Brownfield Redevelopment for Sustainable Communities within Canada

Within Canada, brownfield redevelopment is a vital component in creating sustainable communities because it supports present-day land realities through the utilization of current infrastructure, inclusion of new green technologies and greenfield conservation. Brownfields are known as a former industrial or commercial site where future use is affected by real or perceived environmental contamination. They include decommission refineries, former railway yards, crumbling warehouses, abandoned gas stations, and other commercial properties where toxic substances may have been used or stored (National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy, 1). In Canada today there are about 30’000 brownfield sites waiting to be redeveloped (Nat’l Rnd Tbl on the Env. and the Econ., 2). Through remediation, developers “seek to capitalize” on the current poor conditions (Hardisty, 242). This intensive process involves a great deal of research, technology and laborious methods to stop and reverse the sites environmental damage (Hardisty, 242). Nevertheless, once completed, brownfield redevelopment sites have numerous benefits that support sustainability. However, since it is unfeasible for a human economy to have no impacts on the environment, we will consider the model presented by the Worldwatch Institute (Worldwatch Institute, 6). Within their book, State of the World: Our Urban Future, sustainability can be seen as “improving public health and well-being, lowering its environmental impacts, increasingly recycling materials, and using energy with growing efficiency” (Worldwatch Institute, 6). Thus, sustainable cities are not fully sustainable, but having in mind the goal of sustainability. Brownfield redevelopment can help nurture this goal th...

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...e adverse effects on the earth’s environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, brownfield redevelopment supports the continual goal of sustainability through utilization, incorporation, preservation and remediation. For instance, brownfield sites offer developers a chance to utilize the existing infrastructure, which lowers municipal costs. Additionally, developers can incorporate ancient and modern technologies that create more efficient buildings thus reducing energy use. Moreover, with opportunities to grow within cities, there is less pressure to develop greenfields. Furthermore, through the required process of remediation, environmental hazards are removed or prevented. Overall, brownfield redevelopment saves money, reduces energy usage, protects greenfields and removes critical dangers to the surrounding environment thus moving towards a more sustainable society.