🌿 What would Cyprus look like if our cities were designed around people, energy efficiency and public space instead of car dependency?
In a new FastForward article written during her internship at AKTI, Maria Thanassa explores how Heidelberg became one of Europe’s leading models of sustainable urban development and why its approach matters for Cyprus.
Heidelberg has invested in zero-emission neighbourhoods, passive-house buildings, renewable energy systems, bike infrastructure, green urban spaces and decision-making processes that involve citizens in shaping the city.
The article also highlights the contrast with Cyprus, where private cars still dominate daily transport, urban green spaces remain limited and sustainable urban planning still faces significant barriers.
But Heidelberg’s example shows that sustainability is not only about reducing emissions. It can also improve quality of life, reduce energy costs, strengthen climate resilience and create cities that work better for the people living in them.
📖 Read the full article on FastForward: https://lnkd.in/dKdwPPPJ
Written by Maria Thanassa, Political Science student at the University of Heidelberg, during her internship at AKTI Project and Research Centre.
