A circular neighborhood in Grangetown,Cardiff
The boost of economy in the UK attributes to the development of industry, which benefit the nation for decades. However, the consumption of raw materials and energy gives the planet an unprecedented pressure. Basically, the material used by consumers has grown dozens times over the last ten dacades, which bring a large amount of problems to the cities. In the past, consumption and use of natural resources has typically followed a linear way. Material are sourced, used and finally disposed of as a waste.However, this way is not circular.
Grangetown, a traditional industrial town in Cardiff has developed significantly because of the export of irons and coals in last two centuries, but some problems appeared since the urbanization. Such as the rising of the emission of carbon dioxide, pollution and so on. In order to confront the situation caused by historic reasons, governments and policymakers should propose some measurements to tackle the global problems. As a solution for them, CE principles have been adopted by administrators to minimize the influence, which contribute to the growth of economy while improving the environment and quality of residents’ live. By changing the linear approach to a circular approach, material and products could be reused or repurposed.As a mater of fact,CE has been chose as the main plan for the action of EU and national regulations such as the Circular Economy Promotion Law of the People’s Republic of China.
Specifically, CE principles could be implemented into 3 levels, which are urban-level, building level and detailed-level namely. In this project, the site is situated at the gasholder site in Grangetown. CE principles have been applied in those levels with different strategies. Regarding to the urban level, the strategies focus on the mobility system with neighbors. By strengthen the connection between site and surrounding places, problems such as the pollution and waste could be reduced. Also, the innovation of mobility could benefit the industry of public transportation which could increase the opportunities for job hunting. Besides, some social problems such as crime can be alleviated. In terms of the building-level, the systems will concentrate on the construction and energy to reduce the consumption of energy and make the construction more efficient. As for the detailed level, products would be the first consideration. With the help of CE principles, products could be reused for several times ,which are able to minimize the consumption of energy.
contact: guos12@cardiff.ac.uk