Why London is a sustainable city
London 2070 finds that the British capital, despite its economic strength, has significant structural inequality, with pockets of poverty scattered throughout most of its geography, and with the presence of significant barriers to access to housing. On the other hand, many of the vital infrastructures are at the limit of their capacities or are beginning to present obsolescence problems. This affects the resilience of the metropolis in the face of climate change or the unsuspected effects of the fourth industrial revolution on the productive and social fabric. In terms of connectivity, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital networks and the need to rethink the economy and social life in general in terms of physical proximity, without forgetting the importance of a high-performance transport network.
The document presents 10 big ideas for the future – which are actually a few more – for each of the following areas: the economy, the community, urban centers, homes, health care, transportation, energy and resources, food, water and the environment. The aim is to achieve a resilient, interconnected, responsible and balanced metropolis by the end of the century. On the economic side, it would be to connect in a complementary manner the centers of excellence in advanced manufacturing, life sciences and technology-based research that exist throughout the urban region into a coherent and well-connected system.
Why Edinburgh is a sustainable city
Large urban centers are responsible for 60% of the world’s GDP. But they also produce 70% of pollutants and use 60% of resources (UN, n. d.). To ensure that future generations can enjoy the planet, populations are being transformed into sustainable cities.
In Colombia, Law 1715 of 2014 stimulates projects that promote the development of renewable energy sources. It grants tax benefits to companies to recover the investments made (Higueras, 2016).
This gives companies confidence to participate in the transformation of sustainable cities. Organizations that integrate sustainable cities models into their corporate culture stand out for (Diario Responsable, 2019):
Governments define the guidelines for sustainability in cities, but citizens and companies are the ones who implement them. Now we are going to show you some cities that stand out as sustainable cities.
Stockholm sustainable city
London’s transport pioneer announced its new mobile coverage of all facilities. In addition, the subway is in transition towards sustainability, as it is planned that the electrical energy it uses will come from renewable sources.
As a result, all mobile operators will be able to access the London Underground’s WiFi, as well as BAI’s mobile network, which will also be made available to the Emergency Services Network (ESN).
Based on its extensive transport coverage, Transport for London, the operator of London’s transport network, is the largest consumer of electricity in the city. Its annual consumption is 1.6 Terawatts, an energy demand equivalent to around 12% of all households in the capital.
Given this reality and London’s commitment to the UN’s 2030 Agenda, its mayor, Sadiq Kahn, announced in August 2020 his decision that the London Underground will gradually start to run entirely on electricity generated by renewable energies, especially from wind farms and solar stations.
London green city
Did you know that both Madrid – ranked 21st – and Barcelona – ranked 28th – are among the 30 most sustainable cities in the world? You probably don’t know what makes them sustainable cities. The first thing that comes to mind is: recycling, ecology and clean energy. But it’s not just that, sustainable cities go much further.
Of course, it must use renewable resources and be self-sufficient. But it’s not all about energy… Being efficient at the local level, enhancing sustainability, equality, social welfare or reducing CO2 are also important. That is why the United Nations has set the goal of making cities more sustainable.
Bioclimatic buildings have several purposes. First, to reduce the environmental impact of building. Second, we are adding more plants to the planet. And third, we are using the climate to our advantage: collecting rainwater and using the wind or the sun.
Now that you know what sustainable cities are, wouldn’t you like to live in a self-sufficient bioclimatic building surrounded by plants? While we can’t help you build buildings, we can lend a hand if you want your community – or your home – to be self-sufficient.