What makes a city sustainable?

We can say that a sustainable city is one that aligns its standards of living, production and consumption based on a combination of economic and socio-environmental aspects. Adopting public policies and actions that positively impact sustainability.

The current model of production and consumption has been one of the main factors responsible for the process of environmental degradation. The planet is reaching an increasingly critical point, observing that the prevailing logic of constant increase in consumption cannot be maintained. The growing exploitation of natural resources puts the physical conditions of life on Earth at risk, as the current economic model demands a level and type of production and consumption that are environmentally unsustainable.

In this context, sustainable consumption emerges as an alternative to conventional logic, to guarantee development.

Therefore, the Sustainable Cities Program (PCS) was created. It is an initiative Structured around 12 thematic axes and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Sustainable Cities Program (PCS) offers tools and methodologies to support public management and to urban planning. See the list with the 12 axes:

• Local action for health
• common natural goods
• Responsible consumption and lifestyle choices
• Culture for sustainability
• From local to global
• Local, dynamic, creative and sustainable economy
• Education for sustainability and quality of life
• Equity, social justice and culture of peace
• Local management for sustainability
• Governance
• Better mobility, less traffic
• Urban planning and design.

By choosing the path of balance, municipalities accumulate benefits, such as the reduction in vehicle traffic and congestion and in the waste of electrical energy, resulting in creative options to reduce carbon emissions, the degradation of ecosystems and the pollution of water, air and ground.

Conclusion

To result in a sustainable city, joint efforts between governments, NGOs, private initiative and citizens are required, which suggest and improve solutions for sustainable development.

Sustainable consumption means consuming consciously, responsibly, with the understanding that your choices will have positive and negative environmental and social consequences. It is to consume what is really necessary, extending the useful life of the product as much as possible. It involves choosing products that use fewer natural resources, that are produced through decent employment, and that use durable materials that are easily reused and recycled.

Be part of this collective effort towards sustainability, with Ambipar your company will be part of the initiatives that support and finance the efforts for a better world.