Toolkit
Clean Air Zone Toolbox
From Low Emission Zones to Zero Emission Areas: how cities can transform transport to create cleaner, greener and healthier streets
This toolbox is for all C40 and non-C40 cities planning, developing and implementing Clean Air Zone policies.
Clean Air Zones are specific areas of a city in which measures have been introduced to reduce toxic air pollution, prioritise people over cars, and promote a shift to active travel including walking, cycling and public transport. Urban vehicle access regulations (UVARs) such as Low Emission Zones (LEZs) and Zero Emission Areas (ZEAs) are an important part of a Clean Air Zone, as they improve air quality and public health by restricting access for the most polluting vehicles. This also helps accelerate the transition to zero-emission transport and address the climate crisis. Clean Air Zones tackle congestion and improve road safety for cyclists and pedestrians, providing more opportunities for safe, healthy movement for everyone. Clean Air Zones can be referred to by different names in different cities, such as Environmental Zones, Ultra Low Emission Zones, and Limited Traffic Zones. This toolbox is for all C40 and non-C40 cities planning, developing and implementing Clean Air Zone policies. It is informed by insights and learnings from leading C40 cities that have introduced Clean Air Zone policies, and are already seeing impressive benefits for residents. A total of 35 cities have signed the C40 Green and Healthy Streets Accelerator and committed to introduce a ZEA in their city by 2030.
World Cities Report 2024: Cities and Climate Action
From UN-Habita, this report highlights the critical role cities play in addressing the global climate crisis, both in terms of reversing its impacts (through mitigation) and reducing the vulnerability of at-risk communities, groups and individuals.
Climate Action Guide for Urban Planners
From C40, UrbanShift, and Community Jameel, this guide leads urban planners and practitioners through how to effectively infuse climate action into the development of urban plans.
GREEN & RESILIENT URBANSHIFT AFRICA FORUM 2025
UrbanShift's forum for Africa will gather leaders from cities and national governments from across the continent to collectively discuss the role of urban planning amidst rapid urbanisation and climate breakdown.
PEER-TO-PEER EXCHANGE ON CLEAN AIR ZONES
This 3-day P2P exchange will bring together Madrid, Johannesburg, Marrakech, and national government representatives from Morocco to discuss the planning, implementation, and monitoring of Clean Air Zones.
