The State of Australian Cities 2011 report, released on 20 October, builds on the knowledge contained in the first report published last year and also brings together a raft of new data that compares Australian cities with each other and cities internationally. State of Australian Cities 2011 provides an evidence base to support the national urban policy released earlier this year.
The Gwangiu Cities Declaration sets the way forward towards the greening of cities through improved planning and intelligent management. Released at the conclusion of the Summit of the Urban Environmental Accords held in Korea on 11-13 October, the Declaration calls for the development of an Urban Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the UN Convention for Climate Change. It also recommends the development of metrics to measure and report urban sustainability and to encourage the development of policies, regulations and innovative market mechanisms to accelerate the transition towards greener urban development. The Declaration calls for action across five major sectors:
The Local Government and Public Sector Building Maintenance and Management Conference 2011 will cover a wide range of topics including in the theme “Water and Energy Efficient Buildings: Towards More Sustainable Buildings”. To achieve more sustainable buildings it is now crucially important to consider the water and energy efficiency of buildings not just in their initial construction, but also in their operation and maintenance. Topics in this theme include:
Sustainable House Day is celebrating its 10th year, and the event will continue to showcase some of Australia’s most sustainable homes to the public as millions of Australians continue to embrace renewable energy, recycling, and other practices suitable to their lifestyles.
The Global Reports on Human Settlements provide authoritative and up-to-date assessments of conditions and trends in the world’s cities and other human settlements. Written in clear non-technical language and supported by informative graphics, case studies and extensive statistical data, these reports are essential tools and references for researchers, academics, planners, public authorities and civil society organizations around the world. Read the rest of this entry »
The new book Computer Modelling for Sustainable Urban Design – Physical Principles, Methods and Applications directly addresses the physics of urban sustainability and how urban sustainability may be modelled and optimised. Starting with an introduction to the importance and key aspects of the topic, it moves on to a detailed consideration of the urban climate and pedestrian comfort. Comprehensive techniques for the modelling and optimisation of urban metabolism are then described, together with means for defining sustainability as the fitness function to be optimised. It ends with an eye to the future of sustainable urban design and the means available to urban designers and governors to help them to secure a more sustainable urban future.
On 18 May 2011, the Australian Government Minister for Infrastructure and Transport released Our Cities, Our Future – A National Urban Policy for a productive, sustainable and liveable future. Our Cities, Our Future sets in place the Australian Government’s objectives and directions for our cities as we prepare for the decades ahead. It recognises the critical roles that State, Territory and Local Governments, the private sector and individuals play in planning, managing and investing in cities. It also highlights that the Australian Government makes decisions that impact upon urban Australia.
In our fast-changing urban world, the impacts of social and environmental change on children are often overlooked. Children and their Urban Environment examines these impacts in detail, looking at the key activities, spaces and experiences children have and how these can be managed to ensure that children benefit from change. The book seeks to embrace childhood as a time of freedom, social engagement and environmental adventure and to encourage creation of environments that better meet the needs of children. The authors argue that in doing so, we will build more sustainable neighbourhoods, cities and societies for the future.