Renewable energy feed-in tariff strategies in Germany, for example, have allowed the city of Freiburg to invest in photovoltaic, wind and other renewable energy systems, which now supply over eight percent of the city’s total energy demand. Household energy consumption has been decreased by up to 80 percent due to Freiburg’s energy-efficient housing standards.
Overall, the UNEP report outlines several success factors for transitioning to sustainable, resource efficient cities:
- Integration: Cities need to move beyond merely conducting environmental impact assessments before implementing new developments. In addition to a conservation approach towards greening, the livability of cities and social equality measures should be taken into account.
- Governance: Tackling climate change and advancing urban sustainability requires an integrated, consultative approach involving local communities and civil society groups, as well traditional decision-makers.
- Smart Urban Design: Supporting low-footprint design that targets public transport, pedestrian zones and cycle lanes and promote compact, multi-use urban development
- Finance: Tax incentives and subsidies can be used to stimulate the up-take of green technologies.
- Technology Transfer: Transfer of technology and skills to developing countries should be adapted to suit local context, not simply ‘off-the-shelf’ solutions from the developed world. Capacity building on management and maintenance is an important part of technology and skills transfer.
- Innovation: Supporting and/or establishing educational and research bodies that can support the development of skills, capabilities and networks on urban sustainability
A second UNEP report, also launched on June 18, examines how cities can better access climate finance through the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). The “Feasibility Study on the Development of an Urban CDM” recommends reforming the existing CDM to allow for methodologies geared towards cities. It also recommends the development of a CDM programme of activities for pilot cities that would inform the future development ofNationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions and assist in the transition to a green economy.
Source: UNEP.
