About the Document
This is a guidebook titled Green and Thriving Neighbourhoods: A pathway to net zero, featuring the 15-minute city, available in English and Chinese and presented as an article on the C40 Knowledge Hub. It offers a framework for city governments to deliver net zero at the neighbourhood scale, applicable in both new and existing neighbourhoods. The page also refers to a report capturing lessons from 24 city pilots across Africa, Latin America, Asia, North America, and Europe, published three years into the Green and Thriving Neighbourhoods programme. The guidebook's authors are referred to only as 'the authors'.
Context and Rationale
The text states that as urban populations increase, compact, resilient and well-connected communities are the best chance to limit greenhouse gas emissions and preserve global resources and fragile biodiversity. Local neighbourhood projects are described as an urban test bed for trialling innovative approaches in design, construction, technology and citizen engagement. Buenos Aires Mayor Horacio Rodríguez Larreta is quoted stating that the majority of GHG emissions come from cities and their built environment.
Ten Approaches in Three Categories
The guidebook sets out ten key approaches, grouped into three categories:
- 15-minute cities: complete neighbourhoods, people-centred mobility, connected places, and a place for everyone.
- Clean and green: clean construction, green buildings and energy, and circular resources.
- Sustainable futures: green and nature-based solutions, sustainable lifestyles, and green economy. The 15-minute city is defined as an urban planning principle that aims to provide everyone with essential amenities within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from home, improving accessibility and inclusivity.
Examples from Cities
- London: Haringey Council used the previously vacant Blue House Yard site to provide affordable workspaces for small businesses, together with public spaces.
- Barcelona: the Superblocks programme uses temporary street furniture, tree planters and painted road markings to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists. The first Superblock achieved a 48% reduction in the area occupied by cars, while street-level economic activity increased.
- Paris: the Collective for Climate Project in La Porte de Montreuil aims to reduce 85% of operational and embodied emissions.
- Milan: L'Innesto will be the first Zero Carbon 'Housing Sociale' district in Italy.
- Medellín: the Corredores Verdes network has reduced the impact of urban heat, planted over 8,800 trees and enabled 75 citizens from disadvantaged backgrounds to train as city gardeners.
- Helsinki: the Kalasatama district procured innovative pilot projects rather than goods and services, with co-creation at its core.
Pathway and Approach
The guidebook draws on best practice thinking and successful projects in cities worldwide. It explains what the approaches mean and advises cities on developing a pathway, from preparing a project to planning implementation. It states that beginning with low-cost interventions at neighbourhood scale can build momentum for city-wide emission reduction targets and attract funding and investment. Four Knowledge Hub articles build on the guidebook with further practical advice and resources.
Perspectives from City Leaders
Stockholm Mayor Anna König Jerlmyr says neighbourhood projects can pioneer new policy, trial partnerships and test new technologies. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo notes that Covid-19 reinforced interest in the '15-minute city', and that a green and thriving neighbourhood should let residents meet daily needs close to home.
Call to Action and Purpose
The authors have launched a call to action to stakeholders and cities to identify suitable neighbourhoods that could adopt the green and thriving neighbourhoods model and act as a catalyst for climate action at city, national or international level. The guidebook is intended for city governments, offering them a framework for delivering net zero at the neighbourhood scale.