WHAT IS A GREEN CITY?

 WHAT IS A GREEN CITY?

A Green City, also known as a Sustainable City or Eco-City, is an urban area designed to minimize its environmental impact while improving the quality of life for its residents. But what does it truly mean to be a green city? And how many cities in the Philippines can genuinely claim this title?

The Case of the Philippines

Has any city in the Philippines been officially recognized as a Green City? Some have made claims, while others have received awards for cleanliness. I remember a few years ago, Las Piñas was declared a clean city. However, upon closer inspection, its rivers and creeks remain polluted. Shouldn’t there be a connection between being green and being clean? How can a city be declared green if it is not even clean?

A few years back, I visited a new development in Laguna that was marketed as a “green city.” Yet, I observed garbage trucks frequently coming and going, suggesting that waste segregation programs (WSPs) and Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) were lacking. I also noticed a network of electric posts, implying that underground power and internet cables were not installed. How many cities claim to be "clean and green" without WSPs, MRFs, Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), or Sanitary Landfills (SLFs)?

Even if it is not yet mandatory for cities to have their own SLFs, shouldn’t they voluntarily build them? If every barangay followed the law and put up its own MRF, the need for large SLFs would significantly decrease. Common sense tells us that for a city to be truly green, it must first be clean. No city should be declared green unless it is clean, and no city should be labeled "clean and green" without complete infrastructure for waste and sewage management. Is that too much to ask? Absolutely not!

Beyond Clean and Green: Smart and Safe Cities

If cities strive to be "clean and green," they should also aim to be "smart and safe." Smart cities leverage technology to enhance efficiency and sustainability, while safe cities prioritize public security and disaster resilience. Some cities in the Philippines may pass as clean, green, smart, or safe, but none have successfully combined all four elements to become a "four-star city."

But what good is a "four-star city" if its poverty, hunger, homelessness, crime, or unemployment rates remain high? Is there a common metric that combines all these factors? If such a metric existed, perhaps we could aim for a "five-star city."

Imagine a city filled with smart technology but plagued by poverty, crime, and homelessness. Would it still be an ideal place to live? A truly sustainable city must be clean, green, smart, and safe while ensuring social equity and economic opportunities for all.

Characteristics of a Green City

A Green City should incorporate the following elements:

1.   Renewable Energy: Utilizing solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

2.   Green Spaces: Expanding parks, gardens, and tree-lined streets.

3.   Sustainable Transportation: Promoting walking, cycling, and public transit.

4.   Energy-Efficient Buildings: Implementing green architecture and eco-friendly materials.

5.   Waste Management: Enforcing recycling, composting, and responsible disposal.

6.   Water Conservation: Implementing rainwater harvesting and efficient water use.

7.   Urban Planning: Encouraging mixed-use development and pedestrian-friendly environments.

8.   Climate Resilience: Preparing for rising sea levels and extreme weather.

Best Practices in the Philippines

Some cities have taken steps toward sustainability:

  • Batangas City: Incentivizing eco-friendly business practices.
  • Makati City: Implementing green building ordinances.
  • Puerto Princesa: Known as the "cleanest and greenest" city in the country.
  • Marikina City: Leading in waste management and air quality improvement.

Global Best Practices

Globally, cities such as Singapore, Copenhagen, Vancouver, and Curitiba serve as models for sustainable urban development. They integrate smart technology with environmental policies, ensuring efficient waste management, sustainable energy, and climate resilience.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

For a city to be truly green, it must also be clean, smart, and safe. The Philippines has made strides in urban sustainability, but more must be done. Cities should focus on integrated infrastructure, strict environmental policies, and smart urban planning to achieve the goal: a livable, sustainable, and resilient future for all.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

03-23-2025

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