equinox: why does land use matter?

Why Does Land

Use Matter?

By the year 2030, San Diego will be

home to nearly 4 million people.

We need an additional 300,000

housing units to meet these needs.

How can we accommodate this

growth through smarter land use?

Developed 2011 by Equinox Center. Reproduction free for educational purposes. Photo credit: SANDAG

Nearly half of all greenhouse gas emissions

in San Diego County are from on-road

transportation.

Developed 2011 by Equinox Center. Reproduction free for educational purposes.

San Diegans spend 100% more time in

traffic today than they did 15 years ago.

the farther a building is from an energy source,

the more energy is wasted along the way.


9% of energy is lost in transmission.

Scattered development is inefficient:

while reducing water and energy waste from

transmission and transport,

and preserving natural areas.

Developed 2011 by Equinox Center. Reproduction free for educational purposes. Photo credit: XXXXX

Better land planning can improve traffic

congestion, air quality and other quality of life

factors

Intelligent Land Planning…

Jobs, shopping and services located near

residential areas

Multi-family housing

Access to natural areas

for all

Multiple transportation

options

Compact development fills

in urbanized areas, preserves

undeveloped areas

Business-friendly, walkable

communities

Improved recreational

opportunities and public

health

More efficient, cost effective use of energy, water

More opportunity for

affordable housing

Fewer traffic delays,

improvedair quality

Creating HealthierEconomy,

Environment & Communities

How does it

work?


One example, before and after.E Street, Chula Vista, near bayfront.

How might compact development look here?

Visual simulation created by Steve Price of Urban Advantage, Inc. Source: SANDAG Smart Growth Tool Box, www.sandag.org

Compact growth can boost economic

development by creating walkable,

business-friendly neighborhoods.

Photo source: International Economic Development Council, 2006: “Economic Development and Smart Growth,” www.iedconline.org/downloads/smart_growth.pdf

Less sprawl and more transportation

options result in fewer miles driven

—reducing traffic, fuel costs and

improving air quality.


Poor air quality is a public health cost:

$1,200 per person in Southern

California.


Facilitating healthy habits like walking

and biking improves public health.

Compact development helps preserve

natural open spaces for recreation


and a vibrant agricultural economy.


For more information

and resources about strategies

for better land use in San Diego,

visit www.equinoxcenter.org/research-

topics/land-use/overview.html.

equinox: why does land use matter?

Technology