ARCH9080: Urban Ecology, Design and Planning
Assignment 2 Resources: Context, Framework, & Action Plan
STUDENT ID: 500629091
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION
Urban Ecology
Urban Heat Island Effect
2. PLANNING CONTEXT
Innovation Precinct Metropolis of Three Cities
Collaboration Area: Camperdown– Ultimo Place Strategy
Strengths
Weakness
Aims
Objectives
Sustainable Sydney 2030
3. SITE
ANALYSIS
SWOT Analysis
4. PLANNING & DESIGN FRAMEWORK
Urban Heat Island Effect
How Do Urban Heat Islands Form?
Need to mitigate Urban Heat Island Effect.
Strategies to Mitigate the Urban Heat Island Effect
5.
Vision
SUSTAINABLE ACTION PLAN
Increase in Urban Vegetation
Reduce Carbon Emission
Improve Health and Well-being
Major Problems Addressed
Implementation and Monitoring
6. CONCLUSION
SUMMARY
This report aims to address and enhance urban ecology outcomes of the CamperdownUltimo Collaboration area which is an innovation precinct. The report studies the strategic planning context of the precinct as a whole. A smaller site within the precinct is chosen to develop a action plan that will address an ecological theme to enhance the precincts ecological and sustainability performance. Urban Heat Island effect was the ecological Theme that was focused on in this Sustainability action plan. Visions, goals and targets are listed down to achieve lower temperatures for the site.. Also implementation and monitoring strategies are suggested as successful ways to achieve these targets and keep them maintained.
Fig. 01. Overview of the Camperdown-Ultimo Collaboration Precinct
1. INTRODUCTION
More than 75% of the population of Australia lives in major cities and is one of the most Urbanized countries in the world. The trend has moved towards people living in cities since around a century. The environment around us and urban ecosystems are a part of the community and affect the health well-being and economic sustainability. A rise in urbanization leads to ecological decline and threatens the environment and in turn the community. (Davies, Corkery, Nipperess, 2017)
There is a continuous growth in the urban population, leading to a growth in the rate of development. There are three major districts in NSW’s that are growing vertically- Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle. The growth is taking place through infill development, high density towers and with expansions at the urban edge with new subdivisions. Sydney is expecting to accommodate 1.6 million people by 2034. Cities are highly modified environments and represent a coupled human and natural system, and ecological impacts, such as increase in urban heat, reduction in Biodiversity in cities, infections in natural water systems and deterioration of the health and well-being of the citizens in the city. It is thus necessary to learn to deal with these impacts and reduce their effects on the urban environments and learn and deal with Urban Ecology. (Davies, Corkery, Nipperess, 2017)
Urban Ecology
Urban Ecology ‘Integrates the theory and methods of both natural and social sciences to study the patterns and processes of urban ecosystems’ (Grimm et al., 2008a, p. 756). Urban ecosystems are a combination of natural, built and socioeconomic systems. They are conceptual and physical spaces for dynamic interactions between these different systems.. “Urban ecosystems are places where people live in high densities, or where built infrastructure covers much of the land” (Pickett et al., 2001). Urban ecology is is an understanding of how dense areas affect and influence sparsely dense areas. (Pickett et al., 2001). McPhearsons defines Urban ecology as a multidisciplinary field that provides many tools for advancing the potential of sustainability and resilience in cities (2016). There are different conceptual ways in which urban ecology can be approached and they reflect numerous overlapping ways in which it can be understood (McPhearson et al., 2016). Thus, Urban ecology is tough to define. Urban ecology focuses on design of the surrounding environment and amenities for people in urban areas, and on reducing the impacts of the environment on urban regions when related to planning and urban design (Pickett et al., 2011). The term urban ecology does not have a global consensus (Pickett et al., 2008; Wu, 2014; McPhearson et al., 2016).
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Definitions include: ‘the scientific study of the processes determining the abundance and distribution of organisms, of the interactions between organisms, of the interactions between organisms and the environment, and of the flows of energy and materials through ecosystems … within urban systems’ (Gaston, 2010); the ‘investigation of living organisms in relation to their environment in towns and cities’ (Sukopp, 2008, p. 373); and ‘the relationship between the spatial pattern of urbanization and ecological processes’ (Luck & Wu, 2002).
It is necessary to understand urban ecology and link the knowledge with urban planning, policy and decisions regarding management to benefit all species, including humans in urban areas (Parris, 2016).
There is a growing interest in Australia as well as world wide for the greening of cities to promote urban biodiversity and ecosystem services. Quite a few green cities focus on amenities, and aesthetically pleasing landscapes as compared to ecologically sensitive functions. Through the integration of nature in cities, residents can be provided with ecosystem services that help with climate control locally, reduce pollution, pest control, pollination and an overall improvement in their health and well being. (Tzoulas et al., 2007; Taylor & Hochuli, 2015) (Davies, Corkery, Nipperess, 2017)
This report aims to address and enhance urban ecology outcomes of the CamperdownUltimo Collaboration area which is an innovation precinct. The report studies the strategic planning context of the precinct as a whole. A smaller site within the precinct is chosen to develop a action plan that will address an ecological themes to enhance the precincts ecological and sustainability performance. Within this report the following theme is addressed.
