During the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), memoranda were signed between ADEC Azerbaijan Development Company and British firms AtkinsRéalis and Grimshaw on cooperation and the development of low-carbon construction solutions for new residential neighbourhoods in Baku White City.
The memoranda outline the principles for joint activities aimed at introducing advanced sustainable construction technologies, reducing the carbon footprint and applying smart city principles.
Grimshaw’s research into master planning strategies for Baku White City was presented by Paul Toyne, the firm’s environmental expert and Head of Sustainability, in a presentation entitled “Baku White City — Recommendations for Climate Action.” Delivered to coincide with COP29, the presentation highlighted approaches to sustainable development and measures for adapting to climate change. Paul Toyne explained that the project prioritises strategies such as expanding green spaces, adopting energy-efficient technologies and using low-carbon building materials. He also emphasised that Baku White City serves as a model for other urban development projects through its innovative approaches to addressing climate change.
“For me, the true significance of White City lies in its remarkable transformation — from Black City to White City, and now to Green City. This direction, embodied in the project, demonstrates how environmental principles can be integrated into large-scale construction to achieve positive results. For me, it is a model for how Baku and other regions of the country can be developed,” Paul Toyne emphasised.
By bringing together residential and commercial infrastructure, Baku White City demonstrates that sustainable development can go hand in hand with economic growth and a high quality of life. Baku White City continues to inspire through its ambitious goal of becoming both an environmentally friendly district and a catalyst for broader changes in approaches to urban development.
The Baku White City project is being implemented within the framework of the “Comprehensive Action Plan for Improving the Environmental Situation in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2006–2010,” approved by an Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
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