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Urban centres provide opportunities for a range of social and cultural activities, as well as being critical for innovations in science, technology and education. They are also of critical importance for social and economic development. However, with approximately 40% of global energy use taking place within city buildings, this sector is also the single largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions.
As a result, the design and use of energy and resource-efficient buildings has a key role in climate change mitigation to accelerate the global green economy transition. Although vast savings are possible by constructing new green buildings and retrofitting existing buildings, even greater gains can be achieved by adopting a long-term life-cycle approach involving stakeholders at different stages – from environmentally-minded investors and architects, to sustainable extraction, construction and usage, and the eventual demolition and the recycling or disposal of the building materials.
Cities are well-placed to play a major role in decoupling economic development from resource use and environmental impacts, while finding a better balance between social, environmental and economic objectives. Resource-efficient cities combine greater productivity and innovation with lower costs and reduced environmental impacts, offering at the same time financial savings and increased sustainability.
Created a Post in Cities and Urban Development, Climate Change, Natural Capital
Adapting to a future of extremes: Green, grey and hybrid solutions
Created a Post in Cities and Urban Development, Water and Sanitation
Optimising Water Resource Management: Smart Water Solutions and Success in Barcelona
Urban Farming and Water: Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture
Created a Post in Cities and Urban Development
How much do you know about sustainability? Test your knowledge and win exciting prizes with our fun and informative quiz game! Challenge your friends and learn something new about sustainable living and building practices. Play now and put your knowledge to the test!
Created a Post in Cities and Urban Development, Natural Capital, Water and Sanitation
Financing Water Resources Management: Bridging the Funding Gap
Have you ever heard of food forests?
Food forests are gaining popularity in urban areas as a way to promote sustainable and local food production in densely populated environments. Urban food forests can provide a range of environmental and social benefits, including improving air quality, reducing the urban heat island effect, and promoting biodiversity.
To implement food forests in urban environments, it is important to consider environmental governance structures that enable community participation and decision-making.
In Antwerp (Belgium), Klimplant vzw is planting a food forest of 1.2 hectares through the engagement of the local community. Click on the following link to read more about the topic and the project in Antwerp:
Created a Post in Circular Economy, Cities and Urban Development, Water and Sanitation
Innovative water solutions
Water Neutral Buildings: Achieving Zero Water Footprint through Innovative Design and Technology
Exploring the Differences between Nature-Based Stormwater Management Approaches
Created a Post in Cities and Urban Development, Climate Change, Water and Sanitation
Tackling the Water Crisis: San Diego’s ‘Waste No Water’ Smartphone App Leads the Way in Conservation