Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
sustainable ecotechnical systems, which requires converting their largely
linear resource throughput into circular resource flows. EE, resource produc-
tivity, and urban and industrial ecology are key terms in this context [78].
2.5 Roles of Stakeholders in Planning for EE
2.5.1 Legislations and Laws Addressing Environmental Issues
In order to achieve more energy-efficient cities, where development is sus-
tainable and environmentally responsive, laws and legislations should play
a vital role. In 2000, the city of Barcelona introduced its mandatory 'solar
ordinance'. All new housing, offices, restaurants, and public buildings have
to install solar hot water systems if they use substantial amounts of hot water.
Old buildings also have to be fitted with solar hot water systems when they
are refurbished. Around the Mediterranean, use of solar hot water systems
has become commonplace. In Japan, about 10% of all dwellings have their
own solar hot water systems [81].
In German cities, solar PV panels are becoming commonplace, despite
the country's relatively cloudy skies. This is primarily due to the German
government's 'feed-in' legislation, which has fixed subsidies and favourable
tariffs for owners of PV roofs. They used to be paid about 50 cents/kWh
for selling their electricity back to the electricity grid, which is about four
times the price paid to conventional electricity generators. The policy has
led to a massive growth in demand for solar PV technology across the
country. Similar policies have been introduced in Austria, France and
S pa i n [81].
2.5.2 Governance
Better governance is a vital step towards better cities. With so many areas
crying out for investment in better infrastructure, it is not surprising that
funding emerges as a big issue for many stakeholders in a study survey
done on megacities.* However, for those involved in city management, it is
improvements to governance—rather than just money—that are the top
*
A unique global research project undertaken by two independent research organisations,
GlobeScan and MRC McLean Hazel, with the support of Siemens, the infrastructure provider.
The goal of the project was to carry out research at the individual megacity level to gather
objective data as well as perspectives from mayors, city administrators and other experts
on local infrastructure challenges. The findings are based on an in-depth survey of over
500 megacity stakeholders, including elected officials, public- and private-sector employees,
and influencers such as academics, NGOs and media. This survey was supplemented with
extensive secondary research, to enable the team to shed light on the key challenges faced by
global cities at various stages of development.
