The initial focus of the field site was to consider a new development planned by the University of Cambridge, known as the North West Development due to its location with respect to city center. Fortunately for the project team, the University of Cambridge planners were, like the City staff, fully committed to bringing the principles of sustainability to the University. Students researched plans for the site; considered the technologies needed to provide energy there; assessed transportation issues; etc. The full report, Sustainability in Cambridge: Planning the Development of a North West Site for the University of Cambridge, can be downloaded through this link.
The North West Site will support the growth of higher education and economic development for the university and the City of Cambridge. This growth will be accompanied by growth in the population of students and staff.
At present, many individuals live beyond Cambridge due to a lack of affordable housing, thus contributing to increased travel times, air pollution, and decreased quality of life. Affordable housing is needed in close proximity to the City Centre in order to promote a sustainable travel plan. In order for the North West development to be culturally sustainable, the site must preserve Cambridge as a historic city while promoting the quality of life of the individuals living at the site and/or affected by the site. The connection between the people, the natural environment and the heritage of Cambridge cannot be lost.
The site will accommodate the growing needs of the university and the city by providing:
- Affordable housing for students and staff in the vicinity of central teaching and research facilities
- A sustainable travel infrastructure, thereby decreasing commute times, traffic congestion, air pollution, and negative impacts on quality of life
- Expansion of departments and increased research and development facilities needed for modern scientific and technological advances
- One new college and two postgraduate colleges by 2025 to facilitate the growth of higher education
- Public open recreational space
- Nature conservation areas
The development brings with it benefits in regards to education, research, and economic development. At the same time, it will be a significant development with the potential for far-reaching impacts on the environment and quality of life in Cambridge, including implications for carbon dioxide emissions. In order to make the North West Site a carbon reduction site, a list of best practices, alternative designs, and potential policies were assessed:
These designs and policies are being selected to simultaneously promote environmental quality, social justice, and economic vitality. The study addresses sustainable development from the very beginning of the process - demolition and construction waste management - through to the actual construction and use of the facilities at the site. |
Map of the North West Development |
