Cities Around the World Leading by Example

Some cities are on the list because of a wide and comprehensive approach to climate planning and action. Others are here due to one or two specific actions they have taken which are considered important and perhaps could be replicated in other places.

Adelaide, Australia

Adelaide, Australia.  According to an article published by the World Economic Forum “These five global cities (including Adelaide) are leading the charge to a renewable future”.  www.weforum.org  4/7/21.  Adelaide’s municipal operations have been powered entirely by renewable energy (wind and solar) since July 2020.  This action is part of a long term commitment for the entire city to reach carbon neutrality by 2025.  Adelaide is a member of the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance.  It scores an “A” in the CDP ranking of leading climate cities.  For details, see: “Carbon Neutral Adelaide”.  www.cityofadelaide.com  and “Carbon Neutral Adelaide: Action Plan 2016 – 2021”.  www.carbonneutraladelaide.com.au

Adjuntas, Puerto Rico

Adjuntas, Puerto Rico.  Adjuntas is the home base of Casa Pueblo, a community-supporting nonprofit organization.  www.casapueblo.org/que-significa-50consol/  Casa Pueblo is the moving force in the design of a solar community in Adjuntas devoted to retrofitting the roofs of homes damaged by Hurricane Maria with green roofs, rooftop solar and battery storage.  CP is also pursuing solar-based distributed microgrids with storage to enable residents to get off the regional grid, which is fossil fuel-based and highly unreliable.  See “Solar is Lifeline in Puerto Rico After Hurricane Fiona Knocks Out Power”.  www.canarymedia.com  9/19/22.

Albuquerque NM

Albuquerque NM.  According to Environment America’s report “Shining Cities 2022”, Albuquerque ranks #4 among all U.S. cities with 296 watts of installed solar capacity per capita.  Albuquerque is also the first U.S. city to advance Justice 40.  Justice 40 is the Biden Administration’s commitment to direct at least 40% of the overall benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy to disadvantaged communities. www.thejustice40.com

Ann Arbor MI

Ann Arbor MI.  The City of Ann Arbor and Pittsfield Township together planned a 24MW landfill solar project that will offset over 80% of the current municipal electricity usage for Ann Arbor and 100% for Pittsfield Township.  See Ann Arbor’s 2019 Climate Emergency Declaration and its A2Zero Climate Plan: “Ann Arbor Declares Climate Emergency, Sets 2030 Carbon-Neutral Goal”  www.mlive.com  11/4/19.  Also at www.a2gov.org:  “Carbon Neutrality – A2Zero” and “Ann Arbor’s Living Carbon Neutrality Plan” March 2020.

Ansterdam, The Netherlands

Ansterdam, The Netherlands.  Member, Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance.  2021 saw the Dutch capitol crowned the top European city for environmental policies, named one of the top emerging climate tech hubs, and a world-leading centre for green finance.  www.iamansterdam.com/en/business/ansterdam-tops-european-sustainable-cities-ranking   Ansterdam also recently introduced a new parking garage devoted exclusively to the parking of 7000 bicycles.

Athens, Greece

Athens, Greece.  Scores an “A” grade in cdp.net climate ranking.  Quote from Mark Watts, Executive Director of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group: “With this integrated Climate Action Plan, Mayor Kaminis and the City of Athens are showing their absolute determination to lead the way in the fight against climate change”. “Athens Becomes the First City in Greece With an Integrated Climate Action Plan”  www.c40.org

Babcock Ranch FL

Babcock Ranch FL.  (a new planned community, 20 miles from Ft. Myers)  BR is powered by two solar farms north of the town totalling 150 MW of capacity.  The farms provide enough energy for all of the town’s residents and businesses.  The solar farms include 40 MW of battery storage, so that if the wider grid goes down, BR shifts to battery power and the lights stay on.  It is the largest solar-plus-storage project in the U.S.  It weathered Hurricane Ian in October 2020 without losing power as cities and towns all around were plunged into darkness.  Read “Our Lights Stayed on During Hurricane Ian”  www.rmi.org  10/5/22.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, Spain.  Featured in C40 Cities’ report: “Cities Leading the Way”. Scores an “A” grade in cdp.net climate ranking.  Cited by cdp.net as a city with carbon neutral, climate neutral, or net zero emissions target.  45% reduction by 2030; carbon neutral by 2050.  Barcelona is “Managing Trees for a Healthier Climate”. www.cleantechnica.com  10/8/17. In addition to lowering GHG emissions, Barcelona’s urban greening program has numerous co-benefits: through increasing the city’s tree canopy from 5% to 30%, the city will enjoy a cooler urban atmosphere, better air quality, and increased biodiversity.

Basel, Switzerland

Basel, Switzerland.  100% powered by renewable energy which comes from the city’s own energy supply company.  Hydropower is the single largest source.  Basel also has a district heating system powered by geothermal energy and biomass.  More at www.bs.ch  “renewable energies and energy efficiency”.

Bellingham WA

Bellingham WA.  Bellingham has a long-range plan that would compel city homeowners to stop using natural gas for heating.  It would become the first city in the country to force a wholesale conversion of homes, new and old, from natural gas to electric heat pump technology.  Details at www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/washington-city-ponders-a-future-without-gas-heat  Bellingham has already adopted several other measures to lower its carbon emissions.

Bogota, Colombia

Bogota, Colombia.  Bogota is a frontrunner city, climate-wise, in South America.  It has set ambitious climate targets, and has devised a 30-year roadmap to reach them.  Under its 2020 – 2050 Climate Action Plan, developed by the Mayor’s office, Bogota aims to reduce its GHG emissions by 15% by 2024 and by 50% by 2030.  It plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.  The City supports the implementation and maintenance of green roofs and vertical gardens.

Boise ID

Boise ID.  Since 1892 Boise has used geothermal heat to create and power the first U.S. district heating system, which is still in operation.  The City began working on its carbon reduction goals in 2006 when the Mayor signed the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.

www.usmayors.org/programs/mayors-for-climate-protection-center/  With support from the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance – www.neea.org – a team led by the New Buildings Institute was able to help the City of Boise analyze municipal building energy use, focus resources on the best opportunities, and implement a Public Buildings Portfolio Management Plan.

Bonn, Germany

Bonn, Germany.  Bonn is the seat of the ICLEI World Secretariat.  Its Mayor is co-chair of ICLEI’s Climate and Low Emissions Portfolio.  The City is constantly working on improving its sustainable performance by adopting local action programs, successfully establishing forms of cooperation with cities all over the world, and by launching activities that advance sustainable development.

Boston MA

Boston MA. Boston scores an “A” grade in cdp.net’s climate ranking.  It was ranked #5 of 100 cities in the U.S. by the ACEEE Energy Scorecard, Dec. 2021.  It was cited by cdp.net as a city with a carbon neutral, climate neutral, or zero emissions target: 50% emissions reduction by 2030; carbon neutral by 2050.  See “Greenovate Boston: 2014 Climate Action Plan Update”, www.cityofboston.gov  “Boston Aims to Eliminate Fossil Fuels in New Buildings” www.smartcitiesdive.com 8/17/22.  Also: “Boston Consultants Identify 19 Initiatives to Make it a ‘Zero Waste’ City” www.wastedive.com 7/17/18.  “Zero Waste Boston” www.boston.gov/environment-and-energy/zero-waste-boston  Learn about Boston’s EV car-sharing program “Good 2 Go” www.evgood2go.org  The program has income-tiered hourly rates.

