**1. Introduction**

Human settlements are the result of the dynamic adaptation of the human community operating in a given territory in the conditions of social, economic and historical relations. The areas on which human settlements are located are distinguished by the components of the physicalgeographic structure, by the diversity and by the potential natural conditions, as well as by the economic and social factors in which the human settlements appear and develop [1]. Human settlements represent the totality of human communities, villages and towns, regardless of their position, size and functions. Human settlement can be considered a geographic landscape integrated with the natural and social conditions necessary for the existence of housing, work and equipment (power supply, water, transport, communications, sanitation, etc.). Human settlement is a body of land known to be a regular form of property with a hearth on which communal and territorial attributes develop [2]. The term "locality" defines a human, rural or urban settlement, delimited according to the number of inhabitants, the nature of the built-up area, the degree of the social endowment, the technical-public amenities, the function, etc. Hence, human settlements or human habitat refers to some components such as population, construction, markets, streets, industrial platforms, recreation and recreation areas. Human settlements support the unity of natural, social, material, spiritual, cultural and organizational factors, including housing, labor, energy supply, communications, water, sanitation, services, social security, administration systems, cultural facilities, recreation, etc. [1]. The village is the oldest form of human habitation that presents ethnographic, historical, economic, social or urban characteristics. A village is a group of houses and people who are leaving their means of existence of a determined social space.

Defining the sustainable city, the word sustainability has come into such common usage that it sometimes seems ubiquitous. At the outset, this leads to the need to answer two principal

© 2016 The Author(s). Licensee InTech. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. © 2018 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

questions with regard to the movement of sustainable cities. First, what is a sustainable city? And secondly, why is it important that cities become sustainable? In answering these questions, it is useful to draw a distinction between sustainability and sustainable development. Sustainability in its broadest sense is the capacity of natural systems to endure and to remain diverse and productive over time. Sustainable development is the practice of humans arriving at a level of economic and social development that does not inevitably alter ecological balance [3]. Many settlements were fair, with trade, crafts and administrative functions. In the renaissance era, when the bourgeoisie grew, the cities experienced a period of flowering (Florence, Venice and Rome). In the modern and contemporary era, besides the European and Asian cities, colonized colonists have developed in the Americas (New York, Quebec, Bogota). A major urban transformation accompanied the industrial revolution. Between 1800 and 1990, global population grew almost six times, while urban population multiplied more than 120 times. The human settlement represented by urban settlements has two basic components:

sure that those working on developing these policies at all levels learn the skills and knowledge that they need to build sustainable communities in cities. In modern definition, the city should be conceived not only as a packing of houses and people with a certain physiognomy, with an economic and social life limited to a narrow frame, but especially as a complex organism with much wider functions whose area of manifestation goes far beyond that of the

Introductory Chapter: Overview of Sustainable Cities, Theory and Practices

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5

According to UN programs, we will be 10–12 billion people around the world by 2050. Agenda 21 is an action program adopted at the United Nations Environment and Development Conference in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The program describes how efforts to counter environmental degradation, poverty and lack of democracy should be developed in order for our societies to achieve sustainable development. Agenda 21 notes that the human way to extract and use the energy inside is permanently sustainable and identifies two ways to change the energy system: energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. In order for everyone to have a reasonable material and healthy standard of living, natural resources must be utilized efficiently. Economic growth is high in Asia, for example, concurrently the population increases. This leads to more cars, more mobile phone and tablets, as well as white goods such as refrigerators, higher power consumption and so on. Pressure on finite resources like oil, coal and gas becomes large. But the most difficult issue is the pressure on biological resources: forests, arable land, fisheries, wetlands and mangrove swamps [5]. The existence of economic activities and investments on the one hand is closely linked to the existence of highquality urban structures, a properly constructed environment and a modern and efficient infrastructure. For this reason, it is necessary to improve the existing building opportunities in disadvantaged areas, in terms of design, physical conditions and efficiency of energy use. Adaptation of housing standards for new and existing buildings has the greatest potential for increasing energy efficiency within the EU and thus combating climate change. In order to increase the sustainability of investments in improving the physical environment, they must be included in a long-term development strategy that includes, among others, a sustainable public and private investment program. The increasing population growth puts pressure on, among other things, urban areas, resources, housing prices and public services. Additionally, increased traffic volume results in poorer air quality and congestion-related problems. At the same time, there is also an increasing trend towards social divisions between populations in the larger city. The new challenge for authorities and city planners is to transform metropolitan areas into eco-areas, in a form "sustainable cities," which is able to survive only with green energy and reduce pollution as much as possible. More than half of the world's population lives in cities today, according to the United Nations. Given the unprecedented levels of urban migration in recent decades, in conjunction with climate change, it is necessary to recognize that human livelihood in a significant urban agglomeration, had a big impact on nature. For cities to find a place in the green future of the Planet, they have to turn into clean entities. There are already cities in the world where the future is here. Citizens of the capital

city built in other parts.

