Cities showcased their forward-looking planning strategies on climate change at UNECE seminar in Geneva
23 September 2009, Geneva, Switzerland
A thorough review of tools and projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption in cities was provided at the Climate Neutral Day, a UNECE seminar, held in Geneva on 23 September 2009. At the seminar, cities showcased examples of forward-looking planning strategies, building projects and urban management practices that reduce emissions, increase the performance of buildings and cities and improve the quality of life for citizens throughout the UNECE region.
Given the importance of the topics discussed and their relevance for the UNECE, member States decided to develop a study on the topic including guidance on mitigation and adaptation strategies for urban areas. The study will provide practical solutions for a move towards sustainable and climate-neutral building, construction and planning practices in urban areas. It will offer guidance will be developed to a range of urban actors, from nation and local governments to practitioners and citizens.
The session also discussed a number of related issues, including the current work on energy efficiency in housing, which will lead to the development of an Action Plan on Energy Efficiency in Housing in the UNECE region. The Committee also addressed the issue of building and construction safety as it relates to natural disasters such as earthquakes and to extreme weather events.
For more information on the semianr, please click here. The official report of the session will be released shortly, and will be available on the UNECE website.