Mainstream sustainable building within urban and rural planning

All too often, the location of a new building with respect to other services in a city is not fully considered. Since 70% of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050, the necessity of integrated infrastructure and urban planning will only grow in importance.

Assuring public transport availability near housing, offices, shopping districts and green spaces, can enhance a city’s vitality and economic development, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions thanks to reduced travel. Numerous cities, including low density ones, are now looking at housing optimisation for different types of locations.

Encouraging compact, denser cities can be beneficial, and regulations that provide for green spaces and water areas can prevent cities from becoming too congested and overheated. Policies to ensure decent and affordable homes are also essential. In cities generally, policy makers can foster investment in green transport and online connectivity, and encourage urban farming.

EXPLORE FURTHER

Video: Pushing our City Limits, OECD (2018).

Report: Rethinking Urban Sprawl, OECD (2018).

Report: Decarbonising Urban Mobility with Land Use and Transport Policies: The case of Auckland, OECD (2019).