**2. Healthy cities and energy efficiency**


The commune is a form of territorial administrative organization that includes exclusively rural settlements, namely villages, whose common point is represented by the unitary, social, cultural or ethnographic character. One or more villages may enter it. The city was defined by F. Ratzel by the existence of three elements: professional activity, concentration of dwellings and number of inhabitants. "The city, as an element of the landscape, is a body linked to the geographical space, inside of which it fulfills a precise function: it concentrates, transforms and redistributes material and spiritual assets." [4]. It is necessary to consider the marked urbanization that draws the population and the growth of the cities. About half of all people live today in the big provincial cities. The majority of Western cities possess unique cultural and architectural qualities, strong social inclusion forces and exceptional economic development opportunities. Cities are centers of knowledge and sources of growth and innovation. Still, it faces problems linked to demographic and social inequality as well as social exclusion of specific population groups including a lack of affordable housing and environmental issues. In the long run, cities will not be able to fulfill their function of engines of social progress and economic growth as described in the Lisbon Strategy, if we fail to maintain social balance in cities ensuring cultural diversity and setting high-quality standards in the areas of urban design, architecture and environment. It is necessary to increase the need for integrated strategies and coordinated actions by all individuals and institutions involved in urban development that can have a more general impact than only cities that are taken individually. There must be a responsibility for the future of our cities at every level of government—local, regional and international level. To make this multilevel governance genuinely useful, it will be necessary to improve the coordination of the various sectoral policy areas and develop a new sense of responsibility for integrated urban development. Also, it is necessary to make sure that those working on developing these policies at all levels learn the skills and knowledge that they need to build sustainable communities in cities. In modern definition, the city should be conceived not only as a packing of houses and people with a certain physiognomy, with an economic and social life limited to a narrow frame, but especially as a complex organism with much wider functions whose area of manifestation goes far beyond that of the city built in other parts.

#### **2. Healthy cities and energy efficiency**

questions with regard to the movement of sustainable cities. First, what is a sustainable city? And secondly, why is it important that cities become sustainable? In answering these questions, it is useful to draw a distinction between sustainability and sustainable development. Sustainability in its broadest sense is the capacity of natural systems to endure and to remain diverse and productive over time. Sustainable development is the practice of humans arriving at a level of economic and social development that does not inevitably alter ecological balance [3]. Many settlements were fair, with trade, crafts and administrative functions. In the renaissance era, when the bourgeoisie grew, the cities experienced a period of flowering (Florence, Venice and Rome). In the modern and contemporary era, besides the European and Asian cities, colonized colonists have developed in the Americas (New York, Quebec, Bogota). A major urban transformation accompanied the industrial revolution. Between 1800 and 1990, global population grew almost six times, while urban population multiplied more than 120 times. The human settlement represented by urban settlements has two basic

• Territorial components that are superimposed on the built perimeter, this being what we call the hearth, delimit the space for the living quarters; sometimes overlaps with the city. • The socioeconomic and environmental component refers to the population and to the work

The commune is a form of territorial administrative organization that includes exclusively rural settlements, namely villages, whose common point is represented by the unitary, social, cultural or ethnographic character. One or more villages may enter it. The city was defined by F. Ratzel by the existence of three elements: professional activity, concentration of dwellings and number of inhabitants. "The city, as an element of the landscape, is a body linked to the geographical space, inside of which it fulfills a precise function: it concentrates, transforms and redistributes material and spiritual assets." [4]. It is necessary to consider the marked urbanization that draws the population and the growth of the cities. About half of all people live today in the big provincial cities. The majority of Western cities possess unique cultural and architectural qualities, strong social inclusion forces and exceptional economic development opportunities. Cities are centers of knowledge and sources of growth and innovation. Still, it faces problems linked to demographic and social inequality as well as social exclusion of specific population groups including a lack of affordable housing and environmental issues. In the long run, cities will not be able to fulfill their function of engines of social progress and economic growth as described in the Lisbon Strategy, if we fail to maintain social balance in cities ensuring cultural diversity and setting high-quality standards in the areas of urban design, architecture and environment. It is necessary to increase the need for integrated strategies and coordinated actions by all individuals and institutions involved in urban development that can have a more general impact than only cities that are taken individually. There must be a responsibility for the future of our cities at every level of government—local, regional and international level. To make this multilevel governance genuinely useful, it will be necessary to improve the coordination of the various sectoral policy areas and develop a new sense of responsibility for integrated urban development. Also, it is necessary to make

place, which are closely linked to the city's territory.

4 Sustainable Cities - Authenticity, Ambition and Dream

components:

