Take action
The urban environment needs to become a better place to live. A place that improves health, well-being and economic resilience while simultaneously – and dramatically - reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable Cities helps urban local authorities to take the right decisions to achieve this for their town or city. It is not one-size-fits-all. The best solutions for one place may not suit another.
Priorities for action
The 15 priorities form the bedrock for strategic, integrated planning:
Energy
Reduce energy demand
Develop a low carbon and renewable energy portfolio
Waste
Plan for sustainable waste management
Deal with construction waste
Turn waste into energy
Water
Manage surface water and flood risk
Encourage sustainable water use
Protect watercourses
Transport
Encourage public transport, walking and cycling
Reduce car use and improve the carbon efficiency of vehicles
Green infrastructure
Integrate green infrastructure into urban areas
Moderate the urban heat island
Help wildlife adapt to climate change
Public space
Maximise the potential of public space
Adapt public space to climate change
Spatial scales
The 15 priorities can also be considered at a spatial level. Whichever of the seven scales is appropriate to you - whether across a sub-region or city or a neighbourhood, or on a site or building - you can work out the most relevant priorities for that scale.
