QUICK READS
Quick Reads are short overviews of key NetZeroCities concepts providing essential information in a practical and visual way. More comprehensive resources and additional information will be available in the knowledge repository.
TECHNICAL INNOVATION FOR CLIMATE-NEUTRALITY
For all cities to reach net zero emissions, transformational change in all sectors will be required. Addressing emission sources will be central to this challenge. Fortunately, there are a range of technologies and innovative solutions that can be implemented and deployed to drastically cut these emissions. These technologies and solutions need to cover all main emission domains. This includes buildings, industry and transport, waste treatment (both solid waste and wastewater), agriculture and forestry, and, of course, energy from fossil fuels (whether from the power grid energy supply or district heating networks, or other).
Cities are already working hard to deploy technological solutions. In this regard, there is much to learn from peers to accelerate implementation of new solutions. The EU Commission has identified seven priorities for technological action, which are presented below. That said, in order to implement these solutions effectively, cities will also need to activate a number of instruments (systemic levers). These levers include planning and governance, policy and regulation, democracy aspects, social innovation, financing mechanisms, and capacity building among others.
Cities are already working hard to deploy technological solutions. In this regard, there is much to learn from peers to accelerate implementation of new solutions. The EU Commission has identified seven priorities for technological action, which are presented below. That said, in order to implement these solutions effectively, cities will also need to activate a number of instruments (systemic levers). These levers include planning and governance, policy and regulation, democracy aspects, social innovation, financing mechanisms, and capacity building among others.
Key domains of actions for climate-neutrality
Technological solutions, which focus on the following seven priorities identified by the EU Commission’s 100 Climate-Neutral & Smart Cities by 2030 - Info Kit for Cities are critical to consider:
Energy use and supply in buildings
Also referred to as stationary energy. Buildings account for 40% of energy consumption in cities. Hence, a significant switch to renewable energy in all buildings and facilities is vital. Implement energy efficient measures to reduce energy demand and improve energy efficiency.
Energy generation
Replace carbon intensive electricity, heating and cooling with low carbon energy production. A range of sustainable energy systems, which enable low-carbon energy production, development of renewable energy solutions and the efficient use of electricity are necessary to fully decarbonise the energy supply.
Mobility and transport
Phase out all fossil fuel-based modes of transport within city boundaries and, simultaneously, facilitate the use of cleaner and alternative transport modes. To do so, prioritise walking, cycling, public transport. Electrify mobility, including carbon free and alternative fuels. Develop and implement SUMPs and ensure policies recognize the importance of integrating urban planning with mobility planning.
Circular economy
Cut emissions from the waste that is generated within the city boundary. Integrate a circular economy approach to minimise the use of virgin resources and creation of waste, pollution and carbon emissions.
Nature-based solutions
Cut emissions from changes in land use (including agriculture, forestry and other land uses). Additionally, implement natural solutions to deal with residual emissions, such as the creation of carbon sinks for carbon storage and sequestration, whilst ensuring co-benefits like health and biodiversity
Green industry
Cut emissions from chemical processes in industry to make core processes in energy and resource intensive industries low-carbon.
Digital solutions
Explore opportunities to develop and improve digital connectivity and digital tools, such as artificial intelligence, IoT, etc, in order to establish cross-cutting enablers for other areas. Digital solutions can provide a basis for progress in urban processes and facilitate decision-making by cities with citizens to drive action.
Going further
- 100 Climate-Neutral & Smart Cities by 2030 - Info Kit for Cities by the EU Commission
- General IEA analysis towards 2050
- Clean cities : economic case for decarbonising cities
- EU 2050 Strategic Vision A Clean Planet for all
- Better urban mobility playbook
- Handbook on Sustainable Urban Mobility and Spatial Planning
- The Circular Economy a Powerful Force for Climate Mitigation, a report developing the potential of circular economy action for reducing GHG emissions.
On energy supply and efficiency:
On mobility action:
On circular economy:
- Industrial Transformation 2050, a study mapping options for reducing emission from industry processes.
- IUCN
- OPPLA
- BABLE Smart Cities
- CITYxCITY Catalogue
On industrial transformation:
On nature-based solutions:
Additional catalogues: