Evaluate the success of a sustainable urban strategy.

Question (8 marks): Evaluate the success of one sustainable strategy used to manage growth in a city in an HIC you have studied. [8 marks + 4 SPaG]

Mark scheme (8): Levels-based.

• L1 (1–3): Describes strategy, no evaluation.
• L2 (4–6): Some evaluation, partial evidence.
• L3 (7–8): Substantiated judgement, balanced, named evidence, criteria-based.

Indicative content (Freiburg, Germany — Vauban district):

• Strategy: Car-free residential zone, solar-positive housing, tram extension (Line 3), 50% modal share for cycling.
• Successes: CO₂ emissions per capita 40% below German average; 5,500 residents on 38ha; tram carries 19,000 passengers/day.
• Limitations: House prices rose 60% (2010–2020) — gentrification displaces lower-income families; replicability limited (Vauban built on cheap ex-military land).
• Judgement: On balance, Vauban is environmentally successful (Level 3 evidence) but socially exclusionary, so its model is partial — sustainability must include equity.

SPaG (4): 4 = wide range of geog. terminology, accurate spelling/punctuation; 2–3 = some technical terms, mostly accurate; 1 = limited accuracy; 0 = below threshold.