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Interview Banner : Nyasha Harper-Michon  Director of Programs at CP Planning I Founder, Archtivism I LinkedIn Top Voice Green I Public Speaker I  Urban Social & Climate Action Advocateare Your Footprint & Sustainability Solved Media
Nyasha Harper-Michon spoke to Team Reblue on how equity-driven urban design and inclusive climate solutions are reshaping our cities' sustainable futures. In our 'Nine Questions With' interview series, the 'Archtivist' and Director of Programs at CP Planning shares her journey from architect to advocate, highlighting the critical intersection of social justice and urban development in creating net-zero communities that serve both people and planet.

Nyasha Harper-Michon's journey into sustainability and urban resilience is rooted in a deep passion for creating equitable urban spaces. Growing up across Paris, Trinidad, Brussels and Washington, DC, she developed a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of glocal challenges. Inspired by a childhood drawing that read, "I wish the poor people were in a house. And food", Nyasha's early empathy for underserved communities set the foundation for her career.

While studying architecture in Paris, she grappled with the outdated ideals of Modernism: concrete, minimalism, and functionality, which felt disconnected from today's social and environmental needs. This tension sparked "Archtivism", a movement she later refined during her MSc in Architecture in Amsterdam, blending architecture and activism to drive systemic change. Her path through firms like  UNStudio and her role advising on DEI for the City of Amsterdam further shaped her unique perspective.

Now, as Director of Programs at CP Planning in Toronto, Nyasha leads innovative initiatives tackling systemic inequities in housing. Her work includes developing the NIFTY Tool to fund equitable housing solutions and community-driven strategies to dismantle racism in urban development. Her voice carries weight through board positions at 8-80 Cities, Passive House Canada, and WomenMakeTheCity, while her insights reach global audiences through UNESCO Green Citizens, UN-Habitat , UN Forest Podcast and speaking engagements at the World Congress of Architects Copenhagen.

Nyasha brings a wealth of experience in sustainability and innovation, blending strategic foresight with actionable insights. As a LinkedIn Top Voice Green and thought leader, she's been at the forefront of integrating environmental responsibility with business goals. Read on to explore Nyasha's perspective on how businesses can drive meaningful change in the face of sustainability challenges. Read the full conversation below.


Team Reblue: Nyasha, let’s explore the origins of your journey in sustainability and urban resilience. Can you share a defining moment—whether a childhood experience, an academic revelation, or a real-world encounter—that inspired your passion for this field? What was it that initially sparked your commitment to sustainable practices? Additionally, how did that journey evolve to shape the development of the innovative concept of "Archtivism"?

Nyasha Harper-Michon: Since I was small, I wanted to be an architect. Reflecting on Archtivism’s roots, I recall my undergraduate days studying architecture in Paris. The curriculum’s emphasis on Modernist ideals—concrete, functionalism, minimalism—felt outdated and stifling, ignoring my multicultural background and the contemporary global challenges I saw all around me. This tension laid the foundation for Archtivism, which fully took shape during my MSc in Architecture in Amsterdam. Archtivism challenges the 20th century’s doctrines, advocating instead for a movement driven by equity, purpose, and systemic change. Thinking back to a childhood drawing where I wrote, "I wish the poor people were in a house. And food," it reminds me of my early desire to bring joy and security to underserved communities. Today, that passion fuels my efforts to promote equitable cities, climate action, and systemic solutions that drive equitable, net-zero, and regenerative cities.


"True progress requires tackling inequities embedded in the built environment and societal norms. By fusing ecological stewardship with social justice, green tech can create cities that are sustainable and equitable."


Team Reblue: You’ve mentioned your experiences in Paris and Amsterdam, and now you’re based in Toronto. How has being shaped by multiple places impacted your perspective on urban planning and sustainability? How do you see the exchange of international ideas and local knowledge shaping urban planning and sustainability efforts? 

