Sustainable development in cultural districts: A public realm view

The City of London Corporation with the support of the Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN), has commissioned a research to understand how cultural districts can embed sustainable development practices in their work and by extension, in our cities.

Cultural Districts have the opportunity to be leaders in promoting climate change. They have many challenges to address to support conservation of the environment and sustainable development, but through arts and culture, they can create dialogue and narratives about climate change, and act as important advocates for sustainable practices within their communities.

The Sustainable Development in Cultural Districts report delivers key research into embedding sustainability at all levels of cultural organisations, providing a positive shift towards a more sustainable existence.

It details current practices and initiatives of ten cultural districts around the world, to understand best practice. Each district is at a different point in transitioning to greener practices and describes its unique approach to the issue of sustainable development.

The research focuses on Key Learning:

• Public Realm and the Environment
• Planning and Target Setting
• Initiatives and Practices
• Connecting with Wider Society

It sets out challenges that were experienced by the districts and some initial ideas for addressing these to deliver a positive shift towards a more sustainable existence.