City-Level Decoupling-Case Studies

CITY-LEVEL DECOUPLING: URBAN RESOURCE FLOWS AND THE GOVERNANCE OF INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSITIONS

which encouraged development geared towards ‘green' transit options and the creation of dense, mixed-use buildings. 145

Portland’s economic vision revolves around the harnessing of the potential that the green economy offers the city 146 and aims to position itself as a leading centre for sustainability in the United States. It was already home to a significant concentration of renewable energy firms as well as strong recycling, green building and environmental services sectors. 147 Human resources include a growing supply of experienced workers for the clean technologies industry (84% higher than in similar-sized regions for renewable energy), and environmental services and recycling. 148 The 2009 Portland Economic Plan closely aligns with CAP to ensure that growth and investment is guided along the lines of carbon emission reduction; introduction of renewable energies and alternative water technologies; and pursuing opportunities for local manufacturers to fill supply chain gaps and replace imported components for the clean tech industry. 149 Portland has therefore significant knowledge resources to draw upon, including academic resources from local universities, but sourcing finance for investment purposes remains a challenge, 150 particularly in the current economic climate.

Bicycle Bridge (Source: City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability)

Is Portland’s CAP working?

Portland’s emission reduction target is broken down into specific objectives that have measurable action points attached to them. An interim goal of a 40% reduction by 2030 has been set with emissions being reported on annually. The plan will be evaluated every three years and rewritten every ten. The 2010 annual status report indicates that carbon emissions decreased by 15% between

59