There are many ways in which cities can tackle climate change.  Whether it be transitioning to more renewable sources of energy or replacing public buses with hydrogen buses cities have definite solutions to this global issue. One such answer would be to incorporate the solution directly in our cities:Green Infrastructure.  Much like the aforementioned possible actions, Green Infrastructure is a valid manner to address climate change. Many countries already have key architectural advances that continuously work on remediating the climate change in different processes. The advantage of tackling climate change in this fashion is very clear. It takes something that citizens use everyday(buildings) and turns them into technology that actively combats climate change. 

#1 Italy (Palazzo Italia) 

In Milan, the Palazzo Italia is the gold staple in green infrastructure. Built in 2015, this building is dubbed as the “smog-eating machine” by many. This is rightfully justified as the cladding around the building is quite unique and very innovative. The technology within the concrete panels captures air pollution when the material comes into contact with sunlight. From here it transforms the carbon dioxide in the air into salts that can be used for other purposes. Furthermore, this building is essentially net-zero energy, due to its use of photovoltaic glass and cladding. This means that all the energy required for the building to operate is generated by the building itself and not needing external sources of energy. 

#2 India (Indira Paryavaran Bhavan) 

Similarly to Italy, India has also began experimenting with net-zero energy buildings. The example of Indira Paryavaran Bhavan located in New Delhi is another example similar to Palazzo Italia. However, India has taken a slightly different stance to the concept of a net-zero energy building.  Steps have been taken to ensure the building is truly net-zero, with examples such as having the largest solar panel building system in India and an emphasis on natural daylight to reduce energy consumption.   

#3 Canada (The Joyce Center) 

Lastly, is Canada’s Joyce Center. This complex is the largest net-zero energy building in Canada. Similarly to India’s buildings the building places heavy emphasis on natural light evidenced by the light filled atriums and building’s classrooms. Everything is built to maximize natural light. Furthermore there are 28 geothermal wells to produce electricity for the building. Like the other two, the building uses photovoltaic cells to produce energy. 2000 solar panels are installed on the roof of the building.

 In the end, the difference between these 3 buildings and other “eco buildings” is that these are all self-sustaining. Which means that they do not need any external energy sources to function on a daily basis. Everything is produced within the confines of the building in a renewable fashion.