Greenhouse Gas Reduction

Posted on July 8, 2015 by bacei

Cities and Governments Committing to Global Carbon Emission Reductions

Source: David Thorpe, Sustainable Cities Collective, 7/2/15

Abstract: In likely anticipation of COP21 later this year, 20 cities and subnational governments around the world have made commitments to decrease their global carbon emissions by 5%, and submit their climate data to the Compact of States and Regions. The Compact of States and Regions is a partnership between The Climate Group, CDP, R20, and nrg4SD, with support by the UN, Climate-KIC, Center for the New Energy Economy (CNEE), ICLEI, and the Environmental Conference of the European Regions (ENCORE). (See the infographic that maps the Compact’s participants and explains the data linkages.)

The Compact enables accurate and public reporting of climate data, and will be the first global assessment of greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction contributions made by state and regional governments. With its tracking and assessment capabilities, participating cities and governments can measure and record success against their commitments, as well as track progress and develop long-term planning and goals.

Contributor: Devon Bertram

Behavior Change

Posted on June 26, 2015 by bacei

A Win for Sustainability

Source: Oliver Balch, The Guardian, 12/2/13

Abstract: Mass behavior change around sustainability is a common challenge for all cities, but new outreach approaches could change this. The sports arena has been a growing outlet for sustainability messaging and encouraging behavior change. Through sports, sustainability messages have the potential to be seen by a large audience and people of all ages. Some of the messages teams and stadiums highlight are focused on recycling, water conservation, and solar power. The content of the message and how it is presented to sports fans is key. Fans do not want to feel pressured to make certain lifestyle changes, but might be more interested in the messages displayed at their favorite sports game or announced in a commercial by their favorite athlete. This approach could engage and motivate more people to participate in sustainable actions that extend beyond the stadium walls.

City/Sports Team Partnership

Source: Earthquake Media Relations, 4/21/15

Promoting sustainability through sports is also an opportunity for city governments to build partnerships with the local sports teams and work together to expand outreach efforts on a large scale to work towards achieving city sustainability goals. The City of San Jose has been partnering with the local Bay Area Major League Soccer team, the San Jose Earthquakes, to promote sustainability, with an emphasis on their zero waste messaging. There are also visual sustainability reminders around the stadium that can educate and engage the public. There are restroom signs that encourage water conservation and a new onsite edible garden that was just started in April 2015.

Contributor: Lauren Romanazzi

Resilience

Posted on June 12, 2015 by bacei

Urban Resilience: What It Takes

Source: Ayesha Dinshaw, The City Fix, 6/10/15

Abstract: Due to climate change’s increasing impacts, city leaders and officials will need to identify tactics and strategies to increase urban resiliency and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. Key components of an informed and robust plan include focusing on context-specific information and impacts, sharing best practices and lessons learned, and encouraging communication and coordination among stakeholders.

Contributor: Devon Bertram

Empowered Citizens

Posted on June 3, 2015 by bacei

Sustainable Cities Depend on Empowered Citizens

Source: SciDev.net, 5/22/15

Abstract: A new report, released May 2015 and developed by the UN from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), focuses on “Science Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Urbanization”. While it is well known that technology can support the advancement of cities and its progress towards sustainability, this report emphasizes the need to engage and empower citizens in order to achieve long term goals and success. Without increasing citizens’ awareness and involving both the private and civic segments of society, we can limit our potential and traction. This report, too, utilizes examples from around the world to demonstrate how collaboration and learnings have benefited cities’ improvements.

Contributor: Devon Bertram

8 Principles

Posted on May 9, 2015 by bacei

What Does the Data Say About Cities for People?

Source: Sustainable Cities Collective, 5/7/15 and Energy Innovation

Abstract: Energy Innovation has recently released a new report Cities for People: Insights from the Data (PDF: 15.6 MB) that discusses the guiding principles designed to ensure sustainable urban development. The report focuses much of its research and data on China, as the current rate of urban development there far exceeds other areas experiencing urban growth.

As defined by Energy Innovation and included within their Planning Cities for People (PDF: 2.5 MB) report, the 8 Principles that contribute to a sustainable, economically viable city that also offers a high quality of life are: 1. Walk; 2. Connect; 3. Transit; 4. Cycle; 5. Mix; 6. Densify; 7. Compact; 8. Shift. The report includes compelling infographics and data that support each of these principles, as well as a discussion of the impact, benefits and evidence pertaining to each. The report includes a discussion on cost management as well as a gaps assessment, highlighting the need for collaboration and continued research in this evolving field.

