Our work on circular economy, cities, and infrastructure supports a model of growth that is resilient, inclusive, and built for long-term sustainability. We work with Member States to help cities and infrastructure systems become more efficient, more climate-smart, and better aligned with green growth priorities. 

Our delivery model

1. Policy 

We support governments in designing the strategies and frameworks that shape sustainable urban development and resource use. This includes technical support for: 

•  Green building norms and standards. 

• Sustainable mobility policies. 

• Circular economy and waste management approaches. 

• Municipal development plans. 

• Urban planning frameworks that integrate climate resilience. 

These frameworks set the direction for investment and implementation. 

 2. Project development 

We help turn those priorities into projects that can be delivered on the ground. Our work includes: 

• Energy-efficient buildings and urban infrastructure. 

• Transport solutions that support low-carbon mobility. 

• Waste and wastewater systems. 

• Local planning that brings green growth into municipal decision-making. 

• Infrastructure that strengthens services and resilience in cities and communities. 

This helps countries move from strategy to practical action. 

3. Finance and scale-up 

We help countries secure the financing needed to bring urban and infrastructure solutions to scale. This includes support for: 

• Green investment advisory. 

• Bankable project preparation. 

• Public and private capital mobilization. 
• Scaling urban programs where there is clear traction. 
• Linking municipal priorities to broader green finance. 

What we do

Our work in this area focuses on a few core priorities. 

• Circular economy and waste: We support systems that reduce waste and improve resource efficiency. 

• Green buildings: We help improve energy performance in residential and commercial buildings. 

• Sustainable mobility: We advance cleaner transport and better urban connectivity.  

• Municipal planning: We support local governments in embedding sustainability into development plans. 
• Urban infrastructure: We help design solutions that improve everyday services while strengthening resilience. 

Results

Our work on circular economy, cities, and infrastructure has helped turn climate ambition into practical results at scale. 

• 9.2 million USD was invested in Circular Economy and Sustainable Waste Management in 2025. 

• 5.1 million USD was invested in Green Buildings in 2025. 

• 6 million people benefited from new or enhanced access to sustainable public transport through mobilized investment commitments. 

• 81 green growth policies were adopted in 29 countries, including municipal planning and urban development frameworks such as Kaya’s Communal Development Plan. 

• In Kaya, Burkina Faso, the 2026–2030 Communal Development Plan integrated environmental sustainability, mitigation, adaptation, and green economy principles. 
• In Honduras, national forest restoration and land-use instruments strengthened ecosystem protection and sustainable rural livelihoods.