Name: Incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals into the Planning Process
Author: Chris Holtkamp

Course Info

8 video lessons (66 Mins)
Published
2021

Preview Course

Browse Course Chapters

1.

Introduction

2 mins
2.

Introduction to Sustainability Plans

7 mins
3.

Sustainability Plan Case Study

12 mins
4.

Incorporating Sustainable Development Goals Into Local Activities

8 mins
5.

Incorporating Sustainable Development Goals Into Local Activities Part 2

14 mins
6.

Overcoming Resistance To Sustainability Planning

9 mins
7.

Communication And Outreach

5 mins
8.

Wrap-Up

5 mins

What You Will Learn

Understand the process of developing a Sustainability Plan
Explore the pros and cons of developing a Sustainability Plan
Connect the UN SDGs to local activities and practices
Identify opportunities for incorporating sustainability into planning practice
Explore strategies for overcoming potential resistance to incorporating sustainability into local activities
Develop strategies for education and communication about the importance of sustainability

Course Description

Building on the first course in this series, Planetizen Courses dives into the variety of ways planners can incorporate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their communities. The course begins with a discussion of how to create Sustainability Plans geared specifically toward goals and strategies related to sustainability—a common in communities working to center sustainability as a community value.

In some communities, however, adding another plan to a shelf already full of plans might not be the best approach. Instead of spending a year and limited resources on another plan to add to the collection, planners might be better served by looking for ways to incorporate sustainability into a variety of the daily activities of a city. This might mean rethinking transportation projects to promote alternative modes. It might mean reviewing ordinances that serve as barriers to affordable housing. Or it might mean incorporating Low Impact Development standards into new projects.

Successful sustainability efforts require support from elected and appointed officials as well as the community at large. Given the politicization of sustainability, consensus can be a challenge. Planners need to prepare for how to communicate concepts and build support for sustainability. When planners can point to projects that are improving people’s lives, creating opportunities, and supporting sustainability across the environmental, economic, and social spectrum, it's possible to make significant progress toward sustainability. And that local effort contributes to a global impact.