Urban Heat Island Effect
“Urban heat island effect” occurs when Natural areas in cities are replaced with grey areas such as pavements, buildings, and other hard surfaces that can absorb heat. This has a side effect on increase in energy costs (air conditioning) and air pollution levels as well as illnesses related to heat that can lead to mortality (United States Environmental Action Plan 2021).
Due to heat island effect urban areas experience higher temperatures than areas surrounding it. Hard surfaces such as buildings and roads absorb the suns heat and re-emit it more as compared to natural landscapes like meadows, forests, and water bodies. Areas where there is a higher concentration of structures with few spaces of greenery leads to heat islands with higher temperatures. During the day temperatures in urban areas are higher by 1-7°F while in the night-time they are 2-5°F higher (United States Environmental Action Plan 2021).
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Climate change is creating a risk for the well-being of the society, environment, economy and infrastructure, there is a need to be resilient and adapt to the changing climate. Climate change needs to be treated as an emergency worldwide (City of Sydney 2020). The landscape of Sydney has changed a great deal since the time of the Gadigal of the Eora Nation cared for and were the only occupants of the land. They sustained these lands. Now the land is occupied by industrial, commercial and residential land use which has been the cause for reduction and modification in the number of natural features, vegetation and water bodies (City of Sydney 2020).
Sydney is predicted to experience hotter days with an increase of 2.1°C by 2070. The hottest days will become hotter and last longer. Due to this there is bound to be an increase in bush fire risk that will contribute to air pollution, rise in sea level. The city will also continue to experience variable rainfall with wet and dry spells. Long term management is required to manage these trends and plan for them (City of Sydney 2020). There is a critical need to protect and increase green cover to restore biodiversity, and let species thrive in their habitat. Increase in green cover also helps with improving air and water quality, reduce heat and improve health and well being of communities. It adds to the statement the city makes, and overall makes the city look appealing and welcoming.
There are many examples across Australia of local governments implementing strategies aimed at increasing the uptake of green infrastructure and incorporating urban ecology into planning and management, such as through urban forest, open space, and biodiversity strategies. Capital city councils across Australia, including the City of Sydney.
2. PLANNING CONTEXT
Innovation Precinct
New Innovation precincts are emerging as new technologies emerge and transform existing industries. This innovation is helped through collaboration, by sharing knowledge infrastructure and services. This has led to a creation of hubs and clusters and lead to innovation precincts. (Barilaro,2018). Camperdown– Ultimo is an innovation precinct as well.
A metropolis of three cities has identified the Camperdown–Ultimo as a Collaboration Area. The actions and priorities outlined in the Collaboration Area Camperdown– Ultimo Place Strategy are in addition to those in A Metropolis of Three Cities and Eastern City District Plan. The NSW Government policies and the current legislation actions apply to all projects and precincts. The Camperdown place strategy identifies steps that need to be taken to get its plan to reality. (Greater Sydney Commission 2019)
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Metropolis of Three Cities
A Metropolis of Three Cities conveys the unique geography, urban fabric, and growth ressures that need to be focused on so the region achieves the full potential. A Metropolis of Three Cities consists of objectives that will align infrastructure and growth and accordingly realign economic activity and access to all three cities:
• Eastern Harbour City – building on its economic strength and establish the city’s liveability and sustainability standard
• Central River City – prepare to invest in various infrastructure and services to improve amenities in the city.
• Western Parkland City – establish a management plan to develop the emerging new city.
The Camperdown–Ultimo Collaboration Area sits within the Eastern Harbour City plan. The Eastern Harbour city is the global financial capital for Australia with the Harbour CBD as its metropolitan centre. It is very accessible by a rail network and is serviced and established well, it has a large job and office market. The Eastern Harbour City aims to grow its business relations, attract skilled workers and make commuting faster by increasing the rail projects. “The Sydney Metro Northwest links Rouse Hill to Chatswood, Sydney Metro City & Southwest connects Chatswood to SydenhamBankstown” Sydney Metro West will give a provision of faster and frequent trips to and from greater parramatta. The CBD and Light Rail connects the Harbour CBD to the Randwick precinct (Greater Sydney Commission 2018).
Collaboration Area: Camperdown– Ultimo Place Strategy
The Camperdown ultimo collaboration area goes across from Camperdown to ultimo and includes Darlington and Eveleigh with most of Haymarket, as well as small parts of Glebe, Forest Lodge, Redfern, Newtown, and Surry Hills. (Greater Sydney Commission 2019).
The precinct has evolved and includes a mix of activities, this creates a innovation eco system with health and education systems supporting it. The precinct includes major Institutes like Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, TAFE NSW, University of Notre Dame, University of Sydney and University of Technology Sydney. (Greater Sydney Commission 2019). The area thus adds value for students, researchers and practitioners making it a place for co-creation, convergence and disruption, a place for sharing ideas (Atkinson 2019).
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The Collaboration Area is closing in to become a global city, it has been set up in an Urban environment and is close to the international airport, The harbour CBD, the darling harbour which is a tourism and entertainment area, with hotels and facilities for large conferences to take place. This give the innovation precinct a unique character within Australia. The collaboration area can facilitate sharing of knowledge across varied fields and reach great hights to reach its potential as an innovation precinct. (Greater Sydney Commission 2019)
Strengths
The precinct consists of three activity nodes – Haymarket, Camperdown, and Eveleigh, with three connecting axes – the Ultimo axis, Darlington axis and Surry Hills axis. It consists of different industry sectors like hospitals, universities, research institutes as well as start-ups that strengthen the area’s economy. Major assets include the heavy and light rail systems. The area also includes green spaces Victoria Park, Prince Alfred Park , Belmore Park, Camperdown Park, Camperdown Memorial Rest Park, Mary Ann Street Park, McKee Street Reserve, Peace Park, Hollis Park and Green Bans Park. These green spaces create an opportunity to integrate with Sydney’s green grid and increase tree cover as the connectors (Greater Sydney Commission 2019).
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Fig. 02. Strengths of Camperdown-Ultimo Collaboration Precinct, Source: Sathiyanarayanan, Sejpal 2021
Weaknesses
Each of the nodes have a varied character that needs better connections to unify and strengthen them. In the above map there are several heat spots across the collaboration area (Urban Heat Island Effect). There is a lack of public transport systems between Haymarket and Camperdown, as well as roads with high level of traffic volume and a lot of congestion on these roads. The Ultimo axis has heavy vehicular traffic and lack of amenities for pedestrian and cycle movement. Whereas the Darlington axis has a lack of connectivity between Camperdown and Eveleigh. There is also a lack of accommodation for students and key creative workers who require affordable housing. There is a limited provision of open spaces and community facilities along with green cover as marked in the map below (Greater Sydney Commission 2019).
Aims (Greater Sydney Commission 2019)
The precinct has a few aims to improve liveability conditions for the community:
1. Connectivity: to integrate the collaboration area with things beyond its edges and improve local transport systems within the collaboration area.
2. Liveability: to provide affordable housing and places for healthier and culturally rich lives that are connected and welcoming to communities. Give a provision of good infrastructure to foster community relations.
3. Productivity: support the functioning of employment lands, and create a competitive health, research, education, and innovation space at an international scale.
4. Governance: establish a place first approach, that is collaborative.
5. Sustainability: Create a resilient area and provide open and public spaces of high quality that will link to the Greater Sydney Green Grid.
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Fig. 03. Weaknesses of Camperdown- Ultimo Collaboration Precinct, Source: Sathiyanarayanan, Sejpal 2021
Objectives
There are priorities and objects listed down in the strategic plan of metropolis of three cities, the Camperdown Ultimo Collaboration strategic plan adapts objectives from the metropolis of three cities that will in many ways help to reduce the urban heat island affect for the area:
Objective 30 (The metropolis of Three cities):
Increase in Urban tree canopy cover. Urban tree cover provide shade and help in reduction of temperatures, it will reduce the heat island effect as well. Urban heat island effect is mainly due to increase in hard and dark surfaces, or man-made infrastructure, like roads and roofs and cause an increase in temperature around them. Increase in tree canopy also leads to improvement of air quality, waterways, and health. A 10% increase in the tree canopy along streets will contribute to the public domain and make walking and cycling more appealing to the people. It will also lead to the increase in property values (Greater Sydney Commission 2018)
Objective 32 (The metropolis of Three cities):
The Green Grid links parks, open spaces, bushland and walking and cycling paths, a network of green areas, which are of high quality including local parks and playgrounds. It will connect public transport centres and spaces of green infrastructure- including footpaths, cycleways, waterways, streets and other transport routes. This will lead to keeping the region cooler, make the lifestyle of the communities healthier by providing better places for cycling/walking and support ecological resilience (Greater Sydney Commission 2018).
Objective 38 (The metropolis of Three cities):
Extreme heat waves have a huge impact on human health. They are a cause for many deaths in Australia. People who work outside including children and senior citizens are vulnerable to the extreme heat. Increase in heat increases the use of air conditioners and puts pressure on infrastructure, contributing to greenhouse gasses and air quality. Heat island effect can be reduced by use of cooler building materials lighter coloured roofs and paving. Also the increase of tree cover and urban vegetation will provide shading as well as reduce the ambient temperature.
Priority 9 in the Camperdown–Ultimo Place Strategy is adapted from A Metropolis of Three Cities and the Eastern City District Plan
Priority 9 aims to enhance open and public spaces that can integrate with the greater Sydney green grid. With an increase tree canopy cover and vegetation to encourage health and activity. The areas requiring an increase in tree cover include: “Broadway and Parramatta Road,City Road,Harris Street and the Powerhouse Precinct the Johnston’s Creek Green Grid cycling and pedestrian connection to Bicentennial Park.”(Greater Sydney Commission 2019).
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Sustainable Sydney 2030
There are other documents as well by the city of Sydney that are trying to achieve sustainable goals that will help improve livelihoods and mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Sustainable Sydney 2030 is a strategic plan that conveys the vision of the community with the commitment of the city for a sustainable and resilient city by 2030 and for the future generations (City of Sydney 2017).
Sustainable Sydney 2010 is a plan for a Green, Global and Connected city.
Green: Parks, gardens and trees add to the greening of the city, and will create a positive impact on the environment.
Global: Exchange of knowledge, links, partnerships and economic orientation at a global scale to create an open-minded attitude and outlook
Connected: Connecting people physically through pathways- walking cycling and public transport. Also connecting them virtually through an online network, providing them with a sense of belonging in the city (City of Sydney 2017).
