INCLUSIVE SUSTAINABILITY GUIDE
Most cities recognize the need to both support sustainable transitions and improve their inclusive opportunities. However, there is little done to consider the intersections of these movements. By better identifying and understanding inclusively sustainable actions, we ensure greater equity for all.
Visit here to take our Inclusive Sustainability City Survey.
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POLICY DECISIONS EMBRACE DIVERSE VOICES TO SUPPORT EQUITY IN SUSTAINABLE LIVING
There are many traditional cultural practices from indigenous and new Canadian communities that are in balance with the planet. We must listen and learn from our entire city. While most cities do have democratic methods to allow for citizen voice, more should be done to ensure that all are heard. To build connections, cities could foster community association partnerships to help bridge our ecological discussions.
MOVEMENT
Pedestrian Priority - To reduce emissions, people need to walk more to get where they are going. Sidewalk ramps and other designs to support different mobility abilities must also be considered.
Bike Path Distribution - As updating cycling routes becomes a municipal focus, it is essential that all areas of a city get similar consideration.
Accessible Transit - Cities should ensure that all communities have access to transit systems that meet their specific needs.
HOME
Upgrade Incentives - All levels of government are beginning to provide incentives to upgrade various aspects of houses, including solar panels and improved insulation. However the upgrades often require investment of the homeowner of 75% of the costs. Cities should ensure that upgrade incentives are provided in an equitable manner.
Renter Advocacy - Tenants don’t have a lot of voice about their buildings’ sustainable systems, including waste management and energy provision. Renters should have their sustainable rights protected within civic policy.
Safe and Affordable Housing for All - To have a full conversation about citizen’s environmental dwelling rights, we must recognize the challenges of those who struggle to have a permanent home. As actions are taken to address this, we must consider all opportunities to eliminate homelessness with sustainable considerations. Each neighbourhood needs to have mixed-housing so that all types of families and changing demographics can be supported in all areas for the long term.
FOOD
Food Access & Security - Cities should ensure that all of its citizens can acquire food that is grown and produced in ethical and environmental manners.
Garden Equity - Growing food locally is a rising movement. Cities should manage community gardens to ensure all citizens have ways to engage, and that all communities have access to land for gardening.
RECREATION
Youth Activities - Caring for our planet can be learnt through natural experiences and meaningful programming. The activities we design for our children should foster environmental stewardship.
Greenspace Quality/Access - Park advocacy tends to reward the engaged who benefit from the privilege of understanding civic mechanisms. Cities should ensure that community greenspaces are equitably planned and distributed.
Empowered Cultures - A deeper look into the evolving needs of each community, their diverse cultural and physical needs must be integrated into the planning process so recreational structures are flexible and accommodating to all.
