Low-Carbon Communities between Vision and Implementation The Case of Borg Al Arab

Abstract

Several cities are facing the problem of running-out of fossil fuels and are contributed to an estimated 70% of the world’s energy-related greenhouse gases (GHGs). Consequently, there is a tremendous need for low-carbon communities which will lead to more livable, efficient and ultimately sustainable cities. Furthermore, well-planned and designed communities can effectively provide the basic human needs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Some communities have developed strategies to reach net zero-carbon future by reducing demands for energy and supplying the remaining demands with renewable resources. In the meantime, Egyptian cities face the problem of greenhouse gases and the lack of energy and water. Therefore, passive, energy efficient and energy offset design are needed. This can be achieved through sustainable transportation systems and the shift to efficient management of water and waste. The paper discusses the problem of climate change and its relation with communities. It investigates examples of communities that have focused on reducing their carbon emissions in different parts of the world. Also, it examines some of the most important aspects of design strategies that help to implement low-carbon communities and how could they be achieved in the Egyptian context (Borg Al Arab-Alexandria). The aim of the paper is to highlight certain cities that demonstrate a deeper understanding of what a low-carbon community is and how to achieve it through reducing energy demand and providing the best options for passive design and renewable energy supply in the Egyptian communities to become self-contained in terms of energy.