Greenhouse gas emissions per person in Australia are one of the highest in the world. The city of Sydney has set a target to limit global warming to increase only by 1.5°C. thus it is necessary that there is an increase in the use of renewable energy to reduce emissions. Buildings need to keep pace and improve their performance to control carbon emissions. The city of Sydney is in constant danger of intense and extreme weather of heat waves, storms, and floods. Strategies to green the city will mitigate the urban heat island effect, improve ecological health of urban regions and increase the amount of biodiversity in a given area in turn improving the health and well being of citizens (City of Sydney 2017).
The following aims in Sustainable Sydney 2030 relate to the mitigation of the Urban Heat Island Effect:
Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
There is a need for improvement in energy efficiency, new as well as old buildings need to be efficient in reduction of greenhouse gasses. This will reduce the impacts on temperature and stop the increase in hot spots in the city (City of Sydney 2017).
Tree Canopy Cover
Canopy threes need to be planted where necessary- streets, public and private lands. Creating spaces for enjoyment by the community. Trees further benefit to reduce ambient temperatures and the effects of heat. The number of native plant and animal species will also increase (City of Sydney 2017).
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3. SITE ANALYSIS
Site chosen
The site chosen is one of the major hotspots within the collaboration precinct it lies on the north eastern part of Darlington. With a main arterial road- Cleveland Street above it, Regent Street on the right and Abercrombie street across it. There are railway lines running on the right from Redfern to central station. There aren’t any open space with green cover or natural vegetation nearby.
9 Degrees Celsius above Baseline
The sun path diagram shows that the sun moves from east to west from the North thus making the northern facades of buildings the most prone to heating. As shown in red that area is 9 degrees warmer than the base temperature making the site more vulnerable to heat. The heat vulnerability of the site is 4 and 5 it is the highest on the heat vulnerability index.
Fig. 04. Site Chosen, Source: Sejpal 2021
Fig. 05. Sun Path and Impact on Temperature, Source: Sejpal 2021
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The site has some major transportation networks around it that influences it to high level of emissions. The major roads, Cleaveland street, and Hudson street have high levels of vehicular movement that results in high level of emissions from cars and an increase in the Urban heat island effect. There is a lso a major traffic junction that increases this effect. The railway lines just next to the site add to this effect because of constant use and lesser amount o green cover or open spaces.
The site above has very less tree cover most of the site has less that 10% vegetation which causes an increase in the heat and rise in temperatures. There are also no open spaces on the site or soft ground cover surfaces. With more urban built up environment and lesser vegetation there is an increase in the Urban Heat Island effect. Only the plot on the south of the site has more vegetation. But due to decrease in vegetation around it there is a rise in temperature her as well
Fig. 06. Sun Path and Impact on Temperature, Source: Sejpal 2021
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Fig. 07. Vegetation Cover on site, Source: Sejpal 2021
The site has taller buildings towards the main road. Taller buildings lead to increase in the Urban Heat island effect because of more floors it has more energy loads. Because of structures around buildings are unable to reflect heat as well thus increasing heat of the surrounding environment specially during the night.
SWOT Analysis Strengths
The site is close to transport networks and is thus well connected to its surroundings
The site is part of the Sydney Green Grid Strategy plan. Weaknesses
There is less than 10% vegetation on majority of the site, there are no open spaces on the site and no natural or man made water features,This increases the temperatures Tall buildings on site also lead to risen temperatures because of the increase in building load in
terms of energy
Opportunities
The busy streets pose as a good opportunity to plant more trees. There is also a possibility to improve on the finishes on the existing building so as the decrease the indoor ambient temperatures.
Threats
The increased heat vulnerability along with increased temperatures are a threat and will affect the people. The high amount of vehicular movement along with the busy traffic junction is a threat as well.
Fig. 08. Height of Buildings Source: Sejpal 2021
Fig. 09. Cleaveland Street
Fig. 10. Reduced Vegetation on streets
Fig. 11. Ways to increase vegetation
Source for Images: Google Maps Street View
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Fig. 12. Car Parks Increasing temperatures
4. PLANNING & DESIGN FRAMEWORK
Urban Heat Island Effect
With urban development surfaces that were soft, permeable, and moist are turning into impermeable and dry surfaces. This development of infrastructure has led to urban heat islands and result in warmer temperatures as compared to their rural surroundings.
How Do Urban Heat Islands Form?
Reduced Vegetation in Urban Areas
Trees and vegetation provide shade and helps to reduce surface temperatures. Plants release water into the atmosphere and reduce ambient heat this process is called evapotranspiration. Urban areas consist of impervious surfaces like roads, sidewalks, roofs, and parking lots. With growth in urban areas vegetation is further reduced resulting in lesser shade and moisture that can keep urban areas cool. Hard, man made built up surfaces contribute to increase in air temperatures. (U.S. Environmental protection agency. 2008)
Properties of Urban Materials
There are different types of urban materials, they determine to what extent the suns energy is reflected, absorbed, and emitted. For example, darker surfaces have lower reflectance value of solar heat as compared to lighter surfaces. Built up materials in the urban setting have a lower albedo as compared to material in rural settings. Urban areas as a result absorb the suns heat more and reflect less. Absorbing of heat increases surrounding and surface temperatures causing urban heat.(U.S. Environmental protection agency. 2008)
Urban Geometry
Urban geometry refers to the dimensions, spacing and height of buildings and between buildings. In urban areas structures are often partially or fully obstructed by other neighbourhood structures, buildings and objects, reducing their ability to release heat back into space. During the night the air is warmer above urban centres. Narrow buildings lined by buildings on either side are called Urban Canyons. For canyons during the day, tall buildings provide shade on the streets and reduce surface heat, but when the sun does affect the heat gets absorbed by buildings as well, increasing temperatures. (U.S. Environmental protection agency. 2008)
Anthropogenic Heat
Anthropogenic heat refers to heat produced by activities of humans. This includes energy required for heating, cooling, running of appliances, and industrial process including transportation. With increase in Urban activity more heat is produced.
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Weather.
Clear skies as compared to cloudy skies cause an increase in temperatures because these conditions relate to more sunlight reaching the surface. Increasing the heat island effect. Strong winds and cloudy skies cause a decrease in temperatures.
Geographic location
Location, topography and climate play a major role in determining the Urban Heat Island effect. Large bodies of water for example keep temperatures under moderation and the winds created push the heat away from cities. (U.S. Environmental protection agency. 2008)
Need to mitigate Urban Heat Island Effect. Energy Consumption
Due to increase in temperatures there is n elevated need for cooling and adds pressure on the electricity grid. Offices and homes use increase the use of cooling systems, land appliances For increase every 1°F demand for electricity also increases by 1.5 to 2 percent. Annually 5-10 percent demand for electricity is used to compensate because of the Urban Heat Island.(U.S. Environmental protection agency. 2008)
Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases
Higher temperature increase demand for energy which in turn leads to more air pollution and increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Air pollution is a cause for many human health problems as well as complex air quality like acid rain, and also contributes to climate change at a global level. (U.S. Environmental protection agency. 2008)
Human Health and Comfort
Urban heat island leads to increase in temperatures during the day and reduced cooling at night and higher air pollution, affecting human health overall. It causes a general feeling of discomfort, respiratory problems, cramps due to heat and exhaustion, non-fatal heat strokes and mortality because of heat. Sensitive populations of people (Children and elders) with existing health issues are more vulnerable and at higher risk caused by heat waves.
Water Quality
Roof tops and pavements in urban areas have higher temperatures due the the Urban Heat island effect and this heat is transferred into the storm water runoff. This causes a rise in temperatures in ponds, streams, lakes and oceans, this affects aquatic life forms and their metabolism and reproduction.
Dues to these impacts it is necessary to find solutions to reduce the Urban Heat Island effect. There are a lot of strategies that are developed to reduce these impacts and cool down urban areas. (U.S. Environmental protection agency. 2008)
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Strategies to Mitigate the Urban Heat Island Effect.
Urban Vegetation
Brief: Shading, Evapotranspiration through vegetation makes surfaces cooler. A mixture of taller trees with shrubs and grass as seen in Hyde park (Sydney) make landscapes cooler more than built up areas. Well irrigated areas can get even cooler because of presence of moisture. Tree canopy can be increased by planting shade trees in footpaths, forecourts and street medians as well as increasing the number of parks.
Benefits:
Effective storm water management
Better air quality
Biodiversity, Reduces ambient temperatures, Indirectly saves energy
Improves urban aesthetics
Cool Surfaces
Brief: Materials tend to store heat in urban area. Materials that have higher reflective properties, more permeability and increased emittance are materials that can keep their surroundings cooler. For example, roof surface with a white coating benefit by radiating away up to 75% of solar energy. Australian cities are made up of 20% of roof surfaces. They are more exposed to sunlight and thus is necessary to use cooling materials for them.
Benefits:
Indoor thermal comfort,
Cooler indoor environments
Lower dependency on appliances
Increased outdoor thermal comfort
Higher urban air quality
Water
Brief:
When water evaporates form a paved surface this results in a decrease of air temperature. Increase in evaporative cooling using passive or active strategies helps in reducing temperatures. Mayor Muller Plaza (Germany) has water features that make it an attractive community space as the water uses the heat for evaporation benefiting the surroundings by lowering temperatures.
Benefits:
Absorb Ambient heat
Improves urban aesthetics
Increased outdoor thermal comfort
Higher urban air quality
Fig.13. Hyde Park Walkway, Source: D’cruz
Fig.14. Cool roofs, Source: Dezeen
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Fig.15. Mayor Muller Plaza source: Mai, POLA
Green Roofs
Brief: Green roofs help in removing heat from the air and to reduce temperature of the roof surface and surrounding air. This prevents heat from being transferred to the lower floor as well. For example in Camelview Village in United States, the roof is stepped and has different vegetation and provision for community spaces on the roof. The structure uses stormwater and prevents residents from effects of the dessert sun.
Benefits:
Effective storm water management
Better air quality
Reduces ambient temperatures, Indirectly saves energy
Improves health and comfort of users of the building
Green Walls
Brief: Living green walls are natural air-filters, creating a cleaner, improving the comfort levels of the indoor spaces of the building. Vertical landscaping can reduce building envelope surface temperatures between 5°C and 15°C. For example in One Central Park green walls are used as a strategy to reduce indoor temperatures.
Benefits:
Better air quality
Biodiversity, Reduces ambient temperatures, Indirectly saves energy
Improves health and comfort of users of the building
Increased outdoor thermal comfort
Improves urban aesthetics
Need for Strategies
The above strategies overall help to combat heat which is specifically needed for hotter climates and rising temperatures. A sustainable action plan is needed to fully understand these strategies and implement them as per the sites requirements. the major goals include:
Increase in Urban Vegetation
Reduce Carbon Emission
Improve Health and Well-being
Major Problems Addressed
Implementation and Monitoring
Fig.16. Camelview Village source: Timmerman 2009
Fig.17. One Central Park source: Fredericks 2014
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5. SUSTAINABLE ACTION PLAN
Vision: Cool, Healthy and Welcoming
This Sustainability Action Plan has a vision to create a cooler, healthier city. The focus of this plan is to regulate and control the Urban Heat island effect, with an aim to improve community awareness on a broader sense to participate in the planning, decision taking as well as working towards achieving a cooler neighbourhood. The site should be welcoming and a comfortable area for the community and all age groups to enjoy the spaces outside and not be tied down to spending their time indoors during the summer because of the weather.
To guide the vision and objectives for this action plan the following documents were referred to:
- Collaboration Area: Camperdown–Ultimo Place Strategy
- City Plan 2036: Local Strategic Planning StatemenT
- Sustainable Sydney 2030: Community strategic plan
- Greening Sydney Strategy
- Sydney Green Grid (Central District): Spatial Framework & Project Opportunities
- Guide to Urban Cooling Strategies
- Cooling Common Spaces in Densifying Urban Environments
- Comparative Analysis of Surface Urban Heat Island Effect in Central Sydney
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Fig.18. Vision of children play in the outdoors open spaces, Sources: Healthy Places by Design
Listed below are the actions that need to be taken to achieve the vision of cooler places by reducing the effects of Urban Heat and making it a place for the community and people to enjoy outside without putting any pressure on the energy systems.
1. Increase in Urban Vegetation
Target:
Target to reach 30–40 percent canopy cover for heat and community health. Reach a overall increase in green-cover of 40% by 2050 (City of Sydney 2021).
Action:
The site has a dire need to increase tree cover on this site, majority of the site has only 10% vegetation.
1. Increasing canopy cover:
Majority of the site is barren, Cleaveland street, Abercrombie street and Hudson streets pose as an opportunity to increase the street canopy cover on their footpaths, creating shaded walkways. These streets have high vehicular movement and thus vegetation is needed along these streets to cool down the area and reduce the heat emitted here.
2. Linking to the Sydney Green Grid:
There is an existing green grid proposed for the city of Sydney. This site is a part of the green grid but is currently not being utilised to its full potential. There isn’t enough tree canopy cover here, and must further be worked on to be integrated into the grid. Shading through trees on pavements can be added to make the spaces more usable and friendly during the harsh summers for the community and vulnerable population.
2. Reduce Carbon Emission
Target:
The target is a s Long Term Emissions Reduction Plan that states 70 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions based on 2006 levels will be achieved by 2030 and by 2050, it will turn into a zero emissions neighbourhood (City of Sydney 2017). Action:
There are a lot of tall buildings on the site which are above 16meters in height which increase the load, and increases the heat around these structures specially because urban materials tend to absorb more heat as compared to rural areas.
1. Building Strategies:
Buildings can adapt strategies to reduce the use of appliances thus reducing the emissions, strategies like green roofs, and green walls. These systems are beneficial for reducing the temperatures around the building as well as indoors. Green roofs can also act like community spaces for people to enjoy nature and the outdoors at a cooler temperature. There need to be regulations for new developments to incorporate these strategies.
2. Transportation:
It is necessary to promote public transport and promote walkability and cycling, This can be done by adding vegetation and shading by trees on the cycle paths and footpaths. Another way of absorbing carbon emissions is by increasing green cover along roads and railway lines, this green vegetation will absorb the emissions given out by cars etc. and improve temperatures all around through evapotranspiration.
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3. Reduce Energy Consumption
Target:
Aims to achieve zero energy and carbon-ready commercial and residential buildings in Australia. It is a key initiative to address Australia’s 40% energy productivity improvement target by 2030 (City of Sydney 2017).
Action:
Types of building materials can have a positive impact on teperatures inside buildings reducing the need to put pressure on the energy resources and reducing consumptions.
1. Building Material: The materials used on many of the buildings on site are built using materials that absorb heat like darker surfaces, steel facade envelopes, glass facades and roofs that absorb heat as well. Many of the buildings have northern facades that are exposed to maximum sunlight made up of materials that absorb a lot of heat. it is necessary to be thoughtful about the materials used that are cooling and reflective reducing the ambient temperatures within the structure and overcoming the dependency on air conditioners and other appliances.
2. Alternative Sources of Energy:
Use of renewable resources of energy like solar power, solar water heating will reduce pressure on the main producers of energy and reduce output of emissions. In the end reducing the affect of Urban Heat Island.
4. Improve Health and Well-being
Target:
The target is to reduce the number of deaths caused by heat stress, reduce illnesses that are caused by heat and pollution that usually lead to respiratory problems in the most vulnerable like children and elderly.
