City-Level Decoupling-Case Studies

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

One of the challenges is a lack of standardised quantitative measuring tools available for aspects such as the absence of waste and carbon emissions from the production, transportation, use and disposal of goods. Funding is also limited, particularly for transport infrastructure which is currently funded by the tax on fuel, and some of the action items have uncertain funding from 2013 making long-term planning difficult. The citizens of Portland have benefited through improved infrastructure and easy access to renewable energy sources that offer them direct cost savings. The city is in the process of formally assessing the region’s vulnerability to climate change so that it can anticipate and manage risks, increasing its adaptability and resilience.

20. The ‘Green Vision' of San Jose, California

By Natalie Mayer

San Jose’s Green Vision is an ambitious 15-year plan to address climate change and promote economic growth while enhancing citizens' quality of life. The plan capitalises on the city’s access to Silicon Valley, the heart of clean-tech innovation in America. The third largest city in California, San Jose is no stranger to environmental action. The city has enjoyed high recycling rates, water conservation strategies, energy efficiency and alternative energy programmes as early as the 1980s. 158 However, in 2006, San Jose’s carbon emission figures were still high relative to California’s carbon emission reduction targets, and the city was growing concerned that it was falling behind. 159 Emission reductions required significant technological development, as well as the quick commercialisation and uptake of clean technologies. 160 The city’s location in the heart of Silicon Valley thus presented significant opportunities as the region is well known for its ability and willingness to innovate and adapt, having led numerous developments from defence technologies in World War II through to modern computers and software. 161 San Jose residents produce the greatest number of patents per capita out of all American cities, and enjoy the highest level of venture capital investment per person. 162 The city therefore is well positioned to benefit from the innovations in clean technology required to mitigate climate change. 163 These realisations led San Jose’s mayor, Chuck Reed, to draw up a Green Vision for San Jose in 2007, after months of discussion with stakeholders. 164 The vision paves the way for the city to become the world capital of clean technology innovation and leader of urban sustainability, via ten ambitious goals: 165

• Create 25,000 clean tech jobs by 2022;

• Reduce energy consumption per capita by 50%

• Receive 100% of electrical power from renewable sources;

• Build or retrofit 50 million ft² of green buildings;

61