A report by Arcadis, a design and consultancy firm, and the Centre for Economic and Business Research has examined a number of cities to find out which are the most sustainable, measuring: people, planet and profit.
John Batten, the author of the study said, “As the world continues to become more reliant on its urban centers, it is our hope that city leaders and industry find this a valuable tool in assessing their priorities and pathways to urban sustainability for the good of all.”
Due to overpopulation, climate change and pollution, it is no secret that today there are many challenges facing each city.
#1 No One City is Balanced
No city was balanced regarding: people, planet and profit. Many cities did well in two areas but very few did well in all three categories showing that cities need to improve in order to regulate all three.
#2 European Cities Did Better
No US city was included in the top 25, with European cities achieving high scores. Emerging cities tended to score lower therefore other categories should be measured to make the study more specific, for example, age.
#3 Cities Still Struggle with Sustainability
A clear vision is needed for each city and what it regards as a sustainable future in order to impact business, finance and the environment.
#4 Swiss City of Zurich is the Most Sustainable City
Zurich scored the most sustainable city in the world, with high points for planet and profit categories. With the exception of Singapore and Seoul, the top ten ranked cities are mostly from northern and central Europe.
#5 US Ranks High in Profit Compared to People and Planet
In the middle of the index were cities from southern Europe, the US and some cities of the Middle East. New York was 26th whilst Detroit was 69th.
#6 Sustainability and Economy
Cities in advanced economies did better in sustainability measures than poorer countries, coming near the bottom of the rankings.
#7 Lifestyles Over Sustainability
All advanced economies are putting profits over emissions of greenhouse gasses, not recycling enough of the finite resources we use and depleting our non-renewable energy sources.
#8 Zurich to Become a 2000-Watt Society by 2050
Zurich has a long-term goal to become a 2000-watt society by 2050 that will see people use 2000 watts of energy per capita (the global amount established as ‘sustainable’ energy use). This includes using renewable energy, sustainable buildings and promoting an environmentally friendly lifestyle for all.
#9 Zurich is a Number One Example of a Sustainable City
Not only did Zurich score number one in the Sustainable Cities Index but also it is a livable, modern society generating the 5th highest profit compared to other cities. Other urban areas can take note of the Zurich’s transport as trams, trains, buses and light rail ensure easy, quick and affordable mobility for citizens.
#10 Zurich Offers a Work-Life Balance
The quality of life in Zurich is high, comparing to other countries. The education, employment and health index are all high. Large and small businesses and industries contribute to a thriving economy where high productivity levels and low non-wage labor costs make production costs lower than competing countries.
#11 London Will Reach 10 Million People by 2030
Housing problems in London will intensify, with an estimated growth of 10 million people by 2030, putting stress on accommodation. 28 percent of the city’s population is living below the poverty level, showing that society is largely unequal.
#12 Shanghai Aims to Become the Most Sustainable Cities in China
With urban regeneration and innovation hubs, Shanghai is marketing itself as a center for knowledge, technology and innovation. 13 of the city’s 25 metro lines are completed and operational.
#13 LA Use ‘Sustainable City Plan’
LA is focused on becoming a sustainable city by improving water quality, pollution and air quality. Although the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has said that within five to eight years the plumes will become so dense that the groundwater wells will likely shut down unless a solution is found, LA has successfully decreased water usage by 25 percent by early next year.
