Bamboo is considered one of the best eco-friendly building materials. It has an incredibly high self-generation rate, with some being reported to have grown up to three feet within 24 hours. It continues spreading and growing without having to be replanted after harvest. Bamboo is a perennial grass and not wood and grows on every continent, except Europe and Antarctica. It also has a high strength-to-weight ratio, even greater comprehensive strength than concrete and brick, and lasts incredibly long. It is, therefore, the best choice for flooring and cabinetry. Unfortunately, bamboo requires treatment to resist insects and rot. If left untreated, bamboo contains a starch that greatly invites insects, and it could swell and crack after absorbing water. 2. Precast Concrete Slabs Precast Concrete Slabs The slabs are formed at a manufacturer’s site and are shipped in whole sections to construction sites. Some are made entirely of concrete but have large hollow air spaces, like concrete blocks. Precast concrete slabs are used for walls and building facades as they hold up well to all sorts of weather, while others can be used for floor and flat roofs. Concrete is an excellent way of controlling heat within a building and is affordable as a building material. The sustainability of precast concrete slabs is higher than many traditional concrete options as the slabs often take much less energy to produce and assemble. Precasting concrete also allows the material to properly cure in a controlled environment, rather than exposing it to a variety of unfavorable weather conditions while curing at a construction site. As such, precast concrete slabs avoid cracks and structural faults within the concrete and eventual demolitions. 4. Straw Bales Straw Bales It is another green building material that can be used as a framing material. They have good insulation properties and can act as soundproof material. It can also be used as fill material in between columns and in beams framework/ as they cannot allow air through, they can have some fire resistance properties. Straw can be harvested and re-planted easily with minimal environmental impacts. Making straw into bales also has very low influence. They can also be placed in walls, attics and ceilings, to contribute to cooler the house in the summer and warmer temperatures in the winter. 5. Recycled Plastic small-plants-bottle-recycle Source: Canva Rather than sourcing, mining and milling new components for construction, manufacturers are using recycled plastic and other ground-up trash to produce concrete. The practice is reducing greenhouse gas emissions and is giving plastic waste new use, rather than clogging landfills and contributing to plastic pollution. A blend of recycled and virgin plastic is also used to make polymeric timbers, for use in making fences, picnic tables and other structures, at the same time, saving trees. Plastic from two-liter bottles can be spun into fiber for the production of

1. SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL
& CITIES
SITE PLANNING AND SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE
SUBMITTED BY - ABDURRAB ANSARI SUBMITTED TO - AR. FARHAT ZIA

2. The Most Eco-Friendly Construction Materials:
Have you ever wonder what those unusual organic-looking houses made of
are? They are constructed of a material called cob which is pretty much a mix of
subsoil, water, fibrous organic material (typically longer straw), in some cases
lime.
Did you know that the oldest known cob structure is over 10,000 years old?
Due to housing crises and the climate change on top of it, it certainly made us
think about alternatives. Cob is one of the materials that's slowly finding its way
back.
Benefits:
Besides being environmentally friendly, cob is a natural material super easy to
use, and due to its texture, it gives you the freedom to create any shape you
could possibly imagine. It creates a natural insulation and is very energy
efficient. As a result cob houses require little to no heating.
1. Cob

3. 2. Recycled Steel
Recycled steel is a type of material that doesn't lose
its properties when recycled. Did you know that
steel is the most recycled material in the world?
More steel is recycled each year than plastic,
paper, aluminium and glass all combined.
Benefits:
Using recycled steel in the building process, you
know for a fact that is will be strong and durable. It's
a massive saver in energy costs too.
Example of steel in construction
use:

4. 3. Bamboo
Bamboo is a type of plant that grows back quickly within
only 3-5 years. It is 100% biodegradable, antibacterial and
Eco-friendly if not chemically processed. Having said that,
bamboo makes a perfect choice in the construction world.
Benefits:
Bamboo has high strength because of its fibres running
axially.
Example of a Bamboo House:

