Net Zero Carbon Cities: An Integrated Approach
Across the globe, cities account for nearly two-thirds of the CO2 emissions that are causing our planet’s looming climate crisis. Skyscrapers, shopping malls, SUVs, air conditioners – throughout the globe, homes, buildings, and transportation in cities consume a vast amount of high CO2 content energy. Right now, just over half the population lives in cities, but that is projected to rise to 68% by 2050 – resulting in even higher energy consumption (currently 78% of the world’s primary energy) and carbon emissions.
In order to keep global temperature increases to 1.5-degrees or below, cities have to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century. To meet our climate goals, policy makers, businesses, infrastructure and real estate developers, city administrators, civil society and the financial sector all have a role to play.
While more cities are ramping up their commitments and progress to becoming net carbon zero, they still have a long way to go. With climate change accelerating, we need more action on three fronts. First, we need to have more energy produced from renewable sources. Second, we need more cars, public transportation and heating to be powered by electricity. Third, we need everything from factories and homes to transport systems and consumer devices to become more energy efficient. A smart energy infrastructure through digitalization is key to integrating these actions to make the transition successful.
Systemic Efficiency
By taking a holistic approach, cities have an opportunity to boost their resilience to a range of future climate and health-related crises, and to create jobs and other economic and health benefits. This approach, defined as “systemic efficiency,” encompasses efficiency, clean electrification, smart digital technology, and efficient buildings and infrastructure, along with a circular economy approach to water, waste and materials. Central to this approach is innovation, which lies at the interfaces of buildings, energy, transportation and water systems.
Urbanization, growing populations and climate change are key challenges cities must address. Together, the city leaders and business have an opportunity to rethink urban planning, energy policy and the built living environment to ensure sustainable ecosystems and human wellness.
Systemic Efficiency aims to enable a decarbonized, highly electrified and resilient city ecosystem though ultra-efficient buildings and smart energy infrastructure.
Program Impact Story
Partnerships
For more information or to participate in upcoming workshops and activities, contact Philip Lake at Philip.Lake@weforum.org, and Kalin Bracken at Kalin.Bracken@weforum.org.
Livestreamed session from Annual Meeting at Davos
Davos Agenda 2021: Building “Net-Zero” Cities (Option 1)
Davos Agenda 2021: Building “Net-Zero” Cities (Option 2)
Davos 2020: Creating a Carbon-Neutral Future
Davos 2019: Net-zero energy buildings for sustainability and well-being - Khee Poh Lam
This report provides a global framework and recommends an integrated energy approach, defined as “systemic efficiency”, as a solution to the current environmental, economic, health and so...
This study is prepared by the World Economic Forum to support the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED) Special Policy Study 3.2 on Major Gre...
This report examines the major trends affecting the transformation of energy and mobility systems, with a special focus on cities. Topics addressed include: electrification, decentralizat...
Governments and companies are aligning on a net-zero goal. This is an opportunity to rethink how we decarbonize our cities – and here's a way forward.
While African and European states struggle to find common ground in response to COVID-19, the continents' cities are working together to build back better
The World Economic Forum is convening stakeholders with a role to play for global cities to have a chance of reaching the net-zero carbon goal by 2030.
Net-zero carbon cities will only become a reality if national governments work alongside local leaders. Here's how they can shape the transition together
The technology to create sustainable smart offices is here – but the real-estate industry does not take enough advantage of it to build or manage new projects
The way they are run, led and managed will mark the difference between the cities that 'build back better' in the coming years and those that struggle.
With climate change accelerating, a more comprehensive, integrated approach is needed to decarbonize and harmonize urban energy systems
This product-as-a-service business model can play a big role in driving both decarbonization efforts and the global economic recovery. Here's how it works.
For many people, sheltering at home is unsustainable or impossible - and public buildings need to be adapted for remaining and returning communities.
How the C40 Global Mayors COVID-19 Recovery Task Force is bringing together mayors from around the world to create a plan for a green and just recovery
The built environment has a huge role to play in building a healthier, more sustainable world - and this is becoming even more apparent thanks to COVID-19.
It is possible to have buildings that do not emit carbon. Here are some striking examples from around the world.
We cannot solve climate change without transforming our built environment. This will require massive efforts from the private and public sectors - but it is possible with current technology.
Synergy between sectors will inspire change: electricity; water and wastewater; heating; cooling and transport.
The cost of solar modules has fallen dramatically over the past decade, and is expected to halve again by 2030. Could this spell the end for fossil fuels?
Driven by global warming and urbanization, demand for air conditioning is growing - and so is its impact on the climate. Could the finalists of the Global Cooling Prize have the answer?
We have the knowhow to build the resilient, sustainable cities we need - but grasping this opportunity will require a new approach to collaboration between all stakeholders
While much has been written about innovation and business models, we don’t have a playbook for what lies upstream of innovation: imagination.
The remarkable structural properties of the Venus’ flower basket sponge could lead to advanced designs for buildings, bridges, vehicles, and aircraft.
