Adopting Sustainability in Cities: Contributing to a Better Environment

Abstract

Cities are the most complex things that humans have created; as well badly designed settlements have negative effects on the environment. Urbanization is the future, but a question hangs over what kind of future the city looks for? The dream of utopian of human settlements has a noble history, were sustainable development is essential to enhance the quality of life. To the best of our knowledge, recent surveys have shown that good quality of Egyptian life has been lost in our cities, as general planning doesn't contribute to the current citizens' needs, although that the solution could be found by creating sustainable cities. Accordingly, the research has determined the main dimensions of sustainable cities (Environmental, Social, etc.), but with emphasize on Environmental dimension, and their key elements such as; land-use, food system, etc. Moreover, the research works on applying sustainability and rating it through applying assessment strategy that adopt the key elements. Therefore, the study moves from literature review to an empirical study on one of our cities ‘El-Gouna, Hurghada’ that welcome the concept of sustainability. As a step forward, the research approves the ability of cities to adapt sustainability – with sustainability rating verities –; contributing to a better environment.