5. 4. Recycled Plastic
Plastic items take up to 1000 years to decompose in landfills, whilst plastic bags we
use in our everyday life take 10-20 years to decompose, and plastic bottles take
450 years. It's time to get to give our Planet a well-deserved clean-up and reuse all
the plastic that we’ve let flow in our oceans, parks, and homes.
Companies that use a carbon-neutral, non-toxic manufacturing process to make
construction materials out of recycled plastic – produce 95% lower in greenhouse
gas emissions compared to concrete blocks.
Benefits:
Recycled plastic is a durable and robust material, great at sound retaining. Creating
this green circle in using what we already have will significantly reduce the waste in
the long run.
Example:

6. 5. Plant-Based
Polyurethane Rigid
Foam
Plant-based rigid foam is often used as
insulation and furniture material. It’s
made from hemp, kelp and bamboo, which
makes it resilient to moisture and heat.
It even has better insulation and
thermal resistance than fibreglass.
Advantages:
It's excellent at protecting against
mould and pests, as well as sound
insulation and heat resistance.
Example:

7. 6. Recycled Rubber
There are two types of rubber natural and synthetic. Natural rubber is
usually made of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), whilst synthetic
rubber is derived from petroleum and goes through a chemical
process during production. In this case - natural rubber is the most
eco-friendly option.
Rubber can be reclaimed and made into sidewalks, playground
surfacing, sports surfaces, and outdoor floor tiles.
Advantages:
It's a soft material that feels great under your feet. Natural rubber
exhibits high resilience and tear resistance.
Example:

8. 7. Newspaperwood
Did you know that the cycle can be reversed and paper could be
made into “wood” again? Newspaperwood is made by compressing
old newspapers and glue into tin layers until it forms wood grain
texture. How awesome is that?
Benefits:
The upcycling process gives new life to what most of us consider
recyclable waste. By doing so, it extends the life of paper on a
whole other level, using less energy to change its state for new use.
Example:

9. What Is Biomimetics?
Biomimicry refers to a human-made process, device, substance or system that mirrors nature.
There is no right or wrong way to incorporate natural elements as a part of biomimicry. This
means there’s a lot of room to experiment in the construction industry.
Essentially, nature serves as the core focus or inspiration for a particular design. For example,
architects could design a structure with the honeycomb structure of a bee nest or plan for
building ventilation that resembles the tunnel-work within a termite colony. Construction
professionals know the honeycomb structure to be naturally stable. Therefore, it’s a wise
choice for builders to copy this technique from the natural world.
In another example, new builds across the world are using biomimicry to create stronger roof
and building supports. Many architects have begun using tree-like structures within their
designs. These look remarkably like branches and offer incredible durability. Westfield
London, one of Europe’s largest shopping centers, employs precisely this style of design.
Biomimicry isn’t just making structures appear to look like nature. It can also refer to building
products that are strengthened through natural processes. For example, plywood can now be
manufactured with an amino acid produced by the blue mussel mollusk. The result is a
material free of toxic volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.`

10. Biomimicry in Construction: What Are the Benefits?
Biomimicry has both aesthetic and environmental benefits. For one, the technique produces beautiful manmade
structures. Tree-like supports and other natural aesthetics look stylish and functional even when built using traditional
materials.
Biomimicry can also, however, create a much more efficient and environmentally sound structure. The environmental
impact can be exponentially increased when buildings are constructed using natural materials such as bio-concrete.
Bio-concrete is self-healing, vastly increasing the effectiveness of any design.
It’s not always just about improving the quality of the indoor experience or reducing a property’s footprint, either. Builders
can also use biomimicry to support nature, helping our structures create a meaningful impact for surrounding wildlife.
Turtle glass is a perfect example of this in the real world. It’s a unique form of glass used within coastal homes. The
material has been tinted to reduce light projection. That is because artificial lighting can direct young sea turtles away from
the ocean, costing them their lives.

11. Biomimicry Is a Natural Choice for Building Design
In construction, especially, green initiatives have
become more of a priority in recent years. Building
projects become much more sustainable when they
involve biomimetics at a foundational level.
Ultimately, biomimicry in construction helps reduce the
direct impact a structure has on the environment. It also
improves the quality of life for the people and animals
surrounding these buildings. It’s an incredibly promising
form of modern design and construction, and it’s
inspiring to see many of today’s most prominent
developers and architects incorporating the concept.