Nyasha Harper-Michon: Growing up across Paris, Port-of-Spain, Brussels, and Washington, DC gave me a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives. My nomadic childhood instilled empathy for the unique challenges different communities face and shaped my belief in ‘glocal’ solutions—combining global insights with local action to address complex challenges like climate change and social inequalities. Harnessing global best practices is a must, but it’s crucial to understand that they can’t be applied uniformly; they must adapt to and be rooted in local cultures, communities, and contexts. This dual approach ensures solutions are not only effective but also culturally relevant and appropriate as well as empowering for the communities they serve.


Team Reblue: Archtivism has brought you to your role as Director of Program at CP Planning, where you’re driving transformative initiatives for affordable and inclusive housing. Can you share a compelling example of a project where you implemented innovative solutions to tackle housing challenges? What strategies or tools did you employ, what unexpected challenges arose, and were there any standout moments that made you say, "This is why we do this work"?

Nyasha Harper-Michon: At CP Planning, a Toronto-based nonprofit, we use a human rights-based approach to address systemic barriers in affordable housing. One of our flagship programs, the Roadmap for Redevelopment Plans to Confront Systemic Racism, is a multi-year initiative mobilizing thousands to dismantle inequities in housing development across Ontario. We’re also developing the NIFTY Tool (Neighbourhood Investment For Targeted Yield), which combines census data and financial insights to guide communities, municipalities and housing providers in funding affordable housing. By aligning data with local needs, NIFTY fosters collaboration among stakeholders, breaking down financial barriers and enabling equitable housing solutions.


"Sustainability demands a paradigm shift, like embracing the Social Solidarity Economy (SSE), which prioritizes social objectives over profit, fostering equity in every decision—from products to practices."


Team Reblue: You’ve been vocal about the "Reference Man" bias in urban planning. Can you explain what this concept entails and how it has shaped our cities? What structural changes are needed to dismantle this bias and build truly representative, equitable urban spaces?

Nyasha Harper-Michon: Challenging the pervasive "Reference Man" concept in urban planning is crucial for building equitable and resilient cities. For too long, our urban spaces have centred on a narrow archetype—a six-foot-tall, cisgender, heterosexual, able-bodied, upper-middle-class white man—overlooking women, children, people of colour, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and even most men. Designing around this outdated standard perpetuates centuries of inequality. Inclusive urban planning begins with life-centred design, addressing the full spectrum of human diversity—from parents and older adults to people with disabilities, racial minorities and lower-income residents. As part of the 8-80 Cities Board of Directors, I believe the organization’s concept captures this beautifully: if a city works well for both an 8-year-old and an 80-year-old, it works well for everyone. Policies such as mixed-income developments, affordable housing, and equitable transit systems must align with sustainable initiatives to prevent displacement and ensure our built environment benefits all members of the community equitably, especially the most vulnerable.


"Sustainability requires solidarity. Sectors like housing often lack collaboration, stalling impactful solutions."


Team Reblue: Building on the need to dismantle the "Reference Man" bias, your work as an archtivist champions inclusivity by advocating for underserved users and marginalized communities. One of the systems that you promote is the caring economy, which addresses biases against women and caregivers for example. What transformative technologies or approaches in mobility and transportation infrastructure do you see advancing equity? 

Nyasha Harper-Michon: Transportation systems designed around the Reference Man often overlook the nuanced travel needs of women and caregivers, who engage in trip-chaining and off-peak travel. Addressing this oversight is about fairness and smart planning. For instance, mobility systems could include bike-sharing programs with kid seats or cargo options as well as free multi-destination ticketing designed specifically to support vulnerable groups. Public transit should feature well-lit, accessible stations with ramps and elevators to accommodate users with limited mobility including strollers, wheelchairs, or other mobility aids. By focusing on overlooked needs, we not only foster equity but also tap into untapped markets, building more vibrant, inclusive communities.


"Leaders must foster cross-industry cooperation, invest in initiatives that generate shared value, and prioritize marginalized communities."


Team Reblue: What role can green technologies play in advancing your vision for a more equitable and resilient built environment? How can they help address systemic inequities in urban design and create a built environment that genuinely reflects and supports the diverse needs of all communities?

