Sustainable Transport
Pursuing sustainable transport requires addressing several aspects by using the right instruments and measures. For instance, the provision of reliable, safe and affordable public transport is an effective measure. Putting in place the right economic incentives, which can lead to decreased private motorisation is an effective instrument. Promoting modal shift from private vehicles to public and non-motorised transport (NMT) is an efficient measure. Similarly, the implementation of massive information campaigns to increase awareness of the negative impacts of transport pollution among politicians, decision makers, practitioners and the public in general thereby leading to behavioural change, is another measure that has proven to be efficient.
Contact person: Jorge Rogat at jrogat@s2benvironment.org
Net-zero and Resilient development – Climate Change
Climate change is modifying the current and future biophysical conditions, thus altering the current and foreseen development of human societies worldwide as well as threatening ecosystems and biodiversity. Therefore, it is necessary to properly integrate climate change into any every day-to-day human activity. However, to do so, it is necessary to carry out different types of climate change vulnerability, climate change adaptation and climate change mitigation assessments, that allow to identify the best actions to achieve net-zero and resilient societies. Moreover, it is imperative to enable and establish adequate enabling conditions in terms of governance, policy, technology and finance. At S2BE we offer a team with robust expertise in climate change worldwide at regional, national, municipal and local level.
Contact person: Mauricio Zaballa Romero at mzaballa@s2benvironment.org
Urban Planning
Sustainable urban planning requires four critical ingredients: First, a distribution of buildings that is compact, mixed in uses, and supportive of convenient walking and transport; second, transport infrastructure that limits the impact of low-occupancy vehicles, and that supports a balance of modes including walking, cycling and public transport; third, infrastructure systems that limit emissions and other toxins, and that provide for efficient use of resources, including renewable resources; and fourth, and perhaps most fundamental, a well-connected, functionally and aesthetically appealing public realm, with a diversity of pathways at a range of scales, and an intimate connection between public spaces and their adjoining buildings and private spaces.
Contact person: Michael Mehaffy at michael.mehaffy@gmail.com
Water Resources
We are all connected by water. Driven by the powerful hydrological cycle, water flows through nature and society, touching every aspect of our daily lives—food and energy supply, ecosystem services, household needs, peace and security, as well as trade, growth and work opportunities. Addressing the many often competing demands for water requires expertise across a wide range of professions, from engineering to governance and capacity development. Climate change, which primarily manifests through water-related impacts, adds an additional dimension and intensifies these challenges. As water resources become increasingly scarce, excessive, or variable, critical entry points include effective land management, transparent allocation principles and efficient use, and robust governance structures, including policies, strategies, and regulatory frameworks.
Contact person: Klas Sandström at ksandstrom@s2benvironment.org
Sustainable Finance
Achieving a net-zero and resilient future requires not only mobilizing resources but also developing sustainable business models that integrate long-term environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. ESG frameworks play a critical role in aligning financial flows with sustainability objectives by providing a comprehensive lens to evaluate the environmental and social impact of investments. For instance, climate finance leverages diverse instruments such as green bonds, blended finance, and carbon pricing to channel investments toward decarbonization efforts. Moreover, leveraging de-risking tools, such as public-private partnerships, helps attract private sector engagement by mitigating financial risks and fostering collaboration. Together, these strategies drive innovation, enhance accountability, and enable impactful projects, supporting the global transition to a low-carbon, resilient economy.
Contact person: Begonia Gutierrez at begonia.gutierrez.93@gmail.com
Energy Transition
Energy transition is a key change in the way that we generate and consume energy in our societies, shifting from fossil sources to renewable energy sources, as well as improving the energy consumption through the implementation of energy efficiency measures. The last is of pivotal importance to move towards net-zero carbon emission societies and to help achieve the global greenhouse gas emissions concentration required to stay below 2°C or closer to 1.5 °C by 2100.
On the energy supply side, it is critical to speed up the investment rate to deploy renewable energies worldwide. Moreover, optimal investment in renewable energy technologies as well as in novel technologies is needed, if the aim is to achieve a total energy transition by 2050.
On the demand side, it is crucial to reduce/optimize the use of energy. Therefore, it is imperative to boost energy efficiency worldwide, where governments and companies play a pivotal role on the implementation of EE measures.