Boulder CO

Boulder CO.  Boulder has had a Climate Action Plan since 2004, making it one of the first cities in the country to have one.  In 2006 the City passed Climate Action Plan Tax Initiative which became the U.S.’s first, and so far only directly voter-approved carbon tax.  The tax charges consumers based on their fossil-fueled electricity consumption.  The revenue collected is used to fund energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.  In 2013 Boulder residents voted overwhelmingly to stop buying electricity from its investor-owned-utility and to municipalize its energy purchasing.  Boulder, in this manner, focuses heavily on reducing energy demand and promoting distributed generation, while maintaining rates comparable or less than neighboring utilities.  Boulder is a member of the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance.  View the video “Meeting Boulder’s Energy Challenge Head on” www.youtube.com

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Calgary, Alberta, Canada.  Has scored an “A” grade in the cdp.net climate ranking for 5 straight years.  Cdp cited Alberta’s climate plans for: implementing a mitigation and an adaptation plan; tracking the plans and showing progress toward their goals; demonstrating a clear understanding of the impacts and risks posed by climate change; and by conducting a community-wide emissions inventory, as well as detailing emissions breakdowns in different sectors.  See Calgary’s 2023 – 2026 Climate Plan: www.calgary.ca/environment/climate/implementation-plan.html?redirect=/climateplan

Cambridge MA

Cambridge MA.  In 2002 Cambridge adopted its Climate Protection Action Plan.  Its goal was to reduce emissions 80% by 2050.  In 2010 Cambridge became an official Green Community, as designated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  Also in 2010 it adopted Green Building Requirements as part of its Zoning Code to promote sustainable and energy-efficient design and development practices in projects of 25,000 sq. ft. or more, including both new construction and some types of substantial renovation.  In 2011 the City created the Cambridge Energy Alliance – a City-sponsored program aimed at providing technical assistance and to helping Cambridge residents and businesses to identify and arrange financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.   In 2013 the City convened the Getting to Net Zero Task Force to foster a deeper conversation among stakeholders to advance the goal of setting Cambridge on a trajectory to becoming a Net Zero Community, with a focus on carbon emissions from building operations.  In 2014 Cambridge adopted its Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO).  BEUDO provides a means to provide building energy performance information to the marketplace and enhance local energy planning.  In 2015 Cambridge adopted its Net Zero Action Plan.  The NZAP targeted a 70% reduction in city-wide building GHG emissions by 2040 to place the city on the pathway to Net Zero Emissions by 2050.  In 2018 Cambridge updated its original 2002 Climate Action Plan.  per the City’s commitment to the Global Covenant of Mayors. The updated Plan describes how the City will reduce emissions across the entire city to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.  Tle Plan is based on a 2012 community-wide greenhouse gas emissions inventory that was carried out in 2016. In an April 2021 edition of BOSTON Magazine, which evaluated the performance of 40 cities and towns in the Boston area as regards to climate planning and action, Cambridge took first place.  Search “boston magazine” and “green town ranking”.  To view the Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan, go to www.sorensonpartners.com and read “City of Cambridge, MA Net Zero Action Plan 5-year Update”.  Cambridge began citywide food waste pickup in 2018 and now collects 40 tons of food waste per week from residences, drop-off locations, religious communities, schools, restaurants, food pantries and markets.  This food waste is converted into clean energy.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, South Africa.  Cape Town is aiming at 40% renewable energy by 2030, biofuels in transport, electric buses, rooftop solar, and solar water heating.  Details at article “These 5 Global Cities are Leading the Charge to a Renewable Future”   World Economic Forum. www.weforum.org  4/7/21. Cape Town receives an “A” from the cdp.net’s climate ranking.  Aims for climate neutrality by 2050.  Also, BMW’s Mini has partnered with Red Bull in Cape Town in creating a unique new solar-powered EV charging station. The solar panels overhead form a canopy to protect cars and users from the heat while the battery charging takes place.  “MINI Unveils Revolutionary New Solar-Powered EV Charging Station” 5/13/23. www.thecooldown.com

Charlotte NC

Charlotte NC.  “Charlotte Gets its Moment in the Sun With New Solar Project”  www.nrdc.org 2/25/20.  In early 2020 the Charlotte City Council voted to approve a new 35MW, utility-scale solar project that will offset 25% of emissions from City-owned buildings.  This action is being pursued via a green tariff arrangement with Duke Energy’s Green Source Advantage program.  It represents one concrete step out of Charlotte’s Strategic Energy Action Plan, adopted in 2018.  One of the Plan’s goals was to get 100% of the energy for its City buildings from zero carbon sources by 2030.

Cleveland OH

Cleveland OH.  In tandem with energy efficiency, renewable energy is vital to the building and maintaining of a strong economy in Cleveland.  The City has become a leader in fossil-fuel free, zero and reduced carbon energy generation – via its municipal utility – by collaborating with public, private and institutional leaders to develop wind, solar, waste-to-energy and co-generation capabilities.  “Pilot Project Brings Rooftop Solar to Low-income Households in Ohio”  www.canarymedia.com  1/4/23. Cleveland scores an “A” grade in cdp.net’s climate ranking.

Cocody, Ivory Coast, Africa

Cocody, Ivory Coast, Africa.  The city of Cocody is one of those cited in the article “These 5 Global Cities are Leading the Charge to a Renewable Future” by the World Economic Forum.  www.weforum.org  4/7/21.  In 2017 Cocody released a plan to reduce emissions by 70% by 2030.  It has put in place an impressive reforestation and carbon sequestration program in which more green spaces will be created and 2,000,000 mangrove trees will be planted or restored.  Other initiatives include using solar energy to power city public buildings, installing solar street and traffic lighting, and supplying households with pv power kits.  The other 4 cities in the article are Adelaide, Australia; Seoul, South Korea; Malmo, Sweden; and Cape Town, South Africa.

Columbia MD

Columbia MD.  Columbia is a 1960s – era totally planned community.  It has achieved 100% renewable energy.  Prior to 2015 Columbia had already derived 75% of its power from wind.  Beginning in 2015, through a 20-year PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) with Sun Edison, it completed the final 25% using solar energy.

Columbia SC

Columbia SC.  In 2017 Columbia adopted a Clean Energy Resolution, becoming the first city in South Carolina to commit to a transition to 100% clean energy.  To help meet this goal, Columbia is carrying out a thorough energy efficiency audit, planning a solar-powered wastewater facility, and transitioning municipal operations to 100% renewable energy. www.cleantechnica.com/2018/09/28/the-us-is-ready-for-100-clean-energy-10-cities-model-how/  The other 9 cities named in the article are: Concord NH; Denton TX; Denver CO; Fayetteville AR; Minneapolis MN; Norman OK; Orlando FL; Santa Barbara CA; and St. Louis MO.

Concord MA Municipal Light Plant

Concord MA Municipal Light Plant.  (CMLP)  The CMLP was ranked #1 of the 40 municipal utilities in Massachusetts by the Mass. Climate Action Network.  MCAN states that Concord is a clear leader in energy transition and efficiency.  It has made immense progress in transitioning its energy portfolio  with clean energy accounting (in 2019) for over 42% of its total energy mix.  An additional 7.8% of CMLP’s total energy comes from large-scale hydroelectric sources.  The total non-emitting percentage – which includes nuclear power – was approximately 51%.  More details at www.massclimateaction.org/2021_mlp_scorecard

Concord NH

Concord NH.  In 2018 the City Council of Concord voted unanimously to work toward 100% clean and renewable energy.  The adopted resolution was endorsed by a wide variety of organizations, including the State Employees Association, the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Concord, the Chamber of Commerce, the editorial board of the Concord Monitor newspaper, and Concord Hospital.  Many major steps in meeting this clean energy goal are already underway..  www.cleantechnica.com/2018/09/28/the-us-is-ready-for-100-clean-energy-10-cities-model-how/

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