This Work Package is built upon a theoretical framework where the concept of socio-technical systems (SST) is central. These are defined as sets of linkages between elements necessary to perform the big societal functions such as energy, transport, communication and nutrition. The main focus of this WP is to produce new knowledge to support the transition of current function of SST towards a Post Carbon City (PCC) and therefore inform future territorial orientated policies on how to allow such transition process. Research developed at DINÂMIA'CET-IUL over the last years includes a number of financed projects covering this issue. Our strategy to this WP is to draw heavily on such body of knowledge, as perceived by the distinct but complementary disciplinary areas, which include sociology, economy, urbanism, architecture and urban studies, while adding light to support future sustainable urban policies.

Territory orientated policies, in general, and urban policies, in particular, constitute one of the main dimensions within the reflection on the achievement of PCC. The implementation of a strategy towards a more sustainable city and, therefore, the shift to a new societal paradigm involves policy-driven actions aiming land uses, territory planning and environmental issues. Therefore, the analysis of SST and urban metabolism includes the identification and critical assessment of some policies, namely Urban Planning, Common Agricultural and Rural   Development Policy, and Environmental Policy. Land use and the development of economic activities in metropolitan areas are influenced by the classification of land (urban, rural) through urban planning policies, which may present multi-level and multi-scale nature.

Agriculture and rural development activities have an important role in the reflection on sustainability, including the design of metropolitan areas. Therefore, Common Agricultural and   Rural Development Policy are at the core of the debate on paradigmatic changes involving those areas. The financial support and the regulation of farm and rural activities supported by this policy have direct and multidimensional impacts in territory and should be assessed in the debate on PCC and urban metabolism. In addition, environmental and ecological values and concerns give place to the definition of land use restrictions and territory planning. This is the case of Habitats Directive, European Natura Network 2000 and legislation on Agricultural and Ecological Protected Areas integrated in territorial urban planning tools.

Environmental policy includes other regulations and mandatory actions like Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of projects with territorial relevant impacts in multiple dimensions (economics, social and ecological). To sum up, the policy-driven strategy towards a PCC and the design of urban metabolism is also addressed through the identification of policies which present important impacts on land use and territorial development, as proposed in this WP.

Coordinated by: Isabel Salavisa e Teresa Marat-Mendes (DINÂMIA'CET-IUL)