Building our way to a cleaner planet: How cities are leading the way

Energy consumed by buildings accounts for almost half of cities’ carbon emissions on average. Because buildings can last over 100 years, increasing their energy efficiency is critical if we are to meet our current global climate goals. To achieve these goals, cities must transition fossil fuels out of their buildings.Image Credit: Tristan CapacchioneFeatured guests:Frankie Downy is the Head of Building Strategy and Implementation at C40. Through her work, cities in the C40 networks can deliver the significant emission reductions required to assure a cleaner urban future for the planet. Mayor Valerie Plante is leading her city of Montréal, Canada to transition away from fossil fuels. Under Mayor Plante’s tenure, Montréal has committed to transitioning away from the use of natural gas heating and cooking by implementing bylaw restrictions on its use in new small buildings starting next October 2024.  LinksMunicipal Building Decarbonisation Network, New Building Decarbonisation Network, Private Building Decarbonisation Network - C40 websiteSeattle is electrifying new buildings despite ruling against gas bans - CrosscutLondon continues to lead the UK in reducing emissions from new buildings - Mayor of London websiteIn New York City, we’re taking bold action on climate with building emissions mandates - C40 Knowledge HubRetrofit Melbourne The Netherlands' Pilot Activity: Dutch 100CNSC Cities Pilot - Net Zero Cities websiteC40 Cities South Africa Buildings Programme - C40 websiteChicago sues fossil fuel companies for role in climate crisis - The GuardianIf you want to learn more about the Journal of City Climate Policy and Economy, please visit our website at https://jccpe.utpjournals.press/Listen to the Cities 1.5 five-part miniseries “Going Steady with Herman Daly: How to Unbreak the Economy (and the Planet)" here: https://lnk.to/HDMiniSeriesCities 1.5 is produced by the University of Toronto Press and the C40 Centre, and is supported by C40 Cities. Sign up to the Centre newsletter: https://thecentre.substack.com/Writing and executive production by Peggy Whitfield.Narrative and communications support by Chiara Morfeo.Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://jessdoespodcasting.com/Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/Music by Lorna Gilfedder: https://origamipodcastservices.com/