According to UN programs, we will be 10–12 billion people around the world by 2050. Agenda 21 is an action program adopted at the United Nations Environment and Development Conference in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The program describes how efforts to counter environmental degradation, poverty and lack of democracy should be developed in order for our societies to achieve sustainable development. Agenda 21 notes that the human way to extract and use the energy inside is permanently sustainable and identifies two ways to change the energy system: energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. In order for everyone to have a reasonable material and healthy standard of living, natural resources must be utilized efficiently. Economic growth is high in Asia, for example, concurrently the population increases. This leads to more cars, more mobile phone and tablets, as well as white goods such as refrigerators, higher power consumption and so on. Pressure on finite resources like oil, coal and gas becomes large. But the most difficult issue is the pressure on biological resources: forests, arable land, fisheries, wetlands and mangrove swamps [5]. The existence of economic activities and investments on the one hand is closely linked to the existence of highquality urban structures, a properly constructed environment and a modern and efficient infrastructure. For this reason, it is necessary to improve the existing building opportunities in disadvantaged areas, in terms of design, physical conditions and efficiency of energy use. Adaptation of housing standards for new and existing buildings has the greatest potential for increasing energy efficiency within the EU and thus combating climate change. In order to increase the sustainability of investments in improving the physical environment, they must be included in a long-term development strategy that includes, among others, a sustainable public and private investment program. The increasing population growth puts pressure on, among other things, urban areas, resources, housing prices and public services. Additionally, increased traffic volume results in poorer air quality and congestion-related problems. At the same time, there is also an increasing trend towards social divisions between populations in the larger city. The new challenge for authorities and city planners is to transform metropolitan areas into eco-areas, in a form "sustainable cities," which is able to survive only with green energy and reduce pollution as much as possible. More than half of the world's population lives in cities today, according to the United Nations. Given the unprecedented levels of urban migration in recent decades, in conjunction with climate change, it is necessary to recognize that human livelihood in a significant urban agglomeration, had a big impact on nature. For cities to find a place in the green future of the Planet, they have to turn into clean entities. There are already cities in the world where the future is here. Citizens of the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik and those in Vancouver, Canada, consume energy supplied almost exclusively from renewable sources. Vancouver is somewhat blessed geographically—with mountains, rivers, oceans and valleys—but the citizens have always tried to help them and make the most of what nature has provided [6]. Considering the complexity of the challenges, there is a need for an overall urban policy framework for how they are addressed and the potentials being exploited. Thinking of social conditions, environment and economy together improve the likelihood of implementing coherent solutions. Sustainable settlements must be economically viable while incorporating climate adaptation, energy and resource efficiency, environment, architectural quality and social security. Economy and the environment can thus generate added value when combined with overall considerations. Urbanization can contribute to a more sustainable society, including linking different city functions into urban development strategies. For example, proximity to public transport can reduce resource and energy consumption when planning accommodation, jobs and shopping opportunities so that busses, trains, walking and cycling are preferred. World cities occupy only 4% of the land area, yet they are home to more than half the world's population. Since 2009, the number of inhabitants in these cities has increased by 7.6%. The development of sustainable cities is one of the most significant global challenges right now. The cities face a large number of social, environmental and economic problems that require conversion. As population flow brings new demands to physical structures, to residents and the management of cities, the need arises for thinking across professions and sectors. This conversion can be done through public-private partnerships where administrations and companies benefit from each other's expertise and experience. Today, each year, humanity uses energy equivalent of only a few thousands of a percent of the solar energy that reaches the Earth's surface at the same time. The types of energy used are just over 90% fossil fuels, according to some analysts.

sustainable development is. A brief description is to maintain a positive social change process [7]. Thus, it is the whole society to participate in a process in which the aim is that people's needs must be satisfied, without spending too much on the Earth's resources. However, it is necessary to recognize the limits, conversion and the real meaning of sustainable cities, where the conversion to sustainable cities is therefore both an individual and collective project that can support the city's communities. It requires shared ownership for all, and in the process of initiation, it is important that the city's users get involved in the thinking of the solutions. The government's sustainable urban policy is primarily about social and biophilic theory. In cities that are growing rapidly, poverty also increases. The problem with the cities is that it is difficult to develop infrastructure and services in line with population growth. This means that the living conditions and environment deteriorate for lots of people. Many of the developing countries will continue to grow rapidly. But all cities do not grow, and growth in many megacities (with more than 10 million inhabitants) has slowed down in recent decades, for example, in Latin America's largest cities. The same applies to many Asian cities, such as Calcutta, India. Most of the largest cities are in a handful of states: China, India, Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Egypt and Pakistan. In more than 50 nations, there is no city that has reached half a million inhabitants. Third World cities, including some of the largest, are not very populous if counting people per hectare [5]. There will be water shortages, environmental degradation, traffic congestion, slums, crime and abuse. Urbanization also has a positive side, partly because it is strongly linked to economic growth. A sense of social and biophilic city can also have a posi-

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tive effect on growth and employment as well as the framework for the good life.

Social sustainability revolves around the human factor as a prerequisite for a sustainable city and a sustainable society. The government's sustainability strategy thus denotes the notion that everyone should participate in the social development and have equal opportunities, regardless of the background. A focused and sustained social sustainability work helps to ensure diversity, democracy and equality in cities. A sustainable city is socially linked to the fact that there are democratic spaces where people can meet regardless of social, economic and cultural backgrounds and provide opportunities for deployment and accessibility for all the citizens of the city. When a city has many offers for both everyday life and special occasions, it becomes more vibrant and attractive—this can also help to increase the quality of life for urban citizens. A socially sustainable city also opens the possibility for citizens' health to be supported in the form of urban spaces designed for physical activity and intercourse. The population's living patterns have also changed. Now, we live in the age of individualism. More and more people spend periods in their adult lives where they live alone. This affects the demand for housing and transport. At the same time, old-day collective solutions are no longer as relevant as they once were, either in the form of commercial offers or in the form of totally disorganized and spontaneous practice of sports. It is important that the cities also allow for individual sports and physical activity. This can help residents improve health and also the cohesion between people who might not otherwise meet each other. At the same time, a city and the residential area must be experienced attractive enough for a healthy and natural exchange with the surroundings and that different people want to visit, live and settle there. Urban development is crucial for communities—both the large community at the urban level and the closer