13. How to Design a Net Zero Energy
Building
The building sector emits such huge amounts
of greenhouse gases that urgent action is
necessary to avert climate disaster. Net
zero energy buildings will play a big role
in curbing global warming in the decades to
come.
Most people probably think of fossil fuels
in transportation when they think of global
warming and greenhouse gas emissions. So
it’s surprising — and important — to note
that the building sector produces nearly 40%
of the world’s emissions.
To meet the goals of the Paris Agreement,
the building sector must attain net zero
carbon by 2050. That means billions of
buildings worldwide will need to comply to
keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius.
The Biden administration also set a goal of
net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

14. What Is a Net Zero Energy Building?
Net zero energy buildings are buildings that make, or supply, their energy through renewable resources, which results in zero
carbon emissions. Put simply, a net zero energy building is one that produces as much energy as it consumes on an annual
basis.These types of buildings can take energy from electrical grids, and send unused energy back to offset their energy
consumption.Don’t be confused by conflicting terms. NZEB stands for “net zero energy building.” ZNE is short for “zero net energy
building.”They all mean the same thing. They also might be referred to as “green buildings.”There is a difference between “net
zero” and “zero.” For example, New York state law says 85% of reductions must come from the state’s own industrial and energy
emissions. The remaining 15% may come from carbon offsets, including in forestry and agriculture.Carbon offsets work whether an
organization stops its own emissions or offsets its emission reductions elsewhere. The climate effects are the same.During the
1970s, solar panels on the roofs of homes began harnessing the sun’s power. This reduced energy costs and helped the
environment at the same time. California and other states created programs to encourage their use, but they haven’t gotten us
where we need to be. And while solar panels are important, they can’t do the job alone.This is because net zero energy building
has to be far more holistic in its approach. It needs to include a number of factors that promote energy conservation. It also should
go well beyond single-family renewable energy homes and residential buildings. It must include other building types, including
commercial buildings.Some of the ways to achieve net zero energy will be covered in the sections that follow.

16. How Does a Building
Achieve Net Zero Energy?
Several factors go into designing an
energy-efficient building that achieves net
zero energy goals. Location To
construct a net zero energy building, you
must take several conditions into
consideration. The building site, where you
are building, the climate and the building’s
exposure all have an effect.
Among other things, take into account:
● Climate
● Sun
● Wind patterns
● Temperature
● Rain patterns

17. Orientation
The orientation of the building depends on the success of achieving net zero energy. Certain renewable energy
generation mechanisms, like solar panels, work best when the building is facing south.
But factors that conserve energy are also important. Besides harnessing the sun’s energy, you can conserve by
orienting your building to take maximum advantage of the shade. In warm climates, this means you’ll need to use the
air conditioning less to keep your building cool.
Lighting is another important factor. Lighting systems can account for almost 25% of a building’s total energy
consumption. Orienting your building to take advantage of natural lighting can reduce that load. Window arrangement
and the use of skylights are strategies that can be considered when deciding on a building’s orientation.You can also
situate your building to take advantage of natural breezes. Using natural resources to power your building’s energy
systems and reduce energy requirements, will conserve resources at the same time.

18. Design Building design is next. Make sure to select the best-insulating materials possible so the building
conserves as much energy as possible. Windows (dual- or, better, triple-pane and effectively sealed) can pose a
major factor in conserving energy. Passive strategies aren’t about energy production. They’re about
minimizing energy usage — and maximizing energy performance. In fact, they operate without energy use, which
is why they help buildings achieve net zero energy use
● High-efficiency appliances require less energy and lighten the overall energy load.
● Low-energy HVAC systems do the same.
● Air sealing prevents cooled or heated air from escaping through cracks, often around openings such
as windows and doors. This results in less need for air conditioning or heating to maintain climate
control.
● Insulation performs the same function by providing an extra barrier between the interior and exterior
of a building. This layer traps heat (in winter) and cool air-conditioned air (in summer) that otherwise
might escape through walls, ceilings, etc.

