Sustainable urban infrastructure encompasses engineered facilities, utilities and systems as well as community involvement and local governance.
Sustainable cities can help build an inclusive global economy and reduce emissions in line with the 1.5 degree trajectory set forth in the Paris Agreement, all while supporting vibrant communities that are resilient against climate change impacts.
Greener Cities
Cities may only cover 2% of Earth’s surface area, yet account for 70% of global greenhouse emissions. They also bear the brunt of climate change through heatwaves, floods and droughts.
Urban planners face one of the greatest challenges in designing cities capable of accommodating future needs without needing to replace infrastructure, something known as “future proofing”.
Urban green infrastructure (UGI) is an effective way of creating a greener city, as it reduces energy consumption and emissions. Cities can encourage people to walk, cycle and take public transit by creating safe cycling routes and making electric vehicle charging more convenient; reduce water pollution by recycling rainwater for use in wastewater management; prevent droughts and flooding by turning land into prairies – these techniques have positive results on environmental, human health and wellbeing as well as economic outcomes.
Resilient Cities
Urban resilience refers to cities’ capacity to respond effectively to both acute and chronic stresses and shocks, including climate change risks or natural disasters. A city might, for example, take measures to mitigate climate change risks or build infrastructure more capable of withstanding them; they might also introduce sustainable transport systems prioritizing bikes (as Copenhagen did) or cable cars connecting low-income hilly communities with the rest of their city (like Medellin or La Paz did).
Cities need to be resilient in order to better safeguard the lives of both their citizens and businesses. Inequality leads to social unrest and insecurity; pollution worsens health while diminishing productivity; natural disasters threaten homes as well as businesses.
Urban resilience offers one solution to these problems by improving cities’ businesses, governments and residents’ ability to withstand both chronic stress and acute shocks – the focus of 100 Resilient Cities initiative.
Healthy Cities
An ideal healthy city embraces all aspects of community development in order to foster health and wellbeing among its population. Establishing and maintaining green infrastructure are integral parts of this effort, along with implementing policies which support sustainability – such as encouraging the use of electric vehicles or prohibiting waste disposal practices that harm the environment.
Promoting social ties among residents can also assist communities in their preparation and recovery from disaster. This could involve providing a network of community centers where residents can receive assistance while also building connections among themselves.
Focusing on system change rather than treating symptoms is the best way to make cities more sustainable. To achieve this goal, many resources must come together, from individuals with the skills and motivation to be change agents to local businesses and foundations who provide financial backing; not to mention public institutions like schools, hospitals and houses of worship.
Safer Cities
As an emerging concept, sustainable urban infrastructure goes far beyond engineered facilities and utilities. It encompasses local governance as well as addressing interrelated issues of economic growth, climate change and municipal waste.
Road traffic kills over 1.24 million people each year, including many pedestrians and cyclists. Cities can make themselves safer by including simple yet effective design elements into street and neighborhood plans to reduce speeding, increase crosswalk visibility and encourage safe walking and bicycling habits.
Major infrastructure projects, like power stations and sewerage systems, must be regularly maintained to ensure essential services remain available, but other infrastructure initiatives like major ring roads (also referred to as beltways, perificos or orbital roads) have the power to make cities more liveable by decreasing congestion. Achieve sustainability for such projects involves adhering to environmental protocols as well as engaging all stakeholders from conception through completion; such collaboration may take the form of community-wide participation processes such as participatory budgeting or citizen assemblies.