International Ecocity Framework and Standards

INTERNATIONAL ECOCITY FRAMEWORK AND STANDARDS

An initiative of Ecocity Builders and the International Ecocity Advisory Committee

Ecocity Builders 339 15th Street, Suite 208 Oakland California, USA 94612 http://www.ecocitybuilders.org Supporters: The Helen and William Mazer Foundation, Columbia Foundation, [email protected] Novatek, HealthBridge Canada 1-510-452-9522

Introduction

Why is creating ecological cities important? restore biodiversity and return the climate to concerted attempt to develop international It is widely acknowledged that urbanization dynamic stability — becoming net positive standards to address the fundamentals of presents one of the most urgent challenges contributors to nature as well as to human ecocity development and the urban of the 21st century. The majority of the culture. The ecocity approach to sustainable condition from both a local and global, world’s population now lives in cities. As development seeks to maximize the whole systems perspective.i To understand they are currently built and operated, these possibility that cities can sustainably meet a cities in their wholeness and full potential is centers are a growing drain on the earth’s majority of their needs from the natural a perspective that can be served powerfully living systems and are the major source of capital of their own bioregions. by International Ecocity Standards. greenhouse gases and other urban conditions impacting climate change. Cities, The first wave of ecocity-like initiatives Towards this goal, the International Ecocity towns and villages must act swiftly and emerged in the wake of the United Nations Framework and Standards (IEFS) initiative, decisively to become more energy and ‘Earth Summit’ held in Rio de Janerio in launched in February 2010, is currently resource efficient, more self-reliant in 1992 following the launch of the sustainable under development by United Nations- meeting their needs, less polluting and development program ‘Agenda 21’. accredited nonprofit Ecocity Builders and an increasingly sustainable if we are to create international committee of expert advisors. conditions for a healthy and enduring Today, “ecocity” projects have effectively human civilization on Earth. gone mainstream, with dozens of cities The IEFS seeks to provide an innovative around the world currently developing vision for an ecologically-restorative human To date, the negative impacts of cities on integrated urban planning and management civilization as well as a practical the environment have been profound. Cities programs that address social and ecological methodology for assessing and guiding the can and must be re-designed to build soils, health. However, there has yet to be a achievement of such vision through the lens of the Ecocity. This work is predicated on over thirty years of research and concept development by ecocity thought leaders and practitioners from around the world.

THE ECOCITY FRAMEWORK

Designed for a wide range of users, the food, responsibly managed resources and Informed and guided by the Ecocity Ecocity Framework charts a city’s steps materials, healthy soil, and clean and Framework, cities and citizens can move forward — from existing conditions to available water), 3 ecological imperatives toward greater urban ecosystem health and "threshold" Ecocity status and beyond. The (healthy biodiversity, carrying capacity, and sustainability by working at various levels Framework helps people see how their city ecological integrity) and 5 socio-cultural from neighborhood to region — developing is doing on a range of important measures, dimensions for a healthy population (healthy ecocity zoning and redevelopment plans to charted from “unhealthy” through multiple culture, community capacity, lifelong reshape cities towards greater energy and levels of “greener city,” “Ecocity”, and the education, healthy and sustainable land efficient mixed-use centers, designing whole earth level, “Gaia”. economy and well-being). Since all neighborhoods for improved form and measures are important, a city will only function, creating specific action plans, or The Ecocity Framework includes 1 primary reach Ecocity status when it achieves an grappling with city, regional or country-wide ecocity urban design feature (access by “Ecocity” or higher designation in all programs that address broader policy and proximity), 6 bio-geo-physical conditions of categories. structural (i.e. educational, economic) a healthy urban system (clean air, clean and impediments to creating Ecocities. renewable energy, nutritious and available

IEFS DEVELOPMENT

IEFS development was launched in certification process; and 5. outreach and is in harmony socially and biophysically with Vancouver Canada in 2010 as an iterative feedback solicitation. its surrounding region and globally. If all process of gradual refinement. A Core human settlements were to meet such Committee is steering the development of 1. Principles standards, humanity would have achieved the Framework based on input from a group an environmentally sustainable and of international advisers. The draft Ecocity The IEFS advisors have created an early restorative, socially and environmentally Framework will be refined at workshops at draft of ecocity principles. Currently this list just, culturally fulfilling human presence on the Montreal Ecocity Summit in August is used as a sounding board for the Earth. of 2011 and feedback from that event in development of the standards. The list will addition to the results from the Early Partner be refined over time to encapsulate the For most human settlements, attainment of Cities Program will assist the Core ethos of IEFS. Draft principle topics include: the highest-level status will be a significant Committee in its goal of finalizing the beta whole system design, resiliency and self- challenge requiring major cultural and social version of the framework for official launch reliance, interdependence, diversity and changes. It may take several decades to in 2012. adaptability, efficiency and access, equity, fully achieve the highest level. We will know nonviolence, and limits to growth. when we are at Gaia or “whole earth” level We expect that the IEFS will be useful for a of attainment when cities are in fact building wide range of users, including local 2. Standards and levels of attainment soils, restoring natural biodiversity and government and regional agencies, larger contributing to dynamic climate stability by organizations such as the United Nations, The IEFS effort is aimed at providing attaining more greenhouse gas absorption and entities in charge of development tools for assessing the level of Ecocity than production, not just mitigating damage strategies including transportation, land use, development of current human or adapting to a deteriorating condition. housing, watershed management, settlements and a clear path for agriculture, resource management, and reshaping them towards deeper and other regional development goals. more comprehensive levels of health and sustainability. The IEFS is designed to be an iterative process and is composed of the following Like other systems, IEFS proposes various elements: 1. principles; 2. standards and levels of attainment. The highest level, levels of attainment; 3. definitions; 4. (Gaia or “whole earth”) describes a city that

3 The mid levels of attainment provide a practical guide to a gradual transition to the top level. Lower level evaluations will provide sensible and direct guidance for urban design and policies starting out on the path towards more comprehensive ecocity strategic planning and development. The IEFS is currently focusing on “Ecocity 1” conditions and corresponding threshold indicators that will define the ecological city and set the threshold for what an ecocity is and is not based on systems science and ecocity urban design principles.

The IEFS is committed to harmonizing IEFS standards with all other efforts that are aligned with its values and theoretical framework, and will seek to incorporate the best of what is already under development by other organizations and initiatives. Once developed, we intend to make IEFS available as broadly as possible.

3. Definitions – Systems Hierarchy

The IEFS platform adopts a systems point of view: not only is the built environment one of the elements of that system, but so also are the humans living there, the other species sharing the same bioregion, the resources and assimilative capacity of the region, as well as human agency through lifestyle choices, work and investments. The development of the IEFS as an integrated sustainability framework reflects a whole systems approach to the visioning, design, and planning of the Ecocity in relationship to its Ecological Metropolis, Bio-Region, and Ecocity Network.

replaces in its bioregion. It seeks to function Eco-Region or Bio-Region: An Ecological without producing more waste than it can Metropolis occupies a portion of an even assimilate or recycle for new uses or than larger area, the Bio-Region or Eco-Region, nature can dilute and absorb harmlessly, and which surrounds clusters of cities, towns and without being toxic to itself or neighboring villages and their close-in open agricultural ecosystems. Its inhabitants’ ecological and natural environments and is impacts reflect planetary fundamental characterized by a relatively consistent principles of fairness, justice, reasonable climate and population of species, often equity and consensus at ample levels of bordered by mountain ridges and/or or edges happiness.ii of water bodies.

Ecological Metropolis: An Ecological Ecocity Network: A typical Ecocity functions Metropolis, or "Ecopolis" is a cluster of Eco- within an Ecocity Network -- a regional and/or Ecocity Systems Hierarchy – Terms: cities, towns and villages with open spaces global urban super system within which between, which include waterways from large Ecocity development is an adaptive process Ecocity: An Ecocity is a human settlement to very small streams, natural environments that supports the cultivation of localized urban modeled on the self-sustaining resilient and agricultural and forest lands immediately strategies to best promote and advance the structure and function of natural ecosystems. adjacent, connected by public transit and mechanism, institution, technology and The Ecocity seeks to provide healthy bike-ped greenways. culture for global sustainability according to abundance to its inhabitants without ecological, economic and cultural principles. consuming more renewable resources than it

Ecocity Urban Design Features: Various ecocity design features are entering into the mix as more and more cities begin exploring approaches to attain conditions of energy conservation, restored biodiversity, and pedestrian access to the offerings of the city. The existence of these helpful built precedents begins to form a guide that quickens the understanding and pace of change in ecocity directions.

