Lands 2030
BIA KLIMA 2.0

Rethinking the communities of the future from the sustainability angle:

–Energy sustainability, both as regards cost and consumption. Using renewable energies, along with designing nearly zero energy buildings, are here to stay. Do current regulations in this field help to implement those goals? What are the prerequisites to improve the quality of the built space while at the same time addressing this demand for sustainability? Can we take initial stock of the outcome of the use of NextGenerationEU Recovery and Resilience Facility?

Planning at neighbourhood level is ideal to create models for zero-emission and inclusive urban development which takes the realities of the cities into account. In fact, neighbourhoods are sufficiently large to include different components of the city, but also small enough to establish large ambitions, centralise investment, trial new policies and commit to local communities to co-design solutions adapted to their needs and priorities, including housing options, by supporting the local economy, expanding green areas, and re-imagining streets and public spaces.

–Social sustainability, in terms of fostering a responsible consumption culture, respecting the environment, and cooperation between individuals. How can all stages of life be mainstreamed within mutual care and inclusive communities?

The goal would be to research how to ‘re-neighbour’ the existing areas into sustainable living environments of the future. Better understanding the neighbourhood dynamics, including the way that people live alone and together, how to create prosperous communities for everyone and how to foster local culture and qualities.

Greater understanding of the role of neighbourhoods in the current urban structure would therefore be essential; along with analysing the neighbourhoods that work well and how they are decisive for citizen conduct, social relations and the feeling of belonging. Those positive effects on people and communities are essential for the wellbeing of society.

To what extent do the existing neighbourhoods achieve those positive social effects? How and for whom?

–Territorial sustainability, in terms of which resources effectively reach all geographical spheres and the impact of the rolling out of renewable energies on the landscape and caring for ecosystems. What should the approach be to rural areas and urban sprawl from the perspective of social, environmental, economic and energy sustainability? What is the impact of rolling out renewable energies in terms of protecting the landscape and biodiversity (large-scale solar parks, wind farms…)? How can a ‘good practice’ path be established for the sustainable management of the rural world to quality and healthy landscapes?