Led by Clare Wildfire, Global Cities Lead at Mott MacDonald, the discussion offered a thought-provoking perspective on how cities can meet net zero targets while improving quality of life for citizens.

Key highlights

• Clare Wildfire reflected on the evolution of sustainability in the built environment, noting the shift from decarbonisation alone to a broader focus on resilience, inclusivity, health and accessibility.
• Practical examples, such as the NHS Net Zero Building Standard and new approaches to healthy materials, demonstrated how standards and collaboration can drive meaningful change.
• Partnerships between cities and the private sector were shown to be vital, with data platforms and integrated planning playing a central role in helping cities track progress and replicate success.
• Case studies from Glasgow, Barcelona and Medellín highlighted the co-benefits of well-planned interventions, from better health outcomes to stronger economies and richer biodiversity.
• A lively Q&A explored funding strategies, how to measure wider sustainability impacts, and the balance between resilience and decarbonisation in city planning.

A strong message

The session made clear that creating future-ready cities requires joined-up thinking and collaboration across sectors. Cities need to be designed not only to be low carbon, but also healthy, resilient and inclusive.

“Sustainability isn’t just about cutting carbon – it’s about resilience, inclusivity, and creating cities where people and nature can thrive together.”

Clare Wildfire, Mott MacDonald

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