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Prof. Lena Neij,
Prof. James Evans,
Prof. Harriet Bulkeley,
and
Kes McCormick
How can we shape our urban development towards sustainable and prosperous futures?
Read more
How can we shape our urban development towards sustainable and prosperous futures?
Read more
How can we shape our urban development towards sustainable and prosperous futures?
This course explores sustainable cities as engines for greening the economy in Europe and around the world. We place cities in the context of sustainable urban transformation and climate change. We connect the key trends of urbanization, decarbonisation and sustainability. We examine how visions, experiments and innovations can transform urban areas. And we look at practices (what is happening in cities at present) and opportunities (what are the possibilities for cities going forwards into the future).
This course was launched in January 2016, and it was updated in September 2021 with new podcasts, films and publications. The course is produced by Lund University in cooperation with WWF and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability who work with creating sustainable cities. The course features researchers, practitioners and entrepreneurs from a range organisations.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/9np4t0/greening
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What's inside
Syllabus
Urban Transformation
By studying this module you can gain an increased knowledge and a deeper understanding of sustainable urban transformation and sustainable cities
Read more
Syllabus
Urban Transformation
By studying this module you can gain an increased knowledge and a deeper understanding of sustainable urban transformation and sustainable cities
Read more
Urban Infrastructure
By studying this module you can gain an increased knowledge and a deeper understanding of the role of infrastructure and planning in creating sustainable cities.
Urban Experimentation
By studying this module you can gain an increased knowledge and a deeper understanding of urban living labs and the role of experiments in sustainable cities.
Urban Lifestyles
By studying this module you can gain an increased knowledge and a deeper understanding of the relationship between sustainable urban lifestyles and sustainable cities.
Urban Visions
By studying this module you can gain an increased knowledge and a deeper understanding of visions for sustainable cities.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Introduces learners to the topic of sustainable urban development, which aligns with industry trends
Provides foundational knowledge for learners interested in urban transformation, infrastructure, experimentation, lifestyles, and visions
Develops skills in creating sustainable cities, which is relevant to both industry and academia
Taught by recognized researchers, practitioners, and entrepreneurs in the field of sustainability
Supported by Lund University, WWF, and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, indicating industry recognition and support
Requires learners to be familiar with the topic of sustainable urban development, indicating an intermediate learning level
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Save Greening the Economy: Sustainable Cities to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Green cities: a sustainable future
Learners say this course offers a concise introduction to the challenges and opportunities facing cities as they work to become more sustainable. Students emphasize that the lectures and videos are well-produced and engaging, often featuring real-world examples and showcasing innovative solutions implemented in cities worldwide. The course covers a wide range of topics, including urban planning, energy efficiency, transportation, waste management, and green infrastructure. Students report that the assignments are thought-provoking and provide opportunities to apply the concepts covered in the lectures. Overall, learners say this course is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about sustainable urban development.
Sustainable urban development requires long-term planning and investment. Cities need to think beyond short-term electoral cycles and focus on creating sustainable solutions that will benefit future generations.
"The course emphasized the importance of long-term planning in achieving sustainable urban development."
"One lecture discussed the need for cities to adopt comprehensive sustainability plans that outline long-term goals and strategies."
"Another video highlighted the importance of investing in infrastructure and public services that will support sustainable growth."
Sustainable urban development should not come at the expense of equity. Sustainable cities must work for all residents, regardless of their income, race, or background.
"The course stressed that equity must be a central consideration in sustainable urban planning."
"One lecture discussed the importance of affordable housing and accessible public transportation for creating more inclusive cities."
"Another video highlighted the need to address environmental justice issues, such as disproportionate exposure to air pollution in low-income communities."
Technology can play a significant role in supporting sustainable urban development. Cities can use technology to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance transportation systems.
"The course highlighted the role of technology in promoting sustainable urban development."
"One lecture discussed the use of smart grids to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions."
"Another video showcased a city that is using sensors to monitor air quality and traffic patterns in real-time."