Nyasha Harper-Michon: Green spaces, often seen as sustainability symbols, need an equity-driven approach to serve everyone. Green tech can collect data on how spaces are used, helping planners design parks and infrastructure that meet diverse needs while supporting funding models that prevent displacement. Moreover, green tech can help to amplify local voices, ensuring communities actively shape greening initiatives from inception to implementation. True progress requires tackling inequities embedded in the built environment and societal norms. By fusing ecological stewardship with social justice, green tech can create cities that are sustainable and equitable. As a chair at the Smart City Expo World Congress in 2024, I was encouraged by the prevalence of equity-focused discussions. The event emphasized human-centred solutions—bridging the digital divide, addressing inequality, and enhancing accessibility. Smart cities must prioritize people, particularly the most vulnerable. Seeing this evolution in focus gives me hope for smarter, fairer, and more inclusive cities.


"Smart cities must prioritize people, particularly the most vulnerable. Seeing this evolution in focus gives me hope for smarter, fairer, and more inclusive cities."


Team Reblue: It’s clear you’re a firm believer that the climate crisis and the affordable housing crisis are inextricably linked issues. How can green tech companies partner with social equity organizations, like CP Planning, to develop and implement solutions that address both challenges simultaneously? What are the most promising areas of innovation in this space?

Nyasha Harper-Michon: The climate crisis, social inequality, and affordable housing challenges are deeply interconnected, demanding innovative, collaborative solutions. Green tech companies have a pivotal role to play by partnering with equity-focused organizations like CP Planning to tackle these issues simultaneously. A critical area of collaboration lies in supporting affordable housing providers, especially as shifts in government policies may reduce funding and subsidies. Efficiency financing, powered by green technology, can provide much-needed alternatives to sustain affordable housing. For example, integrating renewable energy systems into housing developments not only reduces emissions but also significantly lowers energy costs for residents, benefiting low-income households while strengthening the financial viability of housing providers. Innovations such as green building materials and passive design techniques—like those championed by organizations like Passive House Canada, where I recently joined the board—can further drive down construction and operational costs, ensuring affordability. Green tech can also develop data tools to map climate vulnerabilities and housing needs, enabling targeted, equity-focused interventions. These partnerships must actively centre marginalized populations to combat displacement and ensure inclusive outcomes. By aligning technology and planning with community needs, we can drive systemic change, creating sustainable, resilient housing solutions that address climate and equity challenges together.


"'Glocal' solutions—combining global insights with local action—address complex challenges like climate change and social inequalities."


Team Reblue: As a thought leader a LinkedIn Top Voice Green, you play a pivotal role in orchestrating impactful change. If you were mentoring a roomful of C-suite execs who are passionate about sustainability, what would be your top pieces of advice? How can they not just talk the talk, but really walk the walk when it comes to driving meaningful change? Are there any particularly significant experiences or "aha" moments from your own journey that taught you valuable lessons?

Nyasha Harper-Michon: My advice would focus on bold, inclusive, and systemic leadership. Step one is recognizing who’s in the room and whose voices are absent. Sustainability isn’t just about emissions or green tech—it’s about building equitable systems reflecting diverse realities. Diversity in leadership fuels innovation, and examining privilege allows leaders to elevate marginalized voices and champion shared progress. Sustainability demands a paradigm shift, like embracing the Social Solidarity Economy (SSE), which prioritizes social objectives over profit, fostering equity in every decision—from products to practices. At CP Planning, we’ve seen the power of such approaches to balance profitability with stewardship and equity. A pivotal lesson I’ve learned is that sustainability requires solidarity. Sectors like housing often lack collaboration, stalling impactful solutions. Leaders must foster cross-industry cooperation, invest in initiatives that generate shared value, and prioritize marginalized communities. As John Mackey said, “A business cannot live without profits, but it mustn’t live just to make profits.” Leaders should adopt an “Archtivist” mindset—where advocacy and action merge—to dismantle systemic barriers. Sustainability isn’t a buzzword; it’s a chance to lead transformational change, empower communities, and create an equitable, thriving future.


