The Role of Property Development in Sustainable City Planning.

The growing urban landscape presents city planners with both challenges and opportunities for sustainable development. At the heart of this complex interplay is property development, a powerful force capable of shaping cities for generations. In Harare, Zimbabwe, the role of property development in achieving sustainable city planning is increasingly critical.

Sustainable city planning aims to improve a city’s attractiveness to citizens and businesses by enhancing available city services and building new infrastructure. The concept of sustainable city planning interconnects different areas such as management, economy, mobility, environment, energy, supply, health, and security among others. This allows local city authorities to be more efficient and provide better and new services.

Whilst most of my articles focus on Harare, sustainable city planning is by no means only limited to the capital and should include all cities within Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole. Whilst, the City Council has done much in the recently approved new blueprint for the overall master town plan and development scheme of Harare there is much work to be done by the private sector which as we at WestProp Holdings have been doing in our developments like Millennium Heights, Pomona City and The Hills.

In this article, I will be discussing the importance of property development in sustainable city planning; how it fits into the bigger picture of a city’s expansion, the introduction of new and sustainable building standards and overall improvement of a city’s aesthetics.

Understanding Sustainable City Planning

Sustainable city planning is a holistic approach that seeks to balance environmental, social, and economic factors. It involves creating vibrant, resilient, and equitable urban environments that meet the needs of present and future generations. Property development, when aligned with this vision, can be a catalyst for positive change.

With a growing urban population, there is a growing need to also manage the finite resources that a city has. According to the United Nations, almost 70% of the world population will be in urban areas, by 2050. This means that as developers, together with the local authorities, we have to sustainably plan and use the land, water and electricity resources that are available to ensure that everyone’s needs are catered for. There have to be coordinated city planning and management efforts to streamline the delivery of services and construction of infrastructure to meet demand.

The Role of Property Development in Sustainable City Planning

Property developers have a unique opportunity to contribute to sustainable city planning in several ways:

1. Environmental Sustainability

●Green Building Design: Incorporating eco-friendly principles into building design is essential. This includes energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures, and the use of sustainable materials. For instance, developers can explore solar energy integration which will alleviate pressure on the national power grid. Another eco-friendly feature that can be implemented is rainwater harvesting, and using sustainably sourced building materials.

●Preservation of Green Spaces: Developers can play a crucial role in preserving and enhancing green spaces within urban areas. By incorporating parks, gardens, and green roofs into their projects, they can contribute to improved air quality, biodiversity, and the overall liveability of the city.

●Waste Management: Effective waste management is a cornerstone of sustainability. Property developers can lead by example by implementing comprehensive waste management systems, including recycling and composting programs.

2. Social Sustainability

●Community Engagement: Building strong relationships with the community is essential for successful and sustainable city planning. Developers and planners can engage with residents to understand their needs and aspirations and involve them in the decision-making process.

●Accessibility and Inclusivity: Creating inclusive and accessible environments is vital for a sustainable city. Property developers can ensure that their projects are designed to accommodate people with different needs and cater to diverse communities.

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3. Economic Sustainability

●Job Creation: Property development is a significant job creator. By prioritizing local labour and suppliers, developers can contribute to economic growth and development within the city.

●Economic Diversity: A mixed-use approach to development can help to create vibrant and resilient urban economies. By incorporating retail, commercial, and residential spaces within the same development, developers can contribute to economic diversification.

●Long-Term Value: Sustainable development is not just about short-term profits. By focusing on building quality and durability, developers can create projects that have long-term value for both investors and the community.

Sustainable City Planning in Practice

To fully utilise the finite resources we have, WestProp Holdings is building with the future in mind; because we understand that sustainable cities are a vital component of our country. We are bringing innovation to the property sector and new infrastructure, both of which immensely contribute to sustainable city planning. Our projects touch on the abovementioned sustainability pillars; environmental, social and economic sustainability.

Environmental Sustainability

At WestProp Holdings we have also adopted the integration of solar power into our home designs. For example, at Millennium Heights – one of our flagship developments - each block of apartments has its dedicated solar power system ensuring an efficient, affordable and reliable electricity supply for our residents.

This sustainable feature cuts down our reliance on electricity from the grid. This electricity can be redirected to other areas that need it more. This also contributes to a significant reduction in carbon emissions. As the cost of solar panels continues to decline and overall solar panel efficiency improves, we can expect their mass adoption in residential construction projects.

Green roofs and walls, also known as living roofs and walls, are a growing eco-friendly feature that promotes biodiversity, reduces urban heat islands, and enhances home insulation.

Green roofs offer significant benefits in the long run, including a longer roof life and heating and cooling energy savings. Green roofs also provide residents with an opportunity for urban food production and increase urban biodiversity. If well-designed and cared for, green roofs can offer people the psychological benefits of nature.

Millennium Heights Block 4 was designed and will be built with green roofs and walls and as WestProp we’re leading the way in the adoption of home features that can be adopted in sustainable city planning.

In addition, we are investing USD$1 million to rehabilitate the wetland at Millennium Park. Rehabilitation of the wetland will introduce new flora and fauna to the area.

Social Sustainability

Through the LIVE, WORK, SHOP AND PLAY concept, we creating sustainable communities where people can come out of their homes to socialise and be one with their neighbours on the street. Our blueprint can serve as a living standard that nurtures social sustainability in our communities. As I always say, We sell more than a home; we sell a lifestyle.

Our projects have emerged as powerful agents of change, revolutionizing the way we use our resources and plan. By providing convenience, enhancing quality of life, revitalizing urban areas, and promoting sustainability, these developments have proven to be a winning formula.

Economic Sustainability

Through our projects, we are creating employment for hundreds of workers; through the construction work and other service providers working directly or indirectly at these developments.

In addition, our developments provide a vibrant and collaborative working environment; where professionals from diverse backgrounds can work side by side, fostering networking, community-building, knowledge-sharing and economic development. Property developers can tap into this trend by incorporating co-working spaces within their mixed-use developments or repurposing buildings to meet the growing demand for working spaces.

As a developing nation sustainable city planning plays a vital role in regenerating metropolitan areas, reviving neglected communities and attracting new investments.

Adopting Sustainable City Planning Practices for Future Benefit

Property development projects in Harare are beginning to embrace sustainable principles. For example, the incorporation of solar for electricity in some residential complexes is a step in the right direction. Additionally, the development of mixed-use projects that include retail, residential and commercial spaces is a positive trend.

There is still significant potential for growth and innovation. Harare and Zimbabwe at large could benefit from more large-scale green building projects, such as office buildings and shopping centres that incorporate sustainable design principles. Additionally, there is an opportunity to develop eco-friendly residential estates that prioritize energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.

Sustainable city planning has emerged as a significant strategy to accommodate a growing population while preserving the resources we have in the ever-expanding urban environment.

Conclusion

Property development has the power to shape the future of our cities. By embracing sustainable principles, developers can create thriving, resilient, and equitable urban environments. It is imperative that property developers in work closely with government, planners, and communities to ensure that development aligns with a city's overall sustainability goals. By doing so, we can build a better future for ourselves and generations to come.

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