disposable waste.
o 1998 – Targets set by GVRD to aid the above mandates were achieved with implementation of waste audits, reduction plans, education campaigns, composting and recycling programs, and in some areas the introduction of trash collection free of charge. To encourage recycling and handling of hazardous waste, GVRD banned drywall, oil, oil filters, office paper, newspaper, corrugated cardboard and household hazardous waste from landfills.
o 1994 – Establishment of GVRD Blue Box Program which implemented curbside recycling.
o 1995 – GVRD introduces a green waste drop-off/pickup program to support composting of lawn and yard waste.[1]
Environmental challenges
Although Vancouver’s sustainability and environmental planning actions has produce immense success, it is important to highlight how challenges in the engineering and implementation of sustainable measures will plague even the most successful cities. In the case of Vancouver, the following examples showcase some of its struggles and potential challenges regarding sustainability planning:
• Regarded as a significant urban sustainability metric, water conservation is one of the most difficult issues for the greater Vancouver area despite GVRD’s excellent water quality management systems. A great part of it relates to area residents’ general assumption that water is bountiful because of Vancouver’s geographical location within a temperate rainforest. With population growth however, higher demand for water often exceeds the region’s supply during summer months. As countermeasure, local governments designed and distributed educational programs as well as regulating policies aimed at alleviating increasing water demand during such peak times.[5]
• City-growth strategies are instrumental in the pursuit of sustainable objectives such as urban sprawl reduction, protection of environmental sensitive areas, and decrease of pollution. Despite British Columbia’s government request for growth-management strategies from regional districts in 1995, planning in the Capital Regional District (CRD) at the south end of Vancouver Island is still largely critical and difficult. As the region prepares for substantial population increase over the next few decades, limited urban expansion options have increased public support for effective growth management. However, tireless jurisdictional protectionism over CRD municipalities poses substantial challenges primarily due to ineffective translation of sustainability ideals into practical regional growth management.[6]
What is undeniably important is the role of local government and general public in the quest for sustainable and environmentally efficient solutions. As observed in the examples provided, the challenges faced by any particular city can easily become insurmountable when both entities fail to recognize the need for action and neglect active participation and cooperation in the process of developing viable sustainability tactics. In the case of Vancouver’s sustainability goals, obstacles and challenges are clearly present, but such cooperation between public figures and communities can transform the region into a place where people control the destiny of their community and human activities enhance rather than degrade the environment.
Path to sustainability
Currently, Vancouver continues to pursue sustainability in all aspects of development. An encouraging practice to make cities more socially and ecologically sustainable is the adoption of urban agriculture a strategy largely overlooked until recently. In Vancouver, public land inventory was used to introduce urban agriculture to planers and policy makers as a viable application for city-owned land in efforts to generate environmental benefits in the form of green spaces, community and private gardens, preservation of cultivable land, and improved urban biodiversity. Greater Vancouver Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) was established in 1973 in an effort to maintain and protect the richest and most productive agricultural zones in Canada and it forms the base for Vancouver’s land inventory.[7]
An urban farm occupies an old Petro-Canada station in Vancouver's East End
www.inhabitat.com
The protection of farmland has enabled the development of a specialized agricultural industry in a major metropolitan area intensifying the greenhouse industry.[4] With approximately 320 greenhouse farms increasing the output of natural gas and electricity costs, solid waste landfill gas from Vancouver is being utilized as heating source to some of the region’s greenhouse operations. And as an extension of its commitment to sustainability, Vancouver provides funding and support for urban agriculture initiatives even with no formal mandate or coordinated strategy on the subject.[7]
To become the greenest city in the world, City staff is working with Council, residents, businesses, other organizations, and all levels of government to implement the Greenest City 2020 Action Plan (GCAP).[1] A document originated on the efforts from a team put together by Mayor Gregor Robertson, the plan is subdivided into ten smaller plans with medium to long-term targets and goals. Despite organizationally separated, the GCAP’s smaller plans work in synergy as the actions implemented in one plan help solidify the goals of another. The plan presents bold initiatives poised to solve future environmental challenges in Vancouver and aims to target three specific topics: carbon footprint, waste management, and local ecosystems. The city of Vancouver’s GCAP has specific goals for each of these topics:
• Planning on reducing its ecological footprint by 33% over 2006 levels by working in partnership with city officials and various other partners to build new neighborhood-scale renewable energy systems, to convert large-scale steam systems to renewable energy, and to develop a policy framework that clearly articulates the City’s plan for renewable energy within different district energy systems.
• Decreasing total solid waste to landfills or incinerators by 50% from 2008 levels through expansion of food scraps composting programs for residents, development of education and enforcement programs to keep recyclables out of the City’s waste, advocating for additional Extended Producer Responsibility programs for product packaging, and by developing a building deconstruction program that prevent wood and other reusable materials from reaching landfills or incinerators.
• Making access to parks, greenways, or other green spaces feasible to every person within a five-minute walk by creating mini parks through conversion of street right-of-ways into parks, acquiring new parks in priority neighborhoods, planting 15,000 new trees on City land and other public properties, and the development of Green Hastings Park.[1]
Planning for the future, the City of Vancouver developed GCAP by deriving ideals based on concerns and aspirations raised by its people, from experts to concerned citizens, making its goals for sustainability and optimal environment a responsibility of everyone.
Conclusion
It is evident that in order to sustain our growing current needs for resources and that of our future generations and to avoid the imminent detriments to our environment, the most efficient approach involves collaborative efforts amongst urban authorities and local politics towards sustainable measures.[8] Recognizing its regional environmental treasures and its limitations, the city of Vancouver has surpassed the efforts of numerous cities worldwide and taken its place as an international champion for sustainability and environmental developments. As the city looks upon the future, Vancouver is determine to continue its quest for innovative approaches on green urban planning and to stay at the top as the world’s greenest city and possibly a sustainability beacon for other nations.
References
1. University of British Columbia, Sheltair Group Inc, & Holland Barrs Planning Group. (2006). Greater Vancouver greenguide. Vancouver, BC: Design Centre for Sustainability.
2. City of Vancouver. (2014). Greenest city 2020: A bright green future. Retrieved from http://vancouver.ca/green-vancouver/a-bright-green-future.aspx.
3. Earth Hour. (2015). City challenge: A sustainable Vancouver. Retrieved from http://www.ehcitychallenge.org/peopleschoice/city/vancouver.
4. City of Vancouver. (2014). VIVA Vancouver: Creating vibrant pedestrian spaces. Retrieved from http://vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/reducing-cars-on-city-streets.aspx.
5. Shane, A. M., & Graedel, T. E. (2000). Urban environmental sustainability metrics: A provisional set. Journal of Environmental Planning & Management, 43(5), 643-663. doi: 10.1080/713676586
6. Boyle, M., Gibson, R. B., & Curran, D. (2004). If not here, then perhaps not anywhere: Urban growth management as a tool for sustainability planning in British Columbia's capital regional district. Local Environment, 9(1), 21-43. doi: 10.1080/1354983042000176584
7. Mendes, W., Balmer, K., Kaethler, T., & Rhoads, A. (2008). Using land inventories to plan for urban agriculture: Experiences from Portland and Vancouver. Journal of the American Planning Association, 74(4), 435-449. doi:10.1080/01944360802354923
8. Harcort, M., Cameron, K., & Rossiter, S (2007). City making in paradise: Nine decisions that saved Vancouver. Vancouver, BC: Douglas & McIntyre.
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