Contributor: Devon Bertram

Stakeholder Engagement

Posted on April 30, 2015 by bacei

Participatory Budgeting

With many cities experiencing budget cuts across the board, careful financial decisions must accompany growing communities. There is a sustainable approach to financial management that is spreading across the United States. Participatory budgeting is “a new way of governing” that gives local communities more opportunities to influence how money in the public budget is spent. This concept of budgeting originated in Porto Alegre, Brazil in 1989 and has since spread around the world.

A short video posted towards the end of last year by the Participatory Budgeting Project (PBP), Real Money, Real Power: Participatory Budgeting 2014, captures inspiring stories of community-initiated projects, that in collaboration with local governments, led to positive urban change. Stakeholder engagement is important to creating sustainable growth in cities. Participatory budgeting also is an opportunity to educate the youth of the community and involve them in decision-making and implementation processes. Efforts like this have not only increased participation in government and democracy, but also increased the public’s overall appreciation for their community.

For more information on participatory budgeting, visit http://www.participatorybudgeting.org/.

Contributor: Lauren Romanazzi

Game-Changing Strategies

Posted on April 13, 2015 by bacei

Five Cities with Top Game-Changing Sustainability and Resilience Projects

Source: Sustainable Cities Collective, 4/8/15

Abstract: As cities continue to attract the majority of the world’s population, they are needing to incorporate and implement significant strategies to manage increasing density, resource demand, and climate change impacts. Here, Atlanta, Guangzhou, Helsinki, Los Angeles, and Tianjin are recognized for their extensive improvement projects in the immediate to medium term that focus on areas such as transit, revitalization, the sharing economy, and restoration. While these models may take years to develop, if they succeed as planned, they will provide extensive long term benefits and be extraordinary examples for resilient urban areas.

Contributor: Devon Bertram

Key Metrics

Posted on March 5, 2015 by bacei

The 10 Most Sustainable Cities That Will Thrive As The World Crumbles

Source: Fast Company, 2/20/15

Abstract: Arcadis, a Dutch design group, has recently evaluated the sustainability performance of 50 cities by examining data based on the three key metrics: people, planet, and profit. This Sustainable Cities Index examines such factors as health, education, income inequality, work-life balance and green space; energy emissions, pollution, natural disaster risk, and sanitation; and business environment, economic performance and GDP per capita. Cities around the world are represented in the top 50, with Frankfurt, London and Copenhagen leading as the top three. Based on this evaluation, European cities seem to be achieving the greatest balance among all three factors, while cities in other parts of the world are not reaching the same overall success—they may be exceeding in profit for example, yet are low in people, or high in people and low in profit. Utilizing all these factors for growth, and development evaluation and decision making, can support long-term innovation solutions and best for quality of life.

Contributor: Devon Bertram

Cities of Possibility

Posted on December 4, 2014 by bacei

2014 Good City Index

Source: GOOD Magazine

Abstract: GOOd Magazine has identified 50 cities around the world that “best capture the elusive quality of possibility”—a true measure of a city’s heartbeat. As defined by GOOD, a “City of Possibility” incorporates a hub of progress, civic engagement, street life, a defining moment, connectivity, green life, diversity, and work/life balance. These cities inspire resident and visitors alike .

Contributor: Devon Bertram

The Vertical City on the Rise

Posted on November 19, 2014 by bacei

Is the Vertical City a Viable Solution for Sustainable Living?

Source: Lloyd Alter, Treehugger, 11/7/14

Abstract: While the Vertical City may be controversial, it is considered by some to be the new urban form that can support solutions to the latest pressing environmental problems. Kenneth King and Kellogg Wong have developed an involved and detailed manifesto and a soon-to-be-released coffee table book, VERTICAL CITY: A Solution for Sustainable Living, that seeks to inspire and describe how the vertical city can address environmental, financial, and sociopolitical concerns and satisfy key objectives within each of these areas. As countries such as China and India are growing rapidly, it is worth examining how they may incorporate such concepts into new urban planning and design.

