We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Prof. Lena Neij,
Prof. James Evans,
Prof. Harriet Bulkeley,
and
Kes McCormick
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).
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).
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
Two deals to help you save
Save money when you learn. Here are two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until July 14
Coursera Plus Annual
Work toward what's next for your career with access to 10,000+ programs. Discover emerging skills and save.
Up to
40%
off
Get offer
Valid until August 30
Google AI App Builder
Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind
Take
100%
off
Get offer
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
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Sustainable urban development and green economy
According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive introduction to sustainable urban development and greening the economy. Students particularly appreciate the engaging lectures and the inclusion of real-world examples and case studies, which help illustrate complex concepts. The course is seen as well-structured and provides a solid foundation for understanding the challenges and opportunities in creating sustainable cities. While the course is generally well-received, some students note that it serves primarily as an introductory overview and might require further study for deeper expertise.
Organized logically and easy to navigate.
"The course structure made sense, building knowledge week by week."
"I found the course materials and layout very well organized."
"The modular structure with clear topics was helpful."
"Easy to follow the progression through the course content."
Includes practical case studies and examples.
"I appreciated the use of real-world case studies which helped ground the theory."
"The examples provided were relevant and illustrated the points well."
"Bringing in practitioners and real city examples was very beneficial."
"The course included useful examples of what is happening in cities now."
Addresses critical current global issues.
"The subject matter is highly relevant given today's global challenges."
"It's important to learn about sustainable cities, and this course covers the key areas."
"This topic feels incredibly timely and important for the future."
"Very relevant to current environmental and urban planning discussions."
Lectures are well-delivered and interesting.
"The lectures were engaging and easy to follow, covering complex topics clearly."
"I enjoyed the lecture style and found the instructors knowledgeable."
"The video lectures were a highlight for me; they kept my attention."
"Great lectures that made the subject matter very interesting."
Provides a solid overview of key concepts.
"The course is a good introduction to the multifaceted challenges of urban sustainability."
"It gave me a comprehensive overview of the concepts related to greening the economy in cities."
"I found the material provided a very solid foundation on sustainable urban development."
"This course offers an excellent introduction to the topic of sustainable cities."
Good start, but not deeply in-depth.
"This course is great as an introduction, but for deeper knowledge, one would need to look elsewhere."
"It's a good overview, but I would need more specialized courses to become an expert."
"While informative, it doesn't go into extensive depth on any single topic."
"Felt like a starting point rather than a deep dive."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Rating
4.7
Effort
Approx. 9 hours
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
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser