About this Discussion

Urban centres provide opportunities for a range of social and cultural activities, as well as being critical for innovations in science, technology and education. They are also of critical importance for social and economic development. However, with approximately 40% of global energy use taking place within city buildings, this sector is also the single largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions.

As a result, the design and use of energy and resource-efficient buildings has a key role in climate change mitigation to accelerate the global green economy transition. Although vast savings are possible by constructing new green buildings and retrofitting existing buildings, even greater gains can be achieved by adopting a long-term life-cycle approach involving stakeholders at different stages – from environmentally-minded investors and architects, to sustainable extraction, construction and usage, and the eventual demolition and the recycling or disposal of the building materials.

Cities are well-placed to play a major role in decoupling economic development from resource use and environmental impacts, while finding a better balance between social, environmental and economic objectives. Resource-efficient cities combine greater productivity and innovation with lower costs and reduced environmental impacts, offering at the same time financial savings and increased sustainability.

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Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD)

Buildings are the key component of the low-carbon transition, accounting for nearly a third of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions globally. Energy efficient buildings generate a variety of co-benefits, such as job creation, health improvements, and reduced household energy expenditure – key… Read More

Cities have a significant role in the efforts to achieve the GHG emissions reduction target. Which cities are leading the way on environmental action & disclosure for a sustainable transition in Europe? Read this blog from CDP.

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https://www.cdp.net/en/articles/cities/why-cities-will-be-key-for-achieving-the-eus-new-emissions-ta...

It is increasingly necessary for cities across the globe to prioritize sustainable urban development while building back better post-pandemic, and Asian cities can lead the way in this regard. Read these three lessons for Asia withdrawn from the world's megacities, which include examples in waste management, circular economy and urban transport system.

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https://asia.nikkei.com/Opinion/Three-lessons-for-Asia-from-the-world-s-top-megacities
Stephani Widorini commented on Stephani Widorini's Post in Cities and Urban Development

Can cities emerge as the leaders in promoting a low-carbon, climate resilient economic recovery in Asia-Pacific? UNESCAP compiles examples from countries across the Asia-Pacific region that explore the linkages between climate change ambitions, policies, multi-level governance frameworks - that involve different combinations of public, private and non-state actors, and citizens - and vertical integration in cities in the region. Particularly relevant for climate and urban development policymakers, technical-level officials and practitioners.

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https://www.unescap.org/resources/vertical-integration-climate-change-policies-and-actions-asia-paci...

How have the OECD regions and cities performed throughout this year in terms social, economic and environmental resilience in the light of the COVID-19 crisis compared to non-OECD countries? The OECD has recently published the latest edition of "OECD Regions and Cities at a Glance" with new added indicators, including trade openness and access to digital infrastructure.

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http://www.oecd.org/regional/oecd-regions-and-cities-at-a-glance-26173212.htm

COVID-19 has changed the way urban lives are shaped, from reduced commuting time to less socializing which will decrease the demand for space in city centres, for office [use] and perhaps housing. All these will require a redefinition of city centres that inevitably entails redesign and redevelopment. How can urban stakeholders make sure to create liveable cities post-COVID-19?

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https://www.ft.com/content/d7c6cdc6-5e5c-47bd-bc3f-1719953c2ef0

Camille Andre - check out this new ADB report on green bonds and other finance instruments for climate-resilient infrastructure and investment opportunities that can support the Philippines in achieving a low carbon economy

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https://www.adb.org/publications/green-infrastructure-investment-philippines-2020
United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP), Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia(COBSEA)

Background SEA of Solutions is an annually occurring partnership event towards solving plastic pollution at source, convened by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA), through the SEA circular project supported by the Government… Read More