With the global population over 8 billion and rising more and more people are moving to cities. By 2050 the UN (United Nations) predicts that two-thirds of the world’s population will live in cities. To achieve the cities of tomorrow, adapted environments are needed for citizens to prosper, to do this, sustainable cities with eco aspects will need to be developed.
In 2015 the UN (United Nations) announced 17 new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Number 11, titled Sustainable Cities and Communities, aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Within this category, 10 targets have been set, with the focus on providing access to sustainable transport and enhancing sustainable urbanisation.
For cities to approach environmental challenges, urban planners need to design cities with eco-friendly principles, green & sustainable technology, and green spaces in mind. Air pollution is a massive factor in urban spaces and with these principles implemented carbon dioxide (CO2) will be reduced and air quality will improve whilst preserving natural spaces. Research shows that as of 2022 currently, the 5 most sustainable cities in the world are:
- Wellington, New Zealand
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Madrid, Spain
- Canberra, Australia
These 5 cities all use forms of renewable energy sources, with Canberra boasting 100% renewable energy powering its city. Other cities have sustainable transport options with zero emission or electric buses and biodiversity within the heart of the urban cityscape. These are only a few ways that cities can be more sustainable, 5 major sustainable characteristics are:
1. Renewable energy-
If a city can commit to a clean energy transition this will be a major factor in sustainability. Sources like wind, solar or geothermal energy generate far fewer CO2 emissions than unrenewable fossil fuels.
2. Eco-Forward Architecture-
To reduce emissions and meet sustainable building certifications architects are now trying to incorporate eco-friendly features ranging from natural and sustainable building materials, improving ventilation, improving insulation, and updating existing structures with efficient windows and lighting. The UK has set up the ‘London Plan’ a vision for transforming the city into a zero-carbon city with zero waste, zero transport emissions, abundant green cover, and improved air quality. This an ambitious goal but it is reachable with existing technology and innovative ideas.
3. Efficient Public Transport-
Transport within cities plays a major factor in greenhouse gas emissions being produced. One way to tackle this is by switching to electric modes of public transport and promoting its use to the public. Making these services cheaper, more efficient, and accessible to all will make people think about getting trains or buses rather than their personal vehicles. Another factor in reducing transportation emissions is to promote healthier modes of transport including walking and cycling.
4. Social Planning-
With cities growing, there is a need for access to green spaces such as parks, nature reserves and recreational spaces. Imaginative solutions for this will help to produce a greener environment, helping to reduce emissions and open our cities to reduce air pollution. With over 3,000 parks and green spaces, London is the greenest city in Europe, helping to improve its air quality.
5. Electric Vehicle Charging-
With cities aiming to become carbon neutral encouraging electric vehicles (EVs) is the future of personal transport. Europe is the front-runner for the number of electric vehicles and due to this, the infrastructure for vehicle charging points has also expanded. To achieve further adaptation for EVs, considerable upgrades to national grids will need to be made as well as installing charge points to many public spaces and homes. To further carbon-neutral ideas, generating power for this use could come from solar panels. In the UK commitments have been made to increase charge points by around 30,000 in public spaces by 2030.
With the transition to sustainable cities looking bright and the initiatives put forward being reachable there is much promise in the future. With the UK’s sharp vision for a NET zero future and with the London Plan to transform the capital into a zero-carbon city, QuinnRoss looks forward to helping you pursue your next project Net Zero Future with our tailored solutions.
For more information on the London Plan take a look at our Blog Post.