"Sustainability isn't just about emissions or green tech—it's about building equitable systems reflecting diverse realities. Diversity in leadership fuels innovation."


Team Reblue: Fast forward 20 years, what kind of world are you hoping to see? What mark do you want to leave on the urban planning world? Paint us a picture of your dream sustainable city - and don't hold back on the wild ideas! Let's gaze into the crystal ball for a moment. As a sustainability leader, what kind of world are you hoping to help create? Fast forward 20 years - what legacy do you want to leave behind in the green tech and urban planning space?

Nyasha Harper-Michon: Fast forward 20 years, I envision a world where cities are not merely places to live or survive but regenerative, equitable ecosystems where people and nature thrive in harmony. My dream is for urban spaces to embody inclusivity, sustainability, and regeneration—where every street, building, and park reflects the diverse needs of the people it serves while contributing to the restoration of our planet. In this vision, architecture transcends the simple creation of structures for the privileged few and becomes a catalyst for systemic change. Architects, urban planners, and green tech leaders expand their roles, stepping beyond titles and technical expertise to become activists for social equity, climate action, and urban resilience. This is the essence of Archtivism—a movement where design drives transformation across social, environmental, and economic dimensions. Imagine cities where mobility systems prioritize caregivers, children, and older adults; where urban agriculture flourishes in neighbourhoods; and where inclusive energy-positive communities generate more than they consume. Picture public spaces co-designed with communities, fostering connection and belonging. Are these wild ideas? Not at all. We need cities that don’t just adapt to climate challenges but actively heal the planet. My legacy, I hope, will be in pushing the boundaries of urban planning and architecture, inspiring others to embrace bold ideas and create cities that truly serve both people and the planet.

Photo credit Lars Jansson

Nyasha Harper-Michon spoke to Team Reblue on how equity-driven urban design and inclusive climate solutions are reshaping our cities' sustainable futures. In our 'Nine Questions With' interview series, the 'Archtivist' and Director of Programs at CP Planning shares her journey from architect to advocate, highlighting the critical intersection of social justice and urban development in creating net-zero communities that serve both people and planet.

Nyasha Harper-Michon's journey into sustainability and urban resilience is rooted in a deep passion for creating equitable urban spaces. Growing up across Paris, Trinidad, Brussels and Washington, DC, she developed a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of glocal challenges. Inspired by a childhood drawing that read, "I wish the poor people were in a house. And food", Nyasha's early empathy for underserved communities set the foundation for her career.

While studying architecture in Paris, she grappled with the outdated ideals of Modernism: concrete, minimalism, and functionality, which felt disconnected from today's social and environmental needs. This tension sparked "Archtivism", a movement she later refined during her MSc in Architecture in Amsterdam, blending architecture and activism to drive systemic change. Her path through firms like  UNStudio and her role advising on DEI for the City of Amsterdam further shaped her unique perspective.

Now, as Director of Programs at CP Planning in Toronto, Nyasha leads innovative initiatives tackling systemic inequities in housing. Her work includes developing the NIFTY Tool to fund equitable housing solutions and community-driven strategies to dismantle racism in urban development. Her voice carries weight through board positions at 8-80 Cities, Passive House Canada, and WomenMakeTheCity, while her insights reach global audiences through UNESCO Green Citizens, UN-Habitat , UN Forest Podcast and speaking engagements at the World Congress of Architects Copenhagen.

Nyasha brings a wealth of experience in sustainability and innovation, blending strategic foresight with actionable insights. As a LinkedIn Top Voice Green and thought leader, she's been at the forefront of integrating environmental responsibility with business goals. Read on to explore Nyasha's perspective on how businesses can drive meaningful change in the face of sustainability challenges. Read the full conversation below.


Team Reblue: Nyasha, let’s explore the origins of your journey in sustainability and urban resilience. Can you share a defining moment—whether a childhood experience, an academic revelation, or a real-world encounter—that inspired your passion for this field? What was it that initially sparked your commitment to sustainable practices? Additionally, how did that journey evolve to shape the development of the innovative concept of "Archtivism"?

