By connecting three new 15 MW wind turbines to its internal power network, the port of Tianjin (China) is moving to strengthen its role as a green electricity hub. The new investment will enable the port to avoid burning the equivalent of 14,000 tonnes of coal per year. The ultimate aim is to supply the ro-ro and container terminals entirely with power from renewable sources. The port already has 24 MW of installed wind capacity and a further 1 MW of solar panels. The port authority is working with the shipping line COSCO as part of a pilot project named “The Green Intelligent Energy Demonstration Program”.

Since 1995, the city of Le Port on the French island of Réunion has been following a “museum city” policy. The aim is to enhance the visual appeal of buildings by allowing artists to paint street art frescoes on them. New artworks are added as more buildings are renovated, particularly social housing. Free guided tours, on foot or by bike, are now being organised. Industrial and port warehouses are also acting as the canvas for artists, such as Jace from France, who uses hangars and sheet metal.

Picture credits : Port of La Réunion / Jace

The City of Melbourne (Australia) has started the design for the Greenline Project along the Yarra River, traditionally known as the Birrarung. The Project aims to reposition the city’s relationship with the river by creating an emblematic parkland and urban promenade. The plan is to provide spaces along the river that allow for culture and biodiversity to thrive and to connect the people, the city, and the water. It is also an act of reconciliation with the indigenous population, who deem the river of great spiritual and cultural importance, as they will be consulted during the design process. Both indigenous stories and the city’s history will be presented in this space.

Ghana has secured a $1.5M grant from the World Bank to fight against plastic marine pollution in Accra. Accra is the most polluted city in Ghana, with tonnes of plastic clogging rivers every day, causing flooding, destroying biodiversity, and sullying the coastline. Partnerships with other actors of the plastics value chain will be sought to ensure an integrated approach. The government will increase public and private funding in the waste sector to encourage a transition to a circular economy and incite people to adopt more sustainable habits.

The Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras (APBA) (Spain) has received a certificate for its Green Strategy in accordance with its contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. APBA’s Green Strategy is in line with the UN 2030 Agenda and the AIVP 2030 Agenda. The APBA has taken various actions to enforce its commitments: ensured that its energy supply is 100% renewable, has implemented electric vehicles, will install photovoltaic panels on its buildings, and more. APBA is the first Spanish port to receive the AENOR certificate of sustainability and commitment to the SDGs.