The Value of Low Carbon, Green Cities

Low carbon, green cities consume less energy and water, have fewer private vehicles on the road, and generate less waste. Not only does this save local governments money, residents benefit from shorter commute times, cleaner air, less traffic congestion, and a better quality of life. Going green makes cities more desirable and competitive in the global marketplace.

APEX: An Investment Planning App for Cities

IDENTIFY INVESTMENTS

suitable for green
financing

DEVELOP STRATEGIES

for the long-term
(e.g., climate action plans)

ASSESS AND TRACK

the performance of
your city

APEX – Advanced Practices for Environmental Excellence in Cities
APEX harnesses the insights from advanced green practices around the world to show what these practices mean for your city, based on your local context.

“We had already worked closely with stakeholders to develop a future vision for our city, including developing a list of actions to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to climate change. Utilization of IFC’s APEX tool enabled us to quantify our vision—both in terms of environmental impact and cost—and explore policies and investments to drive implementation. We now have a better understanding of what it will take to reach our sustainability goals, and financing models that could help us get there.”

- Is'haaq Akoon, Senior Manager Climate Change at City of Ekurhuleni

How Are Cities Using APEX?

EKURHULENI, SOUTH AFRICA

Developing a Green City Action Plan to Achieve Sustainability Targets

The Ekurhuleni Green City Action Plan identifies 20+ actions across the four APEX sectors. APEX was used to show it is possible to achieve ambitious climate and resource goals with complementary policies and investment actions. Policies and investments work in tandem to maximize benefits.

Green City Action Plan Pathway

Green Investment Potential

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM

Helping the City Solve Pressing Issues While Managing Climate Impact

In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, APEX was used to zoom into the transportation sector. Policy and investment actions were identified to increase the use of public transportation while reducing individual vehicle travel.

Public Transportation Goal

Ho Chi Minh City is seeking to increase the capacity of the public transportation system to meet 25-30% of total travel demand, up from 4% currently

Annual Vehicle Travel Reduced (Million Kilometers)

ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN

Identifying Low-Cost, Impactful Policies, Planning Measures and Investments

In Almaty, Kazakhstan, APEX was used to identify and prioritize potential investments based on costs, energy and carbon savings, and feasibility, creating a pipeline for future climate financing, e.g., green bonds and green loans.

25% LESS
ENERGY USE

  • Green Building Codes
  • Finance Energy Efficiency Retrofits
  • Rooftop Solar PVs
  • District Heating Improvements

22% LESS
PRIVATE TRAVEL

  • Increase Density Around Transit Nodes
  • Congestion Charging and/or Quotas For Car Registrations
  • Increase Electric Buses and Bus Routes
  • BRT, LRT, and MRT

23% LESS
SOLID WASTE

  • Improve Recycling Infrastructure
  • Composting Facility for Food and Other Organics
  • Improve Waste Collection to Managed Landfill
  • Landfill Gas Capture

25% LESS
WATER USE

  • Upgrading Inefficient Water Fittings
  • Increase Water Tariff
  • Harvest Recycled Rainwater
  • Reduce Water Delivery Loss

Position Your City as a Magnet for Green Investment and Green Jobs

GLOBAL VISIBILITY

as a globally competitive, climate-smart city. Brand your city as a desirable place to live, work and visit.

CREATE NEW Jobs

and export green products, processes and services. Catalyze green economic growth.

ATTRACT FINANCING

through the green bond market, green loans, and improvement in your city’s creditworthiness.

BOOST LOCAL PRIDE

and evoke a sense of belonging. Generate momentum to improve sustainability in your city.

Does Your City Qualify for Focused IFC Support?

  • Is your city on a high-growth trajectory in an emerging market, with pressing infrastructure needs across sectors?
  • Are you part of the city leadership, a political decision-maker, or a technical staff in charge of climate change mitigation or natural resource management?
  • Is your city committed to sustainable development, reducing carbon emissions, and improving quality of life for residents?