Integrating environmental sustainability in regeneration processes: a comparative analysis between ABI's in Copenhagen and Barcelona

Literature and policies have dealt with the relevance of integrated approaches in urban regeneration combining thus both physical and social aspects in specific territorial contexts (e.g. The Leipzig charter). Considerable attention has been paid also to the need of including the different sustainability components (i.e social, economic, environmental and cultural) in urban developments. The balance among these three pillars has changed over time, emphasising one or another depending on the context, the period of time or the type of development. (Pareja-Eastaway and Winston, 2017).In this paper we aim to pay attention to how environmental sustainability is managed in area-based interventions (ABI’s) and how it relates to livability, place-making and social and economic performance. Studies (Gibbs, Longhurst & Braithwaite, 2010; Turcu, 2013) indicate that in general, urban regeneration processes are primarily driven by economic and social needs, whereas the environmental perspective is sparse and denote more difficult conditions (Pearce and Cooper, 2013). To do this, we will compare two case studies: one in Copenhagen (Fuglekvarteret Områdefornyelse) and one in Barcelona (22@). Despite the context differences and the type of improvement addressed in the areas considered, some conclusions can be drawn. A common characteristic in both cases is that the local version of integrated sustainability has been developed as part of the urban regeneration, and that creative and cultural industries have played central roles. This raises questions on the governance of local sustainable development, and whether inspiration can be gained from the management of creative entrepreneurs.In this paper we will argue the need of a shared understanding of how local approaches to integrated sustainability might be developed and managed in regeneration interventions. In particular, we will stress why a comprehensive approach towards the notion of environmental sustainability is needed and goes further than merely including the implementation of purely technical devices addressing the need to reducing energy waste or environmental pollution.