Such features include but are not limited to: • accessible rooftop and terrace gardens, shops and other facilities • attached solar greenhouses and green walls, • car-free areas and streets, features for high pedestrian permeability • small blocks or mid-block pedestrian alleys, sky-lit hallways and gallerias, • bridges linking buildings above ground level, • plazas with natural features like creeks or with views celebrating nature, • linkages of rail, bicycle and foot paths

4. Certification Process with interested and committed partners since Once a city has made the decision to accept we launched the project in 2010. the invitation to join the IEFS Early Partner The IEFS will establish levels of Ecocity City Program, we will send the Partner City an certification at scales from the neighborhood While cities clearly differ from each other, they online survey to help us assess the availability to the region that chart a course towards also share basic conditions and requirements, of information to evaluate current conditions in increased urban sustainability in a manner e.g., we all need clean air to breathe, clean the Partner City as they pertain to the Ecocity that is synergistic with other living species and water to drink, healthy soil in which to grow Framework. We will be looking for information natural systems. We are developing a food, renewable resources to build with, on data sources, availability of data and type classification of urban elements (UE) and a education, employment and a chance at a of data, quantitative measures, plus policy classification of areas under various levels of happy and productive life. documents and strategic plans and other governance and are planning to provide IEFS qualitative information that might be available. certification for district/ward (UE1), city (G1), To ensure that IEFS certification is relevant to county/sub province (G2) and metropolitan the many types of human settlements around An Ecocity Profile will be created for each area (G3) with our initial focus on G1 (city the world and their individual needs, we are Early Partner City. The profile will describe the level governance area). inviting Early Partner Cities from different city’s unique situation based on their geographical and social contexts to join us in geographical and social dimensions and Levels of certification will allow for a our efforts to build an effective and flexible current conditions that pertain to the Ecocity manageable progression from a city, town or Framework. Framework. Partner City Profiles will be village’s current situation to Ecocity accessible to each Early Partner City and the conditions. In particular, Early Partner Cities will vary participation of Early Partner Cities will be along the following dimensions: highlighted in IEFS materials and 5. Outreach and Feedback Solicitation – Early presentations. Partner Cities • Population • Density At each step of the process, the IEFS will • Latitude continue to solicit feedback from key • Climate stakeholder groups, cities, experts, and • Ethnic diversity interested parties. To date, we have received • Primary economic driver feedback through targeted workshops and • National (or city) ecological footprint symposiums, online surveys, in person • Wealth distribution interviews, and many ongoing conversations • Remoteness

ECOCITY 1 CONDITIONS A city meeting the following conditions will have achieved “ecocity” status.

ECOCITY URBAN DESIGN FEATURE CLEAN AND RENEWABLE ENERGY ECOCITY SOCIO-CULTURAL FEATURES ACCESS BY PROXIMITY The city's energy needs are provided for, and extracted, The city provides the majority of its residents with generated and consumed, without significant negative HEALTHY CULTURE walkable access from housing to basic urban services. It impact to ecosystems or to short- or long-term human The city facilitates cultural activities that strengthen eco- also provides walking and transit access to close-by health and do not exacerbate climate change. Energy literacy, patterns of human knowledge and creative employment options. consumed is primarily generated within the local expression, and develop symbolic thought and social bioregion. learning.

ECOCITY BIO-GEO-PHYSICAL COMMUNITY CAPACITY BUILDING CONDITIONS HEALTHY AND ACCESSIBLE FOOD Nutritious food is accessible and affordable to all The city supports full and equitable community residents and is grown, manufactured and distributed by participation in decision making processes and provides CLEAN AIR processes which maintain the healthy function of the legal, physical and organizational support for The city maintains a level of air quality that is conducive ecosystems and do not exacerbate climate change. neighborhoods, community organizations, institutions to good health within buildings, the city’s air shed, and Food consumed is primarily grown within the local and agencies to enhance their capacities. the atmosphere. bioregion.

HEALTHY AND EQUITABLE ECONOMY HEALTHY SOIL The city's economy consistently favors economic Soils within the city and soils associated with the city's ECOLOGICAL IMPERATIVES activities that reduce harm and positively benefit the economy, function and operations meet their ranges of environment and human health and support a high level healthy ecosystem functions as appropriate to their HEALTHY BIODIVERSITY of local and equitable employment options that are types and environments; fertility is maintained or The city sustains the biodiversity of local, bioregional integrated into the ecocity's proximity based layout and improved. and global ecosystems including species diversity, policy framework – the foundation for “green jobs” and ecosystem diversity and genetic diversity; it restores “ecological development.” CLEAN AND SAFE WATER natural habitat and biodiversity by its policy and physical All residents are ensured access to clean, safe, actions. LIFELONG EDUCATION affordable water; the city’s water sources, waterways All residents have access to lifelong education including and water bodies are healthy and function without EARTH’S CARRYING CAPACITY access to information about the city’s history of place, negative impact to ecosystems. Water consumed is The city keeps its demand on ecosystems within the culture, ecology, and tradition provided through formal primarily sourced from within the bioregion. limits of the Earth’s bio-capacity, converting resources and informal education, vocational training and other restoratively and supporting regional ecological integrity. social institutions. RESPONSIBLE RESOURCES/MATERIALS The city's non-food and non-energy renewable and non- ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY WELL BEING – QUALITY OF LIFE renewable resources are sourced, allocated, managed The city maintains essential linkages within and Citizens report strong satisfaction with quality of life and recycled responsibly and equitably, and without between ecosystems and provides contiguous habitat indicators including employment; the built, natural and adversely affecting human health or the resilience of areas and ecological corridors throughout the city. landscaped environment; physical and mental health; ecosystems. Resources/Materials are primarily sourced education; safety; recreation and leisure time; and social from within the bioregion. belonging.

ECOCITY STANDARDS AND INDICATORS METHODOLOGY

“Ecocity 1” (highlighted in bright green in the Framework) will set the threshold “ecocity” measure for each feature, imperative or condition. The percentage by which a city performs below or above Ecocity 1 (the ecocity threshold) will determine where it falls within the Framework continuum (e.g. “unhealthy”, “greener city” or “ecocity” to “Gaia”) for each feature, imperative or condition. For example, a city might have attained “Ecocity 2” for Biodiversity and “Greener City 1” for Food.

Since the Framework’s features, imperatives and conditions describe multiple measures, (e.g. Air Quality includes measures of indoor air quality, outdoor air quality, city air-shed health, green house gasses, and respiratory health) a Composite Indicator (CI)iii will be developed for each.

Indicators will be selected according to their reliability and relevance. In some cases, the use of proxy variables will need to be considered if data are not available.

A STEP–WISE PROCESS OF ENGAGEMENT

Alongside the Framework and Indicators, support and guidance within a network of the IEFS is developing a voluntary step- other cities also embarking upon the wise process of engagement to assist cities process. and citizens on the path towards ecocity development. This process, existing If a city can provide evidence to evaluate its independently and in parallel to the IEFS status as it pertains to the Ecoctiy certification process, is available to cities Framework’s 15 ecocity conditions, it can wanting additional guidance and support in assess where it overlays on the framework IEFS “Experts Consultation” Vancouver, 2009 developing a customized action plan that continuum. From there, the city can create will help them accelerate the transition to its own plan for working towards increasing Developers, environmental nonprofits, think greater ecological and social sustainability. ecocity performance, drawing from existing tanks, educational institutions and plans and methods, or creating new community groups can use the IEFS step- The IEFS step-wise process of engagement programs and partnerships to help it move wise process for developing and evaluating is not a requirement for ecocity certification. forward. proposals and seeking development It is recommended however as a means to approvals. Community-based, advocacy, accelerate progress towards ecocity If the city cannot provide documentation or and watchdog organizations can use the conditions for cities seeking additional equivalent information regarding the process to weigh in on development Framework’s conditions and does not proposals and plans and political processes. currently have a preferred plan or method of engagement, the city can follow the IEFS Ultimately the IEFS step-wise process step-wise process that will help the city should be useful for any individual, address existing circumstances and provide organization, city or partnership looking to an evaluation and a recommended set of build awareness around complex issues actions to start moving along the path within the nexus of humanity, nature, and toward “ecocity” conditions. the built environment.