**3.1. Sustainability and social responsibility (a socially sustainable city)**

#### **3. Innovative sustainable cities and urban policy**

A sustainable framework for urban policy should not only focus on the future but also have a strong contemporary focus, as it will quickly become impractical in everyday life. The vision for a new framework for sustainable urban policy can, therefore, deal with methods that make sustainable solutions an attractive and beneficial alternative for all. Sustainable solutions are intended to be based on Dane's daily needs. For example, we are not necessarily exclusively cycling because it is environmentally friendly and healthy, but perhaps because it is easy, fast, cheap and accessible. This principle can be transferred to sustainable urban development. Everyday life cannot be more cumbersome by a sustainable change, so it is likely that the broad favorite anchorage will be left out. In many occasions, we used several new terms in sustainable city field. There have been confusions in the use of some terms such as climate smart, sustainable development, carbon-neutral and not least of all the environmental classifications of goods and services which appear at regular intervals. It is not surprising if different actors may feel uncertain about what actually makes the greatest benefit for the environment. Initially, it may be useful to define the concept of sustainable development, because it has had such a significant impact on sustainable urban development becoming a political and even commercial focus area. In the literature, there are many different definitions of what sustainable development is. A brief description is to maintain a positive social change process [7]. Thus, it is the whole society to participate in a process in which the aim is that people's needs must be satisfied, without spending too much on the Earth's resources. However, it is necessary to recognize the limits, conversion and the real meaning of sustainable cities, where the conversion to sustainable cities is therefore both an individual and collective project that can support the city's communities. It requires shared ownership for all, and in the process of initiation, it is important that the city's users get involved in the thinking of the solutions. The government's sustainable urban policy is primarily about social and biophilic theory. In cities that are growing rapidly, poverty also increases. The problem with the cities is that it is difficult to develop infrastructure and services in line with population growth. This means that the living conditions and environment deteriorate for lots of people. Many of the developing countries will continue to grow rapidly. But all cities do not grow, and growth in many megacities (with more than 10 million inhabitants) has slowed down in recent decades, for example, in Latin America's largest cities. The same applies to many Asian cities, such as Calcutta, India. Most of the largest cities are in a handful of states: China, India, Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Egypt and Pakistan. In more than 50 nations, there is no city that has reached half a million inhabitants. Third World cities, including some of the largest, are not very populous if counting people per hectare [5]. There will be water shortages, environmental degradation, traffic congestion, slums, crime and abuse. Urbanization also has a positive side, partly because it is strongly linked to economic growth. A sense of social and biophilic city can also have a positive effect on growth and employment as well as the framework for the good life.

#### **3.1. Sustainability and social responsibility (a socially sustainable city)**

of Iceland, Reykjavik and those in Vancouver, Canada, consume energy supplied almost exclusively from renewable sources. Vancouver is somewhat blessed geographically—with mountains, rivers, oceans and valleys—but the citizens have always tried to help them and make the most of what nature has provided [6]. Considering the complexity of the challenges, there is a need for an overall urban policy framework for how they are addressed and the potentials being exploited. Thinking of social conditions, environment and economy together improve the likelihood of implementing coherent solutions. Sustainable settlements must be economically viable while incorporating climate adaptation, energy and resource efficiency, environment, architectural quality and social security. Economy and the environment can thus generate added value when combined with overall considerations. Urbanization can contribute to a more sustainable society, including linking different city functions into urban development strategies. For example, proximity to public transport can reduce resource and energy consumption when planning accommodation, jobs and shopping opportunities so that busses, trains, walking and cycling are preferred. World cities occupy only 4% of the land area, yet they are home to more than half the world's population. Since 2009, the number of inhabitants in these cities has increased by 7.6%. The development of sustainable cities is one of the most significant global challenges right now. The cities face a large number of social, environmental and economic problems that require conversion. As population flow brings new demands to physical structures, to residents and the management of cities, the need arises for thinking across professions and sectors. This conversion can be done through public-private partnerships where administrations and companies benefit from each other's expertise and experience. Today, each year, humanity uses energy equivalent of only a few thousands of a percent of the solar energy that reaches the Earth's surface at the same time.

6 Sustainable Cities - Authenticity, Ambition and Dream

The types of energy used are just over 90% fossil fuels, according to some analysts.

A sustainable framework for urban policy should not only focus on the future but also have a strong contemporary focus, as it will quickly become impractical in everyday life. The vision for a new framework for sustainable urban policy can, therefore, deal with methods that make sustainable solutions an attractive and beneficial alternative for all. Sustainable solutions are intended to be based on Dane's daily needs. For example, we are not necessarily exclusively cycling because it is environmentally friendly and healthy, but perhaps because it is easy, fast, cheap and accessible. This principle can be transferred to sustainable urban development. Everyday life cannot be more cumbersome by a sustainable change, so it is likely that the broad favorite anchorage will be left out. In many occasions, we used several new terms in sustainable city field. There have been confusions in the use of some terms such as climate smart, sustainable development, carbon-neutral and not least of all the environmental classifications of goods and services which appear at regular intervals. It is not surprising if different actors may feel uncertain about what actually makes the greatest benefit for the environment. Initially, it may be useful to define the concept of sustainable development, because it has had such a significant impact on sustainable urban development becoming a political and even commercial focus area. In the literature, there are many different definitions of what

