In an age where cities are fast replacing rural areas and natural resources are steadily depleting, sustainable urban living is the only way to preserve the environment. Sustainable urban living is a move away from the practice of using and abusing natural resources, harming or destroying ecosystems, and thus bringing about drastic climatic changes.
Sustainable urban living is generally defined as development that brings about social and ecological harmony in cities and town on a long term basis. It is a fairly recent concept and the nuances are still at the drawing board stage. However, researchers, environmental scientists, and urban planners agree on these features of a sustainable urban dwelling: a compact layout that economizes the use of land, extreme accessibility of the various strategic points that minimize dependence on automobiles, better structural designs that optimize the use of available resources, systems that generate less waste and devises that cause less pollution, and increasing use of natural systems.
18Broadway in Kansas City promises to be a living and breathing demonstration of sustainable urban living. The site will bring about efficient water management with innovative measures like storm planters, rain gardens, solar powered electrical water pumps, and swales to filter runoffs from the site and city streets to be re-used for irrigation. The site also plans to implement alternative forms of energy like solar and wind power, compressed natural gas, and biodiesel to power the establishment. The dwellings will feature rooftop gardens, rainwater cisterns, geothermal heating and cooling, and other energy-efficient appliances that highlight the feasibility of sustainable urban living.
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