equinox: why does land use matter?
DESCRIPTION
Made by the Equinox Center in San Diego. For better land use in San Diego, visit http://www.equinoxcenter.org/research-topics/land-use/overview.htmlTRANSCRIPT
Why Does Land
Use Matter?
By the year 2030, San Diego will be
home to nearly 4 million people.
We need an additional 300,000
housing units to meet these needs.
How can we accommodate this
growth through smarter land use?
Developed 2011 by Equinox Center. Reproduction free for educational purposes. Photo credit: SANDAG
Nearly half of all greenhouse gas emissions
in San Diego County are from on-road
transportation.
Developed 2011 by Equinox Center. Reproduction free for educational purposes.
San Diegans spend 100% more time in
traffic today than they did 15 years ago.
the farther a building is from an energy source,
the more energy is wasted along the way.
Developed 2011 by Equinox Center. Reproduction free for educational purposes.
9% of energy is lost in transmission.
Scattered development is inefficient:
while reducing water and energy waste from
transmission and transport,
and preserving natural areas.
Developed 2011 by Equinox Center. Reproduction free for educational purposes. Photo credit: XXXXX
Better land planning can improve traffic
congestion, air quality and other quality of life
factors
Intelligent Land Planning…
Jobs, shopping and services located near
residential areas
Multi-family housing
Access to natural areas
for all
Multiple transportation
options
Compact development fills
in urbanized areas, preserves
undeveloped areas
Business-friendly, walkable
communities
Improved recreational
opportunities and public
health
More efficient, cost effective use of energy, water
More opportunity for
affordable housing
Fewer traffic delays,
improvedair quality
Creating HealthierEconomy,
Environment & Communities
How does it
work?
Developed 2011 by Equinox Center. Reproduction free for educational purposes.
One example, before and after.E Street, Chula Vista, near bayfront.
How might compact development look here?
Visual simulation created by Steve Price of Urban Advantage, Inc. Source: SANDAG Smart Growth Tool Box, www.sandag.org
Compact growth can boost economic
development by creating walkable,
business-friendly neighborhoods.
Photo source: International Economic Development Council, 2006: “Economic Development and Smart Growth,” www.iedconline.org/downloads/smart_growth.pdf
Less sprawl and more transportation
options result in fewer miles driven
—reducing traffic, fuel costs and
improving air quality.
Developed 2011 by Equinox Center. Reproduction free for educational purposes. Photo credit: SANDAG
Poor air quality is a public health cost:
$1,200 per person in Southern
California.
Developed 2011 by Equinox Center. Reproduction free for educational purposes. Photo credit: SANDAG
Facilitating healthy habits like walking
and biking improves public health.
Compact development helps preserve
natural open spaces for recreation
Developed 2011 by Equinox Center. Reproduction free for educational purposes.
and a vibrant agricultural economy.
Developed 2011 by Equinox Center. Reproduction free for educational purposes.
For more information
and resources about strategies
for better land use in San Diego,
visit www.equinoxcenter.org/research-
topics/land-use/overview.html.