Ten Pillars for Future Sustainable Cities

Ten Pillars for Future Sustainable Cities

The concept of sustainable cities, aligned with optimized social, environmental, and economic contexts, has become a prominent topic due to its role in ensuring the well-being of people and environmental health. Therefore, the planning, design, layout, and infrastructure systems of cities must prioritize sustainability.

Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs has introduced ten pillars for building sustainable cities. According to his framework, cities can achieve peak sustainability by implementing green and grey infrastructures that mitigate high carbon emissions and adapt to climate change. These pillars are outlined as follows:

1. All Electric: Cities must transition to an electric economy, particularly emphasizing the adoption of electric vehicles, to reduce carbon emissions associated with high energy consumption for heating buildings and transportation.

2. Green Energy: Incorporating renewable energies such as hydro, wind, solar, and waves can significantly reduce carbon emissions and environmental pollution while ensuring continuous energy generation.

3. Smart Grid: Sustainable cities should implement smart grid systems to enhance information technology and communication, providing efficient services and improving quality of life while saving time and costs.

4. Innovation City: Innovation is crucial for sustainable cities, fostering the development of climate-adapted materials and technological advancements. Universities and research institutes play a vital role in driving innovation for sustainable urban development.

5. Healthful and Pleasant: Sustainable cities prioritize the physical and mental well-being of residents by promoting walkability, reducing traffic congestion, and integrating green infrastructure to enhance mental health.

6. Physical Security: Ensuring safety and security is essential for sustainable cities, minimizing crime, poverty, and drug trafficking to create a safer environment for all residents.

7. Share Economy: Encouraging a sharing economy reduces individual ownership and promotes resource-sharing, such as bike-sharing programs, leading to lower carbon emissions, reduced traffic congestion, and a more sustainable lifestyle.

8. E-Everything: Embracing e-commerce platforms for services, purchases, and deliveries saves time, reduces traffic congestion, and contributes to environmental sustainability by minimizing the need for physical transportation.

9. Inclusion of Metropolitan Areas: Sustainable cities encompass legal boundaries and policies that optimize social and economic contexts, discouraging urban sprawl and promoting sustainable development within metropolitan areas.

10. Environmental Resilience: Sustainable cities are equipped to adapt to climate change, with robust grey infrastructures designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and mitigate environmental risks, such as ground drainage systems for stormwater management.

In conclusion, Professor Jeffrey's ten pillars provide a comprehensive framework for building sustainable cities and aligning with the goals of sustainable development.

Reference: Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs’s speech on Cities and the Challenges of Sustainable Development.