Adrian Gurney
Current Position
Town planner
Sustainability Experience
Adrian was involved from the early 1990's in the emerging sustainability agenda. Adrian co-wrote Planning for Sustainable Development - Towards Better Practice for the UK government, and European Sustainable Cities for the EU. Most recently he has helped to produce the Guide to the Planning Policy Statement on Renewable Energy (PPS2). His work has also involved practical implementation of sustainability through projects in London including New Deal for Communities in Newham and North Fulham, and regeneration in Ilford, Greenwich and the Thames Gateway.
Definition of Sustainable Development and why it is important for London
Sustainability is about bringing together thinking on how to develop solutions that address together economic, environmental and social issues so as to provide innovative ways forward for these integrated aspects of life. The importance for London is that this approach is about how to improve the long term quality of life for those who live, work and visit the city; and it can also show the way to tackle the pressing issues of climate change. London, because of its role as a world city, exemplifies the extent to which we are dependent on each other to address these issues. It also means that success in London can influence the wider world community.
London has the knowledge, talent, resources and ambition to be the world's most sustainable city. In the face of climate change and environmental, economic and social pressures, we must aim to realise this ambition.
The priority London needs to focus on to become the world's most sustainable city.
There needs to be a developing vision of what London could be like if it was fulfilling its role as a more sustainable city, including the supply chains basic to its economic life, the improvements to its own and the wider environment, and the life opportunities of those who live and work in the city. The vision needs to be one that relates directly to the day to day life of Londoners, so that it is possible for local communities to see what can be achieved to improve their own long term quality of life.
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