19. ● Insulation performs the same function by providing an extra barrier between the interior and exterior of a
building. This layer traps heat (in winter) and cool air-conditioned air (in summer) that otherwise might
escape through walls, ceilings, etc.
The effectiveness of insulation is rated in R-values. These vary based on the thickness, density, and type of
insulation: the higher the R-value, the better. Types of insulation include:
● Fiberglass
● Wool
● Foam boards or blocks
● Cellulose
● Polystyrene
● Polyisocyanurate
● Polyurethane

20. ● Ventilation is particularly important in tropical climates. It’s necessary to replace stale air with fresh air.
This can help to moderate internal temperature while reducing the build-up of moisture that can cause
mold and bad odors. The energy used to maintain proper ventilation, by using electrical fans, for
example, can be reduced significantly by employing natural strategies.
● Architectural design in new buildings maximizes efficiency and promotes sustainability.
ASHRAE, or the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers, has created
standards that apply to building design. The group, founded in 1894, has 87 active standards and guideline project
committees that address some of the following topics:
● Thermal comfort
● Energy conservation in buildings
● Reduction of refrigerant emissions
● Indoor air quality

21. Renewables
The final step in designing high-performance buildings is determining the most relevant renewable energy sources
based on the building. If the building is industrial scale, wind generators might be used on-site rather than off-site.
Solar panels might be the way to go for new homes or even ones that can be converted.
Active strategies reduce energy consumption during the building process through the use of renewable energy
strategies, such as:
● Photovoltaics — Photovoltaics is the direct conversion of light into electric power using semiconducting
materials such as silicon. Each solar panel contains numerous photovoltaic cells, which work together to
produce electricity.
● Wind power — Wind is a kind of solar energy produced by three factors. It’s affected by the sun unevenly
heating the atmosphere, irregularities in the Earth’s surface, and the planet’s rotation. The resulting wind
turns propeller blades around a rotor, which spins a generator, creating electricity. Wind farms in mountain
passes near San Bernardino (San Gorgonio Pass) and Northern California (Altamont Pass) contain
hundreds of huge propellers.
● Hydroelectric power — Hydroelectric plants capture the energy of falling water and convert it into
electricity. Water flows downhill and is captured by a reservoir behind a dam. This reservoir acts like a
battery, releasing water during periods of peak demand to produce power.

22. ● Biomass — Biomass stores chemical energy from the sun, produced by plants through photosynthesis. It
can be burned directly to produce heat or can be converted into renewable liquid and gas fuels. Biomass
can be as simple as a log on a fire. It’s like a solar battery, which releases bioenergy.
● Geothermal power — Geothermal power involves water pressure in the form of steam. Geothermal wells
drilled a mile or two underground pump hot water to the surface. There, the pressure drops and the water
turns into steam. The steam spins a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity.
● Solar power — Sunlight shining on a panel is absorbed by photovoltaic cells in the panel. This creates an
electrical charge in response to an electrical field in the cell, producing electricity.
● Solar thermal — Solar thermal power systems use mirrors to collect sunlight and concentrate it. This
raises the temperature until it is high enough to produce electricity. Examples include curved parabolic
troughs, such as those used in the Mojave Desert.

23. Net zero energy buildings react in various ways to their local electricity grid. Whether the grid is integrated or
conventional affects the way it interacts with buildings and strategies (such as renewable energy sources).
● Energy moves between the grid and conventional energy buildings in a single direction. It flows from the grid
to the building, utilizing conventional metering.
● Moderately responsive buildings have interactive demand response.
● Buildings that are fully integrated with the grid include passive efficiency features as well as renewable
energy production onsite.
Put another way, the two types of ZNE building typologies must work together to optimize grid performance:
● Renewable-oriented (active strategies)
● Efficiency-oriented (passive strategies)
Utilizing both passive and active strategies will prove most beneficial to the relationship between the utility grid and
ZNE buildings.