**3. Innovative sustainable cities and urban policy**

Social sustainability revolves around the human factor as a prerequisite for a sustainable city and a sustainable society. The government's sustainability strategy thus denotes the notion that everyone should participate in the social development and have equal opportunities, regardless of the background. A focused and sustained social sustainability work helps to ensure diversity, democracy and equality in cities. A sustainable city is socially linked to the fact that there are democratic spaces where people can meet regardless of social, economic and cultural backgrounds and provide opportunities for deployment and accessibility for all the citizens of the city. When a city has many offers for both everyday life and special occasions, it becomes more vibrant and attractive—this can also help to increase the quality of life for urban citizens. A socially sustainable city also opens the possibility for citizens' health to be supported in the form of urban spaces designed for physical activity and intercourse. The population's living patterns have also changed. Now, we live in the age of individualism. More and more people spend periods in their adult lives where they live alone. This affects the demand for housing and transport. At the same time, old-day collective solutions are no longer as relevant as they once were, either in the form of commercial offers or in the form of totally disorganized and spontaneous practice of sports. It is important that the cities also allow for individual sports and physical activity. This can help residents improve health and also the cohesion between people who might not otherwise meet each other. At the same time, a city and the residential area must be experienced attractive enough for a healthy and natural exchange with the surroundings and that different people want to visit, live and settle there. Urban development is crucial for communities—both the large community at the urban level and the closer communities around the residential areas. An essential element of social sustainability is that there is a varied range of housing types—types of homes, sizes, location and different prices, including a housing that gives everyone, regardless of financial ability, the opportunity to have a reasonable framework for everyday life. The socially sustainable city also ensures that people with social problems get the necessary support to maintain the housing.

energy and resource consumption. For example, energy consumption and congestion can be reduced by planning a compact urban development with good public transport, making it more attractive to choose public transport, bicycle and corridors. The consequences of climate change can be felt even more clearly in the future—flooded basements and congested sewers are partly results of climate change in combination with the vast fortified areas that prevent rainwater from leaching into the soil. There is a need to think across and to reap the benefits of incorporating social elements and economics into, for example, climate adaptation initiatives. If climate change adaptation is combined with the city's space and life, new opportunities are opened to incorporate environmental solutions in the city. The climate problem is highly relevant for urban development. Reducing carbon emissions by using different policy measures is an important part, in addition to planning new districts in such a way that a changing climate does not provide any unwanted side effects. It is largely the lifestyle that determines whether we live healthy or not. Updating of knowledge about sustainability and climate change is necessary. The basis on which rules and technical specifications were based only 5–10 years ago must be adapted to match this new knowledge. Changes in business and the population's living patterns and the modern understanding of climate change cause all cities to face a series of challenges and opportunities. All cities must work towards greater sustainability. The cities are also different. It will be the challenges and thus the possibilities as well. Today, it is possible to open the ports and islands of the cities to the benefits and enjoyment of the greatest possible extent. The transformation requires careful consideration to make a sensible balance between the many interests of housing, leisure, business and port

Introductory Chapter: Overview of Sustainable Cities, Theory and Practices

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9

activities. Otherwise, one kind of shutdown can be quickly replaced by another.

Climate change and overweight are major threats to health. A major and growing environmental problem being discussed much is climate change. Scientific evidence has shown that the levels of greenhouse gases have increased in the atmosphere and that human fossil fuel combustion has increased the emissions of these gases [8]. This in turn leads to an increase of the annual average temperature on the Earth, which can contribute to droughts, floods and other serious problems against human survival around the world. A city can become a healthier city if it is obvious to go to combat the negative act of climate change, if the city is clean and air quality is good, if the use of hazardous substances both outdoors and indoors can be avoided and if, at the same time, it is easy to find quiet areas where there are green areas and where we can rest, cycle or go for a walk. Increased density must be combined with green, blue and healthy living; however, successfully combining these poses a challenge. This applies to the planning of the cities, town's buildings and to the technical solutions for transport, water, energy and waste. The cities are different—the solutions become different. The starting points for meeting the challenges are not the same. The size, location and possibilities of the towns are different. The same are planning traditions and attitudes. The solutions should suit local conditions. Therefore, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and most researchers consider it important that research methods continue to develop, which can safely measure these changes, improve the climate models and disseminate the information available to decision makers, so that they can make decisions regarding climate-adapted and

*3.2.1. Environment and climate change*

The general sector helps to ensure socially sustainable cities that support social and economic balance. In a broad sense, the legitimate resident democracy can be part of a sustainability concept. It is important to ensure social diversity in general housing so that citizens with economic, social or integration challenges are not concentrated in particular areas or neighborhoods. For a number of years, efforts have been made to ensure a better balance in the so-called vulnerable residential areas where such imbalance is a reality. In addition to social efforts, a socially sustainable city is being pursued by building new attractive general housing on a smaller scale and in neighborhoods with mixed ownership and housing forms, which are physically integrated in the surrounding city. This should help to ensure a better social balance in the residential areas, thus avoiding further segregation and division. The office often functions as a gathering place for homeless people, addicts and people with mental difficulties. Social sustainability means creating the necessary framework in the city for vulnerable groups: both in the urban area itself or the form of homes for those groups. The socially sustainable city prevents the exclusion of the city's communities and ensures that the basis for social action for vulnerable citizens is present. Relationships between the physical and social environment are central to social sustainability. Citizens' involvement in the development of cities is essential for social sustainability, involving city citizens and residents in promoting shared ownership and sense of responsibility, which the municipalities are working extensively in connection with area renewal. Citizens' involvement is also practiced in many other contexts, such as center planes, port plans or other. It is therefore necessary to continue developing methods of inclusion, including in terms of activating and engaging citizens who might not otherwise be involved—including using digital engagement platforms. Citizen involvement should always take place on the citizen's grounds irrespective of cultural, economic and social circumstances.

#### **3.2. An environmentally sustainable city (biophilic city) and climate change phenomenon**

A logically interpretation of a Biophilic model in sustainable cities is oriented to maintain a clean environment, access to nature and climate change management, resource shortages and pollution, which requires the conversion of our cities and homes. This applies, for example, to promoting sustainable modes of transport, reducing energy consumption in buildings, establishing new forms of energy supply and other ways of managing resource streams. A large number of environmental problems and challenges are concentrated in the cities, and at the same time, the solutions must be found. Urban development, housing enrichment and construction will aim at a wide range of solutions that together will be the green and blue city, where pollution and effects thereof are minimized and where nature and water are incorporated into urban solutions and become more visible in the cityscape than today. The cities have a great potential to develop and implement innovative solutions and to reduce energy and resource consumption. For example, energy consumption and congestion can be reduced by planning a compact urban development with good public transport, making it more attractive to choose public transport, bicycle and corridors. The consequences of climate change can be felt even more clearly in the future—flooded basements and congested sewers are partly results of climate change in combination with the vast fortified areas that prevent rainwater from leaching into the soil. There is a need to think across and to reap the benefits of incorporating social elements and economics into, for example, climate adaptation initiatives. If climate change adaptation is combined with the city's space and life, new opportunities are opened to incorporate environmental solutions in the city. The climate problem is highly relevant for urban development. Reducing carbon emissions by using different policy measures is an important part, in addition to planning new districts in such a way that a changing climate does not provide any unwanted side effects. It is largely the lifestyle that determines whether we live healthy or not. Updating of knowledge about sustainability and climate change is necessary. The basis on which rules and technical specifications were based only 5–10 years ago must be adapted to match this new knowledge. Changes in business and the population's living patterns and the modern understanding of climate change cause all cities to face a series of challenges and opportunities. All cities must work towards greater sustainability. The cities are also different. It will be the challenges and thus the possibilities as well. Today, it is possible to open the ports and islands of the cities to the benefits and enjoyment of the greatest possible extent. The transformation requires careful consideration to make a sensible balance between the many interests of housing, leisure, business and port activities. Otherwise, one kind of shutdown can be quickly replaced by another.

#### *3.2.1. Environment and climate change*

communities around the residential areas. An essential element of social sustainability is that there is a varied range of housing types—types of homes, sizes, location and different prices, including a housing that gives everyone, regardless of financial ability, the opportunity to have a reasonable framework for everyday life. The socially sustainable city also ensures that people

The general sector helps to ensure socially sustainable cities that support social and economic balance. In a broad sense, the legitimate resident democracy can be part of a sustainability concept. It is important to ensure social diversity in general housing so that citizens with economic, social or integration challenges are not concentrated in particular areas or neighborhoods. For a number of years, efforts have been made to ensure a better balance in the so-called vulnerable residential areas where such imbalance is a reality. In addition to social efforts, a socially sustainable city is being pursued by building new attractive general housing on a smaller scale and in neighborhoods with mixed ownership and housing forms, which are physically integrated in the surrounding city. This should help to ensure a better social balance in the residential areas, thus avoiding further segregation and division. The office often functions as a gathering place for homeless people, addicts and people with mental difficulties. Social sustainability means creating the necessary framework in the city for vulnerable groups: both in the urban area itself or the form of homes for those groups. The socially sustainable city prevents the exclusion of the city's communities and ensures that the basis for social action for vulnerable citizens is present. Relationships between the physical and social environment are central to social sustainability. Citizens' involvement in the development of cities is essential for social sustainability, involving city citizens and residents in promoting shared ownership and sense of responsibility, which the municipalities are working extensively in connection with area renewal. Citizens' involvement is also practiced in many other contexts, such as center planes, port plans or other. It is therefore necessary to continue developing methods of inclusion, including in terms of activating and engaging citizens who might not otherwise be involved—including using digital engagement platforms. Citizen involvement should always take place on the citizen's grounds irrespective

with social problems get the necessary support to maintain the housing.

8 Sustainable Cities - Authenticity, Ambition and Dream

of cultural, economic and social circumstances.

