Urban Sustainability Case Studies

These case studies will highlight some of the highest ranking cities in Arcadis' Sustainable Cities Index. The application of urban sustainability frameworks in contexts around the world can be useful when ascribing them back home, even within a small scale setting like Macalester. 

Seoul, South Korea
(#7 overall, #1 people, #26 planet, #18 profit) 

Want to know why Seoul is ranked number one in the people subindex? Its health and education rankings! One reason for this ranking is the city's 2030 Seoul Plan. This objective focuses on five core issues: a people centered city without discrimination; a dynamic global city with a strong job market; a vibrant cultural and historic city; a lively and safe city; stable housing and easy transportation, a community-oriented city. The emphasis on social sustainability and urban planning works to improve the city's global competitiveness, development direction, and innovation in the living environment for citizens. The 2030 Seoul Plan consists of around 139 projects that aim to make Seoul a "safe, warm, dreaming, breathing city." Because of this project and other initiatives, (one example is the city's urban renewal and river restoration project called Cheonggyecheon, which aims to provide the city with more green space and better flood protection), Seoul is an admirable example of the ways a city can pursue social sustainability (Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index, 2016, pg 16). 

Zurich, Switzerland
(#1 overall, #27 people, #1 planet, #5 profit) 

Zurich is commonly known for its city-wide focus on environmentalism and its global financial institutions. For these reasons, the city boasts a high "overall" and "planet" ranking from Arcadis. Interestingly, Zurich appears 27th on the people subindex; the city is expensive and does not guarantee an optimal work-life balance. So, aside from its reputation, what puts Zurich at the top of the planet subindex? The city's goal to become a 2000-watt society by 2050. This is a way for the city to begin tackling climate change and resource scarcity. This goal strives to limit Zurich's use of energy to 2000 watts per capita, the global classification of 'sustainable' energy use. In order to accomplish this ambitious goal, the city is investing in sustainable buildings and improved infrastructure, energy efficiency, and renewable energy sources, public transportation, and increased public awareness of the environment (Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index 2016, pg. 10). 

Singapore
(#2 overall, #48 people, #12 planet, #1 profit) 

Only second to Zurich, Singapore is a global model for urban sustainability. With a population predicted to grow past six million people by 2030, how does Singapore plan to pursue social development in a sustainable way? One way is through government investment in improved mobility and connectivity throughout the city. This includes the development of two new underground transit lines, extensions to four existing Mass Rapid Transit lines, a new terminal and runway at Changi Airport, a high-speed rail link between Singapore and Malaysia and the relocation of a container port near the city. Aside from these improvements, Singapore has also set an ambitious goal to make at least 80% of all buildings 'green' by 2030, with intention to improve living conditions for its inhabitants. This makes the city's infrastructure more resilient and firmly aligns with its ambitious climate agenda. Investments in sustainable infrastructure boost Singapore's economy while simultaneously improving social and environmental aspects of the city (Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index 2016, pg. 28). 

Copenhagen, Denmark
(#14 overall, #24 people, #13 planet, #17 profit) 

A city filled with bikes is a city filled with healthy, happy, on-time people. Cycling promotes a healthy lifestyle, improves air quality, minimizes noise pollution in dense urban areas, and provides its inhabitants with a transit option that is more reliable, quicker, and more affordable than cars, trains, buses, and metros. Copenhagen is famous for its vivacious cycling culture. Whether it rains, snows, or shines, you will always see an impressive number of Danes commuting with their bikes. Interestingly, this obsession with cycling is not the product of powerful environmental campaigns promoting cycling as the most nature-neutral way to transport oneself. Instead, it is the product of urban design that acknowledges the bicycle as the city's primary transit option. What mystical urban design methods accomplish such an environmentally and socially progressive feat? Copenhagen's streets are designed to be as safe and simple for bikers as possible. This means that stop lights are timed to match averaged cycling speeds and cycling routes are as direct as possible. Consider the Copenhagenize the EU-Traffic Planning for Livable Cities graphic directing the routes one would encounter using various transit methods. 

Aside from the city's urban design methods, cycling has also been framed as the most democratic and healthy way to transport oneself. In Denmark, the more democratic, the better. Bikes are cheap, accessible, require little maintenance, and are reliable. Almost anyone can own a bicycle if they want one. This epitomizes Danish culture and values, which is a major reason why this city is so bike-friendly. Finally, cycling is healthy. There is no denying that individuals who bike benefit from built-in workouts that get them to and from work. 