25. Net Zero Retrofits for Existing Buildings
Energy retrofit can be defined as adding new technologies to existing buildings to reduce energy consumption. The
process of retrofitting a building takes time, planning, plus substantial materials, construction equipment, and labor.
Retrofitting existing buildings usually is more environmentally friendly and less expensive than new construction. This is
true when the building location, current design, and building stability are considered.
Here’s what we do know, based on studies, about the success rates of retrofitting as well as associated costs:
● The more compact a building is, the more energy-efficient it will be if it undergoes energy retrofit.
● Buildings in areas with mild and harsh climates were the closest to attaining net zero energy savings.
● The less expensive a retrofit construction project is, the more likely the building will save on net zero energy.
Between $200 per square foot and $450 per square foot is ideal.
● The elements that contribute the most to the net zero efficiency are solar panels and window replacements.
● New building construction accounts for an overwhelming amount of negative environmental impacts. New
construction for an energy-efficient building will negatively impact the environment 10 to 80 years after
completion.
● When compared to retrofitting buildings, new construction is best for increasing energy performance and
savings and maintenance costs.

26. Retrofit energy projects are often used to improve efficiency. There’s a pressing need for them because the
average age of the U.S. home is nearly 40 years. But it isn’t just important for buildings that went up in the
early or mid-20th century. Buildings constructed to meet energy codes in place as recently as 1999 use 67%
more energy than those built today.
Retrofits not only work as efficiency measures; they’re also cost-effective because they can reduce
operational costs. Two strategies are particularly useful:
● Building reskinning — In simple terms, this process means the exteriors of existing buildings are
retrofitted with more insulation. A three-dimensional scan is made of a building’s exterior. Then the
scan is used to create insulating panels that can be fitted over the building and installed quickly
onsite.
● Packaged mechanicals — This process simplifies the components of mechanicals into a single unit
for easier installation, connection, and control. It decreases the amount of work needed onsite. A
package can include a heat pump, solar hot water pumps, and energy monitoring within one
integrated control module.

27. Before undertaking an energy retrofit, it’s helpful to create an action plan that includes the following steps.
● Determine which systems to replace for the highest efficiency. Some systems may be operating at
peak levels already and won’t need to be replaced.
● Review utility bills from the past few years. This can tell whether energy consumption has risen.
● Perform energy audits to make adjustments accordingly. An energy audit can reveal which systems
need to be upgraded. It identifies things like clogged filters, leaks, disabled sensors, and bad wiring.
● Examine the building envelope for proper ventilation and insulation. Check for gaps around vents
and pipes, poorly sealed windows, and areas where moisture is coming in.

28. 5 Ways to Retrofit a Building for Net
Zero Energy Savings
1. Replace outdated mechanical systems.
● Trade out the furnace/boiler/window
air conditioner for central systems
and/or solar water heating.
2. Insulate leaks.
● Insulate basements to reduce mold.
● Insulate roofs and foundations with
spray foam to keep building interiors
cool in the summer and warm in the
winter.
● Insulate empty walls to effectively
warm an older house.

29. 3. Replace old windows.
Windows are similar to insulation. They prevent climate-controlled air from escaping while keeping air
and water from getting into the house. Energy Star provides a list of efficient windows.
● Triple-pane glass windows are the best option for maximum energy efficiency. While a
dual-pane design can almost double the level of window insulation, a triple-pane window is
even more efficient.
● Windows should be installed properly to prevent water damage or air infiltration for optimal
energy efficiency.
● Window placement can increase your energy efficiency. For example, windows placed on east
or west walls can waste twice as much energy as those facing north or south. This is because
they face direct sunlight in the mornings and afternoons, respectively.
● Low-emissivity glass coatings reduce the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that passes
through the glass. However, these low-e coatings do not affect the amount of visible light that
comes through. This allows you to:
● Keep your interior cool by reflecting heat in the summer.
● Retain warmth by reflecting cold air during the winter
● Prevent fade damage by blocking UV rays.

30. 4. Purchase Energy Star products.
● These types of products are the best for saving energy and reducing electricity bills. Energy Star offers an online
portfolio manager to benchmark the energy use of any building. It measures it against similar buildings in terms of
consumption and performance level.
● Since 1992, Energy Star and its partners have helped businesses and families save $450 billion in energy costs.
They’ve also achieved 4 billion metric tons in greenhouse gas reduction and saved 5 trillion kilowatt hours of electricity.
● Energy Star is perhaps best known to consumers for certifying an array of appliances and electronics, including:
● Refrigerators and freezers
● Washers and dryers
● Air purifiers and dehumidifiers
● Dishwashers
● Televisions
● Digital media players
● Lightbulbs
● However, it also certifies building products, including:
● Roofing products
● Sealing and insulation
● Storm windows
● Residential windows, doors, and skylights
● In addition, it certifies heating and cooling products, which play a role in a building’s energy efficiency, including:
● Central and room air conditioners
● Furnaces
● Geothermal and air-source heat pumps
● Ductless heating and cooling
● Smart thermostats
● Ventilation fans
● Boilers

31. 5. Switch to renewable energy.
● Produce your own energy using various
types of renewable energy sources to
help conserve energy and reduce costs.
These can be solar, wind power,
hydroelectric, and photovoltaic.
Retrofits are often sizable projects and
may require heavy equipment, especially if
extensive new materials are being
introduced. You may consider renting
construction equipment to help.

32. Nanotechnology in Sustainability and the Environment
Sustainability is defined as “the ability to provide for the needs of the world's current population without
damaging the ability of future generations to provide for themselves”. A key aspect of sustainability is
conservation through the efficient use of the resources that are tied up in the already built environment. As
existing stock increases so will the need for effective maintenance and significant benefits will be offered by a
realistic assessment of material lifetimes. Materials scientists have quantitative models which go from
nanometres to millimetres and cover 6 length scales (e.g. pore network models to study the permeability of
concrete). Engineers have models that go from tenths of millimetres to tens of metres and therefore cover
about 6 length scales (e.g. structural analysis). Together they can, theoretically, cover 12 scale lengths and a
model covering such a scale would be a powerful tool for service life predictions. This is one of the research
areas currently under investigation and part of its advancement depends on the development of computing
power which itself is dependent on advances in nanotechnology in the electronics field.

33. Another key aspect of sustainability is the efficient use of energy. In the EU, over 40% of total energy
produced is consumed by buildings. Insulation is an obvious solution to reduce some of this energy use,
however, limited space for installation is a major problem for building renovation. Micro and nanoporous
aerogel (box 8, p17) materials are very good candidates for being core materials of vacuum insulation
panels but they are sensitive to moisture. This risk is not acceptable for high performance thermal
insulation and the next challenge is to develop a totally airtight wrapping, taking into account the foil and
the welding. As a possible remedy, work by Aspen Aerogels has produced an ultra-thin wall insulation
which uses a nanoporous aerogel structure which is hydrophobic (box 4, p9) and repels water so it is
mould free. Another intriguing application of aerogels is silica based products for transparent insulation,
which leads to the possibility of super-insulating windows. Micro or Nano Electomechanical Systems
(MEMS or NEMS) also offer the possibility of monitoring and controlling the internal environment of
buildings (through a potentially integrated network). This could lead to energy savings much in the way
that current motion detectors switch on light only when needed.

34. What Is a Sustainable City?
A sustainable city is an urban
center engineered to improve its
environmental impact through
urban planning and management.
For an eco city definition,
picture cities with parks and
green spaces, solar-powered
buildings, rooftop gardens and
more pedestrians and cyclists
than cars. This is not a
futuristic dream. Smart cities
are actively moving toward
greener urban ecosystems and
better environmental
stewardship.

35. Green technology is a key factor that
is helping to foster more sustainable
urban development. It comprises all
aspects of city planning, including
transportation, infrastructure,
telecommunications and energy.
Green tech also supports green living
practices, including recycling and use
of energy and renewable resources in
homes and offices. Sensors, gateways,
embedded radios and cellular routers
are at the heart of many sustainable
city infrastructure and green building
systems. See our video introducing the
green tech landscape.

