Savvy Sustainability Innovations From European Cities
Sustainability is critical for the existence of societies, as stated by the European Environment Agency in a recent report. According to the organisation, who also released their Towards Europe 2023 sustainability plan, the Covid-19 pandemic proved just how fragile our societies and economies can be in the face of a shock. "Environmental degradation and climate change are expected to make such shocks more frequent and more severe," they add. "Faced with uncertainty and multiple challenges, our only viable option is to ensure that each decision we take in this critical period brings us closer to our [sustainability] goals."
Like many similar reports, this one by the European Environment Agency highlights the sustainability issues that our communities face: unequal health opportunities and the need to preserve natural areas, climate uncertainty and build a resilient and green society. However, it does not show sustainability innovations taking place in Europe.
This got me thinking: what are some of the sustainability efforts across Europe, and what can we learn from them? Here are some of the top efforts that I admire most:
Amsterdam’s Cool Rainwater Roofs
First on the list is this inspiring collaboration between UpLink of the World Economic Forum and HCL Technologies in Amsterdam, a city no stranger to periods of drought and heat worsened by climate change. These ingenious roofs catch rainwater which is then stored and reused during times of droughts. It also boosts city biodiversity by attracting insects and birds.
These roofs also reduce the urban heat island effect, which, according to UpLink, occurs when concrete absorbs dangerous summer heat levels. The rainwater is stored in a buffer layer, reducing rain damage to houses and keeping buildings cool. During dry times, a smart flow system releases water to feed rooftop gardens.
The project is working towards repurposing 10,000², all connected in one smart network.
Milan’s Urban forests
Known as the world's fashion capital, “fashion” might soon be replaced with “forestry”. As a member of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group and the global network ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability, this beautiful city addresses environmental challenges through the ForestMI urban forestry project.
This project aims to plant at least 3 million trees in Milan by 2030. To do this, the project works towards multiplying plants on streets, squares, courtyards, roofs, facades, parks, and agricultural land, according to the environmental non-profit group, CDP.
The project will also increase the tree cover ratio, expand the tree canopy by 5%, and connect green areas through these green infrastructures. All of these actions aid in reducing air pollution, water runoff, and the energy consumption demanded of buildings. Plus, it increases the well-being of residents; plant life is a happy life!
Örebros’s Smart Residential Areas
One of the most innovative residential areas in the world can be found in Sweden’s Örebros. CDP explains that the Tamarinden Project will consist of 700 new homes across five adjacent plots that can reduce, produce, store and share energy in innovative ways. Construction for this project has already kicked off and is set to be completed between 2025 and 2030.
CDP explains that the project is based on the criteria of innovative architecture, sustainable mobility, green farms, and life between houses and a smart city.
There are many sustainability innovations across Europe to inspire change in our very own city. It inspires me: what can my city and I do for a more sustainable future?
