Today’s post discusses about the role of urban planning on sustainable
development and shows us the interesting case of a district in Stockholm area
that halved its overall environmental impact!
For the first time in history, urban areas have more population than rural ones. Today, around 52% of world’s population is concentrated in metropolitan areas (Word Bank, 2011) and this number continues to rise. The recent growth of cities has demanded more from urban planners who have to come up with new strategies in order to guide developments in the right direction.
For the first time in history, urban areas have more population than rural ones. Today, around 52% of world’s population is concentrated in metropolitan areas (Word Bank, 2011) and this number continues to rise. The recent growth of cities has demanded more from urban planners who have to come up with new strategies in order to guide developments in the right direction.
View of Hammarby Sjöstad |
The project aimed to reduce the total environmental impact by a half compared to ordinary Swedish households. In order to comply with this goal, improvements and modern solutions were put into place concerning a number of environmental issues. With its modern and sustainable design, the project completely transformed completely the cycles of water, energy and waste in the area as we can see below.
Energy
The main idea was to make the residents to produce 50% of the energy
needed. Solar cells capture the sun’s luminous energy and convert it into electrical
power in solar cells. Some have been installed on several facades and roofs providing
the energy needed for their public areas. In addition, solar panels have been installed
on the roof of the buildings. These panels
capture the warm rays of the sun and use them to heat the buildings hot water supply. By converting domestic waste and wastewater into heating, cooling and
electricity, the district decreased the imports of energy. In addition, the use
of more efficient and eco-friendly building materials and domestic appliances contributed
to decrease the total energy consumption.
Water and Sewage
The goal was to decrease by a half the consumption of water compared to
the Swedish average. This was done by the use of eco-friendly installations
as washing machines and dishwashers, low flush toilets and air mixers on taps
and showers reducing, thus, the volumes used. The district have its own wastewater treatment plant that uses new cleaning
technologies. There, organic materials are separated from wastewater and carried
to digestion tanks where biogas is produced. The gas is used as fuel to public transport
and stoves and the remaining biosolids are used as fertilizers. Rainwater from yards and (green) roofs is drained into the lake instead
of going to wastewater treatment plant and rainwater from streets is treated
locally using settling basins and then drained into the lake.
Waste
The waste is separated in proper containers and recycled, re-used or discarded
according to its nature. Combustible waste as paper and plastic (non-packaging) are sent to the
incineration plant where it is transformed in heating and electricity for the
community. Food waste is composted and converted into biogas and fertilizers. Other
types of waste are recycled and in the last case sent to landfills. The collection system consists of underground pipes under vacuum suction
(this system was already explained in a previous post, click here for a more
detailed explanation) which reduces CO2 emissions, air and visual pollution.
The diagram below shows the integrated approach of the project showing waste, water and energy flows.
Other beneficial modifications in the region were made regarding land
usage and transportation. The area was transformed from a contaminated industrial spot into an
attractive residential district with parks and green public spaces. The soil
was fully decontaminated in order to ensure that no one is exposed to any risks
in conjunction with service work in the future. Existing vegetation has also been
saved.The diagram below shows the integrated approach of the project showing waste, water and energy flows.
The district has fast and effective public transportation (especially by tramways), combined with carpool system and beautiful cycle paths. The area is very well connected to center Stockholm which makes it even more attractive! It also counts with pathways along the canals, sports and cultural centers as well as pre and elementary schools for children.
Today, Hammarby Sjöstad receives thousands of visitors per year
including mayors from all over the world and other public administrators in
search of this successful case of sustainable urban development. The model has
already been exported overseas to Russia, China and UK.
The question that remains now is if it would be possible to expand this
model to other countries. Unfortunately, those sustainable urban models are
mostly seen in wealthy countries. The developing economies are most concerned
about first developing their territories economically and secondarily with the
creation of environmental programs. On the other hand, what we do see today, even
in emerging countries is the green building industry that raises attention and
start to warm up market! One thing is certain, independently of the wellness of the nation, engineers
and urban planners have still a long way to go and a lot of work to be done!
On your next visit to Stockholm, take some time and go to visit and
explore this incredible place with difficult name!
Very nice example!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it!! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteParabéns Biba, exportar para Sampa?? rs
ReplyDeleteAutomated waste (and laundry) systems are becoming an increasingly feasible solution for certain facilities like hospitals, hotels, airports and multi-unit housing.
ReplyDeleteThere are several players in this space, some old like Envac and newer companies like Automated Removal