36. 6 Characteristics and Key Features of a Sustainable City
What are cities doing to become more sustainable? Smart cities are
creating sustainable places with clean technology, parks and
pathways, and urban sustainability principles. See our list of key eco
city characteristics to learn how to achieve sustainable cities and
communities.
Cities can do a number of things to support sustainable practices:
● Make it easy to get around without a car
● Add EV charging stations
● Provide access to public resources and green spaces
● Improve water conservation and wastewater management
● Support urban farming
● Implement green architecture

37. 1. Make It Easy to Get Around Without a Car
Automobiles account for 75% of CO pollution in the U.S. Cities striving
for sustainability can create paths, bike bridges and sidewalks, and
encourage citizens to walk, ride, or commute via metro trains or buses.
These are some of the critical components of sustainable urban
development because of their many benefits:
● Decreased congestion
● Reduction of harmful emissions
● Enhanced air quality
● Improved health and wellness
In Copenhagen, bicycles outnumber cars by over 5:1, and nearly half
the population commutes by bike. City management has achieved this
bike culture by building cycle superhighways with ample amenities
along the way, including traffic lights, air pumps, and safer
intersections.

38. 2. Add EV Charging Stations
Whereas conventional fuel-driven vehicles generate an average
of 4.6 metric tons per year, hybrids can cut that in half, and
electric vehicles produce zero. Cities aiming for carbon neutrality
must include EV charging stations in their sustainable city
planning.
Urban areas can incentivize the construction of these stations,
and planners can team up with developers to map out
appropriate locations for charging stations. Key benefits include:
● Lower transportation costs
● Reduced strain on traffic management infrastructure
● Massive reduction of carbon emissions
● Cleaner air
San Francisco, the fourth most populous city of California, has
mandated that garages and parking lots install EV charging
stations for over 10% of their spaces. The city aims to achieve
100% emission-free ground transportation within 20 years.

39. 3. Provide Access to Public Resources and Green Spaces
Access to nature and walking/biking paths are key elements of a
sustainable city. Resources like parks, nature preserves and
recreational areas get people out of cars. And studies have shown that
green spaces help improve mental health.
Infrastructure designs and urban landscaping can go a long way
toward enhancing public resources and making cities more vibrant.
Some of the benefits of this feature include:
● More livable urban centers
● Improved urban mobility
● Support for a diverse ecosystem, including birds, bees and
butterflies
● Mental health for residents
New York is one of the most advanced cities for sustainability. The Big
Apple is implementing multiple sustainability programs, from a Carbon
Challenge which aims for 50% emissions reduction by 2025 to a Zero
Waste project, city bike rentals and urban parks built on landfill sites.

40. 4. Improve Water Conservation and Waste Management
Cities can improve water conservation and waste management through
sustainable urban planning. With water shortages increasing across the globe,
technology to monitor water systems and provide leak detection is key, along with
incentives for citizens and businesses to save water.
Likewise, waste disposal processes can shift toward a circular economy model,
and sustainable city waste management. Programs to minimize waste by
recycling, composting, and repurposing materials are some proven ways cities
can be more sustainable with waste management.
The benefits are many:
● Fewer water shortages
● Enhanced availability of water for recreational purposes
● Reduced waste, and the energy used to manage it
● Less environmental pollution
For example, Dubai is an entirely self-sustainable city via renewable energy. The
city is powered by clean energy produced by recycling water and waste, has 60%
green space irrigated with gray wastewater, and has banned single-use plastic
bags.

41. 5. Support Urban Farming
Food is second to energy as the most in-demand city resource.
Urban farming enhances food production, reduces food insecurity
and mitigates the environmental effects of food transportation. And
growing food locally reduces the distance from farm to consumer.
Urban farming practices include vertical gardens, rooftop farming,
community gardens, and encouraging schools and restaurants to
grow food.
There are several great benefits:
● Meeting the growing demand for local food
● Boosting the local economy
● Transforming under-utilized spaces into vibrant and edible
landscapes
● Reducing the environmental impact of agriculture supply chain
Several cities have taken leadership roles in developing urban
farming programs, according to Agritecture. For example, Victoria
B.C. has a program to distribute seedlings to communities. Atlanta,
Georgia has a program to educate school children in urban farming.
And New York City now has over 550 community gardens.

