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Ecodistricts or Sustainable Neighborhoods

Writer's picture: Javier TrespalaciosJavier Trespalacios

In 1992, during the Earth Summit conference in Rio [1] in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the responsibility of local collectives was emphasized, and a call was made to implement the actions of Agenda 21 in cities, considering the essential role neighborhoods play. Harvard University professor and researcher on the economic evolution of cities, Edward Glaeser, asserts that "the greatest human invention is cities" which are responsible for many of the current problems on the planet but can also be a means of its salvation.


The first step is to define what a neighborhood is: “a subdivision of a city or town, which usually has its own identity, and whose residents share a sense of belonging. A neighborhood may have been created through an administrative decision by authorities, through a real estate development (e.g., a working-class neighborhood built around a factory), or through historical evolution” [2].


Another important point is the definition of sustainable development: “meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” [3]. Generally, sustainability seeks to integrate the notion of human well-being with the principles of equity and solidarity among people currently inhabiting the planet and future generations, through the responsible use of ecosystem services.


Among the phenomena occurring on the planet, it is important to consider the rapid urban growth, as half of the world's population lives in cities, positioning urban centers as part of the global problem.


Today, Sustainable Neighborhoods or Ecodistricts are generating great interest in Europe and are the subject of research from various disciplines. Projects are being implemented to establish mechanisms for their development, using tools of innovation and continuous learning. The aim is to provide cities with a more positive and sustainable approach in relation to the planet's dynamics. These neighborhoods are intended to be an urbanization tool that improves the quality of life for their residents and serves as an integrative element in the social transformation of existing cities.


What is an Ecodistrict or Sustainable Neighborhood?

For some experts, like Gilles Desthieux [4], an Ecodistrict [5] aims to: have urban ecological practices, eco-labels on buildings, and achieve international neighborhood certifications like OPL, Leed, or Société à 2000 watt; A sustainable neighborhood on the other hand, aims to: be durable over time, integrate social, economic, and environmental dimensions, which are actions of sustainable development, without necessarily pursuing a certification—in other words, a more general concept.


These definitions, in an integrated manner, aim to provide a good quality of life based on the principles of sustainable development in its social, economic, and environmental aspects. Furthermore, sustainable neighborhoods or Ecodistricts exhibit a “snowball effect” that multiplies their actions throughout the rest of the city. Examples include:


Erlenmatt [6] in Basel, Switzerland: This neighborhood integrates public, social, and commercial uses, creating a car-free area with excellent public transport connections. Children can play safely on its streets, and the buildings feature energy-efficient designs and renewable energy use. It also provides meeting spaces for its residents and includes commercial establishments. Notably, this neighborhood received the "Société à 2000 watt" certification [7].

Erlenmatt in Basel; energy efficiency, strong emphasis on soft mobility (photos: Javier Trespalacios)


Vauban [8] in Freiburg, Germany: This neighborhood is located in one of the first Green Cities in the world. Vauban is the most recognized ecodistrict in Europe, with many of its initiatives being replicated elsewhere. It serves as a global showcase for best practices in urban sustainable development. Planning for this neighborhood began in 1993, with sustainable concepts such as mobility, energy, and social aspects considered from the start.

Vauban in Freiburg / Germany: buildings with bioclimatic concepts, use of renewable energy, biodiversity, green areas, and places for social integration (photos: Javier Trespalacios)


Kronsberg in Hannover, Germany: This project emerged from the 2000 World Expo in Germany, with the main goal of creating a model for urban sustainable development. This urban area features bioclimatic buildings suited to the local climate, a dense network of pedestrian and bicycle paths, efficient water use, waste reduction measures, renewable energy production, and energy-saving measures, with constructions using low environmental impact materials, promoting diversity, and fostering social cohesion.

Kronsberg in Hannover / Germany: buildings with bioclimatic concepts, renewable energies, wide pedestrian and bicycle paths, green areas, and places for social integration (photos: Javier Trespalacios)


Confluence en Lyon / France: an industrial area has been transformed into a sustainable district that has influenced the entire city, as other areas have implemented actions carried out in this district.


GWL - Terrein en Amsterdam / Netherlands: a district built on an old water treatment plant; in this district, cars do not circulate, driven by the desire to have spaces for cultivation; it also has an exemplary water management system.

