At a time when the concept of climate change is endorsed by politicians and government officials, the word sustainability has become the catch-phrase of the day.
It seems just about everyone agrees that something has to change.
On February 22, the City of Vancouver will make its contribution to sustainability with the official unveiling of its EcoDensity policy. The idea was first introduced in June 2006 by Mayor Sam Sullivan as a way to reduce the effect of city lifestyle on the earth's surface.
Planners say the idea is to lessen the impact of Vancouver's ecological footprint and rein in the growth of sprawling suburbia. The plan is aimed at strengthening the density in pre-existing residential neighborhoods with the added bonus that both industrial and agricultural land will be protected from further development.
"Vancouver is not a sustainable city. We need to stop pretending that we are [sustainable] and take action towards Vancouver's future livability," the city's Director of Planning, Brent Toderian, told reporters during a tour of Vancouver last Friday.
The plan outline states that if everyone in the world were to live the way Vancouver residents presently do, the earth's population would need four planets to sustain itself. According to city planners, only eleven per cent of Vancouver's 113 square kilometers of land area is used for multiple-unit residences, while almost half is composed of single family housing.
Through densifying certain areas, planners believe residents will be more likely to consume less energy through the use of renewable heat and water sources and use public transport rather than driving. They're hoping to foster the kind of awareness required to sustain the concept of environmentally conscious living.
The aim of densification is to maximize the use of space by creating an upward addition of layers, which in turn would promote energy conservation, affordability, and a step toward ecological sustainability. But so far it's more of a concept than a concrete plan, said Toderian.
"It's not so much a project, but a philosophy. It's a process of discussion and communicating a dialogue of ideas," he said.
Over the next few months the City will encourage the public to offer opinions and green solutions that could make the EcoDensity philosophy more attainable. An EcoDensity fair will be held on March 3rd and 4th at Riley Park with the aim of initiating an interactive setting to share and develop the plan and encourage public participation.
Koo's Corner, located on Hawks Avenue and formerly an old automotive service garage, is a model densification project. It has been converted into two loft units and four townhouse-style spaces equipped with energy conservation technology.
Constructed using recycled materials, the model encourages an eco-friendly way of life and features "solar ready" roof slopes for optional solar paneling. It also has limited parking spaces to foster alternative transportation methods. Heat recovery ventilators and greywater heat recovery systems are also in place as renewable energy generators.
Some of the challenges in the quest for eco-density are cost, affordability and zoning infrastructures. The city will work closely with leading architects and city planners in designing the best eco-structure possible while maintaining the unique characteristics of the neighbourhood.
"We want to design and build a city to encourage behavior of a certain type," said Toderian.
ROAR_one, with its cross-hatched railings, exposed staircases and lime green exterior, is another example of densification. Situated above a shopping district on West 10th Street and resembling a converted warehouse, the complex is designed with an open living concept. Fitted with ten residential units, the model utilizes maximum space efficiency and features natural light and airflow.
Although pleased with his creation, ROAR_one architect and UBC teacher Oliver Lang says there are still obstacles to overcome.
"We need more flexibility in bylaws to create more height. This [Roar_one] is a worthwhile model, but would be more successful with another set of units built on top." The city is interested in future density projects along 49th, Fraser, Main, Cambie, Oak and Granville.
For more information, visit www.vancouver.ca/ecodensity
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