Sustainable Cities: 6 Ways to Build a Greener Future

Cities in Scandinavia, such as Oslo, Copenhagen, and Stockholm, consistently rank highly on happiness and sustainability indexes. But what is a sustainable city? What are the most sustainable cities in the world? 

There are countless frameworks that are being used to assess a city’s social, environmental, and economic principles as they relate to sustainability. We know that promoting green practices and policies alongside urban transformation benefits people, the planet, and profit. 

Learn about the characteristics of sustainable cities and why they’re important to building a greener future.

What is a sustainable city?

A sustainable city is designed to address social, environmental, and economic impact through urban planning and transformation. Goal 11 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to “make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable” [1]. 

According to a World Bank report, cities require good governance, integrated urban planning, and financial management to deliver four outcomes: robust economic growth, conservation of natural resources, mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and fostering inclusiveness and livability by reducing poverty [2].

Features of a sustainable city might include affordable housing, public green spaces, walkable streets, and inclusive access to health care, education, and jobs. 

Benefits of greener cities

There is no limit to the benefits of greener cities. Here are a few key benefits to know.

• Less pollution and traffic

• More peace, reduced stress

• Conservation of biodiversity

• Locally produced food

• Increase in real estate valuation

• Stronger ties to local communities

• Cooler environment 

What makes a city sustainable?

These are some of the characteristics that can pave the way to a greener future.

1. Access to public resources

Sustainable cities help residents achieve sustainability in everyday life by providing access to public resources. This might look like recreational facilities, libraries, museums, health centers, garbage collection services, and public transportation. Initiatives such as telecommunications, insurance, and technology centers stimulate public health and the economy, which uphold the “people” and “profit” pillars of sustainability.

2. Transportation

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the transportation sector accounted for the most significant portion (28 percent) of total GHG emissions in 2022. This includes cars, trucks, planes, and trains [3]. Between 1990 and 2022, this number increased more than any other sector. People are traveling more than ever, and it’s taking a toll on cities (and our planet).

Subways and other train systems are the most sustainable forms of public transportation. Cities that prioritize greening public transit benefit from tackling one of the main drivers of GHG emissions.

3. Green public spaces

It’s no secret that parks, lakes, and tree-lined streets can be a welcome respite from a city’s noise and crowds. Not only are green spaces good for public health, especially our mental and physical health, but they also help curb pollution and promote biodiversity. Urban farms and community gardens can supplement a neighborhood’s diet with fresh organic produce and flowers.

Further, cities that build and design for walkability and bikeability benefit from more sustainable and enjoyable commutes, whether you’re going to work or to a friend’s house across town.

4. Green architecture

Approximately 34 percent of the world’s energy demand comes from buildings, according to the UN Environment Programme [4]. The solution? Green buildings can reduce carbon emissions and have cheaper electricity and water bills. In the long term, green architecture also benefits builders, who can save on costs and receive tax incentives.

Building green from the ground up means introducing solar panels, smart heating and cooling systems, and natural building materials like stone or bamboo. The Green Building Council in the US awards the LEED certification for buildings that reduce their energy demand and water consumption.

5. Water conservation

Ensuring the resourceful management of water is another characteristic of sustainable cities. By 2050, nearly 70 percent of the world’s population will live in cities [5]. Of those urban centers, 90 percent are located near coastal areas [5]. 

While these areas are at risk for natural disasters, especially as climate change increases the likelihood, water conservation practices such as rainwater harvesting and green infrastructure (restoring wetlands) can help cities maximize natural resources near the coastline.

6. Waste management

Another characteristic of sustainable cities is the way they dispose of waste. Households produce waste, but consider the amount of waste generated by offices, hotels, schools, and more. To tackle this problem, cities can adopt better recycling programs and stricter trash collection policies and go paperless. Data-driven technologies can help monitor our consumption and contribute to sustainable waste innovation.

Sustainable urban planning

Sustainable urban planning typically promotes connected spaces, diverse transportation options, and mixed-use development within a community that values protecting its resources. Part of the process involves creating communities using techniques that reduce pollution and balance new construction with natural systems.  

Sustainable smart cities

So, what are the most sustainable cities in the world? The Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index ranks 100 of the world’s cities based on 51 metrics and 26 indicator themes under the four pillars of sustainability: planet, people, progress, and profit [6].

Here are the top 5 sustainable cities in the world:

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands

2. Rotterdam, Netherlands

3. Copenhagen, Denmark

4. Frankfurt, Germany

5. Munich, Germany

It is important to note that there are numerous factors and frameworks for measuring sustainability and applying it to cities, so the lists of sustainable cities can be arbitrary. The list cited above is one of the most widely accepted.

Learn more about sustainable cities on Coursera

Boost your knowledge and skills for navigating urban transformations. Enroll in Lund University’s highly rated course Greening the Economy: Sustainable Cities, part of the Sustainable Cities and Communities Specialization. You’ll learn how sustainable cities fit within the context of climate change, while examining visions, experiments, and innovations in urban areas.