Read the latest articles about Green Cities on UrbanizeHub.
Green cities make significant changes in order to protect the environment and create a more pleasant and healthy living space for their citizens. In order to be considered ‘green’, a city doesn’t just have to cover itself in trees and plants, but also move towards renewable energy, make its infrastructure more efficient and concentrate efforts to manage waste in a sustainable way.
In this inspiring TED Talk, Enrique Peñalosa, mayor of Bogotá from 1998 until 2001 and re-elected for a new term in 2015, argues that “an advanced city is not one where even the poor use cars, but rather one where even the rich use public transport.” He is talking about equality for the quality of life, especially for …
The biophilic cities network is part of the global movement towards green cities. By innovative, multi-sensory driven design and green architecture, these cities are forging a symbiotic relationship with nature. “We need density but we also need connections to nature,” said University of Virginia professor Timothy Beatley during an event at the University of the …
China’s unparalleled speed of urbanization comes at a steep environmental cost. Efforts to mitigate the fallout are resulting in leaps for the urban conservation movement. The scale and speed at which China is urbanizing is impressive. Over the past three decades, China has experienced unprecedented economic and social transformation. Millions have been lifted out of …
Whole Foods rounds its green image by committing to solar system energy. The grocery chain Whole Foods plans to install as many as 100 rooftop solar systems, mainly through the power provider NRG Energy, on nearly a quarter of its stores and distribution centers, the companies announced on March 8th. SolarCity will also provide systems …
Warsaw’s mayor shares a few thoughts and lessons about the challenges faced by sustainable cities, the role of European funds and strategic development. In a think piece for Huffington Post, Warsaw’s mayor Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz shares a few thoughts about sustainable development and climate action. In the past few years, Warsaw’s infrastructure and eco-friendly transportation stock …
Santiago’s subway system takes the leap towards green energy. Boasting 5 lines and over 100 stations, the subway system in Santiago, Chile is one of the largest in Latin America. Soon, it will have another claim to fame as it moves forward into the green energy future. Starting from late 2017, 60% of Metro de …
LEED certificates prove that smart buildings can and must be both environmentally friendly and economical. Smart, in the context of buildings, means using energy and resources efficiently and integrating automation technology to maximize user comfort and building functionality. Essentially, smart buildings are made to provide enjoyable, green and high-tech environments that enable users to live …
Urban community living is shaped by revitalizing public spaces. The vision of landscape architects is central to this process. What makes a city worth living in and enhances its communal aspect are its public spaces. With renewed interest in shaping them to fit into the smart city and green city movements, it is landscape architects …
Increased connectivity between cities is seen as key to revolutionizing both urban living and diplomatic ties with other countries. We’re now moving towards a new era where insular, political boundaries are no longer as relevant as they used to be. More and more people see themselves as “global citizens,” and that is due to the …
Frankfurt is the most sustainable city in the world, according to the Sustainable Cities Index. London ranks second, followed by Copenhagen. Index authors chose 50 cities worldwide to cover several levels of economic development, expected growth and sustainable development challenges. The Sustainable Cities Index ranking is based on 20 indicators in five key areas: economy, business, risk, infrastructure and finance. Results are also further divided by three sub-indexes – social, environmental and economic – which …