The term sustainability is broadly used to indicate programs, initiatives and actions aimed at the preservation of a particular resource. Sustainability is made up of three pillars: the economy, society, and the environment. In the search for a sustainable development pathway, the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development published in 1987 Our Common Future, also known as the Brundtland Report. It is considered the starting point of the global discourse on sustainability and defines sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
The aim of sustainable urban planning has emerged and spawned numerous urban settlement theories, including the “Healthy City”, “Sustainable City”, “Low-Carbon City”, “Transit-Oriented City”, “Compact City”, “Smart City”, “Green City”, and “Livable City”. Urban development should be guided by a sustainable planning and management vision that promotes interconnected green space, a multi-modal transportation system, and mixed-use development. Diverse public and private partnerships should be used to create sustainable and liveable communities that protect historic, cultural, and environmental resources.
Indian cities are urbanizing at an unprecedented scale and pace. Over the next few decades, India’s urban population is expected to increase significantly, from 377 million in 2011 to 590 million by 2030. This urban sprawl has created a sense of urgency to improve the quality of life in our cities now for the benefit of future generations.
In addition, policymakers, regulators and developers should support sustainable site planning and construction techniques that reduce pollution and create a balance between built and natural systems. New sustainable urban developments or re-developments should provide a variety of commercial, institutional, educational uses as well as housing styles, sizes and prices. The provision of sidewalks, trails, and private streets, connected to transit stops and an interconnected street network within these mixed-use developments provides mobility options and helps reduce pollution by reducing vehicle trips. Walking, bicycling, and other mobility options should be encouraged throughout the urban mixed-use core and mixed-use neighborhoods with easily accessed and well-defined centers and edges.
Sustainable urban planning involves many disciplines, including architecture, engineering, biology, environmental science, materials science, law, transportation, technology, economic development, accounting and finance, and government, among others. This kind of planning also develops innovative and practical approaches to land use and its impact on natural resources. New sustainable solutions for urban planning problems can include green buildings and housing, mixed-use developments, walkability, greenways and open spaces, alternative energy sources such as solar and wind, and transportation options. Good sustainable land use planning helps improve the welfare of people and their communities, shaping their urban areas and neighborhoods into healthier, more efficient spaces.