Sustainability
20 Smartest Cities In The World Here are the top 20 cities improving energy efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions, and increasing the well-being of citizens, according to the Institute for Management and Development in partnership with the World Smart Sustainable Organization. 1
Zurich
Helsinki
Zurich has embraced a circular economy, introduced eco-friendly waste management, and digitized its infrastructure. Zurich Airport has reduced its CO2 emissions by about 50% over the last 25 years, and it plans to be net zero by 2040. The Swiss Federal Railway runs on 90% hydropower and plans to be powered by 100% renewable energy sources by 2025. 2
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Canberra
Canberra has a sustainable network of public transport options and is the first Australian city to encourage ride-sharing services so people can travel as groups and cut back on solo driving. Canberra is powered by 100% renewable electricity generated by wind and photovoltaic power. F O R B E S M I D D L E E A S T.C O M
Helsinki
According to the city’s pocket statistics, the emissions of greenhouse gases have been cut down by 33% since 1990. The city has 3,470 city bikes with 347 bike stations. Air quality was good or satisfactory 95% of the time in the city in 2022.
Oslo
The capital of Norway has a strong innovation culture. The city promotes ecodesign and architecture and is also highly digitalized, from its healthcare to shipping ports. Norway is accelerating its adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). According to data from the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association, 2022 was another record for EV sales in the country, which showed 79.3% of all new cars sold during the period were fully electric, up from 64.5% in 2021.
underground car parks, and outdoor green spaces exist to complement the citizen-patient experience. Singapore’s Housing Development Board offers citizens access to affordable, quality homes.
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Copenhagen
The Danish capital has invested in intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and intelligent traffic management to control traffic and optimize signals in real-time, resulting in more efficient flows of bikes and buses and reduced accidents. According to a Mckinsey & Company report, ITS will help Copenhagen achieve its vision to have 75% of all the trips in the city be by bike, public transport, or on foot by 2025. 5
Lausanne
This Swiss city is working toward being diesel-free by 2030. Hydropower accounts for roughly 57%
of Switzerland’s domestic electricity production, making it the country’s most important domestic source of renewable energy. 6
London
Most sectors in London have seen a significant reduction in emissions over the last few decades, mainly due to the nationwide decarbonization of electricity, government data showed. The city’s CO2 emissions were 28.1 million tonnes in 2020, down from 31.5 million tonnes in 2019. 7
Singapore
Singapore has a master plan for community-focused health where infrastructure like pedestrian walkways,
Geneva
Geneva’s energy policy is designed to be 100% renewable in 2050. The Swiss city has a range of public transportation options taking advantage of its topography, as it offers public excursion boats. It also encourages carpooling and car sharing and provides free-to-use bikes. 10
Stockholm
The Swedish capital launched Openlab, a creative center for solving societal challenges. The city’s leaders believe that in order to continue to grow sustainably and offer high quality in Stockholm’s city operations, new thinking and innovation are needed. The center was established to create the conditions for innovative solutions
AUGUST 2023
BY JOYCE ABAÑO ; MISTERVLAD/ SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
LEADERBOARD
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