Environment Agency calls on urban developers to integrate sustainability

A new report, published by the Agency on 9 October has revealed mixed progress towards urban sustainable development. Our Urban Future notes that while urban river quality (see related story), air quality and the discolouration of buildings have started to improve, there is poor progress in improving the quality and quantity of parks and natural habitats. Other poor performers are noise, litter, traffic congestion, and the use of resources.

“A high quality environment has a powerful capacity to generate jobs and tackle social inequality,” said Environment Agency Chairman Sir John Harman. “Protecting and improving the environment is not a bolt-on to urban renewal.”

Recently, edie reported that London’s ecological footprint is twice the size of the UK (see related story).