Reducing energy consumption is often the best way to reduce CO2 emissions. Increasing the efficiency of cities can be done on various aspects and some measures have bigger impact than others. When done in an integrated way, energy saving can also be a means to achieve other goals like mitigating the impact of climate change. By working integrated, small spatial changes can have a large impact on efficiency. Below are three strategies employed by the Multiply cities to become more efficient and sustainable, click on each strategy to reveal specific solutions.

Climate mitigation

Water treatment plants are energy intensive facilities with limited capacity. Reducing the amount of water that should be treated relieves the system during peak times and reduces the energy consumption overall. Several measures can be applied to reduce the amount of rainwater that reaches the sewers in a city, making a city more efficient and more climate proof.

Limit energy use

Limiting urban energy consumption starts with knowing what is being used and by whom. When the potentials for energy savings are identified plans can be made to reduce use, ranging from better insulation to using more efficient technologies.

Change behaviors

Behavioral change can be a powerful tool to make our cities more energy efficient. Motivating people to take the bike instead of the car, or to reduce the heating temperature in winter could lead to a significant saving. Behavioral change takes time and a careful planned strategy.