A Sustainable City-Melbourne

A sustainable urban Precincts Program (SUPP) was established in Melbourne. And this program is written by RMIT University. And Melbourne has a long history in sustainable design. In this program, it contains project of save energy, eco-city forums, save water and eco carlton. In this blog, I will introduce these projects and illustrate their details.

The goal in saving energy project is to become carbon neutral by 2020. The first step is to develop the public transportation. There is a special public transportation system in Melbourne-----inner city train system. This kind of train runs on the central of road. And it does not consume fossil fuel, only need electricity. It won’t generate much greenhouse emissions into atmosphere. The project is aim to extend its distance in Melbourne so that more residents can benefit from this service.

The second part is save water. The city of Melbourne is aim to build a sustainable water management plan to protect water in the parks, gardens and open spaces. In addition, the government wants to stop using potable water in park and garden irrigation by 2020. Instead of it, other alternative sources will be used in these places. Moreover, the government also encourage residents to save water at home. They will send saving water guideline book to each resident. And this guideline book will give information about how to save water.

For another two parts, they all focus on the green in urban area. The Melbourne government plan to increase the total green cover rate in urban area. It will help to absorb the CO₂ emission and increase air quality.

In conclusion, this plan about building sustainable city of Melbourne focuses on the future environment and society. And all parts in this plan is aim to make the city become better not only in environment but also in technology, education and many other aspects. If this plan runs well, Melbourne will be a model in sustainable design urban city. 

Reference:
1. Alberti, M., 2000, "Urban form and Ecosystem Dynamics: Empirical Evidence and Practical Implications" in Williams, K., Burton, E. and Jenks, M., Achieving Sustainable Urban Form, Spon, London. 
2. Armstrong, G., Birrell, R., Buxton, M., Johnstone, P. and Stanley, J., 1995, Green Cities, Australian Urban and Regional Development Review Strategy Paper No.3, Canberra. 
3. Alexander, N., Buxton, M., Morris, W. and Smith, B., 1996, Urban Villages Project. Encouraging Sustainable Urban Form, Summary Report, Government of Victoria, Melbourne. 
4. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 1994, Yearbook Australia, AGPS, Canberra.