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Abstract

This study analyses the role urban density plays throughout sustainable planning in the City of Vancouver. The research asks the following questions: Is increased density inherently “Eco” or “Sustainable?” What must be considered to create sustainable urban densification? How does this fit with the City of Vancouver’s density model and what gaps exist in current planning to create a sustainable future? Through expert interviews in conjunction with an analysis of peer reviewed literature and government documents, it can be seen that there is significant debate surrounding density as a tool for sustainability. Given this background, it is recommended that urban density be analysed further by the City of Vancouver through the conduction of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) to obtain more comprehensive data to eliminate this ambiguity. I recommend the city of Vancouver should conduct LCAs to obtain more complete data surrounding emissions and urban density and should follow the standards as put forth in ISO 14040 and 14044. By looking at past legislation, specifically the EcoDensity Charter of 2006, it is recommended that density is reintegrated in the sustainability conversation. Because of the negative reaction EcoDensity received, density as a topic was not included in the Greenest City 2020 Action Plan and as the city moves forward to create a new sustainability mandate, they should adopt constructive practices to bring the density question back in to the discussion as it is a key piece, without which a sustainable city cannot be achieved.