Global Cities Take Action Against Climate Change: A Turning Tide in Urban Sustainability
Sheher Saaz’s Weekly Newsletter / Edition: 6 / December 31, 2024 In a groundbreaking move, several major global cities are adopting climate-positive strategies to reduce emissions. The C40 Cities initiative, representing over 90 cities worldwide, has pledged to halve emissions by 2030, with a focus on sustainable transport, energy-efficient buildings, and waste reduction. New York City, for instance, has unveiled its Climate Mobilization Act, aiming to reduce carbon emissions from large buildings by 40% by 2030. London and Paris are also strengthening urban greening programs, including rooftop gardens and expanded green spaces, to combat urban heat island effects. (Source: C40 Cities) Architecture’s Role in Fighting Climate Change: New Green Building Codes With the urgent need for carbon neutrality, cities globally are enacting stricter building codes. In 2024, the European Union introduced updated regulations requiring all new buildings to meet nearly zero-energy standards. Meanwhile, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has developed new guidelines for sustainable construction materials and energy-efficient designs. Notably, the adoption of passive house standards is gaining momentum across Europe and North America, exemplified by a new “green” district in Berlin focusing on renewable energy integration. (Source: USGBC) Urban Resilience in the Face of Natural Disasters This past week, the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction report highlighted the importance of building urban resilience in disaster-prone areas. Cities like Tokyo and Singapore are leading the way with resilient infrastructure—investing in flood control systems, seismic retrofitting, and disaster-response technology. In particular, Singapore’s Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters program is transforming reservoirs and waterways into multifunctional spaces, boosting both flood resilience and public engagement with nature. (Source: UNDRR) Industry Trends Smart Cities and Artificial Intelligence: A Perfect Pair for the Future Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing urban planning with its predictive capabilities and automation. AI-powered traffic management systems are now operational in cities like Barcelona, which has implemented smart traffic lights that adapt to real-time congestion levels. Similarly, Seoul is deploying AI to monitor pollution levels and optimize waste collection, ensuring cleaner and more efficient urban spaces. This convergence of AI and IoT (Internet of Things) in urban environments promises a new wave of intelligent cities. (Source: Smart Cities World) Renewable Energy and Urban Innovation: Solar Power Takes Center Stage Urban areas are rapidly shifting towards renewable energy as a long-term sustainability strategy. A report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicates that solar energy capacity in cities has increased by 30% globally in 2024. Cities like Los Angeles and Sydney are leading the way, integrating solar rooftops and large-scale solar plants into their grids. By incentivizing the installation of solar panels in residential and commercial buildings, urban areas are becoming self-sufficient in clean energy, aligning with global sustainability goals. (Source: IEA) The Rise of Green Mobility: Electric Vehicles and Urban Transport Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming the cornerstone of sustainable urban mobility. In 2024, global sales of EVs exceeded 15 million units, with cities like Amsterdam and Oslo already achieving over 50% of their new vehicle sales as electric. The proliferation of EVs is paired with the growth of electric public transport systems, such as electric buses in Shenzhen and electric taxis in Paris. These cities are setting ambitious goals to become carbon-neutral by 2030, with a large part of the focus on electrifying public transportation. (Source: IEEFA) Sheher Saaz News & Insights Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Dedication and Innovation As we conclude the year 2024, Sheher Saaz Private Limited expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Allah for the growth and progress achieved. We extend our sincerest appreciation to our dedicated team, whose tireless efforts, hard work, and collaboration have been the backbone of our success. Their passion and commitment to urban innovation and sustainability have truly made a difference, and we look forward to what we will achieve together in the year ahead. Sheher Saaz’s New Year Resolution for 2025 Our New Year resolution is clear: to amplify efforts on climate change mitigation, sustainability, and creating a more habitable world for future generations. Together, we can make an impact. In 2025, Sheher Saaz will prioritize resilience in urban planning, climate change mitigation, and environmental conservation. We aim to lead the way in fostering sustainable habitability through innovative solutions in the built environment. Affordable housing, powered by innovation and sustainable practices, will be at the heart of our projects, helping us build communities that thrive. We believe that every step toward sustainability counts, and 2025 will be a year where we push boundaries and create lasting change for generations to come. Here’s to a brighter, greener future—together. Middle East Focus Saudi Vision 2030: The Role of Urban Design in National Development Saudi Vision 2030 , which aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil, is now placing a strong emphasis on urban design and infrastructure innovation. This week, Riyadh unveiled plans for a new “green city” in the northern regions, designed to meet LEED Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards. This city will focus on renewable energy, sustainable water management, and circular economy principles, setting a new benchmark for urban planning in the region. (Source: Saudi Vision 2030) UAE’s Green Construction Standards The UAE continues to lead in sustainable urban development with the recent release of updated green construction standards by the Dubai Building Council. These standards focus on reducing the carbon footprint of buildings, emphasizing energy-efficient design, water conservation, and the use of renewable materials. Dubai’s ambitious target is to reduce emissions by 50% by 2035, making it one of the most forward-thinking cities in the Middle East when it comes to sustainable architecture. (Source: Dubai Building Council) Public Investment Fund (PIF) Projects: The Green Future The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia has announced a new initiative to fund large-scale renewable energy projects. This includes the development of wind and solar farms to power the country’s cities and industries. In line with Saudi Vision 2030 , the PIF’s commitment to sustainability is transforming the region’s energy landscape, with plans for smart grid