Curitiba, Brazil 

Unlike the other cities discussed on this page, Curitiba is not listed on the Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index. This is most likely due to its smaller population. Even if this city was not ranked among Arcadis' most sustainable cities, it is still a model for social, environmental, and economic sustainability. Most prominently, this city is known for its "Curitiba Master Plan." During Mayor Jaime Lerner's first administration in the early 1970's, investments were made in the city's public transit and urban design. The ultimate goal was to link the city's core (its central, most bustling area) with its periphery and other neighboring municipalities. The updated public transit system that developed under Lerner's guidance was a success. So, what lead Curitiba to success? Primarily, the city focused on developing main transit arteries that serve densely populated fingers sprouting from Curitiba's core. Second, all transit infrastructure was created above the ground; this was about 200 times less expensive than a similar underground system (United Nations World Economic and Social Survey 2013, pg. 70). This made public transit affordable and accessible. Aside from outstanding public transit and urban design, Curitiba also provides its inhabitants with an abundance of accessible green space. Land-use legislation provides the city's inhabitants with about 60 square meters of green per person (United Nations World Economic and Social Survey 2013, pg. 70). These green spaces are also integrated with flood control (most prominently artificial lakes), an imperative feature in the sustainable, urban environments of the future. Finally, the city engages in progressive solid waste programs. The Garbage That is Not Garbage initiative (created in 1989) promotes domestic recycling, while the Garbage Purchase Program allows certain Curitiba neighborhoods (these locations are too dense and populated for garbage collection vans to maneuver) to collect and exchange their trash for bus tokens, food, notebooks, and even tickets to soccer matches (United Nations World Economic and Social Survey 2013, pg. 70). 

Portland, Oregon

Portland's Douglas Firs, Western Red Cedars, Oregon Grapes and Sword Ferns aren't the only things that keep this city green. Although it doesn't have a top global sustainability ranking, Portland does exhibit several sustainability-based initatives that make it worth investigating. These plans to make the city more sustainable span environmental, social, and economic realms. From investments in green infrastructure and clean energy to sustainable food programs and bans on plastic bags, Portland's smaller, definitive efforts should be considered in all urban environments; they can adapt to any urban setting. For example, beginning in 2018, the city is implementing a new Home Energy Score Policy. This policy requires a licensed home energy assessor to delegate home energy reports and scores to Portland properties. This score must be disclosed and reported prior to listing a home publicly for sale. This program will incentivize investments in green technology for Portland's homes, helping to decrease the city's environmental footprint. Portland also grants compliant businesses with sustainability awards. This gives businesses something to work toward, and to use for publicity and advertisement. This simultaneously promotes sustainable business models and practices. A green business contributes to a green economy and a growing economy. Portland's Bureau of Planning and Sustainability promotes energy efficiency and renewable power production through residential, commercial, and government initiatives. These program and policies prioritize energy efficiency and the use of solar, small wind, biofuels and micro-hydro. Taking note of the smaller, successful, cheap, and easily implementable programs pursued by Portland are worthy of serious consideration and exploration. Bans on plastic bags, rating and disclosure of home energy scores, and investments in public transit options are a few of the ways Portland is making its urban environment more sustainable. Sometimes, looking at a place like Zurich (and all of the wonderful steps it takes to become more sustainable) is overwhelming. Take a moment to appreciate the power and benefits of smaller, simpler initiatives. 

St. Paul, Minnesota

When you think of St. Paul, urban sustainability might not be the first thing to cross your mind. Personally, I first associated this Midwestern city with cold winters, mosquito-filled summers, lakes and fried food at the Minnesota State Fair. So, why is St. Paul advertising itself as "The Most Livable City in America"? There are a few answers to this question. To begin with, it's important to recognize that Saint Paul is a Minnesota GreenStep City. This means that investments in the city's sustainability are pursued for cost savings, energy use reduction, and civic innovation (https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/aboutProgram.cfm). Taking part in the GreenStep program reflects a city's initiative, interest and investment in fostering a sustainable urban environment. Aside from GreenStep, and highlighted in Mayo Coleman's 2017 Sate of St. Paul address, the city's Right Track program is an exceptional example of the ways St. Paul is creating social sustainability in urban contexts. Right track works to connect St. Paul youth with work and career exploration opportunities. It has provided more than 2,000 low-income youth with internships, paying out a total of $2.5 million in wages since its inception in 2014 ( source: https://www.stpaul.gov/news/mayor-coleman-touts-bold-vision-saint-paul-final-state-city). Initiatives like this create opportunity, provide experience, and engage St. Paul's youth in the city's economy and their local communities. The city has also invested substantial amounts of time, labor, and money into accessible, fast, reliable public transit options. The city's Green Line, A-Line, and the expansive cycling infrastructure found throughout the Twin Cities is a testament to this effort. During his 2017 State of St. Paul address, mayor Coleman boasted that the city built 15 miles of bike lanes, trails, and paths this past year, and has 180 more miles on the drawing board. He also spoke about a study released by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, which found that the state's bike industry produces $780 million in annual economic activity and nearly 6,000 jobs. ((https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/mayors-office/2017-state-city-address/2017-state-city-mayors-remarks-prepared). Finally, of the many initiatives working to make St. Paul more sustainable, the most noteworthy and drastic is its goal to become carbon neutral by the year 2050. This is just a glimpse into the major steps St. Paul is taking to become more sustainable, and is why the city deserves more recognition for its efforts and successes.