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We are more and more socially aware of how the environment influences our quality of life. We have reached a point where it is not only about our well-being, but also about the way we are achieving it.  As a result, urban planning based on sustainability is, undoubtedly, one of the great successes of government policies in many countries.

The Rolls Royce of examples is Amsterdam, which through hard work, has become one of the best model cities of sustainability. The interesting thing is that the transition of the city is the result of proposals involving not only public authorities and the private sector, but also the community at large with a very active role.

Let’s take a Look…

• Clean air. Actieplan Schone Lucht is a plan that aims to achieve a large zero-emission zone by 2030. With the aim of improving the quality of life of urban dwellers, it purposes to gradually reduce the use of all vehicles that consume gasoline and diesel, as they are one of the major generators of air pollution.
• Electric mobility. One of the great achievements of Amsterdam has been its commitment to electric cars. Bearing in mind that in addition to the mobility factor, it requires an infrastructure, which is able to provide efficiency in the system.
• Sharing trips. Toogethr is not the typical platform that allows its users to share trips but goes a little further. The main objective of the Toogethr application involves sharing trips with colleagues through a system of coincidences and also grants points as a reward for the use of the service. The idea is attractive, because of the reduction of individual transport and the consequent decrease of gas emissions generated by vehicles.
• The Kingdom of two wheels. The bicycle is the favourite means of transport for the Dutch. In Amsterdam, there are at least 800,000 bicycles, reason why the City Council is working diligently on increasing the number of parking spaces. In addition, there are already 500 Km of bike lanes with plenty of routes within reach of anyone. Therefore, we can say that bicycles are the protagonists of the streets in the city.

Despite the alarming forecasts for the future of our planet, it is important to recognize the competent work carried out by different cities worldwide. The challenge of sustainability, not only belongs to scientists or decision-makers but requires a joint commitment that involves us all.

And what happens in your city?