At present, three quarters of the world’s energy is consumed in big cities releasing 80% of greenhouse gas emissions.
It is estimated that 50% of the world’s population lives in big cities and that percentage will continue to grow over the coming years. The increase will lead to greater energy consumption and an increase in the quantity of polluting gases unless appropriate measures are taken.
That is why it is essential for large cities to rethink their management models to promote more efficient cities, with greener urban environments, focused on sustainability and on climate change.
What do we understand by green and sustainable cities?
A green and sustainable city promotes care of the environment, the use of renewable energies and electric mobility as priorities in developing its urban model.
Green cities integrate green spaces into their urban centres and protect natural resources so as to improve their air quality and, consequently, the physical and emotional well-being of their citizens.
How can we promote a more sustainable city?
If we are to advance towards a more sustainable urban future, there are several initiatives that cities can carry out to encourage changes in their management model and reduce energy consumption:
- Install new energy sources that provide their residents with 100% renewable energies for producing electricity.
- Design urban centres with buildings that harness available natural resources (sunlight, plants, rain, wind, etc.) to reduce their environmental impact.
- Launch programmes for raising awareness among city residents of the importance of reducing, recycling and reusing waste, in addition to taking care of the city’s green areas.
- Promote technology as a support tool in their digital transformation towards greener urban growth.
- Foster new forms of shared and low-emission urban mobility as an essential means for residents to mover around green urban centres.
- Promote emotional well-being, by encouraging healthy habits that improve people’s quality of life.
Eco-mobility to promote more sustainable cities
Travelling on non-polluting forms of transport is one of the first measures to take in order to turn cities into more environmentally friendly spaces. Riding bicycles, sharing cars or using public transport are actions that can help us to promote more sustainable cities.
Electro-mobility will be part of the future development of these new city models through a commitment to greener electricity generated 100% from renewable sources