Policy Briefs: Integrating a food systems approach into urban and peri-urban agriculture practices and policies

United Nations 2 years ago

Explore four policy briefs that provide key insights into urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) development across different regions. These briefs examine enabling policies, governance frameworks, and opportunities for multi-stakeholder collaboration in Hanoi, Surakarta, Kampala, and Arusha. Each brief presents a comprehensive analysis of policy gaps, opportunities, and key actors within each city's food system. Developed through literature reviews, policy assessments, and stakeholder consultations—including city authorities, multi-sector groups, and organizations—these resources offer practical guidance for strengthening UPA initiatives. Hanoi & Surakarta: Focus on governance entry points for UPA development. Kampala: Explores systemic approaches and multi-sectoral collaboration. Arusha: Highlights the integration of UPA into broader local food systems and policy frameworks. Together, these briefs contribute to a deeper understanding of UPA’s role in sustainable urban food systems and provide actionable policy recommendations to enhance its impact.
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layersDaily Sustainability Digest

Published about 24 days ago



Financial institutions are accelerating sustainable construction by aligning lending with measurable environmental performance. Santander UK’s decision to adapt mortgage models for Octopus Energy’s Zero Bills homes integrates credit policy with energy-efficient buildings, translating net zero carbon ambitions into mainstream financial metrics. This shift signals the emergence of whole life carbon assessment as a determinant in property valuation and positions embodied carbon and life cycle cost analysis as standard tools of risk management across the sector.

Digital transformation is amplifying the movement. The Monklands digital hospital project in Scotland demonstrates how offsite manufacturing, lifecycle assessment and connected data platforms enhance building lifecycle performance, minimise waste, and verify embodied carbon in materials. Durham’s adoption of digital planning and assessment tools reflects a broader drive toward resource efficiency in construction and environmental sustainability in construction. Together these initiatives redefine sustainable building design by embedding whole life carbon accountability into design and delivery workflows.

Policy remains an enabling force but the centre of momentum is shifting from government mandates to operational proof. A renewed national emphasis on green affordability and the integration of social equity with decarbonising the built environment are reinforcing the transition toward net zero whole life carbon outcomes. These developments illustrate a maturing circular economy in construction where sustainable building practices, low carbon design and eco-design for buildings converge to deliver verifiable carbon footprint reduction. The industry’s direction is now measurable—kilograms of CO₂, minutes saved, resources reused—evidence that green construction is evolving from aspiration to tangible low carbon building performance.

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