SUST904

Urban Transportation: Planning and Designing for Sustainability

Transportation is a key factor influencing the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of our cities and towns. Most Canadian urban centres are highly automobile-dependent. Sprawling, low density land uses combined with few viable alternatives mean only a small fraction of people get around on foot, by bicycle, or on transit.

Achieving sustainable transportation requires an integrated approach that blends a range of transportation and urban development strategies that encourage a shift toward options such as transit, walking, and cycling.

This course will provide you with an appreciation of the important role urban transportation plays in sustainable community development, as well as an understanding of the principles, concepts, techniques, and holistic approaches for achieving sustainable transportation.

This course is available at the following time(s) and location(s):

Section Session(s) Date/time Campus Instructor(s) Cost Registration*
SUST904-VA1137 2 Van Tamim Raad and others $650 Register

* This course is available as part of the Sustainable Community Development Certificate (elective course) and on an individual basis.

What will I learn?

In this course, you’ll do the following:

  • Lean about the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable transportation
  • Understand the big picture connection between sustainability and transportation—how it fits with planning and urban design, infrastructure, service, and technology,  in both municipal and regional contexts
  • Appreciate that there is no silver-bullet solution to the transportation challenge and that integrated and holistic approaches are necessary
  • Describe future challenges: energy, environment, and demographic change
  • Understand the opportunities and limitations of technology in achieving sustainable transportation
  • Learn a range of transportation supply and demand management strategies in support of sustainability
  • Analyze integrated transportation planning case studies that highlight success factors and how barriers were addressed
  • Understand the relationships between transportation planning processes and governance and sustainable transportation outcomes

Download a sample course agenda (pdf).

How will I learn?

  • Lectures
  • Case studies
  • Field trips
  • Small group discussions and exercises
  • Group presentations

Who should take this course?

  • Planners, architects, and landscape architects
  • Engineers, developers, builders, and real-estate professionals
  • Elected officials
  • Transportation professionals
  • Staff of non-profit organizations
  • Biologists, agrologists, and other environmental professionals
  • Local, provincial, and federal government administrators and project managers
  • Lawyers, financiers, and community advocates
  • Current and future leaders committed to creating positive change

How will I be evaluated?

Your grade will be based on a take-home assignment.

Textbooks and learning materials

We will provide custom course materials.

Professional development credits

  • AIBC 14 NCLU
  • PIBC and BCSLA can self-report

Partners/Sponsors

SFU Centre for Sustainable Community Development

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