The assessment of urban sustainability and the development of performance-based practical tools for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are key items for discussion on the public agenda. Despite the urgency of the issues, there is a noticeable lack of studies related to a comprehensive model that could holistically assess sustainability performance at the city level. To address this research gap, SIMURG_CITIES conceptual model, the sub-project of “A Performance-based and Sustainability-oriented Integration Model Using Relational database architecture to increase Global competitiveness of the construction industry” (SIMURG), introduces a system-based methodology to evaluate urban sustainability of different cities. SIMURG_CITIES adopts multiple city layers and their associated key performance indicator (KPI) sets within the built environment dimension of 3D Cartesian system architecture to offer new insights. The purpose of this paper is to develop conceptual models at paradigmatic/philosophical, organizational process, interoperability/integrational, and computational/assessment components, paving the way for practical applications with a relational database model. The model and its relationship with interrelated components are explored by an iterative systems approach using “input–process–output–outcome–impact” (IPO) model and the “people-process-technology” (PPT) methodology. This structure steers the integration of humane, procedural, and technological factors into urban sustainability assessment. In addition, the model could help individuals select ideal urban environments to align with their expectations and to enhance accountability, transparency, and legitimacy in the decision-making processes of public authorities. Through this study, a technology-based approach is found to be effective in assessing urban sustainability and a conceptual framework is established in the contexts of Society 5.0 and urban governance.
Rapid urban expansion in sub-Saharan Africa has increasingly posed challenges to ecological sustainability and climatic stability. In this study, the spatiotemporal impacts of urban growth on biodiversity and surface temperature dynamics in Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin, were quantitatively assessed. A multi-decadal analysis was conducted using satellite imagery from the Landsat series (1992, 2002, 2012, and 2022), temperature records, and relevant literature, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Indicator 11.3.1 and Indicator 1 of the Singapore City Biodiversity Index (CBI). Findings revealed a significant imbalance between land consumption and population growth, with a land use to population ratio of 4.25, substantially exceeding the sustainable threshold of 1. This trend denotes unsustainable urban development. Concurrently, biologically active land—serving as a proxy for biodiversity—declined from 472.42 km² (94.75% of the study area) in 1992 to 220.31 km² (44.19%) in 2022, amounting to a biodiversity area loss exceeding 50%. Thermal analysis detected statistically significant shifts in both minimum and maximum temperatures, with minimum temperatures increasing from 24.41℃ to 25.14℃ (p = 3.14 × 10⁻⁵) and maximum temperatures rising from 30.30℃ to 31.02℃ (p = 7.62 × 10⁻⁵). These findings indicate that urban sprawl has not only driven ecological degradation through habitat fragmentation and biodiversity depletion but has also exacerbated the urban heat island effect. The methodological integration of geospatial analysis, climate data, and urban biodiversity indicators demonstrates the utility of multidisciplinary approaches in diagnosing the environmental consequences of unregulated urbanization. The results underscore an urgent need for evidence-based urban planning and biodiversity-sensitive development policies tailored to rapidly expanding West African cities.
In light of the European Union’s 2050 decarbonization objectives, a fundamental transformation of urban energy systems is required—characterized by decentralization, decarbonization, and digitalization. Within this context, the Renewable Energy Community (REC) model has been identified as a pivotal mechanism for enabling the integration and equitable sharing of locally generated renewable energy, while simultaneously delivering environmental, social, and economic co-benefits. A systemic and place-based approach has therefore been proposed, in which the interactions among buildings, neighborhoods, and communities are holistically considered in the design and governance of urban energy systems. The operationalization of RECs has been shown to rely heavily on the deployment of digital technologies, including Information and Communication Technology (ICT) platforms, smart metering infrastructure, automated control of energy flows, and demand response mechanisms. These technologies serve not only to optimize energy efficiency and flexibility but also to enhance user engagement and energy awareness. A national standard recently published in Italy has formalized this integrated methodology, supporting the coordinated development of smart and low-carbon cities. Concurrently, innovative tools are being developed to facilitate decision-making and strategic planning for RECs at multiple spatial scales. Among them, the Italian geo-portal for RECs and the Public Energy Living Lab (PELL) have been introduced to support the acquisition, organization, and interpretation of territorial and urban energy data. These tools have also enabled the definition and monitoring of context-specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), critical for assessing the performance and scalability of REC initiatives. The framework presented herein contributes to the broader objectives of Smart Cities by enabling data-driven, participatory, and resilient energy transitions in urban contexts. Particular emphasis has been placed on harmonizing spatial data infrastructures with energy governance processes, thereby laying the groundwork for replicable and adaptable REC models across diverse territorial configurations.
The accelerating demand for sustainable energy solutions in urban environments has prompted the application of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems in electric vehicles (EVs). This study assessed the impact of BIPV-EV systems in Surabaya, Indonesia, forecasting its energy production, environmental advantages, and economic viability between 2026 and 2036. Simulations conducted using HOMER Pro and photovoltaic system (PVsyst) suggested that the rooftop photovoltaic (RPV) capacity will increase from 4.6 GW in 2026 to 6.0 GW by 2036, while facade photovoltaic (FaPV) capacity is projected to grow from 1.6 GW to 2.0 GW. The combined generation of RPV and FaPV is anticipated to reach 9.71 GWh annually by 2036, ultimately reducing grid dependency to 36.6%. Additionally, carbon emissions from the BIPV-EV systems are expected to decrease from 616 tons per year in a grid-based scenario to 520 tons annually, hence reducing carbon intensity to 0.05 kg CO₂/kWh. Although the initial investment is projected at USD 3.2 billion and USD 4.8 billion in 2026 and 2036, respectively, the implementation of BIPV-EV systems is advantageous owing to significant savings on energy costs in the long run and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. These findings underscored the potential of BIPV in advancing urban sustainability and accomplishing the objectives of energy transition in Indonesia.
