About this Discussion

Urban centres provide opportunities for a range of social and cultural activities, as well as being critical for innovations in science, technology and education. They are also of critical importance for social and economic development. However, with approximately 40% of global energy use taking place within city buildings, this sector is also the single largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions.

As a result, the design and use of energy and resource-efficient buildings has a key role in climate change mitigation to accelerate the global green economy transition. Although vast savings are possible by constructing new green buildings and retrofitting existing buildings, even greater gains can be achieved by adopting a long-term life-cycle approach involving stakeholders at different stages – from environmentally-minded investors and architects, to sustainable extraction, construction and usage, and the eventual demolition and the recycling or disposal of the building materials.

Cities are well-placed to play a major role in decoupling economic development from resource use and environmental impacts, while finding a better balance between social, environmental and economic objectives. Resource-efficient cities combine greater productivity and innovation with lower costs and reduced environmental impacts, offering at the same time financial savings and increased sustainability.

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Cities and Urban Development

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OECD

The OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities (CFE) is looking for dynamic, innovative and motivated Junior Economists/Policy Analysts with solid quantitative and/or policy analysis skills to contribute to the Centre’s thematic areas through policy analysis,… Read More

Benjamin Simmons commented on Robert Brears's Post in Cities and Urban Development, Climate Change, Water and Sanitation

***New book out*** Water resources management consists of planning, developing, distributing, and managing available water resources. With increasing climatic and non-climatic challenges, optimised water management becomes more demanding. This book presents innovative solutions to these challenges in the areas of water conservation, recycling, and reuse, recovery of resources from wastewater, protection of water quality, and smart water management. It also presents innovative financial solutions to meet water challenges globally.

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