Module 3 — Principles of Sustainable Urban Design
Lesson 9 of 14Examples from Global Cities

Zurich, Switzerland ranked first in the planet sub-index for sustainability.

Zurich, the number one city in the Sustainable Cities Index, has a strong reputation as a liveable, contemporary city known for its strong focus on environmentalism as well as world-renowned financial institutions. Despite leading both the overall ranking and the planet sub-index, and ranking 5th in profit, Zurich appears 27th on the people sub-index; affordability and work-life balance are the primary causes of this disparity.

Topping the planet sub-index, the city pioneers the long-term goal of becoming a 2000-watt society by 2050. The 2000-watt society is Zurich’s approach to tackling climate change and resource scarcity: a goal for its people to use 2000 watts of energy per capita (the global amount established as ‘sustainable’ energy use). Commitments include investment and focus on energy efficiency and renewable energies, sustainable buildings, mobility for the future and an effort to increase public awareness, including events such as annual environment days andthe Zurich Multimobil action day.

Public transit in the city is highly regarded as a sustainable model for other cities. Trams, trains, buses, light rail and more are highly coordinated, making mobility simple, quick and affordable.

As a global economic hub the city is not only able to attract business but also people, with a good quality of life, attractive educational and employment opportunities as well as a leading health ranking on the Index. Various innovative businesses and industries, both small andlarge, form an important basis of the Zurich economy. In addition, high productivity levels and low non-wage labor costs make production cost slower than competing economies around the world. All in all, this makes Zurich an attractive place to invest, live and work. 

Seoul, South Korea ranked first in the people sub-index for sustainability.

Seoul, an up-and-coming global cultural capital, tops the people subindex. Health and education rankings propel Seoul to the top, with programs such as the 2030 Seoul Plan focusing on five core issues: “a people-centered city without discrimination”, “a dynamic global city with a strong job market”, “a vibrant cultural and historic city”, “a lively and safe city” and “stable housing and easy transportation, a community-oriented city”.

The program also includes urban planning policies to strengthen the city’s identity, global competitiveness, development direction and innovation in the living environment for citizens. It has 139 projects in 13 districts that plan to transform the urban metropolis into a “safe, warm, dreaming, breathing city”.

Seoul’s leaders have taken serious steps towards city sustainability with projects like the Cheonggyecheon urban renewal and river restoration project. This previously polluted area has been transformed into a public recreation space in the heart of the city. Restoration not only spurred economic development but also provided much-needed flood protection for the downtown area, boosting Seoul’s economic, environmental and social sustainability.

Seoul’s 2030 plan will positively impact all three sustainability areas in the Index. In addition, Seoul is active in the C40 and 100 Resilient Cities initiatives, actively participating in these knowledge exchanges and global initiatives.

Singapore ranked first in the profit sub-index for sustainability.

A number of sustainability initiatives are currently underway which will proactively help Singapore to evolve and remain competitive. Even as the top ranked city in Asia, and second in the world, the city is continuing to be proactive. For example, with a population predicted to grow to more than six million people by 2030, the government hascommitted significant investment over the next decade to improve mobility and connectivity within the city. This investment includes two new underground lines, extensions to four existing MRT lines, a new terminal and runway at Changi Airport, a high-speed rail link between Singapore and Malaysia and the relocation of the container port.

The city also faces an aging population and a need for greater investment in social infrastructure. This, coupled with long working hours, income inequality and affordability, impacts Singapore’s people subindex ranking.

Singapore has also set an ambitious goal to make at least 80% of all buildings ‘green’ by 2030 as part of a concerted push to create a vibrant and high-quality living environment, that is resilient and supports the broader climate change agenda. Additional resiliency investment is underway in Singapore, including its ‘close the loop’ water strategy.

Ranked first in profit, Singapore is in the top ten for all six indicators in the profit sub-index, topping the world in ease of doing business and tying with Macau for the top spot for tourism.