Active citizen engagement is essential for successful sustainable urban development. Cities need to find ways to engage citizens in the planning and implementation of sustainability initiatives.
"The course emphasized the importance of citizen engagement in sustainable urban development."
"One lecture discussed the use of participatory budgeting to allow citizens to directly decide how public funds are spent."
"Another video highlighted the role of community groups in advocating for sustainable policies and projects."
Cities are complex systems, and no single entity can address sustainability challenges alone. Successful urban sustainability efforts require collaboration between government, businesses, and citizens.
"This course emphasized the importance of collaboration between different stakeholders in achieving sustainable cities."
"One lecture highlighted a successful partnership between a city government and a local university to develop and implement a green infrastructure plan."
"Another video showcased a community-led initiative to transform a vacant lot into an urban farm."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Greening the Economy: Sustainable Cities with these
activities:
Create a digital notebook or binder to organize course materials
Show steps
Stay organized and keep all your course materials in one place for easy access.
Show steps
-
Use a digital notebook app or software.
-
Create separate sections for notes, slides, assignments, and other materials.
-
Import or upload course materials into the notebook.
Review research methods
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of research methods to better understand the research presented in the course.
Browse courses on
Research Methods
Show steps
-
Review your notes from previous research methods courses or textbooks.
-
Practice designing a research study, including the research question, hypothesis, and methods.
-
Conduct a literature review on a topic of interest, using databases such as Google Scholar or JSTOR.
Join a study group for this course
Show steps
Collaborate with other students to reinforce your learning and exchange ideas.
Show steps
-
Reach out to classmates through the course discussion board or social media.
-
Establish a regular meeting time and place.
-
Take turns leading discussions, summarizing key concepts, and facilitating group activities.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Solve Urban Planning Case Studies
Show steps
Apply and refine your understanding of sustainable urban planning concepts through practical case studies.
Browse courses on
Urban Development
Show steps
-
Identify a challenging urban planning case study relevant to the course.
-
Research and analyze the case study to understand its context and challenges.
-
Develop and evaluate potential solutions, considering principles of sustainability and urban development.
-
Write a report summarizing your findings and recommendations.
Attend a workshop on sustainable urban planning
Show steps
Gain practical insights and learn from experts in the field of sustainable urban planning.
Browse courses on
Urban Development
Show steps
-
Research and identify relevant workshops in your area or online.
-
Register for the workshop and prepare any necessary materials.
-
Actively participate in the workshop, taking notes and asking questions.
-
Follow up with the workshop organizers or speakers to connect and learn more.
Contribute to an open-source project related to sustainable urban development
Show steps
Gain practical experience and collaborate with others on a project that promotes sustainability.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
-
Research open-source projects related to sustainable urban development.
-
Identify a project that aligns with your interests and skills.
-
Contact the project maintainers and express your interest in contributing.
-
Work on a specific task or feature.
-
Submit your contributions and engage with the community.
Write a blog post on a current issue in sustainable urban development
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of a specific topic and share your knowledge with others.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Urban Development
Show steps
-
Research a current issue in sustainable urban development, gathering information from credible sources.
-
Develop a clear and concise thesis statement.
-
Write the blog post, using evidence to support your claims.
-
Publish the blog post on a relevant platform.
-
Promote your blog post to increase its reach and impact.
Develop a sustainability plan for your community
Show steps
Apply your knowledge to a real-world project and make a tangible impact.
Show steps
-
Research sustainability best practices and case studies.
-
Identify key stakeholders and engage them in the planning process.
-
Develop a comprehensive sustainability plan, outlining goals, strategies, and implementation timelines.
-
Present the plan to the community and seek feedback.
-
Implement the plan and monitor its progress.
Create a digital notebook or binder to organize course materials
Show steps
Stay organized and keep all your course materials in one place for easy access.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Use a digital notebook app or software.
- Create separate sections for notes, slides, assignments, and other materials.
- Import or upload course materials into the notebook.
Review research methods
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of research methods to better understand the research presented in the course.
Browse courses on
Research Methods
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes from previous research methods courses or textbooks.
- Practice designing a research study, including the research question, hypothesis, and methods.
- Conduct a literature review on a topic of interest, using databases such as Google Scholar or JSTOR.
Join a study group for this course
Show steps
Collaborate with other students to reinforce your learning and exchange ideas.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Reach out to classmates through the course discussion board or social media.
- Establish a regular meeting time and place.
- Take turns leading discussions, summarizing key concepts, and facilitating group activities.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Solve Urban Planning Case Studies
Show steps
Apply and refine your understanding of sustainable urban planning concepts through practical case studies.
Browse courses on
Urban Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a challenging urban planning case study relevant to the course.
- Research and analyze the case study to understand its context and challenges.
- Develop and evaluate potential solutions, considering principles of sustainability and urban development.
- Write a report summarizing your findings and recommendations.
Attend a workshop on sustainable urban planning
Show steps
Gain practical insights and learn from experts in the field of sustainable urban planning.
Browse courses on
Urban Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify relevant workshops in your area or online.
- Register for the workshop and prepare any necessary materials.
- Actively participate in the workshop, taking notes and asking questions.
- Follow up with the workshop organizers or speakers to connect and learn more.
Contribute to an open-source project related to sustainable urban development
Show steps
Gain practical experience and collaborate with others on a project that promotes sustainability.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research open-source projects related to sustainable urban development.
- Identify a project that aligns with your interests and skills.
- Contact the project maintainers and express your interest in contributing.
- Work on a specific task or feature.
- Submit your contributions and engage with the community.
Write a blog post on a current issue in sustainable urban development
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of a specific topic and share your knowledge with others.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Urban Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research a current issue in sustainable urban development, gathering information from credible sources.
- Develop a clear and concise thesis statement.
- Write the blog post, using evidence to support your claims.
- Publish the blog post on a relevant platform.
- Promote your blog post to increase its reach and impact.
Develop a sustainability plan for your community
Show steps
Apply your knowledge to a real-world project and make a tangible impact.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research sustainability best practices and case studies.
- Identify key stakeholders and engage them in the planning process.
- Develop a comprehensive sustainability plan, outlining goals, strategies, and implementation timelines.
- Present the plan to the community and seek feedback.
- Implement the plan and monitor its progress.
Career center
Learners who complete Greening the Economy: Sustainable Cities will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability managers develop and implement sustainability strategies for businesses and organizations. They may work on projects such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and pollution control. This course can help you learn about the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to your work. This course, in particular, can help you learn about the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to your work in a business setting.
Urban Designer
Urban Designer
Urban designers plan and design the built environment. They may work on projects such as urban planning, urban design, and architecture. This course can help you learn about the principles of sustainable urban design and how to incorporate them into your work.
Urban Planner
Urban Planner
Urban planners develop plans for the use of land and resources in urban areas. They may work on projects such as urban planning, urban design, and transportation planning. This course can help you learn about the principles of sustainable urban planning and how to incorporate them into your work.
Planner
Planner
Planners develop plans for the use of land and resources. They may work on projects such as urban planning, transportation planning, and environmental planning. This course can help you learn about the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to your work.
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultant
Environmental consultants help businesses and organizations reduce their environmental impact. They may work on projects such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and pollution control. This course can help you learn about the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to your work.
Waste Management Specialist
Waste Management Specialist
Waste management specialists develop and implement waste management plans. They may work on projects such as waste reduction, recycling, and composting. This course can help you learn about the principles of sustainable waste management and how to incorporate them into your work.
Water Resources Manager
Water Resources Manager
Water resources managers develop and implement water resources plans. They may work on projects such as water conservation, water quality management, and flood control. This course can help you learn about the principles of sustainable water resources management and how to incorporate them into your work.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers design and build infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and water systems. They must consider the environmental impact of their work and design projects that are sustainable. This course can help you learn about the principles of sustainable engineering and how to incorporate them into your work.
Energy Manager
Energy Manager
Energy managers develop and implement energy management plans. They may work on projects such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, and carbon emissions reduction. This course can help you learn about the principles of sustainable energy management and how to incorporate them into your work.