Nyasha Harper-Michon: Since I was small, I wanted to be an architect. Reflecting on Archtivism’s roots, I recall my undergraduate days studying architecture in Paris. The curriculum’s emphasis on Modernist ideals—concrete, functionalism, minimalism—felt outdated and stifling, ignoring my multicultural background and the contemporary global challenges I saw all around me. This tension laid the foundation for Archtivism, which fully took shape during my MSc in Architecture in Amsterdam. Archtivism challenges the 20th century’s doctrines, advocating instead for a movement driven by equity, purpose, and systemic change. Thinking back to a childhood drawing where I wrote, "I wish the poor people were in a house. And food," it reminds me of my early desire to bring joy and security to underserved communities. Today, that passion fuels my efforts to promote equitable cities, climate action, and systemic solutions that drive equitable, net-zero, and regenerative cities.


"True progress requires tackling inequities embedded in the built environment and societal norms. By fusing ecological stewardship with social justice, green tech can create cities that are sustainable and equitable."


Team Reblue: You’ve mentioned your experiences in Paris and Amsterdam, and now you’re based in Toronto. How has being shaped by multiple places impacted your perspective on urban planning and sustainability? How do you see the exchange of international ideas and local knowledge shaping urban planning and sustainability efforts? 

Nyasha Harper-Michon: Growing up across Paris, Port-of-Spain, Brussels, and Washington, DC gave me a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives. My nomadic childhood instilled empathy for the unique challenges different communities face and shaped my belief in ‘glocal’ solutions—combining global insights with local action to address complex challenges like climate change and social inequalities. Harnessing global best practices is a must, but it’s crucial to understand that they can’t be applied uniformly; they must adapt to and be rooted in local cultures, communities, and contexts. This dual approach ensures solutions are not only effective but also culturally relevant and appropriate as well as empowering for the communities they serve.


Team Reblue: Archtivism has brought you to your role as Director of Program at CP Planning, where you’re driving transformative initiatives for affordable and inclusive housing. Can you share a compelling example of a project where you implemented innovative solutions to tackle housing challenges? What strategies or tools did you employ, what unexpected challenges arose, and were there any standout moments that made you say, "This is why we do this work"?

Nyasha Harper-Michon: At CP Planning, a Toronto-based nonprofit, we use a human rights-based approach to address systemic barriers in affordable housing. One of our flagship programs, the Roadmap for Redevelopment Plans to Confront Systemic Racism, is a multi-year initiative mobilizing thousands to dismantle inequities in housing development across Ontario. We’re also developing the NIFTY Tool (Neighbourhood Investment For Targeted Yield), which combines census data and financial insights to guide communities, municipalities and housing providers in funding affordable housing. By aligning data with local needs, NIFTY fosters collaboration among stakeholders, breaking down financial barriers and enabling equitable housing solutions.


"Sustainability demands a paradigm shift, like embracing the Social Solidarity Economy (SSE), which prioritizes social objectives over profit, fostering equity in every decision—from products to practices."


Team Reblue: You’ve been vocal about the "Reference Man" bias in urban planning. Can you explain what this concept entails and how it has shaped our cities? What structural changes are needed to dismantle this bias and build truly representative, equitable urban spaces?

Nyasha Harper-Michon: Challenging the pervasive "Reference Man" concept in urban planning is crucial for building equitable and resilient cities. For too long, our urban spaces have centred on a narrow archetype—a six-foot-tall, cisgender, heterosexual, able-bodied, upper-middle-class white man—overlooking women, children, people of colour, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and even most men. Designing around this outdated standard perpetuates centuries of inequality. Inclusive urban planning begins with life-centred design, addressing the full spectrum of human diversity—from parents and older adults to people with disabilities, racial minorities and lower-income residents. As part of the 8-80 Cities Board of Directors, I believe the organization’s concept captures this beautifully: if a city works well for both an 8-year-old and an 80-year-old, it works well for everyone. Policies such as mixed-income developments, affordable housing, and equitable transit systems must align with sustainable initiatives to prevent displacement and ensure our built environment benefits all members of the community equitably, especially the most vulnerable.


