Urban Metabolism of London Essay Example

hot air conditioning in residential and public indoor areas. London’s growth in the 18th century led to rising traffic congestion which eventually resulted in the creation of the world’s first metro system [6].In the present day, over 70% of London residents arrive into the city by public transport [7]. The integration of this mass transport system has a significant effect on the reduction on energy consumption and Green House Gas (GHG) emissions.

Additionally, 30% of London’s total area is dedicated to wildlife and parkland, which is an important step to conserving the environment and improving air quality [8]. More of the elements that affect London’s metabolism are discussed in the recommendations section further down in the document. Recommendations Concerning London’s Urban MetabolismEfficient urban metabolism is a crucial element for any city to flourish and develop in a sustainable manner. London has already made sizeable steps towards developing healthier urban metabolism.

However, more improvements can be made within its urban infrastructure by the reduction of per capita inputs and outputs and GHG emissions, and introducing more circular metabolism. A number of fitting and relatively prioritized suggestions, specific to London and its infrastructure, will be presented below for the ultimate goal of enhancing its metabolism in efficient ways.According to Siemens, after conducting a study on more than 200 technological options that reduce GHG emissions, water usage and waste disposal in London, it showed that the adoption of many of these options would not be a big economic burden [9]. Many changes within transportation can be introduced to greatly reduce emissions.

Automobile fuel efficiency offers a great saving potential. In public transport, tonnes of CO2 can be saved

with methods like switching to hybrid buses [9][10].Heat and power systems consume a lot of energy and are responsible for a large fraction of London’s GHG emissions. However, by using combined and energy-efficient heat and power systems, a very significant amount of energy and emissions can be saved and reduced, respectively [9][11].

Generating power with gas (as an alternative to coal) and increasing the use of renewable energy sources also seem like very suitable options [9]. Additionally, power generation with the use of wind and tidal energy proves a very convenient alternative to nuclear power generation in London and the UK in general.These sources can deliver twice the amount of electricity as new-age nuclear reactors and would require less time to be implemented, thus the convenience [12]. Over 30% of London’s water production is lost through leakages in its distribution system.

This amount is “equivalent to the volume needed to fill about 350 Olympic swimming pools every day” [9]. Economically reasonable solutions related to efficient water distribution and repairs would prove to be very beneficial by reducing London’s total water consumption.Waste treatment in London is not very energy-efficient or economical which is a cause for high taxes. An interesting alternative, in addition to recycling, is for household waste to be burned or converted to biogas to be used as a source of energy which can provide thousands of households with heat and electricity [13][14]. Small changes, if introduced in many areas, usually have a large effect. The insulation of Victorian houses, for instance, can have a large impact on energy consumption in the winter [9].

Another suggestion would be energy-efficient lighting in households which can be

a cost-efficient measure that would significantly reduce CO2 emissions [9]. As discussed above, London already has dedicated a portion of its area to parkland. Additional parkland area and public parks can further enhance air quality and reduce GHG emissions. The options proposed above, directly related to infrastructure and for the purpose of more efficient urban metabolism in London, should prove to be economically sensible and would not cause a dramatic alteration in the diverse lifestyles of the inhabitants of London.