City centres as places of sustainable consumption

Cities and city centres are in times of upheaval: The post-pandemic period in particular can be seen as an opportunity to counteract tendencies such as increasing vacancies or deserted town centres. The project “City Centres as Places of Sustainable Consumption” (SONa) is examining the role of sustainable consumption both as a driver and a by-product of sustainable urban development. It aims not only to maintain or increase the quality of life in inner cities and town centres, but also to establish and intensify sustainable consumption patterns.

With funding from the Federal Environment Agency (UBA), adelphi is carrying out the project in cooperation with the Wuppertal Institute. The focus is on the purchase of products and services in trade and commerce in city centres as well as other areas of need such as mobility, housing, leisure activities and work – in line with the National Programme on Sustainable Consumption (NPNK). The interaction between online and offline consumption and the effects of Consumption 4.0 trends on inner cities and town centres are also key focus points of the project. In close cooperation with selected pilot municipalities, comprehensive guidelines and political recommendations are being developed on the basis of test projects.