42. 6. Implement Green Architecture
When we talk about sustainable development and cities, green
architecture is a key component. Green architects are discovering
innovative ways to reduce resource use and lower greenhouse gas
emissions — from using natural building materials and solar panels, to
improving ventilation and insulation, planting more shade trees and
installing smart HVAC systems. Green buildings can meet certain
requirements to get LEED-certified, which is increasingly desirable for
tenants.
Benefits include:
● Energy savings
● Reduced greenhouse emissions
● Improved air quality
● Better health
Paris, France is a leader in green building tech, implementing practices
such as using high-density materials that capture and release solar heat
to aid in heating and cooling.

43. Most Sustainable Cities in the World
Governments and local authorities globally are seeking ways to become more
sustainable, and today there is a race to be the most sustainable city in the
world. Our list summarizes an article covering the top 10 most eco friendly cities
devoted to environmental practices. Copenhagen, Denmark: With its continuous
investment in green tech and network of bicycle lanes, Copenhagen is one of
the most sustainable cities. The city aims to be the first carbon-neutral city by
2025.
1. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam — another on the list of most
eco-friendly cities — promotes electric vehicles with citywide EV charging
stations. Residents are encouraged to install rooftop solar panels and
grow their own food or purchase locally, which contributes to the local
economy.
2. Stockholm, Sweden: Stockholm is a well-planned sustainable city with a
goal to eliminate the use of fossil fuels within 20 years.
3. Berlin, Germany - Berlin is one of the best urban sustainability examples,
with over 400 EV charging stations, and has been investing in green
spaces since World War I.
4. Portland, Oregon: Portland has adopted a sustainability culture, and today
¼ of its citizens commute by bike or public transport. Rideshare systems
and bike paths also support green commute methods.

44. 1. San Francisco, California: San Francisco is one of the most sustainable
cities in the US, with a zero waste program designed to divert 100% of
waste from landfills by 2020. The city also banned products like plastic
bags and water bottles.
2. Cape Town, South Africa: Cape Town began installing wind farms to
produce sustainable energy in 2008. The city’s residents also use solar
panels and grow urban gardens for food production.
3. Helsinki, Finland: If you are an eco-traveler, Helsinki is worth visiting. A
large percentage of the city’s hotel rooms have been certified as
eco-friendly. The city is also developing sustainable living communities.
4. Vancouver, Canada: Vancouver produces the lowest amount of
greenhouse gases in North America. The city’s environmental focus has
created a local green economy boom for the residents, supporting more
green jobs and locally grown food.
5. Reykjavik, Iceland: Reykjavik is making great strides towards eradicating
generation of greenhouse emissions by inspiring people to walk, cycle,
and use public transport. The city also encourages use of electric
vehicles and plans to triple the number of hydrogen buses by 2030.
This is an ever-changing story! For example, a new article in Smart Cities World
lists Canberra, Australia as the most sustainable city in the world.

45. Why We Need Green Cities: Considering the Benefits
The importance of sustainable cities and communities is becoming
increasingly critical in the quest to reverse environmental damage
and improve the livability of cities. Urban green ecosystems can
make an enormous difference for the environment. Here are some
of the key benefits of a green city:
● Environmental stewardship — each of us doing our part,
using sustainable systems
● Mitigating the impact of global warming
● Better air quality, leading to improvements in residents’ health
and wellness
● Improved water management and reduction of avoidable
water loss
● More efficient use of the electric grid for reduced carbon
emissions and lower costs
● Better use of solar energy and shade trees to reduce the use
of resources

46. Build a Sustainable Future with Green Tech from Digi
The development of sustainable cities is a lofty goal for
authorities and city planners but paramount for combatting
climate change. A sustainable infrastructure supports a
reliable water supply, and mitigates the effects of flooding,
storms and heat waves.
Green technology is the key to a sustainable future. To
adopt greener practices and build healthier cities, we need
smart connectivity, technology-driven efficiency, and data
insights to make smarter, greener decisions. That’s where
we come in. At Digi, we are proud to offer IoT solutions to
support green technology applications today so we can all
enjoy a better tomorrow. Contact us to start the
conversation.

47. THANK YOU