In both the environmental circles and city planning circles the idea of doing everything possible to increase the livability of city, and primarily the city core, has become a major discussion point.
A new study out from the Chicago-based nonprofit Center for Neighborhood Technology suggests that city dwellers emit up to 70% less carbon than people living in the suburbs. They concluded this by examining the emissions of carbon dioxide that resulted from household vehicle travel in 55 metropolitan areas in the United States.
“Cities are more location efficient – meaning key destinations are closer to where people live and work,” said Scott Bernstein, president of the Center for Neighborhood Technology.
“They require less time, money, fuel and greenhouse gas emissions for residents to meet their everyday travel needs. People can walk, bike, car-share, take public transit,” he said. “So residents of cities and compact communities generate less CO2 per household than people who live in more dispersed communities, like many suburbs and outlying areas.”
Source: Environment News Service :: Study: City Living Helps Limit CO2 Emissions
Additionally they found that the transportation cost go from a low 14% of area household median income in the city centers to 28% in the outlying suburban areas. As Brian Merchant on Treehugger pointed out
So if you’re looking into a move, consider moving to an urban area–you’ll save $5,000 on gas annually, emit less carbon, and spend less time in transit. Cheaper, less environmentally taxing transportation is one of the primary reasons that urban areas are the more sustainable communities
I’ve never been a suburb type of guy myself. It has always been either live right out in the country or live as close as is comfortable to the downtown core.
photo courtesy of Seathttp://www.seattlechannel.org/issues/downtownGrowth.asptle Channel
