East Village in London (the former Olympic village which has been converted into new homes) is an example of sustainable urban living. Sustainability means meeting the needs of today without making it more difficult for future generations to meet their needs. East Village aims for sustainability in four ways:
1. Energy Conservation
Energy conservation contributes to sustainability by reducing energy waste, improving efficiency and reducing fossil fuel use by developing renewable sources of energy. Example - Energy use in East Village is at least 30% less than an average urban area. This is achieved by using a combined heat and power (CHP) system. CHP is more efficient because it generates electricity and produces heat from the same source, in this case burning biomass (a renewable energy source). CHP systems only work on a local scale because hot water can only be piped a few kilometres underground before it loses heat.
2. Water Conservation
Water conservation contributes to sustainability by reducing water loss, waste and use. Example: East Village uses 50% less water than an average urban area. This is achieved by recycling water within the area. Rainwater is filtered and cleaned naturally in ponds before being recycled for toilet flushing and irrigating plants. Drinking water is part of a separate system.
3. Waste Recycling
Waste recycling contributes to sustainability by reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill sites. Example: East Village aims to generate as little waste as possible. 99% of parkland waste is recycled instead of being sent to landfill. Households are also encouraged to recycle with fortnightly collections of cardboard, paper, plastic bottles, tins and cans. Recycling is taken to a sorting facility at Jenkins Lane Reuse and Recycling Centre where materials are separated using specialist machines. The sorted materials are made into bales and sent off to be recycled into new products.
4. Creating Green Spaces
Green spaces contribute to sustainability by providing a habitat for wildlife, encouraging biodiversity, helping keep the air clean and providing a natural recreational area. Example: East Village is a high-density urban area, yet there are ten hectares of green open space within a total area of 27 hectares. This includes a wetland area with ponds, where water is recycled; 10 hectares of parkland, with hundreds of planted trees, which encourages wildlife and helps to purify the air; green roofs on top of apartment blocks to encourage wildlife; an orchard with fruit trees; and 3 children’s play areas.