Contributor: Devon Bertram

Regenerative Cities

Posted on November 19, 2014 by bacei

Herbert Girardet Shares His Insight and Expertise in a 2-Part Interview Webcast

Source: Sustainable Cities Collective, 11/12/14

Abstract: Eco-development strategist Herbert Giradet’s latest book Creating Regenerative Cities moves beyond sustainability and discusses a model in which there is no waste and everything gets reused in a closed loop approach. This 2-part interview webcast offers insight from Giradet on the concept of regenerative cities, the current state of affairs, and how cities have the opportunity (and responsibility) to implement practices and policies that support this more holistic approach.

Contributor: Devon Bertram

Latin America & the Caribbean

Posted on November 13, 2014 by bacei

Emerging and Sustainable Cities Initiative

The Emerging and Sustainable Cities Initiative (focused on Latin American and Caribbean cities) is a technical assistance program under the Inter-American Development Bank that helps intermediate cities in Latin America and the Caribbean identify, prioritize, and structure projects to improve their environmental, urban and fiscal sustainability.

The program includes valuable resources and tools that may be of interest for cities undergoing evaluation in regards to sustainability action plans, resiliency plans or assessing various development plans. Tools include an Urban Dashboard that highlights indicators, studies and profiles of the cities within the program, as well as cities’ Action Plans, and a valuable Sustainable Cities Methodological Guide that identifies the phases of city action plan development, and the associated activities and deliverables associated with each phase.

Contributor: Lauren Romanazzi

Urban Agriculture

Posted on August 28, 2014 by bacei

SF Approves California’s First Tax Incentive for Urban Ag

Source: Eli Zigas, SPUR, 8/5/14

Abstract: This summer the city of San Francisco made significant progress in the urban agriculture policy arena. On July 29, 2014, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed legislation allowing property owners to receive a property tax reduction when contracting out their land for agricultural use for at least five years. San Francisco was the first jurisdiction in California to lead the way and pass this unique urban agriculture incentive policy permitted by Assembly Bill 551. As a result of the legislation, any land parcel in San Francisco is now considered an urban agriculture incentive zone. Once landowners receive approval from the Planning Department to use their land for agricultural purposes, landowners are required to apply and also get approval from the agricultural commissioner and city assessor-recorder before they will see a reduction in their property tax. The policy is intended to promote urban farming and incentivize the public to start community gardens.

Link to the ordinance:
http://www.spur.org/sites/default/files/blog_post_pdfs/SF_AB551_Implementing_Leg_Board_Packet_July_22.pdf

Contributor: Lauren Romanazzi

Smart Cities USA

Posted on August 28, 2014 by bacei

San Jose Implements Intel Technology for a Smarter City

Source: Intel Newsroom, 6/11/14

Abstract: Cities around the world are gaining intelligence after implementing new technologies to help them collect data, monitor city programs, and increase public engagement. One Bay Area “smart city” was recently acknowledged by the White House for its public-private partnership with Intel to help meet its Green Vision Goals for 2022. The city of San Jose teamed up with the large tech corporation to participate in a pilot project, Smart Cities USA, that will install sensors around the city to collect data on air and water quality, traffic, parking management, communication systems, and more. Besides the environmental benefits and solutions, the city also hopes to experience an increase in job creation, an improvement in the local economy, and a greater quality of life for its residents.

As city populations are expanding, local governments are turning to technologies, such as phone apps, GIS, and other software and hardware, to help monitor and manage their infrastructure and resources. Those following in San Jose’s footsteps might choose to implement similar technologies to capture new information in order to make “smarter” sustainability decisions.