"Sustainability requires solidarity. Sectors like housing often lack collaboration, stalling impactful solutions."


Team Reblue: Building on the need to dismantle the "Reference Man" bias, your work as an archtivist champions inclusivity by advocating for underserved users and marginalized communities. One of the systems that you promote is the caring economy, which addresses biases against women and caregivers for example. What transformative technologies or approaches in mobility and transportation infrastructure do you see advancing equity? 

Nyasha Harper-Michon: Transportation systems designed around the Reference Man often overlook the nuanced travel needs of women and caregivers, who engage in trip-chaining and off-peak travel. Addressing this oversight is about fairness and smart planning. For instance, mobility systems could include bike-sharing programs with kid seats or cargo options as well as free multi-destination ticketing designed specifically to support vulnerable groups. Public transit should feature well-lit, accessible stations with ramps and elevators to accommodate users with limited mobility including strollers, wheelchairs, or other mobility aids. By focusing on overlooked needs, we not only foster equity but also tap into untapped markets, building more vibrant, inclusive communities.


"Leaders must foster cross-industry cooperation, invest in initiatives that generate shared value, and prioritize marginalized communities."


Team Reblue: What role can green technologies play in advancing your vision for a more equitable and resilient built environment? How can they help address systemic inequities in urban design and create a built environment that genuinely reflects and supports the diverse needs of all communities?

Nyasha Harper-Michon: Green spaces, often seen as sustainability symbols, need an equity-driven approach to serve everyone. Green tech can collect data on how spaces are used, helping planners design parks and infrastructure that meet diverse needs while supporting funding models that prevent displacement. Moreover, green tech can help to amplify local voices, ensuring communities actively shape greening initiatives from inception to implementation. True progress requires tackling inequities embedded in the built environment and societal norms. By fusing ecological stewardship with social justice, green tech can create cities that are sustainable and equitable. As a chair at the Smart City Expo World Congress in 2024, I was encouraged by the prevalence of equity-focused discussions. The event emphasized human-centred solutions—bridging the digital divide, addressing inequality, and enhancing accessibility. Smart cities must prioritize people, particularly the most vulnerable. Seeing this evolution in focus gives me hope for smarter, fairer, and more inclusive cities.


"Smart cities must prioritize people, particularly the most vulnerable. Seeing this evolution in focus gives me hope for smarter, fairer, and more inclusive cities."


Team Reblue: It’s clear you’re a firm believer that the climate crisis and the affordable housing crisis are inextricably linked issues. How can green tech companies partner with social equity organizations, like CP Planning, to develop and implement solutions that address both challenges simultaneously? What are the most promising areas of innovation in this space?

Nyasha Harper-Michon: The climate crisis, social inequality, and affordable housing challenges are deeply interconnected, demanding innovative, collaborative solutions. Green tech companies have a pivotal role to play by partnering with equity-focused organizations like CP Planning to tackle these issues simultaneously. A critical area of collaboration lies in supporting affordable housing providers, especially as shifts in government policies may reduce funding and subsidies. Efficiency financing, powered by green technology, can provide much-needed alternatives to sustain affordable housing. For example, integrating renewable energy systems into housing developments not only reduces emissions but also significantly lowers energy costs for residents, benefiting low-income households while strengthening the financial viability of housing providers. Innovations such as green building materials and passive design techniques—like those championed by organizations like Passive House Canada, where I recently joined the board—can further drive down construction and operational costs, ensuring affordability. Green tech can also develop data tools to map climate vulnerabilities and housing needs, enabling targeted, equity-focused interventions. These partnerships must actively centre marginalized populations to combat displacement and ensure inclusive outcomes. By aligning technology and planning with community needs, we can drive systemic change, creating sustainable, resilient housing solutions that address climate and equity challenges together.


"'Glocal' solutions—combining global insights with local action—address complex challenges like climate change and social inequalities."


