Throughout April, UrbanToronto will recognize Earth Month with feature articles addressing sustainability in the development industry. We will explore the many issues and challenges of sustainability, as well as various strategies for a greener future as Toronto and the greater Golden Horseshoe area continue to evolve.
We know that we have to build denser and more sensibly.
Density brings many benefits as it allows us to reduce urban sprawl, which…
- takes land away from food production
- Removes wildlife habitat
- reduces groundwater absorption and affects our water supply
- increases the heat island effect
- lengthens the commute
- pollutes the air even more
- makes it more difficult to provide services
If we design our communities so that more people can live comfortably and closer to one another, car commutes can be more easily replaced by public transit, cycling or walking. Neighborhood amenities such as schools, libraries, recreation centers, shops, and restaurants can all be built within walking distance of residential buildings, reducing the size of streets required to carry remaining traffic. For longer journeys, operating rapid transit becomes more economical and therefore more attractive to build. Due to more concentrated demand, transit will be more frequent, so trips can be shorter and faster.
Of course, building more sensibly is not just about density, but also about the methods and materials we use to construct our buildings, as buildings account for an even larger proportion of our carbon footprint than transportation. What we save from what we already have and how we can best reuse it is also of growing interest to reduce waste. And new technologies are allowing us to rediscover more traditional and natural materials that make our buildings healthier while reducing their carbon footprint.
Earthworks at the Lakeview Village site in Mississauga with the Toronto skyline in the distance, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor NW87
The transition to denser and more sensible buildings will lead to a more sustainable future. That's why in April we'll be taking an in-depth look at many areas where we can move closer to our carbon neutrality goals. Check back next week as we kick off UrbanToronto's Sustainability Month!