Module 2 — Concepts of Sustainable Cities and Communities
Lesson 7 of 12Examples from Global Cities

atlas map of the world, with signposts highlighting locations for Seattle, Rio De Janeiro, Sydney and Melbourne
Examples from Melbourne, Rio de Janiero, Seattle and Sydney

Examples of city challenges and opportunities are plentiful. Here are a few examples from global cities showing challenges specific to these cities and solutions they have adopted in the fields of adaptation, water, solid waste management, transportation, and renewable energy. These examples have been put together by C40 Cities’ City Solutions Platform http://www.c40.org/programmes/city_solutions

Four of these examples compiled here are Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, Seattle and Sydney. Make sure to go through all four examples by clicking through the tabs. 

Create innovative approaches to drainage and flood management in the Arden Macaulay precinct of Melbourne.

Mayor
Robert Doyle

Population
4,529,599 (2015)

GDP
219 billion USD (2014)

Project area
Adaptation and water

Annual average damages due to flooding
Estimated 399 million AUD

The Project

The Arden Macaulay redevelopment project in Melbourne aims to transform the precinct into one of the best examples of urban regeneration internationally. The Arden Macaulay precinct is an area that is generally underutilised, particularly considering its proximity to the Central City. Urban renewal will rejuvenate the precinct, turning it into a thriving and liveable place that supports a new community. Arden Macaulay is a highly urbanised and has a challenging flooding and drainage management catchment. Addressing drainage and flooding will be crucial to the long-term viability of the development precinct, especially when long term changes to climate are factored in.

computer rendering of new addition to the Melbourne city from aerial perspective
Computer-generated render for the Arden Macaulay redevelopment project in Melbourne.

Implement a financial, social and environmental solution to treat the organic fraction of Rio de Janeiro’s waste, which represents over 50% in weight of total household waste stream.

Mayor
Eduardo Paes

Population
6,476,631 (2015)

GDP
201 billion USD (2008)

Project area
Solid waste management

GHG from waste
1,706.58 Metric Tons C02e (2012)

The Project

Rio de Janeiro is looking to establish new and innovative solutions for managing the disposal of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). The treatment and final disposal of MSW has been a challenge for most Brazilian municipalities, with 41.6% of all MSW generated in the country being disposed of improperly. The city of Rio de Janeiro will use the City Solutions Platform (CSP) to implement a financial, social and environmental solution to treat the organic fraction of its waste, which represents over 50% in weight of total household waste.

sanitation worker cleans up scraps of coconut husks using a shovel
Disposing of municipal solid waste (MSW) in Rio de Janiero.

Create a new framework that allows the City of Seattle to more easily adopt innovative transportation products and services.

Mayor
Edward B. Murray

Population
684,451 (2015)

GDP
300.83 billion USD (2014)

Project area
Transportation

GHG from road transportation
2,283,000 Metric Tons CO2e (2014)

The Project

In the next 20 years, the City of Seattle is expected to increase by 120,000 people - 75 percent of this number being driven by high-tech jobs in the region. The city supports one of the USA’s leading tech industries that has developed a culture of collaboration and entrepreneurship. The City will use the City Solutions Platform (CSP) to create a new policy framework that allows the city to more easily adopt innovative and equitable transportation products and services. This framework will allow flexibility to compensate or invest in businesses that provide economic and community benefits whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation sector.

aerial photograph of the Seattle skyline showing residential towers and waterfront
Seattle skyline.

Determine the most effective way to create as much renewable energy as possible, within the earliest time frame, and locally where possible.

Mayor
Clover Moore

Population
4,920,970 (2015)

GDP
291.5 billion USD (2014)

Project area
Renewable Energy

Shares of emissions from fossil fuels in New South Wales region
79% of all GHG emissions

The Project

The City of Sydney has a target of net-zero emissions for the local government area by 2050, and for 50% renewable electricity by 2030. Today, the grid is around 15% renewable. Sydney, like many other cities, is looking to progress renewable energy locally and overseas, such as through bulk purchases, subsidies and other incentives. Acknowledging that early action is required to stimulate the market for renewable energy (and reduce emissions sooner), the City has established a fund of $10M AUD ($7.6M USD). The City Solutions Platform (CSP) will assist in determining the most effective way to use the fund to create as much renewable energy as possible, within the earliest time frame, and locally where possible.

construction worker walking between solar panels on large rooftop
Solar panels near the Sydney Harbour Bridge.