William Eichler 18 October 2022

Cities require urgent rethink, study says

Cities require urgent rethink, study says image
Image: Andy Shiels/Shutterstock.com.

Britain’s cities require urgent transformation, including more green spaces and public transport, if the country is to meet its 2050 net zero targets, a new study says.

E.ON and the UK Green Building Council have collaborated on a new initiative called Streets of the Future, which highlights the upgrades needed to combat the climate crisis, develop the post-COVID economy, and enhance the health of citizens.

The Streets of the Future insight outlines a range of opportunities for communities, including upgrades to old buildings and smart technology, which can help people to use less energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The initiative also proposes rewilding, new green spaces for pedestrians, and wider roles for public transport.

Michael Lewis, chief executive of E.ON UK, said: ‘Cities consume almost four-fifths of the world’s energy and emit more than 60% of greenhouse gas emissions2, so it’s vital that they lead the way in transforming how they are heated and cooled, how transport is managed, and how they support people’s lives. We must create communities that reduce our impact on the planet while being inclusive, safe and equipped to offer every citizen access to a good quality of life.

‘The decade ahead is crucial. We need to use it to take action for climate which means fundamentally rethinking our urban areas: to decarbonise and to clear the air in our streets, and also to build communities able to adapt to a changing climate and help mitigate further irreversible changes.’

Julie Hirigoyen, chief executive, UK Green Building Council, added: ‘Our buildings, streets and cities shape our lives in profound ways. But we urgently need to rethink how they are designed, constructed and maintained if we are to meet the needs of society. We’re all only too aware of the impact of rising energy prices and recent extreme weather conditions on individuals, households and businesses across the country. Our streets and cities must now urgently adapt and transform so that our communities and nature can thrive, as we work toward achieving our net zero 2050 target.

‘A critical component to transforming our streets is a national effort to improve the energy efficiency and reduce energy demand across the UK’s homes. We predict around 80,000 homes each month will need to be retrofitted between now and 2050 to reach net zero, with the majority (80%) of them needing to replace gas boilers with high efficiency heat pumps by 2040.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Organisational Development and Change Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 11 £40,777 to £45,091 per annum
Are you passionate about driving cultural change and organisational development? Do you have the skills to lead transformation initiatives that align Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
A vacancy has arisen within Business Services for a full-time Administration Assistant. This is an exciting opportunity to join a team supporting the Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Multimedia Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 to £39,152 per annum
We are looking for an experienced Multimedia Officer - Digital for a period of 9 months or upon the return of the substantive postholder to join our C Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Assistant Ranger

Durham County Council
£25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Ranger to work within the Parks and Countryside Service at Durham County Council assisting with th Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner