The Cushman & Wakefield Report quantifies the social impact of 35 cities across the Asia Pacific region, outlining their various stages of progress and identifying actions that can boost their urban inclusivity status
Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK), a leading global real estate services firm, today released The Inclusive Cities Barometer for Asia Pacific, evaluating the inclusiveness of 35 cities in the region, with a particular focus on Wellington and Auckland. The report examines four dimensions of inclusivity: economic, social, spatial, and environmental.
The Inclusive Cities Barometer aims to foster a data-driven dialogue on the influence of real estate activities on urban inclusion and the social fabric of cities.
For New Zealand, the report reveals strong performance in environmental inclusiveness. Wellington and Auckland excel in this area due to their temperate climate, low levels of air pollution, and robust performance against the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Wellington, the capital of the "land of the long white cloud," is renowned for its green environment, underscoring the city’s strong regional performance in air quality.
Environmental stewardship is a key pillar of Wellington’s Sustainability Strategy 2020-24. The city has declared a target of being net zero emissions by 2050, with a commitment to making the most significant cuts over the next decade.
Recent policy focus in Wellington has shifted to wind farm development and the production of green energy to improve air quality and lower overall pollution levels. The city’s temperate climate also contributes to the population’s overall health.
Beyond the natural environment, New Zealand has made significant improvements in its social development score, with over half of its SDG targets either achieved or on track. These improvements include enhanced population health and wellbeing, gender equality, access to clean fuels and technology, and the maintenance of green spaces.
Key findings from the Barometer also highlight Melbourne as a strong performer in the region, celebrated for its livability, safety, and vibrant multicultural environment. Similarly, Perth, Brisbane, and Sydney demonstrate significant strengths in various aspects of inclusivity, setting a high benchmark for other cities across Asia Pacific.
Dr. Dominic Brown, Head of International Research at Cushman & Wakefield said, We analysed almost 4,000 data points covering 110 variables to compile what we believe is the industry’s most comprehensive dataset on inclusive cities. The 35 cities included in this first report are at varying stages of their journey towards more inclusive and vibrant urban environments and by analysing their progress, we can highlight exemplary successes and outline actionable pathways for improvement.”
The Approach and Methodology
The 35 Asia Pacific cities in the report were selected based on their representation of approximately 80% of the region’s Grade A office space tracked by Cushman & Wakefield, covering most corporate occupier portfolio locations. These cities are grouped into four personas that reflect the maturity of their progression with social value creation and inclusivity.
| City Persona | Definition |
| Mature Urban Centres |
Cities with a longstanding commitment to social inclusion that prioritise the needs of all citizens, focusing on equal distribution of wealth alongside strong but balanced economic growth |
| Social Drivers |
Cities demonstrating strong rates of social inclusion across many of the dimensions, although not as mature in their journey to reduce wealth and lifestyle inequality |
| Rapid Risers |
Cities previously constrained by historical limitations on equitable economic and social development are now rapidly advancing social inclusion initiatives |
| Emergers |
Cities at the beginning of their journey to increase rates of inclusivity throughout but with strong ambitions |
Paul Huggins, Cushman & Wakefield’s Managing Director of New Zealand stated, "New Zealand's strong performance in environmental inclusiveness, as highlighted in the latest Inclusive Cities Barometer, reflects the nation's commitment to sustainability and the wellbeing of our communities.
“Wellington and Auckland's achievements in maintaining air quality and advancing green energy initiatives set a benchmark for urban inclusivity and environmental stewardship in the Asia Pacific region. These efforts not only enhance the health and wellbeing of residents but also serve as a model for other cities aiming to improve their environmental and social outcomes."
Todd Hanrahan, Cushman & Wakefield’s Head of Project & Development Services- New Zealand, mirrored this sentiment, adding, "The success of Wellington and Auckland in environmental inclusiveness underscores the pivotal role that our Project & Development Services sector plays in driving green building initiatives and sustainable urban development. Our team's dedication to integrating sustainability into every project has been crucial in advancing these cities' green energy initiatives and overall urban inclusivity. This commitment to sustainable development not only supports environmental goals but also fosters healthier, more resilient communities."
To develop the barometer, Cushman & Wakefield collected data from leading global third-party sources such as the World Bank and United Nations and leveraged insights and findings from both peer-reviewed scientific sources as well as internal experts. Four main dimensions and 11 subdimensions were identified:
| Main Dimensions | Subdimensions |
| Economic Inclusivity |
Economic vitality, growth and innovation Employment |
| Social Inclusivity |
Population density and growth Health and wellbeing Tolerance and personal freedom Social inclusivity Education |
| Spatial Inclusivity | Housing and property Security, safety and social infrastructure Accessibility and Urban Attractiveness |
|
Environmental Inclusivity |
Pollution, climate, resilience and adaptability |
To gain insights in how to further promote inclusiveness, countries can look to Scandinavian cities, including Rotterdam, Copenhagen and Amsterdam who are leaders in EMEA, and excel in:
- Strong performance in Social Inclusion, especially in quality of life and LGBTQ+ friendliness
- High rates of personal freedom and tolerance
- Strong accessibility fueled by a focus on cycle paths, walking and green public transportation
- High levels of overall health, happiness and wellbeing
- Low commute time, and high rates of access to public transport, which increases accessibility
- High economic vitality and innovation
Empowering Real Estate to Shape Inclusive Communities
Cushman & Wakefield's 'Inclusive Cities' initiative emphasises the crucial role of the real estate sector in creating more resilient and vibrant urban environments. By integrating social value at every decision-making stage, the real estate industry can significantly influence the lives of communities and citizens.
Click here for the Inclusive Cities Barometer, with detailed insight into the grouping of the 35 cities across the four personas and their respective strengths and areas of improvement.
About Cushman & Wakefield
Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 52,000 employees in nearly 400 offices and 60 countries. In 2023, the firm reported revenue of $9.5 billion across its core services of property, facilities and project management, leasing, capital markets, and valuation and other services. It also receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), sustainability and more. For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.
