As cities reduce their energy consumption and switch from direct fossil-fuel consumption to electrification, the remaining challenge then becomes how to transform electricity generation to carbon-free renewable energy. Leading cities are doing so by first committing to bold 100 percent renewable energy targets, then implementing comprehensive action plans.
Replace traditional lights (e.g., high-pressure sodium) with energy-efficient, smart LED luminaires and networked control (for real-time monitoring, on/off, dimming). Further use the streetlight network—both the physical poles and digital communications backbone—for additional sensors, cameras, and intelligent automation of city services.
Avoid and/or eliminate/replace fossil-fuel infrastructure (i.e., natural gas for heating, cooking, hot water) in favor of electric-only buildings and infrastructure, ranging from individual buildings to entire developments, neighborhoods, and districts.
We now begin with a heat revolution, where every Amsterdammer is involved. I’m proud that we are working hard together in Amsterdam to make existing neighborhoods natural gas-free. We’re just going to do it.
‐Abdeluheb Choho, Amsterdam Alderman and Head of Sustainability, City of Amsterdam (as quoted on nu.nl)
Install solar photovoltaics (PV) on all available municipal sites, including building rooftops (e.g., city hall, schools, police/fire, community centers, transit depots), carports, and other structures, and ground mount solar PV on appropriate land (e.g., rights of way, infill, brownfields). Make available for community solar projects.
Leverage various mechanisms (e.g., utility green tariff programs, direct supply, power purchase agreements [PPAs], city ownership of utility-scale renewable generation) to secure renewable energy supply—often from beyond the city’s borders—to meet all energy use not covered by on-site renewables.
Transitioning buildings toward net-zero energy makes buildings healthier and more comfortable, and smart approaches to retrofitting and new construction can create an economic boon for the city.
Industry is a major employer and economic driver in many global cities, significantly shaping a city’s carbon emissions. Strategic partnerships with corporate residents can achieve economic and environmental solutions that benefit everyone.
Cities can shift the flow and management of their biological resources to reduce emissions, capture carbon, and provide numerous other benefits to a city.
Cities have an important role to play creating or expanding financing options and improving access to such financing.
City leaders and sustainability officers: take action today to put your city on a pathway to zero-carbon.