Ecocity Builders meets with Nepali team members in Kirtipur, Nepal

LOCAL RESILIENCY – GLOBAL COOPERATION

As impacts from global climate change and One well-known early innovator is Curitiba, related environmental and social pressures Brazil. In the 1970s, under the leadership of increase, cities need to develop strategies then Mayor Jaime Lerner, Curitiba to increase resiliency. Cities that can meet implemented a master plan that transformed most of their needs from their local the city and positioned it as a world leader bioregions will have a greater chance at in ecocity innovation and creative solutions. long-term health in the face of outside pressures from climate change, political Unable to afford a metro system, the city instability and other situations. designed a city-wide integrated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) program that operated in Freiburg, Germany – residential solar energy There are many cities around the world partnership with private bus companies, a already working on ecocity-like projects and move that saved the Curitiba millions and Another example of a city working towards actions plans. Some cities have well- effectively got people out of cars and onto greater ecological health is Freiburg established track records of early innovation mass transit. Germany. In 1986, Freiburg adopted a and success, and have been instrumental in master plan that locked in a firm urban helping other cities learn from their Major land use programs were initiated to growth boundary and created conditions for experiences. relocate squatters from dangerous flood rapid adoption of sustainable technologies,

prone areas into affordable housing and job in particular solar energy, energy efficiency training programs. The former squatter policies and programs, and highly effective camps were transformed into parks and mass transit systems. Since adopting the green spaces for the public’s enjoyment. A plan, Frieburg has dramatically reduced its large car free area was created in the city CO2 emissions, increased public transit use center. Residents embraced these and by 100 percent and enabled 35 percent of other changes, and today the city is well residents to give up car ownership known as a place for other cities to visit to completely.iv learn about creative pathways to sustainable innovation and social justice.

Curitiba, Brazil, 4th International Ecocity Conference, 2000

Charter’v that set the city on a course towards increased sustainability, affordability and livability. The city has gone on to adopt related actions plans and initiatives, including the recent “Greenest City 2020” initiative whereby the city is setting out to become the “greenest” city in the world by 2020. Embracing higher Vancouver, Canada – new high density density development and creating Kathmandu, Nepal residential/mixed use conditions for comfortable “in-city” living are local government and regional institutions some of Vancouver’s hallmarks. have been working with nonprofit Ecocity

Other cities have started the transformation Builders to develop a “Living City”viiplan for It is important to point out that ecocity towards greater sustainability more recently the Kathmandu Valley based on the development is not intended or meant solely but are setting ambitious goals and making International Living Future Institute’s “Living for well-developed or wealthier cities. In progress. One such example is the city of Building Challenge” imperatives.viii fact, cities closer to a pre industrial condition Vancouver, Canada. Building upon earlier are ideal candidates for ecological foundations for more ecologically sensitive Through this plan and other similar development that “leapfrogs” 20th century land use and transportation planning, in initiatives, Kathmandu is looking to adopt energy and land-hogging “hard path”vi 2008 Vancouver adopted an ‘EcoDensity new and appropriate technologies which development practices and place smaller "soft path" solutions in the straightaway adopts greener hands of communities--solar, wind, and cleaner technologies and geothermal, micro-hydro and biomass are strategies. just a few of the innovations that can scale

to changing needs. The challenge for this For example, Nepalese city and those like it is to develop strategies NGOs, neighborhood for local self-reliance while improving social organizations, businesses, and cultural conditions.

Cities and ecosystems are systemically interrelated

CONCLUSION

Humanity is running up against the limits of What is needed is an a finite planet. We are experiencing rapid integrated systemic approach global climate destabilization and the and strategy that prioritizes endangerment of entire ecosystems. These actions, coordinates efforts life-threatening global environmental and condenses it all into a problems demand a restructuring of cities, single framework. towns, and villages worldwide for long-term energy efficiency and conservation. Next steps for the IEFS include the further The International Ecocity Framework and development and refinement Standards initiative is seeking to support of the beta version of the and amplify all efforts towards greater standards, further ecological and social health. We want to development of the step-wise unite people around a way of living on the process of engagement, and planet that provides the best possible cities testing the IEFS in a variety of Photo credit: Q. T. Luong for people to live in while enhancing, not cities through the Early Partner Cities destroying, the biosphere. program.

