What are Sustainable Cities: Definition, Features and Examples
In an era of rapid urbanization, creating sustainable cities and communities has never been more critical. According to the United Nations, 70% of the world's population will live in urban areas by 2050. This shift demands innovative solutions to ensure cities remain livable, resilient, and environmentally friendly. Sustainable urban development not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances the quality of life for residents, promotes economic growth, and fosters social inclusion.
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What are Sustainable Cities?
A sustainable city can be defined as urban areas that adapt to, mitigate, and promote social, economic, and environmental changes. They aim to provide their inhabitants with a high quality of life while ensuring that future generations can meet their needs. This holistic approach to urban development considers various aspects of city life, aiming to create resilient, safe, inclusive communities that promote green and culturally rich living situations. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities focuses heavily on building livable cities by encouraging the creation of policies and initiatives that emphasize access to essential services, affordable accommodation, efficient transport systems, and green spaces.
What are the Features of Sustainable Cities?
Here are some key characteristics that explain what makes a city sustainable:
Efficient use of resources and energy: Sustainable cities prioritize adopting renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Energy-efficient buildings, smart grids, and advanced technologies help reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability. For instance, in Swansea, Tata Steel is experimenting with dye-sensitive PV coatings on buildings that will enable electricity generation.
Reduced waste and pollution: Management and control are critical for urban sustainability. These cities and climate change also adopt clean technologies to minimize air, water, and soil pollution, thereby protecting the health of their residents and the environment.
Sustainable transportation options: Sustainable cities promote transportation systems that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease traffic congestion. Public transportation, cycling, and walking are prioritized over private car use. Infrastructure improvements such as bike lanes, pedestrian paths, and efficient public transit systems are integral to this approach. London and Paris are great examples of cities that promote cycling by increasing the number of cycle-hiring facilities, ultimately improving air quality and reducing congestion.
Green spaces and biodiversity: The incorporation of green spaces, such as parks, gardens, and natural reserves, is a crucial aspect while maintaining the sustainability of cities. These areas provide recreational opportunities, enhance urban aesthetics, and support biodiversity. Green spaces also contribute to improving air quality, carbon sequestration, and urban cooling.
Affordable and clean housing: Ensuring access to affordable and clean housing is essential for sustainable cities. This involves building energy-efficient homes that are accessible to all socio-economic groups. Sustainable housing initiatives aim to reduce energy costs, improve living conditions, and promote social equity.
Inclusive and equitable communities: Sustainable cities strive for social inclusion and equity. This means creating environments where all residents have access to essential services, opportunities for participation, and the ability to thrive. Policies and programs are designed to address the needs of marginalized and vulnerable populations, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Importance of Sustainable Cities and Communities
Creating sustainable cities and communities is not just a goal; it's a necessity for addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Sustainable urban development holds the key to tackling climate change, promoting economic prosperity, and enhancing social well-being. Here's why focusing on sustainable cities and communities is crucial:
Environmental Benefits
Reduced carbon emissions: According to the UN, cities take up only 3% of global land but account for 75% of carbon emissions. Sustainable cities significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by prioritizing low-emission transportation, renewable energy, and energy-efficient buildings. For example, Stockholm has implemented a congestion tax and an extensive public transport system, leading to a notable reduction in air pollution.
Conservation of resources: Sustainable cities optimize the use of natural resources, minimizing waste and promoting recycling. For instance, San Francisco diverts about 80% of its waste from landfills primarily through comprehensive waste management programs and initiatives encouraging businesses and residents to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Enhanced resilience to climate change: Sustainable urban planning strengthens cities' ability to cope with climate-related challenges. For example, New York City has developed a comprehensive climate resilience plan, including flood defenses and green infrastructure, to protect against rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
Economic Advantages
Job creation in green industries: Sustainable industries can promote economic growth by decoupling progress from carbon emissions while increasing the number of green jobs. This is a tremendous economic tool for pre-industrialized countries that can guide them toward low-carbon industrialization. In 2020, the renewable energy sector employed over 1.3 million people in the EU, proving that the region's policies and transition to a green economy create numerous job opportunities.
Cost savings through efficient energy use: Energy-efficient buildings and infrastructure reduce operational costs for everyone, not just those participating in energy efficiency programs. These benefits are experienced because they allow utilities to defer or avoid the need to build new power plants. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), energy efficiency measures saved U.S. businesses and consumers approximately $90 billion annually in 2020.
Improved economic stability: Sustainable cities attract investment and enhance financial stability. For example, Vancouver's Greenest City Action Plan has attracted businesses and boosted the local economy through green initiatives. Today, approximately 194,000 professionals work in the city in industries like cleantech, life sciences, and digital entertainment.
Social Impact
Enhanced quality of life: Sustainable urban development greatly enhances the quality of life by providing efficient public transport, abundant green spaces, and improved public health. For instance, Curitiba, Brazil, boasts a renowned bus rapid transit system and extensive parks, reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle. These elements contribute to a cleaner, more livable city, fostering community and well-being among residents.
Reduced health risks: Reducing pollution and promoting healthy lifestyles mitigate health risks. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that air pollution reductions in European cities have led to significant health improvements, including lower rates of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Promotion of social equity and inclusion: Inequality is a massive issue today, with approximately 833 million people living in slums, a number that is still steadily rising, as per the UN. Sustainable cities promote inclusivity and social equity by implementing innovative urban planning and community engagement initiatives. Medellín, Colombia, exemplifies this with its Metrocable system, connecting underserved areas to the city center and investments in public spaces and education in marginalized neighborhoods. These efforts have enhanced access to opportunities, reduced crime, and fostered social cohesion, transforming Medellín into a model of social inclusion and urban innovation.
