To appropriate the meaning and importance of sustainable cities, it is necessary to know the definition of “sustainable development”, understood as the process by which the economic, social, cultural diversity and environmental needs of the current generation are met, without putting the satisfaction of future generations at risk, a definition supported in the 1987 Brundtland Report.
Currently, governments and civil society focus their expectations on the mitigation and reduction of emissions somewhat removed from sustainable urban development, that is, leaving planning at the mercy of construction companies or that have little knowledge or interest in the subject. Hence, investment in green reengineering is urgent, in terms of joint efforts and economic resources to increase the implementation and appropriation of clean energy.
According to the definition, to think of a sustainable city it must meet the needs of its inhabitants in the present and future in terms of economy, social development and natural resources, with zero carbon emissions and waste, or with its equivalent mitigation. Therefore, a sustainable city would be characterized by promoting:
Social justice: where the judicial system, the food pantry, decent housing, the quality of education, health services, public services and job opportunities are provided equitably, and under a participatory government scheme.
Ecology: minimizing its ecological impact: rethinking, reducing, reusing and recycling; and that promotes an environmental culture, making efficient the preservation of natural resources, balancing industrial and agricultural production.
Physical and mental health: Where physical activity is stimulated in open spaces and recreation areas, as well as the cultural development of its individuals, promoting artistic activities that involve social development.
Connectivity: where community life, knowledge and innovation are shared with specific common objectives that involve the mobility of its inhabitants and the efficient exchange of information, in order to make decisions assertively. That protects the nature of its environment, integrating communities into neighborhoods optimizing their proximity, activities and outdoor spaces.
Creativity and beauty: where all human resources have a wide range of work activities from home, based on experimentation, innovation and creativity, integrating architecture, landscape and nature as means of inspiration and recreation.
Advancing in a zero carbon and waste culture implies the use of renewable or clean energy; the use of strategies for water conservation, collection, filtration and reuse; eco transport systems and; above all, the promotion of culture and environmental education for real awareness and restructuring in all the entities and groups that make up society, as we perceive it today.