The role of natural resource rents (NRR) in driving environmental degradation has attracted increasing scholarly attention, particularly in resource-dependent economies. In the case of Saudi Arabia, where oil and gas extraction constitutes a substantial proportion of GDP, the relationship between resource rents and environmental quality warrants rigorous investigation. This study examines the effects of oil, natural gas, mineral, and forest rents on carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions within the framework of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), over the period 1970–2023. Employing optimal lag selection criteria, augmented Dickey–Fuller and Phillips–Perron unit root tests were applied to ensure the stationarity of variables, followed by Johansen cointegration analysis to establish the existence of long-run relationships among them. The EKC hypothesis is empirically validated, with a turning point identified at 65,914 Saudi Riyals (SR) in the long term and 65,912 SR in the short term, indicating a non-linear relationship between economic growth and CO₂ emissions. Oil Rents (OR) were found to exert statistically significant positive effects on CO₂ emissions in both the short and long run, suggesting that oil dependence remains a critical driver of environmental degradation. Conversely, natural gas, mineral, and forest rents exhibited statistically insignificant impacts in the long run, although short-run analyses revealed a positive but marginally significant influence of natural gas and forest rents. These findings underscore the asymmetric environmental implications of different types of resource rents. Policy implications point toward the urgent need to diversify the economic base away from oil dependency and enhance regulatory frameworks to mitigate the ecological costs of resource exploitation. By integrating the EKC hypothesis with disaggregated rent variables, this study contributes to the nuanced understanding of resource–environment dynamics in hydrocarbon-reliant economies.
Substantial scientific consensus has confirmed that global warming, driven by climate change, poses significant risks to both environmental and occupational systems. In response, the Malaysian government has taken notable steps, including the enactment of the National Policy on Climate Change in 2009 and subsequent commitments to develop comprehensive legislation aimed at strengthening national climate strategies. Despite these institutional efforts, the dissemination and uptake of climate-related information remain hindered by misinformation campaigns and varying levels of public literacy. Among those most vulnerable are unskilled construction workers, who are increasingly exposed to occupational hazards, productivity disruptions, and worksite risks linked to extreme weather events. To evaluate how climate literacy and awareness influence the utilisation of climate-related information within this group, a cross-sectional study was conducted involving 144 randomly selected unskilled construction workers registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) across the Malaysian states of Terengganu and Selangor. Data were collected using structured, self-administered questionnaires and analysed through structural equation modelling using analysis of moment Structures (SEM-AMOS). The results revealed that higher levels of climate literacy significantly enhanced the effective use of climate-related information, whereas general awareness of climate change did not demonstrate a statistically significant effect. This divergence indicates that while awareness may foster recognition of climate issues, it is the depth of literacy—defined as the ability to critically interpret, evaluate, and act upon climate information—that drives meaningful behavioural engagement. These findings underscore the necessity for policy frameworks and educational interventions to prioritise literacy-building rather than awareness campaigns alone. It is proposed that targeted capacity-building programmes, particularly within labour-intensive industries, be developed to equip vulnerable populations with the necessary tools for informed decision-making in climate-sensitive contexts. This study advances the academic discourse on climate communication and policy implementation by identifying literacy as a pivotal factor in climate information engagement among marginalised labour segments.
The rural Andean community of Yacubiana, Ecuador, currently lacks an adequate sanitation infrastructure, with domestic wastewater managed through individual septic tanks. These decentralized systems have exhibited significant infiltration issues, resulting in groundwater contamination, degradation of sensitive páramo ecosystems, and adverse public health outcomes. Furthermore, this environmental degradation has impeded the community’s potential for ecotourism-based development. To address these challenges, an integrated wastewater management strategy was developed, grounded in sanitary engineering principles and aligned with conservation priorities. The proposed framework encompassed four sequential phases: (i) a comprehensive analysis of existing data on water and wastewater practices within the community; (ii) a systematic evaluation of sanitation alternatives tailored to the community’s socio-environmental context and the ecological fragility of Andean paramos; (iii) the design of a selected sanitation solution in accordance with national and international technical standards; and (iv) a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis conducted with both technical experts in water resource management and local community representatives. This participatory evaluation aimed to identify strategic pathways for enhancing environmental stewardship, promoting circular water economies, and enabling sustainable tourism. The recommended intervention consists of a simplified, decentralized sewage collection system linked to a trickling filter-based treatment plant, designed for a hydraulic load of 2.79 L/s. The SWOT analysis revealed substantial institutional and infrastructural constraints, primarily due to limited governmental support; however, it also identified considerable ecotourism potential grounded in the area’s geological, ecological, and cultural assets. When implemented within a conservation-based framework, the proposed system is expected to support compliance with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The methodological approach developed herein offers a replicable model for integrated wastewater management in rural, environmentally sensitive regions, providing a viable foundation for community-led, sustainable socio-economic development.
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