Team Reblue: As a thought leader a LinkedIn Top Voice Green, you play a pivotal role in orchestrating impactful change. If you were mentoring a roomful of C-suite execs who are passionate about sustainability, what would be your top pieces of advice? How can they not just talk the talk, but really walk the walk when it comes to driving meaningful change? Are there any particularly significant experiences or "aha" moments from your own journey that taught you valuable lessons?

Nyasha Harper-Michon: My advice would focus on bold, inclusive, and systemic leadership. Step one is recognizing who’s in the room and whose voices are absent. Sustainability isn’t just about emissions or green tech—it’s about building equitable systems reflecting diverse realities. Diversity in leadership fuels innovation, and examining privilege allows leaders to elevate marginalized voices and champion shared progress. Sustainability demands a paradigm shift, like embracing the Social Solidarity Economy (SSE), which prioritizes social objectives over profit, fostering equity in every decision—from products to practices. At CP Planning, we’ve seen the power of such approaches to balance profitability with stewardship and equity. A pivotal lesson I’ve learned is that sustainability requires solidarity. Sectors like housing often lack collaboration, stalling impactful solutions. Leaders must foster cross-industry cooperation, invest in initiatives that generate shared value, and prioritize marginalized communities. As John Mackey said, “A business cannot live without profits, but it mustn’t live just to make profits.” Leaders should adopt an “Archtivist” mindset—where advocacy and action merge—to dismantle systemic barriers. Sustainability isn’t a buzzword; it’s a chance to lead transformational change, empower communities, and create an equitable, thriving future.


"Sustainability isn't just about emissions or green tech—it's about building equitable systems reflecting diverse realities. Diversity in leadership fuels innovation."


Team Reblue: Fast forward 20 years, what kind of world are you hoping to see? What mark do you want to leave on the urban planning world? Paint us a picture of your dream sustainable city - and don't hold back on the wild ideas! Let's gaze into the crystal ball for a moment. As a sustainability leader, what kind of world are you hoping to help create? Fast forward 20 years - what legacy do you want to leave behind in the green tech and urban planning space?

Nyasha Harper-Michon: Fast forward 20 years, I envision a world where cities are not merely places to live or survive but regenerative, equitable ecosystems where people and nature thrive in harmony. My dream is for urban spaces to embody inclusivity, sustainability, and regeneration—where every street, building, and park reflects the diverse needs of the people it serves while contributing to the restoration of our planet. In this vision, architecture transcends the simple creation of structures for the privileged few and becomes a catalyst for systemic change. Architects, urban planners, and green tech leaders expand their roles, stepping beyond titles and technical expertise to become activists for social equity, climate action, and urban resilience. This is the essence of Archtivism—a movement where design drives transformation across social, environmental, and economic dimensions. Imagine cities where mobility systems prioritize caregivers, children, and older adults; where urban agriculture flourishes in neighbourhoods; and where inclusive energy-positive communities generate more than they consume. Picture public spaces co-designed with communities, fostering connection and belonging. Are these wild ideas? Not at all. We need cities that don’t just adapt to climate challenges but actively heal the planet. My legacy, I hope, will be in pushing the boundaries of urban planning and architecture, inspiring others to embrace bold ideas and create cities that truly serve both people and the planet.

Photo credit Lars Jansson

AI + Sustainability

Jan 7, 2025

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Reblue Ventures

We aim to make sustainability simply smart business. Through research and partnerships, we develop pragmatic solutions that reveal the immense uncaptured value in sustainable operations.

© 2025 ✣ All rights reserved.

Reblue Ventures

Reblue Ventures

We aim to make sustainability simply smart business. Through research and partnerships, we develop pragmatic solutions that reveal the immense uncaptured value in sustainable operations.

© 2025 ✣ All rights reserved.

Reblue Ventures

Reblue Ventures

We aim to make sustainability simply smart business. Through research and partnerships, we develop pragmatic solutions that reveal the immense uncaptured value in sustainable operations.

© 2025 ✣ All rights reserved.

Reblue Ventures