Norwich City Council, GB to combat flooding with 'spongy city' initiative
Norwich City Council has decided to transform the city into a 'spongy city' to combat future floods. This initiative involves designing urban areas to absorb rainwater more effectively through measures like green roofs, permeable pavements, and increased greenery. The project aims to reduce the impact of future floods by allowing water to naturally seep into the ground rather than overwhelming drainage systems.
Norwich City Council, GB
United Kingdom
Hoboken, NJ establishes Department of Climate Action & Innovation
The City of Hoboken has established a new Department of Climate Action & Innovation to address climate change and enhance sustainability efforts. This department aims to improve the city's resilience against flooding and other climate impacts, while also identifying cost-saving measures. The department will oversee various initiatives, including greenhouse gas reduction, energy efficiency, and stormwater management, positioning Hoboken as a leader in climate preparedness and innovation.
Hoboken, NJ
United States
Calgary, AB and Edmonton develop carbon-neutral construction practices with ENBIX initiative
Calgary, Edmonton, and Alberta Ecotrust funded the creation of the Emissions-Neutral Buildings Information Exchange (ENBIX). This four-year project creates a central clearinghouse for low-carbon building practices shared by developers and builders across Alberta. Stakeholders in Calgary will implement ENBIX innovations through its Community of Practice. Additional ENBIX features include webinars, market research, and site visits.
Calgary, AB
Canada
Edmonton, AB
Canada
Rainbow Lake, AB partners with E2E Energy Solutions on first-in-Canada geothermal energy pilot
The Enhanced Geothermal Reservoir Recovery System (EGRRS) will meet 100% of the town's energy needs by 2028. This technology turns reservoirs and wellbores from fossil fuel extraction into geothermal aquifers. Heated fluid from the production well powers surface-level turbines, thus generating electricity for local homes and businesses. Rainbow Lake studied geothermal options for six years before approving a three-stage development for low-cost and sustainable energy.
Rainbow Lake, AB
Canada
Sydney, NSW partners with Western Sydney University on microclimate mapping project
Two hundred sensors were placed throughout Sydney's eastern neighborhoods for the three-month project. All sensors gather air temperature data at 10-minute intervals with a smaller cohort of sensors collecting humidity data. Researchers identified diverse locations for sensor placement ranging from heavily traveled roads to residential streets with dense tree canopies. Sydney will use microclimate maps for targeted interventions on the path to its 2035 net-zero goal.
Sydney, NSW
Australia
Blacktown, NSW develops first-in-Australia program for Water Sensitive Urban Design compliance
Blacktown's long-standing inspection program proved ineffective at finding mismanaged WSUD device use. The council piloted a new program whereby 20 randomly chosen properties were required to report on the conditions of 337 WSUD devices. This pilot included the development of an education toolkit on legal requirements and device maintenance. Local officials anticipated reductions in pollutants entering waterways thanks to well-maintained biofilters, rainwater tanks, and litter traps.
Blacktown, NSW
Australia
Surrey, BC monitors progress toward a zero-carbon city with its Climate Action Tracker
Surrey's Climate Action Change Strategy (CACS) calls for a 45% emissions reduction by 2030 on the way to net-zero operations by 2050. The Climate Action Tracker leads with a graph of recent and current emission levels compared to the 2030 goal. Visuals show the city's progress on CACS initiatives including completed, in-progress, and scheduled projects. Users can also investigate goals and targets in six areas like Resilient 15-Minute Neighbourhoods.
Surrey, BC
Canada
Surprise, AZ turns recyclable plastics into useful products with a trial of Automedi nano machines
Automedi selected Surprise as the first municipal partner for its 3D product vending machines. Three nano units will circulate through the city's libraries, community centers, and public buildings during the pilot. Residents request free 3D-printed products like plastic containers, funnels, and utensils using the nano's simple interface. The project is funded by a $100,000 prize won by Automedi at the QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge with no additional cost to the city.
Surprise, AZ
United States
Unincorporated ACT, ACT introduces Canberra Plant Selector for climate-wise landscaping choices
The Canberra Plant Selector accesses a database of more than 340 plants that can thrive in the local climate. Users enter plants by name or filter for options based on plant type, frost tolerance, and watering or sun needs. Plant entries include brief descriptions, photos, and their original locations along with the option to add to a favourites list. Local officials introduced the free tool as part of its Climate Choices initiative for small-scale sustainability choices.
Unincorporated ACT, ACT
Australia
Yarra, VIC and Merri-bek City Council develop Unlocking Sustainable Strata guides for rental units
Council officials developed the guides in recognition of the lack of resources for apartment and townhome residents. A dedicated website walks users through the steps to installing solar in apartment buildings, state rebates, and other considerations. Two-page guides are available for townhomes along with low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise apartments. Each guide explains how owners and tenants work together to achieve upgrades like centralized heat pumps, community gardens, and LED lighting.
Yarra, VIC
Australia
Merri-bek, VIC
Australia
Minneapolis, MN accelerates its climate change mitigation efforts with the Climate Legacy Initiative
The Climate Legacy Initiative is a 10-year plan for improvements in areas like green jobs and tree canopy. Businesses, nonprofits, and community members will coordinate on community-wide projects like home weatherization. City officials and community organizations will use public dashboards for transparency about CLI objectives. Minneapolis partnered with local utilities on the collection of a utility franchise fee to fund CLI with 40% of funds dedicated to projects in low-income areas.
Minneapolis, MN
United States
New Westminster, BC opens reGENERATE Ideas Challenge for a redeveloped 22nd Street SkyTrain Station
The two-month competition seeks proposals from the entire community for the redeveloped neighborhood. Ideas must achieve "a climate-friendly neighbourhood where everyone can thrive" within the framework of climate action, truth and reconciliation, and equity. A jury of experts will evaluate each proposal based on relevance, creativity, and value alignment. Winning projects are in line for prizes ranging from CAD 200 for Honourable Mentions to CAD 5,000 for the Top Comprehensive Idea.
New Westminster, BC
Canada