Contributor: Lauren Romanazzi

Transit Focus

Posted on August 28, 2014 by bacei

How Denver Is Becoming the Most Advanced Transit City in the West

Source: Taras Grescoe, CityLab, 6/24/14

Abstract: Denver, a car centric and constantly gridlocked city, has shifted investments to become a progressive transit focused city. In 2004, voters approved the Denver FasTracks program that would add 121 miles of new commuter light rail, 18 miles of bus rapid transit, 57 new rapid transit stations, and 21,000 park-and-ride spots. Phil Washington, general manager for the Regional Transportation District (RTD), has mentioned his vision for the future to include commuter rail, RTD buses, B-Cycle bicycles and car-share vehicles all using a single stored-value fare card. This $7.8 billion gamble relies on the adaptation of Denver commuters, especially Millennials. Millennials (age 25-34) are less likely to own cars and 70% of Millennials report using several forms of transportation to complete trips. To promote the use of commuter lines, affordable housing has been built near many of the stations under construction. Currently, only 6% of commuters use bus and light rail, about half of the percentage for Los Angeles; however, with the current progress of the transit improvements, daily light rail boardings have increased by 15% from 2012 to 2013. The first FasTracks project, the West Rail Line, was opened last year. By 2016 a bus rapid transit system will offer service to Boulder, known for its university and clustering of tech companies. Ten out of eleven FasTrack lines are expected to be completed by 2018.

Contributor: Carolyn Garrett

Resilient Cities

Posted on July 10, 2014 by bacei

The Pacific Cities Sustainability Initiative (PCSI), a joint program of the Asia Society and the Urban Land Institute, has released a new report, Creating Resilient and Livable Cities. The report, which builds on expert dialogue at PCSI’s 2nd Annual Forum in Manila this past March, presents practical strategies for creating tomorrow’s sustainable cities and addresses how good governance, disaster preparedness, planning cities for people, and building resilient infrastructure contribute to creating more livable and more resilient cities.

Read more and download a copy of the report at http://sites.asiasociety.org/PCSI/

Biophilic Cities

Posted on May 4, 2014 by bacei

Birmingham Joins San Francisco and Oslo in Global Green Cities Club

Source: Steven Morris, The Guardian, Thursday, 4/3/14

Abstract: The city of Birmingham is the latest to be recognized (and the first British city) as part of the global network of “biophilic cities” – those recognized for their open spaces and connection to nature. Eight cities are part of this club, including San Francisco, Oslo and Wellington. The biophilic cities club recognizes that nature contributes to a happy, healthy and meaningful life, and provides opportunity for the cities to be a leader in the field. While biophilic design has gained traction in offices and homes, it has not succeeded at gaining the same hold at a broader city scale. The biophilic cities club presents opportunity to create community among this common value, as well as share and collaborate around strategies and policy that support this value. This recognition for Birmingham reinforces its plans already in place, and supports the city’s goal to be a leading ‘green city’.

Contributor: Devon Bertram

Urban Green Space

Posted on May 4, 2014 by bacei

Urban Green Space Makes People Happier Than Money

Source: Luisa Zottis, TheCityFix, 4/29/14

Abstract: Green space is being increasingly connected to better and happier living, and new quantitative and qualitative data supports these findings. More and more cities around the world are recognizing the link between access to green space and nature, increased levels of physical activity, and happiness. Parks and green areas amidst urban areas provide residents outlets to release stress, and create a healthier, more livable environment.

Contributor: Devon Bertram

Big Data

Posted on May 4, 2014 by bacei

Can Big Data Save Lives?

Source: Jonathan Strombolis and Adam Frank, The Rockefeller Foundation 100 Resilient Cities, 3/27/14

Abstract: With the rise in urban expansion and growing populations, cities today are focusing more on establishing resilient communities. Resiliency is a key aspect of a sustainable city and is becoming a greater concern for both public and private leaders. Technology and open data can be solutions to many of the issues societies are facing related to population growth, such as climate change and globalization. Jonathan Strombolis and Adam Frank from Palantir Technologies discuss the benefits of cities having access to big data and specifically how Palantir has used technology and online data to help cities in the midst of a crisis. Palantir has found that problems with data analysis come down to data integration. Those managing the data must know how to organize it and how to access and use it. If managed efficiently, open data will allow all stakeholders to access the same organized information, resulting in a more effective decision making process and decreasing the social, economical, and environmental impacts on communities.

Contributor: Lauren Romanazzi

USDN

Posted on May 4, 2014 by bacei

Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN)

The Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) is a peer-to-peer network of local government professionals in the United States and Canada working to create “a healthier environment, economic prosperity, and increased social equity.” The organization is made up of members from 8 regional networks that collaborate on projects and share expertise and best practices in order to achieve more effective outcomes. The USDN also awards grants to members and partnering organizations for projects that focus on the challenges that many of our cities are facing.

Contributor: Lauren Romanazzi