Copy of NYC: Is it Sustainable?

WHAT IS IT?

According to the UN: “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”

- United Nations, 1987

It is the balance of economic, social, and environmental interests within development so that one of the components is not neglected for the benefit of another.

HOW IS IT MEASURED?

Since sustainable development is a broad term applied to various contexts ranging from natural resource management to private sector industry, there are no common metrics. An example of metrics for natural resource guidelines include:

• resources must be not be consumed faster than they can be replaced
• waste and pollution must be absorbed, recycled, or broken down at least as fast as they are emitted

HOW CAN WE MEASURE THE SUSTAINBILITY OF A CITY?

Following the principles of efficient urban planning as well as environmental metrics for pollution and waste, we can effectively categorize and measure indicators for sustainable development of a city. These include:

• Carbon footprint per capita
• Air pollution standard
• Public transportation infrastructure
• Residential density
• Recycling and waste management
• Energy production sources
• Green spaces

QUICK FACTS AND RANKING:

• Population Including metropolitan area: 13.5 Million people (1st in US / 20th in World)
• Area: 1,213 km2
• Gross Metropolitan Product: $1.28 Trillion (1st in US / 1st in World)

At first glance, New York City is a clustered, gigantic, and chaotic metropolis with its traffic jams, concrete, and large crowds. A closer look surprisingly reveals the sustainable mechanisms which form the core of the world's most economically productive city.

RESOURCE CONSUMPTION PER CAPITA

• New Yorkers consume 4,700 kWh per person versus the national average of 11,000 kWh.
• If New York City was a US state, it would rank 51st (last) in energy consumption per capita.
• How is this possible? The answer lies largely in the principle of density development.

DENSITY DEVELOPMENT

A vital conecpt to a sustainable city is density development. This basically means a concentrated area with a real estate mix of residential and commerical spaces (both small and large businesses) and good public transportation and infrastructure. Density and diversity allow mutually beneficial relationships between all parties.

Mututally Beneficial Effects of Density development

Social & Economic Benefits

•Small businesses provide services to neighborhood residents

•Residents live near their workplace: less commute, more freetime.

•Reduced costs of transportation

Environmental & Social Benefit:

•Physical activity encouraged by neighborhood density; increased walking

•Transportation options reduce traffic and air pollution

•Tight-knit neighborhoods foster sustainable development

Economic & Environmental Benefit:

•Less energy consumption per capita

•Less gasoline consumption & expenditure

•Public transportation less expensive than private commute and offets more CO2 emissions

Behavior of New Yorkers:

Loud, Busy, Impatient, and...Sustainable?

STEREOTYPES

Although New Yorkers are an incredibly diverse population in terms of age, cultural background, ethnicity, and socio-economic status, there are certain attitudes and behaviors that have become stereotypical. Attributes include impatience, stress, good humor, and pride for their city. But which of their behaviors relate to sustainability?

Sustainable behaviors of New Yorkers:

• Daily commute:
• >50% of workers commute use public transportation system
• >30% walk or cycle to work
• Majority do not own cars: national record low gasoline consumption per capita
• Visit parks often

Unsustainable behaviors of New Yorkers:

• Waste production & recycling: New York is a bastion of capitalism and "throwaway society," community attitudes towards recycling and waste production are unsustainable.
• Littering: New Yorkers typically throw loose garbage directly on the street as garbage cans overfill quickly on busy avenues.
• Attitude toward waste production and management needs to change in order to foster sustainability

Despite public perception, New York City is a national and world leader in sustainable practices. Nationally, it is in the top 5% in terms of:

• dense mix of homes, jobs & services
• availability and ease of pedestrian pathways
• public transportation use

These factors largely contribute to the lowest energy and gasoline consumption nationwide and also make the city livable for residents of various socio-economic backgrounds.

As sustainable development rises to the top of agendas worldwide, New York will continue to invest in implementing best practices for sustainable development.

Interestingly, the city provides a comprehensive answer to those who doubt that profitability and sustainable development can go hand and hand.

Sooner or later, it will be common knowledge that New York is actually also a sustainability leader...yet another achievement for New Yorkers to brag about.

Can a "city that never sleeps" possibly be sustainable?

Sustainable development

Sustainable Development in Urban Areas

New York, New York:

Hidden Gem of Sustainability

New York City

Sustainablilty Trends in New York

Social Benefits

Density Development:

• Small businesses
• Office space
• Public transportation
• Residential housing

Sustainability in Action: Greening the Taxi Fleet

Economic

Benefits

Environmental Benefits

• All new NYC taxis since October 2009 must have a minimum fuel economy of 30 Miles per Gallon.
• Begining in 2013, the entire taxt fleet will will slowly be phased out and replaced by fully electric taxis. This process will complete in 2018.

design by Dóri Sirály for Prezi