A Guide for Sustainable Urban Development of the 21st Century

Delivering Effective Urban Managementcity to ration water to five million of its residents. 44 Mexico City is investing in treatment andrecovery systems that will reduce water leaks and losses, such as modernizing the Mexico CityWater System infrastructure. The water recovery strategies outlined in the Green Plan can resultin water savings of up to four cubic meters per second. In addition to modernizing its watersupply network by replacing 100 per cent of obsolete or damaged pipes by 2012, Mexico City isincreasing the reuse and treatment of water by improving the drainage system and building watertreatment facilities in key city locations. The city has also started a social awareness campaign toeducate businesses and consumers of their role in reducing water consumption and improvingwater efficiency.Habitability and Public Space - Mexico City is retrofitting its arid cityscape with rooftopgardens and green roofs. The city aims to install 500,000 square feet of garden roofs by 2012. Ithas a goal of increasing green public spaces, ensuring nine square meters of green space perresident, an increase of 3.6 square meters from 2008 levels. New green roofs, parks and gardenswill not only transform the image of the city and improve the quality of life of its communities,but also filter pollution, cut energy use, and absorb noise. The new green public spaces will bestrengthened with eco-system services such as treated water networks and rainwater collectors.Cultural amenities under Plan Verde include park benches, play structures and access ramps forchildren, seniors and disabled people along with improved public lighting.Air Quality and Transportation - Mexico City is devoting significant resources to improvingthe air quality in its metropolitan area. To reduce the effects of population growth and anincreased vehicle fleet, the city has plans to replace 100 per cent of official government vehicleswith fuel-efficient and low-polluting units by 2012. The trend of clearer skies continues. In thefirst three months of 2010, there were 24 days when the ozone level was above the standard (just26.7 per cent of total days), with the average hours per day above the level falling to just 0.8hours.To improve mobility choices, Mexico City is devoting significant resources to increasing safeand energy-efficient mass transportation in the city. The city is investing $2 billion to construct a12th metro line by 2012 and is providing subsidies to replace taxis with newer, more energy44“Back to the Source,” National Geographic magazine, April 2010, p. 23.28