Aiming to create cleaner, healthier, and more resilient communities, cities in the C40 network are adopting sustainable urban planning and investing in clean energy and infrastructure.

A new article on the C40 website highlights various initiatives contributing to the development of liveable cities, on a quest to reduce emissions and create safer and healthier environments for citizens.

The examples include:

• Cape Town engaged its residents through a design competition to promote net-zero carbon targets and educate locals on sustainable living. The winning design showcased sustainable features such as rainwater harvesting, solar power generation, passive cooling, and an edible food garden.
• Barcelona implemented the Superblock program, which closed roads to through traffic, prioritized pedestrians, and created more green spaces. The program led to increased pedestrian areas, accessible green space, and a decrease in vehicles and revitalized the local economy by attracting more businesses.
• Fuzhou, a pilot city in the C40 Cities China Buildings Programme, launched renewable energy projects, introduced supporting policies, and promoted high-efficiency technologies in building construction.
• Portland opened up space for new construction projects and addressed the need for affordable housing. The changes led to an increase in the number of constructed homes and a reduction in median rent prices.
• Bogotá: implemented urban planning and design policies under the Vital Neighbourhoods program to improve public spaces and enhance safety. Initiatives included creating children's priority zones and constructing care blocks to cater to the needs of caregivers and vulnerable populations.
• Copenhagen invested in initiatives to reduce energy use in buildings, including the implementation energy management systems. Copenhagen trained staff in energy-efficient operation, collected energy data, and developed a business case for further refurbishment.
• Medellín supports clean construction by providing guidance on sustainable practices and offering tax incentives for developers who adopt the Sustainable Construction Manual. The use of sustainable building materials and design measures, such as passive ventilation and solar panels, increased in new constructions, leading to emissions reduction.

Read more on C40 website.