**phenomenon**

**3.2. An environmentally sustainable city (biophilic city) and climate change** 

A logically interpretation of a Biophilic model in sustainable cities is oriented to maintain a clean environment, access to nature and climate change management, resource shortages and pollution, which requires the conversion of our cities and homes. This applies, for example, to promoting sustainable modes of transport, reducing energy consumption in buildings, establishing new forms of energy supply and other ways of managing resource streams. A large number of environmental problems and challenges are concentrated in the cities, and at the same time, the solutions must be found. Urban development, housing enrichment and construction will aim at a wide range of solutions that together will be the green and blue city, where pollution and effects thereof are minimized and where nature and water are incorporated into urban solutions and become more visible in the cityscape than today. The cities have a great potential to develop and implement innovative solutions and to reduce Climate change and overweight are major threats to health. A major and growing environmental problem being discussed much is climate change. Scientific evidence has shown that the levels of greenhouse gases have increased in the atmosphere and that human fossil fuel combustion has increased the emissions of these gases [8]. This in turn leads to an increase of the annual average temperature on the Earth, which can contribute to droughts, floods and other serious problems against human survival around the world. A city can become a healthier city if it is obvious to go to combat the negative act of climate change, if the city is clean and air quality is good, if the use of hazardous substances both outdoors and indoors can be avoided and if, at the same time, it is easy to find quiet areas where there are green areas and where we can rest, cycle or go for a walk. Increased density must be combined with green, blue and healthy living; however, successfully combining these poses a challenge. This applies to the planning of the cities, town's buildings and to the technical solutions for transport, water, energy and waste. The cities are different—the solutions become different. The starting points for meeting the challenges are not the same. The size, location and possibilities of the towns are different. The same are planning traditions and attitudes. The solutions should suit local conditions. Therefore, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and most researchers consider it important that research methods continue to develop, which can safely measure these changes, improve the climate models and disseminate the information available to decision makers, so that they can make decisions regarding climate-adapted and risk-reducing measures [8]. Gardens, parks, green boreholes, forest and nature give the city quality. People are happier, less ill and less stressed when they can watch and move in the green. The green is the city's lungs, creates fresh air and provides shade and space for animal and plant life. Ample green city areas mean lower temperatures in the summer in the cities. The green provides opportunities for relaxation, to keep track of the season's shift and for play and movement [9]. We must think blue water is important quality in the city. Lakes, streams, canals, fjords and seas provide experiences and activities. The city will help ensure clean and abundant groundwater. Climate change means more water from above. It provides opportunities for more planned wetlands in the city. Our way of building a city is developing in a way where the energy consumption of cities is far greater than in the closer cities. We must return to the closer cities, thus creating less distance between the city's functions. Bike and public transport will be better alternatives to the car. It also offers better opportunities for collective solutions in other areas. It creates greater intensity and peace of mind, more life and more space for diversity. Therefore, we should think in greater density, no matter how large or small a city or district is. Higher density should not have negative consequences. Light, air and health are a natural part of the modern, sustainable city. The same are effective solutions for energy, water and waste. The "technology" must be alright—also in the city's buildings, where it is important to avoid dangerous substances affecting the environment and a health risk to humans. Climate change must be utilized positively. We should not only think close but also green and healthy. The EU countries' carbon dioxide emissions have fallen in all sectors in the first half of 1990s, except for one: the transport sector. But it is not from road traffic, as carbon dioxide has increased the most, but from air traffic, although flying still account for a lion share of total emissions from traffic. In total, EU countries' carbon dioxide emissions fell by almost 3% during this period. The decrease is partly due to the recession and the decrease in energy consumption in Germany when the DDR joined the Federal Republic. In addition, the British began using more natural gas and less coal [10]. Lack of water, polluted rivers, poorly functioning drainage systems or none at all have been so bad in many of the world's growing metropolitan areas.

Spain. Freshwater resources in the Third World are believed to be a central issue in international cooperation in the twenty-first century. Conflicts around water can be difficult to handle. It may be relevant to export water from countries with abundant supplies [11, 12]. The traditional way of managing water and sewage in the big cities is to get water further and further away and expand the pipelines. Then, the wastewater is pumped far away from the city. Mexico City is an example. Due to the over-extraction of groundwater, the city has fallen and had problems with flooding [11]. However, it is not certain that our Western system to manage water and sanitation is the best. It is in its place outdated with spent infrastructure,

Introductory Chapter: Overview of Sustainable Cities, Theory and Practices

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.82632

11

The cities are essential to the world economy. They are growth centers in a globalized economy, bringing economic development to the hinterland. The potential of the cities for attracting foreign tourists can also contribute to creating economic sustainability. The long-term development of cities must therefore also take into account tourism, which significantly contributes to growth and employment. Measures to ensure the economic stability of disadvantaged areas must also exploit endogenous economic forces within those areas. In this context, the labor market and economic policies specifically designed to meet the needs of disadvantaged areas will be the right instruments. The aim is to create and secure jobs and facilitate the creation of new businesses. In particular, opportunities to access the local labor market need to be improved by providing training that is tailored to market requirements. Also, in the context of the ethnic economy (generated by cultural diversity), employment and training opportunities need to be used to a greater extent. The European Union, Member States and cities are called upon to create better conditions and instruments for strengthening local economies and, at the same time, local labor markets, in particular by promoting social economy and by providing quality services to their citizens. It is useful in working with the concept of sustainability to understand and work with economics in a broader perspective that crosses social and green sustainability, as social and green sustainability costs play a role. By establishing a life-cycle perspective, you look at prices for both establishments, operation and settlements. For example, it is about how a better environment addresses the costs of cleaning or maintenance or how socially well-functioning urban areas give rise to fewer costs for repair, oversight and so on. If municipal politicians continuously focus on thinking public and private investments together, they can support each other and create added value in the investments. That way, high-quality service can be delivered in the most cost-effective way. In a long-term economic focus that embraces social and environmental factors, there are often much more significant gains to be anticipated for the benefit of both business and society in general. In other words, there may be growth and jobs in social and green sustainability as well as an export potential in sustainable urban solutions.

For a future arrangement of sustainable cities, the new urban agenda, adopted in Quito (Ecuador) on October 17, 2016, complements the 17 sustainable development goals assumed

expensive and not adapted to today's needs and climate change.

**3.3. An economically sustainable city**

**4. Recommendation**


It shows a recent report from the World Nature Fund [11].

