SUSTAINABLE CITIES & REGIONS

Cities and regions face growing pressures linked to climate change, rapid urbanisation, inequality, infrastructure demand and environmental degradation. Addressing these challenges requires integrated approaches that connect spatial planning, infrastructure, economic development and environmental sustainability, while ensuring that development outcomes are inclusive, resilient and grounded in local realities.

Through our Sustainable Cities & Regions service area, we support national and sub-national governments, development agencies, finance providers and other partners in shaping low-carbon, inclusive and resilient cities and infrastructure. Our work spans strategic planning, climate-responsive development, circular economy transitions and the role of private sector innovation in delivering sustainable and scalable solutions.

We also support our clients to better understand and apply digital innovation, data and emerging technologies to improve planning, decision-making and service delivery across urban systems.

Our services:

RESILIENT & INCLUSIVE CITIES & REGIONS

Strategic land use and infrastructure planning for sustainable and low-carbon development

We support governments, communities and development partners to develop strategic urban and regional plans that guide sustainable growth, infrastructure investment and long-term development. Our systems-based approach considers the relationships between land, mobility, infrastructure, environment, economy and society.

Strategies for urban and regional adaptation and resilience to climate-related shocks and stresses, including nature-based solutions

We support cities, regions and organisations to identify climate and disaster risks and develop resilience and adaptation strategies that strengthen infrastructure, livelihoods and urban systems, integrating environmental, social, economic and political considerations to support practical, inclusive and low-carbon solutions.

Inclusive & accessible urban and regional development

We work with governments, NGOs and development partners to improve inclusion and accessibility within urban environments and infrastructure systems. Through participatory approaches and stakeholder engagement, we help ensure that the voices and needs of marginalised groups — including women, persons with disabilities and vulnerable communities — are integrated into urban development processes.

CIRCULAR ECONOMIES

Circular economy strategy and enabling environment for cities and regions

We support clients to develop and evaluate circular economy strategies, policies and governance frameworks that strengthen economic resilience, improve resource efficiency and support low-carbon transitions.

Research, guidance and recommendations on waste management and plastic pollution

We help clients develop waste management strategies and programmes that address the constraints and opportunities for effective waste management — including municipal solid waste systems and plastic waste. Our work covers economic value chain analysis, livelihood impacts, informal sector dynamics and the environmental and social dimensions of waste, with particular experience in low- and middle-income country contexts.

Guidance and recommendations on public-private sector collaboration for circular solutions

We provide guidance on how public and private sector actors can collaborate effectively to design and deliver circular economy solutions, including partnership structures, enabling environments and investment approaches.

Advisory services on formal and informal sector job creation through circular approaches

We help strengthen circular and local value chains, supporting livelihoods, urban-rural linkages and more inclusive economic systems through sustainable production and consumption approaches.

CLIMATE FINANCE

Climate finance strategy and capacity building

We help cities, regions and their partners understand the climate finance landscape and develop strategies to access the capital they need for low-carbon and resilient development. We also design and deliver capacity building programmes that equip municipal networks and city officials with the knowledge to identify and pursue relevant climate finance opportunities.

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Research and advisory services on digital and mobile-enabled solutions that enable sustainable development

We support technology providers, development partners and public sector organisations to better understand how digital and smart city solutions can contribute to sustainable urban planning, management and service delivery, and how innovation can be integrated into long-term and inclusive development strategies.

Advisory services on how digital solutions and new technologies can enable inclusion and empowerment

We work with partners to help ensure that digital innovation supports inclusion and empowerment rather than deepening inequalities, with a particular focus on accessibility, participation and the needs of vulnerable and marginalised groups, including persons with disabilities and older populations.

Data-driven and AI-based solutions for sustainable cities and infrastructure

We provide research, feasibility studies and market assessments on urban innovation, AI and data-driven solutions for sustainable development, helping organisations explore new concepts, partnerships and approaches linked to sustainable urban transitions.

Stakeholder partnerships that unleash data for sustainability

We support organisations and partners to explore how data sharing, open data approaches and multi-stakeholder partnerships can strengthen urban governance, sustainability and resilience across infrastructure, mobility, climate action and service delivery.

Relevant projects: