Examples of Smart Growth
The term “smartgrowth” is not yet included in the Cambridge Dictionary. If you think smart growth should be included in the dictionary, please consider contributing. We have collected examples of smart growth on the web and in corpora. The opinions expressed here do not represent the views of the Cambridge Dictionary editors or Cambridge University Press. In this article, we look at some of the benefits and costs of smart growth. We also discuss planning tools and zoning laws.
Cost
A recent study in the San Francisco Bay Area estimated that the cost of smart growth could lower health care costs by $140 million by 2035. The cost savings extend beyond infrastructure costs. By reducing the amount of land needed for infrastructure, a smart growth strategy would result in a lower upfront cost. The study also revealed that households in densely populated areas spent 20 percent to 70% less money on transportation. Smart growth can also reduce transportation costs by reducing the number vehicles on the roads.
Economic benefits
Smart growth has many benefits, including reducing air pollution. People will drive less if they live near more walkable areas. A King County study in Washington found that people who live within walking distance of their homes drove 25 percent less per day than those who lived in sprawling areas. Smog and emissions are also reduced when there is less gas. Smart growth conserves green space which absorbs carbon dioxide and slows down the effects of climate change.
Planning tools
Smart Growth refers the development of communities in ways that minimize the environmental impacts and include a wide range of housing options. This approach emphasizes infill and redevelopment, as well as community engagement. These principles can be implemented in many ways by smart growth advocates, including reducing average trip distances and encouraging transit use and walking/bicycling. Smart growth advocates also seek to reduce congestion in traffic by encouraging development near schools and recreation facilities.
Modifications to zoning laws
Smart growth districts allow new developments that are compatible with the existing zoning laws. Smart growth districts may permit infill housing on vacant lots, or additional units within existing buildings. Modifications must follow the city’s building code, fire and safety code, and neighborhood zoning patterns. Listed below are examples of smart growth districts. To learn more, visit Smart Growth America.
The life expectancy is increasing
Researchers used a structural equation model to simulate changes in life expectancy in U.S. cities. The model included five mediators: the annual vehicle miles per household, air quality index and crime rate, as well as socioeconomic status. These results suggest that compactness and density directly affect mortality, though they did not rule out the potential impact of other variables, such as traffic speeds and access to health care.