The Good City will invest in decarbonising its power networks by promoting renewable energy through wind, solar, hydroelectric and geothermal. This needs to take account of the increased demand for electricity from electric vehicles, heat pumps and cooling.  

At a city and neighbourhood scale smart grids and microgrids can link local renewable capacity and demand as well as building a city’s resilience and energy security. There is a role for city governments in helping to finance and mitigating the risk of these systems.

Both new and existing buildings must strive to be zero carbon ready. This is achieved through design and technology to minimise the energy required for heating, cooling lighting and other systems and ensure that the energy that is used can come from carbon free sources.

Energy storage enables the efficient utilisation of renewable energy, improve grid stability, and provide backup power during outages. As technology advances in thermal, battery, flywheel and pump hydro storage systems, they will play a vital role in the net zero future of cities.

A digital twin is computer programme created by connecting real-time data to its physical environment through sensors, meters, and monitoring devices. Building owners, city planners and governments can use digital twins to track, manage and minimise emissions from both new and old buildings, as well as during construction.