Sustainable urban development aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising future generations by balancing social, economic and environmental factors. Here are some notable examples of projects that have implemented sustainable practices in developing country urban contexts:
Curitiba, Brazil is often cited as one of the earliest examples of sustainable urban planning. In the 1970s, Curitiba introduced a bus rapid transit system that prioritized pedestrian areas, integrated land use and transportation planning, and featured dedicated bus lanes and off-board fare collection. This reduced private vehicle use and congestion while improving mobility for residents. Curitiba has also implemented innovative recycling and greening programs. Overall, Curitiba showed other developing cities how compact, integrated development can enhance quality of life while protecting the environment.
In Chennai, India, One Rain Centre is a highly visible sustainable development project. Opened in 2010, it is a net zero energy building that serves as an educational centre highlighting Chennai’s water issues and solutions. Its eco-friendly design utilizes passive solar energy, daylighting, efficient HVAC and renewable energy like roof-top solar PV panels. Importantly, One Rain Centre has become a catalyst for greater awareness and policy change around integrated water management in Chennai.
Another Indian example is Lavasa, a new hill town developed near Pune by Lavasa Corporation. Planned from the start with sustainable principles, Lavasa features compact, mixed-use development to reduce car dependency and sprawl. Over 30% of the area was preserved as green space and wetlands. Buildings use energy-efficient designs and renewable power. Lavasa’s wastewater is recycled for non-potable uses. The project faced financial difficulties in recent years due to the global recession.
In 2009, the EcoMENA program supported the development of 15 sustainable neighborhoods across the Middle East and North Africa region. For instance, in Amman, Jordan a district called EcoPark Jordan was retrofitted with sustainable features like renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, ecological drainage, and native landscaping. Public spaces also got upgrades. By demonstrating green building techniques, EcoPark aimed to influence broader adoption of sustainability practices in Amman’s development.
Medellín, Colombia transformed its environment and social conditions through innovative urban redevelopment projects beginning in the 1990s. The city invested in its metro rail system, upgraded slum neighborhoods through infrastructure and amenities, and created new public spaces including libraries and parks. Medellín reduced violence and exclusion while improving mobility options. Its developments won international acclaim for applying sustainable solutions tailored closely to community needs.
In Egypt, the New Giza Governmental District project is establishing a new administrative capital 40 km west of Cairo. Launched in 2015, the ambitious development encompasses housing, work places and services across 170,000 acres for over 7 million residents. Among its sustainable goals are energy-efficient building codes, on-site renewable energy production, water recycling systems, ample parks and pedestrian infrastructure to encourage walking. The project’s scale presents opportunities as well as challenges to fully achieve its sustainability vision.
One of Africa’s most prominent green neighborhood projects is Konza TechnoCity in Kenya. Being constructed outside Nairobi, Konza TechnoCity will consist of a smart city focused on science, technology and innovation. Its design revolves around sustainability, governed by international LEED principles for walkable, mixed-use and energy-efficient development with natural stormwater management. Konza TechnoCity aims to advance Kenya’s economy and demonstrate that African cities can “leapfrog” patterns of unsustainable growth through innovation.
As the projects above illustrate, successful urban sustainability initiatives in developing countries adapt global best practices to local context through community-centered visions, investments that deliver both environmental and socioeconomic gains, and high visibility projects that promote replication. While challenges persist, many sustainable urban pilots demonstrate how well-planned development can improve lives while safeguarding the planet for future generations in resource-strapped environments.