The ideas behind smart growth are not new, but only recently have its principles been widely adopted by communities in North America. Smart growth envisions cities that are more pedestrian-oriented, where it is safe for the elderly and children to walk. It endorses a strong environmental ethic and advocates for green building and the preservation of open space.
City building since World War II has been dominated by provisions for the automobile and a suburban lifestyle. As the pernicious effects of this development paradigm become increasingly evident, citizens are asking for a more sustainable approach to urban development and renewal.
The Smart Growth Network (SGN) was formed in 1996 when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency joined forces with several nonprofit and government organizations to create a forum for more sustainable growth of cities. The forum or network raises public awareness about how to protect the environment, enhance community vitality and strengthen the economy. Counterpart networks have sprung up in other jurisdictions in North America.
Impetus behind Smart Growth
The difficulties presented by the current model of urban development include:
- Housing in suburbs is far from employment opportunities in the inner city, necessitating long trips from home to work
- The focus on suburban development, especially shopping centers, robs inner cities of retail commerce and is associated with the decay of city centers
- Development on the fringes of cities leads to loss of open space, undermining the ecological integrity of the surrounding region
Increased distance between home and work is associated with greater use of the private automobile and rising carbon dioxide emissions. The low density of suburban development makes rapid, frequent public transit financially unfeasible; there are not enough riders to support it. The loss of arable land and open space to housing and commercial development further damages the environment.
Public health is affected in a number of ways, including the effects of congestion on roads and rising obesity in a population that commutes by car.
Communities are taking action to reverse these effects. Beginning with a vision of what they want their city to become, they are encouraging municipal authorities to plan differently. In Calgary, Alberta, the imagineCALGARY process engaged thousands of citizens in imaging a healthier, more vibrant city. The results of that process, together with smart growth principles, in turn informed the city’s recent Plan It Calgary project.
Principles for Sustainable Urban Development
There are ten principles enshrined by the SGN. These principles envision more compact municipal development and they foster social wellbeing. Key points include:
- Create a range of affordable, quality housing choices
- Design complete streets, or streets that serve everyone—the elderly on foot, children on bicycles, people commuting by public transit to work—not just motor vehicles users
- Provide transportation options and infrastructure suitable for cycling, walking, car pooling, scooters and public transit
- Mix building uses in communities, instead of segregating residential from other types of development; mixed use ensures people do not have to commute long distances to work or shop
- Encourage growth and renewal in existing communities rather than developing unsettled areas on greenfield spaces on the city’s edges
- Preserve and enhance green spaces, farmland and ecologically sensitive areas
- Encourage building design that creates pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods and uses green building technologies
- Facilitate citizen engagement in planning processes
- Integrate land use and transportation planning for entire regions
- Promote private sector investment and support for achieving smart growth solutions
Variations on these principles have been endorsed by cities intent on realizing a more sustainable development model; no one size fits all.
The SGN maintains an online network with resources for educators, community activists, planners, policy makers, public health advocates and anyone interested in promoting smart growth practices.
Andree Iffrig - Andrée Iffrig LEED AP is a writer and award-winning graduate architect. She uses her broad background in environmental design and ...