A couple of 100 million city residents lack access to a nearby source of safe drinking water. Chronic water shortages affect many more including rural residents. Approximately 50 countries of the world have too little water or are on the verge of a water shortage. In many countries, water shortages are already acute, such as in North Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia [12].

Several European countries are also approaching a situation where clean water is insufficient. This applies to countries such as Poland, Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, Denmark and Spain. Freshwater resources in the Third World are believed to be a central issue in international cooperation in the twenty-first century. Conflicts around water can be difficult to handle. It may be relevant to export water from countries with abundant supplies [11, 12]. The traditional way of managing water and sewage in the big cities is to get water further and further away and expand the pipelines. Then, the wastewater is pumped far away from the city. Mexico City is an example. Due to the over-extraction of groundwater, the city has fallen and had problems with flooding [11]. However, it is not certain that our Western system to manage water and sanitation is the best. It is in its place outdated with spent infrastructure, expensive and not adapted to today's needs and climate change.

#### **3.3. An economically sustainable city**

risk-reducing measures [8]. Gardens, parks, green boreholes, forest and nature give the city quality. People are happier, less ill and less stressed when they can watch and move in the green. The green is the city's lungs, creates fresh air and provides shade and space for animal and plant life. Ample green city areas mean lower temperatures in the summer in the cities. The green provides opportunities for relaxation, to keep track of the season's shift and for play and movement [9]. We must think blue water is important quality in the city. Lakes, streams, canals, fjords and seas provide experiences and activities. The city will help ensure clean and abundant groundwater. Climate change means more water from above. It provides opportunities for more planned wetlands in the city. Our way of building a city is developing in a way where the energy consumption of cities is far greater than in the closer cities. We must return to the closer cities, thus creating less distance between the city's functions. Bike and public transport will be better alternatives to the car. It also offers better opportunities for collective solutions in other areas. It creates greater intensity and peace of mind, more life and more space for diversity. Therefore, we should think in greater density, no matter how large or small a city or district is. Higher density should not have negative consequences. Light, air and health are a natural part of the modern, sustainable city. The same are effective solutions for energy, water and waste. The "technology" must be alright—also in the city's buildings, where it is important to avoid dangerous substances affecting the environment and a health risk to humans. Climate change must be utilized positively. We should not only think close but also green and healthy. The EU countries' carbon dioxide emissions have fallen in all sectors in the first half of 1990s, except for one: the transport sector. But it is not from road traffic, as carbon dioxide has increased the most, but from air traffic, although flying still account for a lion share of total emissions from traffic. In total, EU countries' carbon dioxide emissions fell by almost 3% during this period. The decrease is partly due to the recession and the decrease in energy consumption in Germany when the DDR joined the Federal Republic. In addition, the British began using more natural gas and less coal [10]. Lack of water, polluted rivers, poorly functioning drainage systems or

none at all have been so bad in many of the world's growing metropolitan areas.

• In Karachi, southern Pakistan, 30,000 people die annually of polluted water.

More than 100 thousand residences are infected from polluted water.

It shows a recent report from the World Nature Fund [11].

• In Basra, southern Iraq, more than 4 million residences used frequently polluted water.

A couple of 100 million city residents lack access to a nearby source of safe drinking water. Chronic water shortages affect many more including rural residents. Approximately 50 countries of the world have too little water or are on the verge of a water shortage. In many countries, water shortages are already acute, such as in North Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia [12]. Several European countries are also approaching a situation where clean water is insufficient. This applies to countries such as Poland, Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, Denmark and

• Shanghai faces threatening water shortage and saltwater penetrates the Yangtze River.

• The rivers of Buenos Aires are clean sewers.

10 Sustainable Cities - Authenticity, Ambition and Dream

The cities are essential to the world economy. They are growth centers in a globalized economy, bringing economic development to the hinterland. The potential of the cities for attracting foreign tourists can also contribute to creating economic sustainability. The long-term development of cities must therefore also take into account tourism, which significantly contributes to growth and employment. Measures to ensure the economic stability of disadvantaged areas must also exploit endogenous economic forces within those areas. In this context, the labor market and economic policies specifically designed to meet the needs of disadvantaged areas will be the right instruments. The aim is to create and secure jobs and facilitate the creation of new businesses. In particular, opportunities to access the local labor market need to be improved by providing training that is tailored to market requirements. Also, in the context of the ethnic economy (generated by cultural diversity), employment and training opportunities need to be used to a greater extent. The European Union, Member States and cities are called upon to create better conditions and instruments for strengthening local economies and, at the same time, local labor markets, in particular by promoting social economy and by providing quality services to their citizens. It is useful in working with the concept of sustainability to understand and work with economics in a broader perspective that crosses social and green sustainability, as social and green sustainability costs play a role. By establishing a life-cycle perspective, you look at prices for both establishments, operation and settlements. For example, it is about how a better environment addresses the costs of cleaning or maintenance or how socially well-functioning urban areas give rise to fewer costs for repair, oversight and so on. If municipal politicians continuously focus on thinking public and private investments together, they can support each other and create added value in the investments. That way, high-quality service can be delivered in the most cost-effective way. In a long-term economic focus that embraces social and environmental factors, there are often much more significant gains to be anticipated for the benefit of both business and society in general. In other words, there may be growth and jobs in social and green sustainability as well as an export potential in sustainable urban solutions.
