Insights What are the 5 features of a sustainable city?

Global governments and organisations have come together over the past few years to agree on ambitious targets for a more sustainable way of living. These agreements will have an impact on almost everything we do in the future, from the cars we drive to the ways that our cities are designed and built.

Yet the exact way we will overcome some of these challenges and achieve these ambitious targets has not yet been decided. This is why we need innovative, ambitious individuals and people to bring new solutions to the table and help propel the world into a brighter future.

So what are the five features that make a city sustainable?

#1 CO2 emission goals

CO2 emissions are a major global concern. The ever-heightening levels of CO2 released in the atmosphere through human activity are increasing global temperatures, causing widespread issues around the planet. Programs such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have a keen focus on the impact of urban areas and the resulting release of harmful CO2 gases.

Industry leaders have made audacious commitments to reducing CO2 emissions through their work. In fact, AtkinsRéalis has committed to an engineering Net-Zero future. This is an ambitious target that will require input and buy-in right across our business and client portfolio.

#2 Green building

Green buildings take a more environmentally aware approach. Unlike typical buildings that focus on meeting the needs aligned with their purpose, green buildings are designed, built and operated within energy-efficient guidelines to minimise their negative environmental impact.

For example, green building design takes into consideration environmentally friendly water management, improved air quality, heat capture and the energy sources from which the building is run.

#3 Water management

Water management is a crucial part of planning more sustainable cities. Whether it's rainwater that runs down the building, across streets and into the drainage systems or the water we use in our homes - it all needs to be dealt with sustainably.

Specialist teams such as the water team at AtkinsRéalis are always looking for more efficient ways to improve water management and quality.

#4 Efficient transportation

Efficient transportation isn’t just good for the residents of a city, it also makes it more sustainable. When transport is efficient there is less time waiting in traffic, which means less harmful emissions being pushed out into the atmosphere.

Cities that introduce more efficient and environmentally friendly public transportation, such as underground railways and electric buses, encourage residents to use it, further limiting the emissions created by individual car use. Meanwhile, teams of forwarding thinking engineers are achieving never-seen levels of efficiency through smart roadway and railway design.

#5 Urban farming

Food insecurity is a primary challenge that is likely to continue growing in the coming years. One way sustainable cities can help overcome this challenge is through the introduction of urban farming practices. These practices can be applied on a community or individual level.

Another key benefit of this approach is that it will limit the transportation miles that food has to undertake to get to residents' tables, further reducing the emission of harmful gases.

Bring sustainable cities to life with AtkinsRéalis

To overcome some of the most pressing challenges in the coming years, it is clear that more cities will need to take a sustainable approach to growth and development. If you see yourself playing a role in bringing urban spaces into a more sustainable future, why not browse our cities and development jobs, project management roles, or environment and geoscience opportunities? Alternatively, explore our other markets to find your perfect role.