How cities can lead the way on zero emissions for 2030 and beyond
For much of the country and the world, climate change is no longer a distant threat – it’s a clear and present danger to America’s cities and their residents. From Miami’s rising seas to Los Angeles’ extreme heat waves and the devastating hurricane impact on Asheville, municipalities across the nation face unprecedented climate risks that demand immediate action. In 2023 alone, extreme weather events caused more than $90bn in damage to urban infrastructure, destroying homes, disrupting businesses, and overwhelming emergency services.
While federal initiatives often face gridlock, cities have the flexibility to act swiftly and decisively. This is evident in the hundreds of US mayors who have formed coalitions dedicated to climate progress, and the 11 cities that have passed Building Performance Standards (BPS) policies – with more committed – allowing for significant building emissions reductions. Local governments can implement climate plans tailored to their unique needs, resources, and challenges.
Green buildings and energy-efficiency
Austin, Texas, is emerging as a powerful model for other cities to follow and exemplifies how a city-level focus can be both pragmatic and scalable, setting the pace for national progress. Austin isn’t just talking about sustainability – it’s taking decisive action. From pioneering green building standards to launching ambitious energy-efficiency programmes, the City has consistently led the charge toward a more sustainable future. Its bold Climate Equity Plan, targeting net zero emissions by 2040, raises the bar even higher by ensuring that the benefits of climate action reach all residents, particularly those in historically underserved communities.
The City’s commitment runs deep. For 30 years, the Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) programme has set the gold standard for energy-efficient construction. Predating all other green building rating systems used in the US, AEGB informed the creation of many leading rating systems used across the globe today. Sustainability is embedded across the community – from public schools revolutionising energy and water usage to citywide partnerships that reduce utility costs while maximising efficiency.
Every city must develop comprehensive climate resilience strategies, set concrete emissions-reduction targets, strengthen critical infrastructure, and transition to renewable energy
Evidence of Austin’s green revolution is clear throughout the city. The Mueller Community serves as a living laboratory for sustainable urban development. In the downtown area, new buildings leverage an innovative reclaimed water system that dramatically reduces waste. The city’s educational institutions lead by example, with ACC Rio and Highland Campuses showcasing cutting-edge sustainable design. Meanwhile, the 2024 Water Forward plan outlines a century-long strategy for equitable water management.
In 2025, Austin will raise its building standards once again by adopting the latest International Code Council regulations. Cities across the nation are already taking notes on Austin’s innovative approaches to water management and urban green spaces – and for good reason. In the race against climate change, Austin isn’t just keeping pace – it’s leading the way forward.
Climate resilience strategies
Cities are not prepared for the devastating impacts that climate change will have on them. By 2030, annual losses from global heating and natural disasters could exceed $430bn. The outlook worsens dramatically by 2050 when extreme weather events linked to the greenhouse effect could potentially destroy $25 trillion worth of housing infrastructure. And here in Texas, when Hurricane Beryl left millions without power, it starkly reminded us of how vulnerable our cities’ basic systems remain.
The impacts are felt most heavily by our most at-risk residents – elderly neighbours sweltering without air conditioning, low-income families unable to rebuild after floods, and outdoor workers exposed to dangerous heat. Yet far too many cities continue with business as usual, seemingly hoping climate change will resolve itself. This approach is both morally and fiscally irresponsible.
Every city must develop comprehensive climate resilience strategies, set concrete emissions-reduction targets, strengthen critical infrastructure, and transition to renewable energy. The longer we wait, the more expensive and difficult these changes become. Our cities can invest in climate solutions today or face a far steeper price tomorrow – in both dollars and human lives.
Austin’s success offers valuable lessons for other cities, demonstrating that ambitious climate goals are achievable through focused local action – regardless of city size
As an expert in net-zero building and sustainability who has witnessed Austin’s environmental evolution firsthand, I’ve seen how these initiatives deliver tangible impacts. Through my advisory work with the Global Network for Zero and various consulting projects, I’ve observed how comprehensive frameworks and policies can accelerate the transition to net zero emissions.
Austin’s success offers valuable lessons for other cities, demonstrating that ambitious climate goals are achievable through focused local action – regardless of city size. The key is fostering collaboration to build a sustainable economy. Most importantly, Austin shows that cities need not wait for federal mandates to make meaningful climate progress.
In 2025, cities must recognise their capacity to lead in sustainability and climate action. Austin provides a clear blueprint for achieving net-zero goals through innovative policies and projects. By following its example, cities across the nation can help meet our climate objectives while creating a more sustainable future for all communities.
Umesh Atre, LEED AP, WELL AP, Fitwell Ambassador is a sustainability professional based in Austin, Texas. He is the sustainability lead at architectural and engineering design firm, Parkhill, and an advisor to The Global Network for Zero.