SmartCitiesWorld Weekly Update - 15 December 2023

Urbanisation and the pressing challenges of climate change have made sustainable urban development imperative. Cities serve as epicentres of human activity, innovation, and economic growth, yet their expansion often comes at a cost to the environment. This week, we're taking a look at two stories that explore the efforts of City of Seattle and the City of London Corporation , as they take new measures to advance sustainable practices, setting a long-term course for urban development that prioritises environmental resilience, energy efficiency, and long-term ecological balance.

Seattle has taken a step towards a more sustainable future by passing a landmark law focused on building performance standards. The Seattle City Council's decision requires existing large buildings in the city to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, a measure that is expected to reduce emissions from buildings by 27 per cent, contributing to an overall reduction of approximately 10 per cent in Seattle's core emissions.?This is the first time that the city's legislation will specifically target existing buildings' greenhouse gas emissions, signifying a commitment to retrofitting and upgrading older structures.

The City of London, meanwhile, is making strides towards its 2040 net zero goals and climate action strategy by providing comprehensive sustainability guidance to developers . The Sustainability Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) approved by the City of London Corporation aligns with the forthcoming City Plan 2040, expected to be officially approved and adopted in 2024.?The Sustainability SPD serves as a roadmap for developers, offering clear directives on how sustainability should be approached in their projects. It outlines the City Corporation's expectations regarding site development, building design, and construction practices.

By enacting laws and guidelines that prioritise environmental responsibility, these cities are taking steps to create urban spaces that are not only liveable but also resilient in the face of climate challenges. As more cities follow suit, a global shift towards sustainable urban development becomes increasingly achievable, offering hope for a greener future.

Luke Antoniou , Senior editor, SmartCitiesWorld

Here is a round up of the headline stories from the past week:

1. Seattle passes landmark law to create greener buildings
2. Seoul launches autonomous night bus
3. City of London provides sustainability guidance to developers
4. Philanthropy’s pivotal role in closing climate finance gaps
5. SPECIAL REPORT: Expanding alternative mobility options through partnerships
6. How VW’s ID car is helping to power homes on Swedish estate
7. Volocopter completes test flights over Osaka and Amagasaki
8. Ohio DoT partners for on-demand transit in Chillicothe
9. Cop28: Digital dashboard to monitor UAE net zero activities
10. Sydney maps microclimates to combat urban heat
11. Cop28: The city of Dire Dawa announces water management PPP
12. Neom launches sustainable food company
13. Construction of 300MW portfolio of UK solar parks begins
14. ONDEMAND PANEL DEBATE: Clearing the air: strategies for enhancing urban air quality
15. Polish province digitises planning documents
16. Cop28: US departments team to decarbonise building sector
17. Cop28: Ports to form green and digital shipping corridor
18. Northampton expands air quality monitoring network
19. Stockholm inaugurates landmark wooden building
20. ONDEMAND PANEL DEBATE: Going behind the scenes of Dallas’ smart city initiatives