Sustainable Development
Building More Sustainable European Communities
Published 19 October 2026 · By the Editorial team of the organization
Sustainability in towns is less about showcase buildings and more about short distances, shared space and careful use of land.
Across Europe, towns are asking how to reduce emissions, adapt to hotter summers and use land more carefully. Many of the answers are surprisingly familiar: compact neighbourhoods, walkable streets, good public transport and generous green space.
The quiet power of proximity
When daily needs are reachable on foot or by bicycle, car dependency falls naturally. Mixed-use neighbourhoods — where homes, services and workplaces sit close together — are one of the most effective sustainability tools available to planners.
Reusing what already exists
The most sustainable building is often the one already standing. Renewing housing estates, revitalising brownfields and adapting old industrial areas protects open land while giving new life to existing communities.
Sustainable communities are built step by step, through many local decisions taken with a long-term view.