My sustainable city would conserve resources and implement cleaner ways to generate energy. Solar panels and wind turbines would produce this energy as opposed to receiving energy from power plants that burn coal. The city would have an accessible public transportation system so that less people would have to drive their own cars. Additionally, there would be more paths for biking and walking. Ideally, one or more lanes of each freeway and highway would be closed off for biking so that more people could bike to work or school. One major structural design element I would implement is growing plants on top of buildings. The article “Green Roof Benefits” notes that green roofs improve the quality of the air, reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, cool cities by absorbing light, hold rainwater, prevent storm water runoff and flooding, and help control internal temperatures of buildings which reduces the need for air conditioning and heating systems, extending the life of these systems. I have included a picture of the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco as an e xample of a green roof.

Since there is currently a major drought in California, I would also conserve water by replacing plants that require a lot water, such as grass, with plants, such as succulents and native plants, that require very little water and can withstand droughts. Furthermore, rain water and recycled water would be harvested for toilet water and watering plants.

“Green Roof Benefits”: http://www.greenroofs.org/index.php/abo … ofbenefits
[California Academy of Sciences Green Roof](//muut.com/u/footprint/s1/:footprint:arvH:californiaacademyofsciencesgreenroof.jpg.jpg)