Net Zero Cities with Sustainability: A Practitioner's Approach

by Peter Newman

Overview

This important book sheds light on the opportunities and complexities involved in the transition to net zero cities. Drawing on the framework of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Peter Newman outlines how cities can achieve net zero and sustainability agendas together as part of the global shift to a new economy.

Newman examines key strategies for developing net zero cities, showing that core technologies of renewable energy, batteries and electric vehicles are commercially available but that how best to integrate them into different parts of cities is now the urban practitioner’s role. He explores projects that are demonstrating net zero with sustainability outcomes and even net positive with regenerative urbanism, highlighting the challenges of integrating new techniques into existing systems rapidly and at scale. Analysing theories of creative destruction, urban fabrics and structural change alongside detailed case studies, the book reflects on the history of turbulent change, ultimately demonstrating that there is hope of reaching full net zero by 2050, with plans for subsequent global cooling.

Net Zero Cities with Sustainability is an invaluable resource for urban professionals and practitioners in a range of disciplines, including energy, environment, planning, design, business and economic development. Its insights will also benefit students and scholars of sustainability, geography, public policy, town planning and transport.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781800379039
Publisher:	Edward Elgar Publishing
Publication date:	09/18/2025
Pages:	212
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Peter Newman, Professor of Sustainability, Curtin University, Australia

Editorial Reviews

‘Peter Newman, one of the world’s leading sustainability experts and a lead author of the IPCC, presents a bold roadmap for net zero cities—climate positive, people positive, and driven by creativity and hope. His vision is not built on hope alone, but on steering growing momentum toward sustainability over a climate-ravaged future.’

John L. Renne

‘A fascinating and engaging look at how to create net zero, sustainable cities. A playbook presenting city leaders and built environment professionals with practical solutions to address the most urgent urban challenges of our time – climate change and sustainability.’

Kate Meyrick

‘Net Zero Cities with Sustainability is a roadmap for building more energy-efficient and sustainable cities. Drawing on personal insight from more than five decades of professional experience, Peter Newman outlines a practical path for making cities more resilient in the face of a deepening climate crisis.’

Richard Florida

‘As the planet continues barreling towards a future of withering climate change and ecological meltdown, Peter Newman’s hopeful (and practical) message of positive urban change has never been more needed. This powerful book is one that every city planner, mayor, and community activist working to effect change must read!’

Timothy Beatley

‘Peter Newman doesn’t just write about net zero — he lives it, teaches it, and inspires it. This book is a masterclass in building cities of hope, a breath of fresh air for anyone dreaming of places that heal, not harm.’

Alessandro Sanches Pereira

‘From the wise man who gave us “car free cities” comes a new and compelling contribution. Peter Newman’s Net Zero Cities with Sustainability: A Practitioner's Approach guides us into the art of the possible with a recognition that the accumulation of all things possible will take us to what is needed and desirable. No need to despair, read the book and reform our cities!’

Greg Clark