Published on July 21, 2023

Did you know that your commute to and from work is responsible for up to 25% of your CO₂ emissions? Therefore, the place where you live has a considerable impact on your carbon footprint. And it takes more than living in green surroundings to make your lifestyle green.

What if it was possible to live a healthy urban lifestyle in a setting that promotes natural and human fulfilment? This is precisely what Moka is offering through sustainable land use planning, including green building, mixed-use development and the creation and preservation of green spaces. Here is all you need to know. 

“Land use planning refers to the planning and management of land resources in a given area. The aim is to incorporate the needs and aspirations of local communities while preserving natural resources and the environment. Land use planning is a key aspect of a city’s development that determines how spaces are used and arranged,” says Moka Smart City’s Sustainability Coordinator, Anielle Carver. 

The team of experts responsible for implementing land use planning to ensure a balanced, harmonious environment in Moka focuses on three main aspects: green building, mixed-use development and the creation and preservation of green spaces. This vision is constantly evolving to respond to the changing needs of city residents and users. Technological developments and new sustainability practices are also considered. 

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1. Green building

Moka wants to reduce the environmental impact of the city’s new buildings through green building, including the use of sustainable materials and renewable sources to increase energy efficiency as well as environmentally responsible resource and waste management. The city has already initiated this transition through compliance with strict international standards in order to achieve global certifications. 

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2. Mixed-use development

Mixed–use means integrating several types of activities – residential, commercial, leisure and services – within the same neighbourhood or urban development. “This aspect is already very much present in Moka, where mixed use leads to the harmonious coexistence of various purposes, giving residents convenient access to services and leisure activities close to home,” says Anielle. In the future, new services in Moka will be connected to each other by La Promenade, a pedestrian walkway. 

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3. Creating and preserving green spaces

Green spaces make a vital contribution to the quality of life and health of the people of Moka. Existing spaces must therefore be respected and protected while others have been developed for relaxing, engaging in outdoor activities and connecting with nature. Moka will continue to emphasise the creation and preservation of green spaces by further integrating them with urban spaces, promoting endemic species and protecting natural ecosystems. 

LEED for Neighborhood Development

The city leverages LEED for Neighborhood Development certification to continue designing and building Moka in an environmentally aware and sustainable manner. Such certification provides strict criteria and standards to guide the development of the Telfair neighbourhood. Moka thus commits to environmental development that meets current and future community requirements while preserving natural resources and promoting an attractive, balanced city life. 

“Sustainable land use planning has a positive impact on the lives of the people of Moka, leading to improved quality of life, accessible green spaces, suitable infrastructure, greater mobility, mixed use and a reduced carbon footprint,” says Anielle. 

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