Action:
Due to severe rise in heat and a related increase in pollution people with health problems and the vulnerable face issues related to their health and the comfort of the people is affected with a rise in temperatures.
1. Community spaces:
Its necessary to provide green spaces for communities in the outdoors to relax and do activies and interact with one another. Since thevsite does not have many open spaces and is quite dense, rooftops and car parks can be used for these spaces.
2. Walkable streets
The streets and footpaths provided need to be pedestrian and cycle friendly with enough shade from trees making temperatures lower. Provide enough resting spots for the elderly and children.
3. Water features
Water features along walkways like water spray machines that instantly cool down temperatures and improve air quality.
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Major Problems Addressed
As seen in the actions above it is necessary to address the scorching hot streets that have no canopy cover as seen on Cleaveland street, Eveleigh street and Hudson street. It is also paramount to look at the building facades and reduce the use of darker materials on the north facade or materials that will absorb more heat making the conditions difficult and uncomfortable to be in. This increase in heat make the neighbourhood an unappealing place to live in. Thus reducing the need to use alliances and promoting outdoor activities is the first step that needs to be achieved by increasing green cover and, using renewable energy and the correct building strategies to combat the Heat Island Effect.
Implementation and Monitoring
The DCP or LEP which are one of the major documents made by the government for planning do not address the issues of the heat island effect, the DCP must include strategies and minimum requirements for neighbourhoods and buildings that will lead to decrease in temperature and an increase in green cover. Further more involvement at a community level will improve liveability conditions. The community living in this neigbourhoods will directly be able to address the issues and work together towards improving them. The stakeholders for the neighbourhood can include the local council planning authorities along with the cafe/ restaurant owners, and residents of the area that also include students, children and the elderly. It is imperative to address the issues at a human scale and then move up from there.
Fig.19. No Canopy cover on Cleaveland Street Source: GoogleEarth
Fig.20. Steel and glass on Facade increasing temperatures Source: GoogleEarth
Fig.21. No tree cover on Eveleigh street Source: GoogleEarth
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Fig.22. Dark coloured North facade on building Source: GoogleEarth
Two major tools can be used for implementing strategies and monitoring the heat and moving towards a greener, healthier neighbourhood.
Green Factor Tool: This tool calculates and evaluates the amount and quality of greening that is required for a specific area. It is designed to promote greening as part of new and old developments in the built environment. this monitoring strategy can have larger community outcomes. It has particular planning controls that will help designers developers and homeowners to make decisions about the amount and type of greening required.
It addresses the different kinds of vegetation required as well , for example larger trees provide more benefit as compared to lawns, the tool therefore helps planners decide and come up with plans to meet the property and cities needs.
Temperature Monitoring System:
Geo-thermal sensors can be used to monitor the heat regularly at a neighbourhood scale and make sure there isn’t a spike in temperatures especially during the summer seasons. Through this systems parts and areas of the neighbourhood can be identified that are getting heated. If there is an increase in temperature in certain areas they can be addressed by using the various strategies that have been mentioned above. The community can take a major role in monitoring the heat and noting down areas that are getting uncomfortable because of the heat.
So the community can join hands with the local planning council and take action when and where required taking up an active role in their own well being.
6. CONCLUSION
To conclude, with the growth in urbanisation there are denser neighbourhoods leading to lesser vegetation and tree cover, this leads to a rise in temperatures thus to combat the Urban Heat Island Effect an Action plan is required. The action plan the was devised after studying the site carefully through the lens of the urban heat island effect. The site is a part of the Camperdown-Ultimo Collaboration precinct. The site is one of the major hotspots in the precinct and is 9 degrees Celsius above the base temperatures putting the vulnerable population in that area at risk of illnesses and even deaths. Strategies are made and aims are created that need to be met to reduce and combat rising temperatures. The Goals for this site aim to provide for a comfortable and healthier environment to live in by mitigating the Urban heat Island effect. The major goals consist of- Increase in Urban Vegetation, Reduce Carbon Emission, Reduce Energy Consumption and Improve Health and Well-being. Through proper implementation and monitoring by the councils along with an effort by the community the neighbourhood has the possibility to turn into a cooler,healthier and more welcoming site.
