What Is a Green City? - Sustainable Cities Definition

Also known as a sustainable city or eco-city, the basic definition of a green city is an urban area which is adapted in a sustainable way to reduce its environmental impact. However, the real scope of sustainable cities is more specific. In fact, the United Nations has provided a more comprehensive definition of sustainable cities with its Sustainable Development Goal 11 proclamation^[1].

In 2015, the U.N. shared what it considered a blueprint for improving life for people and the planet on which they live. This consists of 17 sustainable development goals of which green cities are just one measure. With this declaration, they strive to integrate practices and policies that promote the conservation of natural resources, the reduction of pollution and the improvement of the quality of life of their inhabitants.

Green cities operate through a series of strategies and policies designed to promote environmental sustainability and improve the quality of life of their inhabitants. Here we explain how they work in general terms:

• Sustainable urban planning: urban planning is essential in green cities. This involves the design of urban spaces that minimize uncontrolled expansion, promote efficient land use and facilitate access to services and green areas. This will help to reduce problematic urban phenomena such as heat island effects in cities.
  
  
• Sustainable transport: efficient public transport, cycling and walking are promoted as alternatives to the use of private cars. This reduces traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.
  
  
• Energy efficiency: sustainable cities adopt technologies and practices that reduce energy consumption in buildings and public infrastructure. This includes implementing sustainable building standards and promoting renewable energy sources.
  
  
• Waste management and recycling: efficient waste management and recycling programs are established to minimize the amount of waste sent to landfills. Learn about types of radioactive waste management with our related article.
  
  
• Green spaces and biodiversity: the creation and preservation of green areas, parks and natural areas within the city promote biodiversity, improve air quality and provide recreational spaces for residents.
  
  
• Environmental policies: green cities implement environmental policies and regulations that protect natural resources and reduce pollution. This may include restrictions on the emission of pollutants and the promotion of sustainable building practices.
  
  
• Community involvement: active community involvement is essential. Citizens get involved in sustainability initiatives, from reforestation to organizing environmental educational events.
  
  
• Green economy: green cities promote job creation in sustainable economic sectors, such as urban agriculture, clean technology and eco-tourism. Learn about how the research into these developments with our article on what is green biotechnology?
  
  
• Environmental education: educational programs are carried out to raise awareness among the population about the importance of sustainability and how they can contribute to it in their daily lives.
  
  
• Monitoring and evaluation: constant monitoring of the environmental and social performance is common in green cities. They do so by measuring indicators such as air quality, energy efficiency and citizen satisfaction. This allows policies and strategies to be adjusted as necessary.

Below we mention 5 examples of green cities. These are cities where different types of environmental degradation are low and quality of life its high. For this reason, we can use them as examples of how to adapt other cities around the world which are less sustainable.

Copenhagen is recognized as the greenest city on the planet for countless reasons. These include its large pedestrian areas, its great investment in green spaces, a reliable public transport system and a fully integrated cycling infrastructure. In fact, the cycling network in Denmark has been so well received that there are more bicycles than cars. The city has committed to being carbon neutral by 2025 and has implemented policies to reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life of its residents.

Another green city found in Scandinavia, Stockholm is a leader in urban sustainability. It boasts a very efficient public transport system and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. The city is also surrounded by water and green areas, which contribute to its high quality of life by integrating natural spaces. It aims to be free of fossil fuels by 2050.

Learn about other urban areas which may need more help with sustainability due to their high cost of energy use with our article on the hottest cities in the world.

Moving from Europe to North America, Vancouver stands out for its natural beauty and its commitment to sustainability. This prime example of a green city has implemented policies to reduce carbon emissions and promote the use of renewable energy. In addition, it has abundant parks such as Stanley Park and an active community of cyclists.

Although the United States is one of the most polluting countries in the world, we can find some areas that are considered more environmentally friendly. This includes the city of Portland, known for its focus on sustainability and sustainable mobility. It has invested in public transportation systems, encourages cycling and promotes sustainable building practices. Additionally, it is famous for its emphasis on local agriculture and organic foods.

Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland and has adopted green policies and uses renewable energy sources. This includes exploiting natural renewable resources such as geothermal and hydroelectric power. In addition, it is a pioneer in hydrogen buses. It has also worked on the conservation of natural spaces and the promotion of sustainable mobility. It also has the goal of being a fossil fuel-free city by 2050.

Now that you know what green cities are and some examples of them across the world, you may want to know how similar approaches can be taken to other parts of the world. Do so with our article on what is the blue economy?

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