The Danish financial company Nordic Real Estate Partners (NREP) is collaborating with the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group – a network of about 100 mayors from around the world working on climate change and sustainability – to create more 15-minute neighbourhoods in cities around the world. At least five municipalities, yet to be announced, will take part in pilot projects that aim to reduce car use and improve the liveability of cities.

The 15-Minute City concept was developed by Carlos Moreno, scientific director of the Sorbonne University’s ETI Laboratory and Paris’ special envoy for smart cities, and interest in its adoption has increased since the pandemic. The idea is based on the goal of having most everyday necessities – including housing, grocery shops, childcare, schools, health facilities, green spaces, recreational activities and access to public transport within walking or cycling distance from home. Proximity to these factors would help reduce the need for cars and the associated carbon emissions.

The initiative will focus on two types of neighbourhoods: new ones that are emerging and existing ones that need to be renovated. NREP has pledged an initial commitment of $500,000 for the scheme over two years. The Copenhagen-based company manages assets of EUR 18 billion.

NREP has pledged an initial commitment of $500,000 to fund the plan over two years. With the support of strategic partners such as Moreno and UN-Habitat, the programme will also work to create an international network of urban practitioners who will collaborate, advise and learn from each other to build “thriving green global neighbourhoods”.

Opening imqge: London, United Kingdom. Photo Roman Koester, via unsplash