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REFERENCES
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2008. “Urban Heat Island Basics.” In: Reducing Urban Heat Islands: Compendium of Strategies. Draft. <https://www.epa.gov/heat-islands/heat-island-compendium.>
Greater Sydney Commission, 2018, “Greater sydney region plan, A metropolis Of three cities– Connecting people” viewed on 05th November, 2021 < https://www.greater.sydney/metropolis-of-three-cities>
Greater Sydney Commission, 2019 “Collaboration area camperdown–ultimo place strategy” viewed on 01st November, 2021 < https://gsc-public-1.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/gsc-collaboration-area-ca2018-camperdown-ultimo-place-strategy-2802.pdf>
City of Sydney, 2020, “City Plan 2036”, Local Strategic Planning Statement, viewed on 29th October 2021 < https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/strategic-land-use-plans/city-plan-2036>
Davies, P., Corkery, L., Nipperess, D. (2017). Urban Ecology: theory, policy and practice in New South Wales, Australia. National Green Infrastructure Network. viewed on 29th October 2021 < https:// www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/grants/urban-ecology-theory-policy-practice-nsw-desktop-review. pdf>
City of Sydney, 2017 Sustainable Sydney 2030 Community Strategic Plan 2017–2021 viewed on 28th October 2021 <https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/sustainable-sydney-2030>
City of Sydney 2021, Greening Sydney Strategy, viewed on 27th October, 2021<https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/strategies-action-plans/greening-sydney-strategy>
Tyrell studio 2017 “Sydney Green Grid Spatial Framework And Project Opportunities” <https://www. governmentarchitect.nsw.gov.au/resources/ga/media/files/ga/plans/sydney-green-grid-plan-4-centraldistrict-2017.pdf>
Low carbon living CRC, 2017, Urban Cooling Strategies <http://www.lowcarbonlivingcrc.com.au/sites/ all/files/publications_file_attachments/rp2024_guide_to_urban_cooling_strategies_2017_web.pdf>
City of Sydney, 2014, Urban ecology strategic action plan < https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/strategies-action-plans/urban-ecology-strategic-action-plan>
Mellick Lopes, A., Arora V., Healy, S., Power, E., Armstrong, H., Crabtree, L., Gibson, K., and Tonkinwise, C. (2020). Cooling Common Spaces in Densifying Urban Environments: A Review of Best Practice and Guide for Western Sydney Renewal. Sydney: Landcom.<https://www.coolingthecommons.com/>
IMAGE REFERENCES
Fig. 01. Overview of the Camperdown-Ultimo Collaboration Precinct, Camperdown–Ultimo Place Strategy, Greater Sydney Commission, 2019, viewed on 02nd November, 2021 < https://gsc-public-1.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/gsc-collaboration-area-ca2018-camperdown-ultimo-place-strategy-2802.pdf>
Fig. 09. Cleaveland Street, GoogleEarth Street View, 2021 < https://www.google.com/maps/place/ Curatorial%2BCo./@-33.888618,151.1992847,689m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x6b12b1562efb867f:0x618f52ca58dff1f0!8m2!3d-33.8889376!4d151.2002503>
Fig. 10. Reduced Vegetation on streets, GoogleEarth Street View, 2021 < https://www.google.com/maps/ place/Curatorial%2BCo./@-33.888618,151.1992847,689m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x6b12b1562efb867f:0x618f52ca58dff1f0!8m2!3d-33.8889376!4d151.2002503>
Fig. 11. Ways to increase vegetation, GoogleEarth Street View, 2021 < https://www.google.com/maps/ place/Curatorial%2BCo./@-33.888618,151.1992847,689m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x6b12b1562efb867f:0x618f52ca58dff1f0!8m2!3d-33.8889376!4d151.2002503>
Fig. 12. Car Parks Increasing temperatures, GoogleEarth Street View, 2021 < https://www.google.com/ maps/place/Curatorial%2BCo./@-33.888618,151.1992847,689m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x6b12b1562efb867f:0x618f52ca58dff1f0!8m2!3d-33.8889376!4d151.2002503>
Fig.13. Hyde Park Walkway, D’cruz, Adobe Stock < https://stock.adobe.com/search?k=hyde+park+sydney&asset_id=7781269>
Fig.14. Cool roofs, Dezeen < https://www.dezeen.com/2020/08/21/bmi-group-cool-roofs/>
Fig.15. Mayor Muller Plaza, Mai, POLA, Landezine <https://landezine.com/georgswall-mayor-muller-plaza-by-pola/>
Fig.16. Camelview Village, Timmerman 2009 <https://www.wbez.org/stories/david-hovey-design-and-development-of-two-675-unit-multi-family-projects-in-chicago-il-and-scottsdale-az/5f84712c-8ad4-47f2-b61f26303a777dc9>
Fig.17. One Central Park, Frasers Property Australia and Sekisui House Australia., Murray Fredericks, 2014 < https://www.archdaily.com/551329/one-central-park-jean-nouvel-patrick-blanc>
Fig.18. Vision of children play in the outdoors open spaces, Healthy Places by Design, viewed on 05th November, 2021 <https://healthyplacesbydesign.org/who-we-are/about_main-image/>
Fig.19. No Canopy cover on Cleaveland Street ,GoogleEarth Street View, 2021 < https://www.google. com/maps/place/Curatorial%2BCo./@-33.888618,151.1992847,689m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x6b12b1562efb867f:0x618f52ca58dff1f0!8m2!3d-33.8889376!4d151.2002503>
Fig.20. Steel and glass on Facade increasing temperatures, GoogleEarth Street View, 2021 < https://www.google.com/maps/place/Curatorial%2BCo./@-33.888618,151.1992847,689m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x6b12b1562efb867f:0x618f52ca58dff1f0!8m2!3d-33.8889376!4d151.2002503>
Fig.21. No tree cover on Eveleigh street, GoogleEarth Street View, 2021 < https://www.google.com/ maps/place/Curatorial%2BCo./@-33.888618,151.1992847,689m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x6b12b1562efb867f:0x618f52ca58dff1f0!8m2!3d-33.8889376!4d151.2002503>
Fig.22. Dark coloured North facade on building, GoogleEarth Street View, 2021 < https://www.google. com/maps/place/Curatorial%2BCo./@-33.888618,151.1992847,689m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x6b12b1562efb867f:0x618f52ca58dff1f0!8m2!3d-33.8889376!4d151.2002503>