Confluence in Lyon / France, a district developed in an old industrial area; GWL - Terrein in Amsterdam / Netherlands, districts with a strong ecological branding and no cars circulating inside (photos: Javier Trespalacios)


Challenge in Colombia

Undoubtedly, Colombia faces a significant challenge in terms of sustainability. Although initiatives related to construction or energy savings have been undertaken and continue to be carried out, these efforts remain isolated, targeting specific sectors without integrating all the axes of sustainable development. This means that the integrative elements such as community engagement, changes in behavior and mindset, mobility, and others remain unaddressed in achieving a comprehensive concept of sustainability.


However, on a local level, initiatives stand out in the city of Barranquilla, such as Mi Barrio Verde ("My Green Neighborhood"), which promotes community participation in the improvement and development of a neighborhood. One example is the 7 de Abril neighborhood, where activities like tree planting and environmental education are conducted with residents, aiming to create a ripple effect throughout the community. Here, the concept of an ecodistrict or sustainable neighborhood can be key to achieving long-term development.


Ecodistrict, Sustainable Neighborhoods, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The most direct connection is with SDG 11, which aims to "make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable". When developing an eco-neighborhood or sustainable neighborhood strategy and including the Sustainable Development Goals, the following SDGs would be considered:


  • Community urban gardens: Encourage local food production.

  • Vertical and rooftop farming: Maximizes space usage and improves food security.


  • Green spaces and parks: Provide areas for physical activity and foster social interaction.

  • Community centers: Promote health services, social interaction, and mental well-being.

  • Pedestrian paths and bike lanes: Encourage an active and healthy lifestyle.


  • Rainwater collection systems: Reduce dependence on external water sources.

  • Wastewater treatment plants: Ensure proper sanitation management.

  • Greywater reuse infrastructure: Optimizes water use in daily activities.


  • Solar panels and wind systems: Provide renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions.

  • Zero-energy buildings: Designed to consume only the energy they produce.

  • Smart energy grids: Enhance efficiency and access to clean energy.


  • Green infrastructure: Integrates sustainable solutions in construction, such as green roofs.

  • Coworking spaces and innovation labs: Foster creativity and local economic growth.

  • Sustainable public transport: Reduces emissions and improves connectivity.


  • Eco-efficient buildings: Use sustainable materials and energy-saving technologies.

  • Citizen participation programs: Involve residents in neighborhood planning and management.


  • Recycling and composting stations: Facilitate waste management and promote a circular economy.

  • Bulk stores and local markets: Encourage conscious consumption and waste reduction.

  • Environmental education: Raises awareness among residents about sustainable practices.


  • Climate change mitigation strategies: Implement solutions like white roofs and green walls to reduce the urban heat island effect.

  • Emergency and climate resilience plans: Prepare the community to face extreme weather events.

  • Urban reforestation initiatives: Increase carbon capture and improve air quality.


  • Conservation areas and biodiversity corridors: Protect local flora and fauna.

  • Soil restoration projects: Improve the health of the urban ecosystem.

  • Biodiversity education: Promotes respect and care for the environment.


  • Collaboration networks between neighborhoods: Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources among communities.

  • Joint projects with universities and NGOs: Drive research and sustainable development.

  • Communication and reporting platforms: Share progress and best practices in SDG implementation.


Ecodistrict or sustainable neighborhoods are a key strategy to implement the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)


Conclusion

An Ecodistrict or Sustainable Neighborhood is an urban fraction that stands out for including the dimensions of sustainable development (environmental, social, and economic).


Note

This article, developed in collaboration with the Universidad del Norte, was published in the Swiss Magazine No. 38 under the title "Sustainable Urban Development," and addresses the topic of ecodistrict or sustainable neighborhoods.


Swiss Magazine No. 38 - Sustainable Urban Development: Ecodistrict or Sustainable Neighborhoods


References

[2] Definition of neighborhood: https://definicion.de/barrio/

[3] Definition of sustainable development: http://www.un.org/es/ga/president/65/issues/sustdev.shtml

[4] Gilles Desthieux: Associate Professor at the Institute of Landscape, Engineering, and Architecture of Geneva (HES-hepia) and consultant in urban energy planning.


 
Javier Trespalacios
Suforall SDGs 11

Authors: Javier Trespalacios (Member of Suforall / Basel, Switzerland); Claudia Blanquicett (Professor and Researcher at UniNorte / Barranquilla, Colombia); German Rivillas (Professor and Researcher at UniNorte / Barranquilla, Colombia)

Version - V02 (10.04.2021)

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