The ecocity approach does not depend on We will be presenting our work to date at inventing new technology, finding new the upcoming Ecocity World Summit 2011ix To request more information about the sources of money, or coming up with new in Montreal Canada in August, where we IEFS, please contact Ecocity Builders’ theories. A better way is already within our will solicit further input and feedback from Executive Director and IEFS Lead reach. We already have many examples of the workshop participants. We will also be Facilitator Kirstin Miller at successful implementation of Ecocity showcasing the IEFS at the upcoming [email protected] or visit principles around the world. Gaining Ground Summitx in Vancouver, BC, http://www.ecocitybuilders.org/what-we- Canada, in October 2011. do/ecocity-standards/

IEFS CORE ADVISORS

To date, the IEFS is being shaped by a diverse group including representatives, employees and associates of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Manchester, British Columbia Institute of Technology, University of British Columbia, University of California at Berkeley, University of Montreal, Simon Fraser University, McGill University, Tribhuvan University, The Ecological Society of China, Ecocity Builders, Urban Ecology Montreal, The One Earth Initiative, HealthBridge, Urban Resource Systems, Novatek, The Helen and William Mazer Foundation, Ecopolis Architects, and Wayne State University.

Core Committee • Jennie Moore, British Columbia Institute of Technology, School of Construction and the Environment • Kirstin Miller, Executive Director, Ecocity Builders, Lead Facilitator, IEFS • Richard Register, President, Ecocity Builders, Oakland, CA Paul Downton, Ecopolis Architects, Adelaide, Australia • William Rees, Professor, School of Community and Regional • Planning, University of British Columbia (UBC) • Charlene Easton, M.E.S., Advisor, Sustainability, C Easton and Associates • Rusong Wang, President, Ecological Society of China, Bejing, China Vanessa Timmer, Co-founder and Director, One Earth Initiative • Ray Tomalty, Principal, Smart Cities Research Service & Adjunct • Professor, School of Urban Planning, McGill University, Montreal, • Debra Efroymson, HealthBridge, Dhaka, Bangladesh Canada • Sudarshan Tiwari, Architect and City Historian, Kathmandu, Nepal Isabel Wade, Ph.D., Urban Resource Systems • Marco Vangelisti, Ecocity Builders, Slow Money Alliance • • Richard Smith, Wayne State University

Expert Advisors include: • Mathis Wackernagel, President, Global Footprint Network, Oakland, • Sudarshan Raj Tiwari, Professor, Department of Urban Planning, California, USA Institute of Engineering, Tribhuwan University, Lalitpur, Nepal • Bill McKibben, 350.org • Ian Douglas, Emeritus Professor, School of Environment and • Peter Gleick, President, Pacific Institute, Member, U.S. National Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, England, Academy of Sciences, MacArthur Fellow President, Society for Human Ecology • Janet Larsen, Director of Research, Earth Policy Institute, • Jeffrey Heller, FAIA, President, Heller Manus Architects, San Washington, DC, USA Francisco, CA, US • Warren Karlenzig, President, Common Current & Strategic Advisor, the Institute for Strategic Resilience, Shanghai-San Francisco, San Francisco Bay Area, USA

END NOTES i Annissa Alusi, Robert G. Eccles, Amy C. Edmondson, and Tiona Zuzul. “Sustainable Cities: Oxymoron or the Shape of the Future?” Harvard Business School. March 20, 2011 ii Working definition adopted by Ecocity Builders and the International Ecocity Standards advisory team, 2/20/10, Vancouver, Canada. iii OECD and JRC European Commission, “Handbook on Constructing Composite Indicators”, Methodology and User Guide”. 2008. iv Simon Joss. “Eco-Cities — A Global Survey 2009” University of Westminster, 2010. www.westminster.ac.uk/ecocities v City of Vancouver. “EcoDensity – Vancouver Ecodensity Charter” Adopted June 10, 2008. www.vancouver.ca/commsvcs/ecocity/ vi Amory Lovins. “Energy Strategy: The Road Not Taken”, Foreign Affairs. October 1976. vii Ecocity Builders: www.ecocitybuilders.org/nepal viii International Living Future Institute: http://ilbi.org ix Ecocity World Summit 2011: http://www.ecocity2011.com x Gaining Ground Summitt: http://www.gaininggroundsummit.com