Sustainable City Examples
Here are some examples of a few of the most sustainable cities in the world:
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is one of the most sustainable city in the world and is known for its ambitious carbon neutrality goals, extensive cycling infrastructure, and green spaces. The city aims to be the world's first carbon-neutral capital by 2025 through initiatives like converting to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency in buildings, and promoting green mobility. Copenhagen has over 375 km of cycle tracks and lanes, with bikes outnumbering cars in the city center. The city also boasts numerous green spaces like the Superkilen Park, which features urban design elements from 60 nationalities.
Singapore
Singapore is a leader in urban greenery, water management, and sustainable architecture. The city-state has transformed into a "City in a Garden," with lush greenery covering nearly 50% of the area and 72 hectares of rooftop gardens and green walls. Singapore is also a pioneer in water management, recycling used water and desalinating seawater to meet its freshwater needs. Iconic sustainable buildings include the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort with its solar-powered system and the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, designed for natural ventilation and lighting.
Curitiba, Brazil
Curitiba, a sustainable city in Brazil, has been at the forefront of implementing innovative schemes to promote jobs, enhance public transportation, improve urban development, and create efficient waste management systems. The South American city's bus rapid transit (BRT) system, called the "Rede Integrada de Transporte," is one of the most extensive in the world, which makes the bus system more cost-effective than the rail. The city's sustainability efforts in transport systems have led to its fuel usage being 3% lower than Brazil's other major cities. Curitiba also pioneered the "green exchange" concept, where residents can exchange recyclable materials for bus tickets, food, or school supplies. In terms of economic progress, the creation of the Curitiba Industrial City (CIC) encourages industries that follow stringent environmental regulations and are non-polluting. The industry has led to about 50,000 direct jobs and 150,000 indirect jobs.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is committed to becoming the greenest city with comprehensive waste management and renewable energy initiatives. The city aims to achieve zero waste by 2040 through initiatives like the ban on single-use plastics and expanded recycling programs. Vancouver also has ambitious renewable energy goals, with a target of 100% renewable energy by 2050. The city's green building policies have resulted in numerous LEED-certified buildings (a standard for environmentally sustainable buildings) and using renewable materials like mass timber.
Progress of Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Significant strides and ongoing challenges characterize the journey towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11. Over half of the world's population lived in urban areas as of 2022, with this figure expected to rise to 70% by 2050.
Major urban growth occurs in small cities and intermediate towns, increasing inequality and poverty as slum dwellers rise. Currently, around 1.1 billion people live in slums or slum-like conditions, and this number is projected to grow by 2 billion in the next 30 years.
Urban areas are also expanding much faster than population growth. Cities grew 1.28 times faster than the population, making cities less dense but also leaving certain populations with no access to proper facilities. Rapid urbanization often outpaces the development of adequate housing, infrastructure, and services, leading to significant challenges such as urban sprawl, air pollution, and limited public spaces. In 2022, only half of the urban population had convenient access to public transport, highlighting the need for substantial improvements in urban infrastructure.
On the flip side, we've seen some upsides. According to the UN, the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies more than doubled in 2022 compared to 2015. These strategies are essential for building resilience against natural disasters, which increasingly impact densely populated urban areas.
Cities like Copenhagen, Singapore, Curitiba, London, and New York City are working hard to achieve SDG 11 by improving public transportation facilities, creating green developments, and adopting renewable energy. Several global organizations are also working towards improving cities and communities. UN-HABITAT impacts cities' climate change by providing adequate shelter, improving urban living conditions, and advocating for sustainable urban development policies. Similarly, the C40 Cities network, comprising some of the world's largest cities, is committed to addressing climate change through collaboration and implementing best practices in sustainability and resilience.
Sustainable City Ideas: How to Make Cities Sustainable?
Here are some innovative ideas for designing a sustainable city:
Integrated planning: Implement comprehensive urban plans that consider social, economic, and environmental dimensions, such as Vancouver's Greenest City Action Plan, which addresses climate action, green building, and sustainable transportation.
Intelligent technologies: Utilize intelligent technologies to improve urban services, such as innovative traffic management systems that reduce congestion and pollution. For example, Barcelona uses sensors and data analytics to optimize traffic flow, manage public transportation, and enhance energy efficiency in street lighting.
Renewable energy: Transition to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. According to the UNEP, Iceland sourced nearly 100% of its energy from renewables in 2020, making it an excellent example of a sustainable city. Implementing building codes for energy efficiency is also an impactful solution. For instance, New York City's Local Law 97 aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 through energy efficiency improvements in buildings over 25,000 square feet.
Sustainable transport: Enhance public transportation and non-motorized travel options. For instance, 49% of trips to work or school in Copenhagen, Denmark, are by bike due to extensive cycling infrastructure. Another solution can be to encourage electric vehicle use and provide charging infrastructure. Cities like Oslo, Norway, do this by offering incentives for EV purchases and widespread charging stations.
Green spaces: Developing parks, gardens, and green roofs can enhance biodiversity and provide recreational spaces. For example, Paris has embraced green roofs and urban farming through its "Parisculteurs" initiative, aiming to cover rooftops and walls with greenery and agriculture. Additionally, integrating urban agriculture into city planning can improve food security.
Waste management: Sustainable cities implement robust systems to reduce landfill use and pollution. San Francisco's zero-waste goal includes comprehensive recycling and composting programs, while Amsterdam aims to be fully circular by 2050 by promoting product reuse, repair, and recycling. Other effective strategies include Pay-As-You-Throw systems and waste-to-energy facilities, which incentivize waste reduction and generate renewable energy. Promote a circular economy where products are reused, repaired, and recycled. Amsterdam, Netherlands, is leading with an initiative to make the city fully circular by 2050.
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