Our Values

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Urban Sustainability

We embrace a holistic approach to urban sustainability that focuses on creating stronger more resilient cities through the integration of environmental, social and economic wellbeing. We treat each city and region as a complex system that requires a unique approach to planning, policy development and action as it strives to become more sustainable.

Collaboration

We believe that cities act as urban laboratories of knowledge creation and transfer. Our process is grounded in teamwork and information sharing. The ideas, information and concepts generated through our work should be open source and shared.

Inclusiveness and diversity

The wisdom of a city lies with its people and the diversity and knowledge they represent. Bringing diverse points of view to the brainstorming process enables creative, multifaceted solutions.

Innovation

Technological and social innovations go hand in hand. And both must be appropriate to the local context. We work with our partners and clients to generate creative and innovative responses to the unique challenges their cities face.

Learning

Our success is modeled on learning and sharing knowledge.

Thinking and doing

We drive forward-looking ideas and initiatives to shift policy and practice.

Good governance

We believe that sustainability requires good governance in all realms of society – political, economic and social. We work with our partners to increase the capacity for good governance in order to achieve successful sustainability outcomes.

Sharing ideas

We believe that cities act as urban laboratories of knowledge creation and transfer. The ideas, information and concepts generated through our work should be open source and shared, in written form, through our website. The work we undertake is to support this goal.

Learning and adaption

We believe that "learning by doing" is critical for cities that are striving to become sustainable. Much of the path towards sustainability must learned in order for adaptation and change to occur. As more cities undertake this journey, others will be able to learn from them and leapfrog ahead.