Public Health Official
Public Health Official
Public health officials work to protect and improve the health of the public. They may work on projects such as disease prevention, health promotion, and environmental health. This course can help you learn about the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to your work.
Transportation Planner
Transportation Planner
Transportation planners develop plans for the transportation system. They may work on projects such as road design, public transportation planning, and traffic management. This course can help you learn about the principles of sustainable transportation planning and how to incorporate them into your work.
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architect
Landscape architects design and build outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and plazas. They must consider the environmental impact of their work and design projects that are sustainable. This course can help you learn about the principles of sustainable landscape design and how to incorporate them into your work.
Architect
Architect
Architects design buildings and other structures. They may work on residential, commercial, or industrial projects. This course can help you learn about the principles of sustainable design and how to incorporate them into your work. You will also gain an understanding of the role of infrastructure and planning in creating sustainable cities.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of projects. They must ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards. This course can help you learn about the principles of sustainable project management and how to incorporate them into your work.
Construction Manager
Construction Manager
Construction managers oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. They must ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards. This course can help you learn about the principles of sustainable construction and how to incorporate them into your work.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/9np4t0/greening
Reading list
We've selected 11 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Greening the Economy: Sustainable Cities.
Save
Investigates the challenges of sustainable urban development in different regions of the Global South, with a strong focus on Africa and Latin America.
Examines the challenges and opportunities of sustainable urban development in the developing world. It provides insights into the social, economic, and environmental factors that shape urban sustainability, and it offers practical recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
Examines the role of urban experimentation in the development of sustainable cities.
Save
Provides a framework for developing and evaluating urban visions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the economic performance of cities.
Provides an overview of sustainable urban transportation. It examines the challenges and opportunities of creating more sustainable transportation systems in urban areas, and it offers case studies of best practices. It valuable resource for students, practitioners, and policymakers working in the field of sustainable cities.
Provides an overview of sustainable urban water management. It examines the challenges and opportunities of creating more sustainable water systems in urban areas, and it offers case studies of best practices. It valuable resource for students, practitioners, and policymakers working in the field of sustainable cities.
Provides an overview of urban sustainability policy and practice. It examines the different approaches to sustainable urban development, and it offers case studies of best practices. It valuable resource for students, practitioners, and policymakers working in the field of sustainable cities.
Provides an integrated approach to sustainable urban development. It examines the different dimensions of sustainability, and it offers practical guidance for planners and designers. It valuable resource for students, practitioners, and policymakers working in the field of sustainable cities.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable urban development. It examines the key challenges and opportunities facing cities, and it offers practical guidance for planners and policymakers. It valuable resource for students, practitioners, and policymakers working in the field of sustainable cities.
Provides a critical perspective on urban sustainability. It examines the different approaches to sustainable urban development, and it offers a critique of the current state of practice. It valuable resource for students, practitioners, and policymakers working in the field of sustainable cities.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/9np4t0/greening
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Effort
5 weeks of study, 5 hours/week.
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Lund University
Instructors
Prof. Lena Neij
Prof. James Evans
Prof. Harriet Bulkeley
Kes McCormick
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
اُردُو,
فارسی
বাংলা
tiếng Việt
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Sustainable Cities and Communities. It's comprised of three courses:
- Greening the Economy: Sustainable Cities (viewing)
- Cities and Consumption: Urban Sustainability and the Sharing Economy
- Urban Nature: Connecting Cities, Sustainability and Innovation
Good to know
Introduces learners to the topic of sustainable urban development, which aligns with industry trends
Provides foundational knowledge for learners interested in urban transformation, infrastructure, experimentation, lifestyles, and visions
Develops skills in creating sustainable cities, which is relevant to both industry and academia
Taught by recognized researchers, practitioners, and entrepreneurs in the field of sustainability
Supported by Lund University, WWF, and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, indicating industry recognition and support
Requires learners to be familiar with the topic of sustainable urban development, indicating an intermediate learning level
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