Sustainable urban planning: a blueprint for model Chinese cities
The world’s next generation of cities will need to overcome extreme challenges posed by population growth, congestion, and energy insecurity. China is experiencing the greatest urban population boom in human history, and the plans for its cities will determine whether they feature easy mobility or are plagued by traffic congestion; whether they use energy and other resources efficiently or lock in high energy consumption for decades; and even whether they are friendly and welcoming or alienate their residents. The right standards can make all the difference—and that difference will last for decades.
Chinese officials have already taken the first step by prioritizing low-carbon and eco cities. To succeed, these efforts must be guided by sustainable urban planning. This report synthesizes the best practices in urban planning from around the world into eight quantifiable principles. These principles should be refined and adapted to Chinese conditions, but when that is done, they can help ensure that Chinese cities will grow to be the most prosperous and energy-efficient cities in the world.
This report was published by ClimateWorks Foundation, Calthorpe Associates, the China Sustainable Energy Program, and the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy.