Sustainability Of Urban Areas Research Articles

Identification of Risk Zones During Infrastructure Construction and Maintenance Using Satellite SAR Data for Sustainable Urban Areas in South Korea

Satellite data have emerged as a widely used tool for global research. In particular, satellite data aid in overcoming long-term observational challenges caused by seasonal effects, facilitating comprehensive monitoring of large regions and simplifying infrastructure maintenance. However, in Korea, the application of satellite SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) data within the construction sector remains relatively limited. This study used satellite SAR data to analyze the effects of infrastructure (underground roads and subway systems) currently under construction in Korea on the surrounding ground surface, in order to identify risk zones. This study explored methods for continuously monitoring extensive areas over long distances and selecting potential risk zones. The results indicated substantial ground displacements at specific locations and seasonal changes. Furthermore, past and current satellite SAR data were overlapped to facilitate a time-series analysis. The results confirmed that satellite SAR can improve the monitoring of construction projects in Korea and provide valuable information that can contribute to enhancing maintenance efforts, including near-future ground displacement data. The results are expected to help citizens maintain a safe and sustainable life in urban areas.

Potential Strategies to Improve Air Quality in Tirana for Current and Future Generations

Tirana, the capital of Albania, faces severe air pollution, posing significant health risks and environmental concerns for its residents. Referring to the data for the year 2023, KTA admits that Tirana exceeds the European Union norms for PM10 and nitrogen dioxide. Annual average concentrations of PM10 and NO2 in Tirana are above the limit values of National Air Quality Standard and World Health Organization. This paper looks at the several issues that lead to Tirana's air pollution and considers ways to lower pollution levels and enhance air quality. The problems with Tirana's air pollution are intricate and varied, resulting from a confluence of elements including as topography, industrial processes, burning of biomass, vehicular emissions, and insufficient monitoring programs. Addressing these challenges requires regulatory interventions, technological innovations, public awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagement to improve air quality. Tirana has a population of 528,000 inhabitants, with a surface area of 40 km² and a population density of 13.2 thousand inhabitants. Tirana has the capacity to develop more resilient, sustainable and habitable urban areas. To realize innovative ideas, enhance green areas, and improve air quality for present and future generations, cooperation amongst urban planners, legislators, community organizations, and citizens is imperative. We identify critical actions for policy makers, urban planners, and stakeholders to mitigate air pollution and build a healthier and more sustainable urban environment in Tirana based on pollution sources, regulatory frameworks, and ongoing initiatives. This paper's goal is to offer solutions for enhancing air quality while advancing environmental sustainability and public health. Received: 2 August 2024 / Accepted: 10 November 2024 / Published: 3 December 2024

Urban planning effectiveness and citizen satisfaction. A systematic literature review

Background The population is increasingly demanding a better quality of life in their territories, which requires better urban planning. This study aims to find out the effectiveness of urban planning implemented by local governments on citizen satisfaction. Method A systematic literature review was conducted exploring the evolution of the state-of-the-art databases in Scopus, WOS and Dimensions, involving a relevant selection of empirical studies on the effectiveness of urban planning on citizen satisfaction, using quality criteria and the application of the PRISMA diagram. Results The findings in the various empirical contributions find converging in three main blocks the contributions related to: (i) Urban planning as a catalyst for the impact of citizen satisfaction, given that using the planning tool will lead to the development of local policies based on the Neoliberalism approach for smart urban development; (ii) Theoretical contributions for urban planning that contextualises a modernist planning based on a multidimensional aspect to address quality of life for modern well-being and (iii) Smart planning for citizen satisfaction for the design and implementation of public governance reforms aimed at optimising urban planning management at the local level for smart urban city development. Conclusion There is strong theoretical and empirical support that is closely linked to sustainable development, happiness, public space, urban growth, urban areas, satisfied customers and urban residents. Future research should examine the relative weight of urban planning dimensions and effectiveness in the sustainable development of territories and citizen satisfaction.

Multi-hazard risk assessment for resilient and sustainable urban areas

Multi-hazard risk assessment for resilient and sustainable urban areas

Strategic Digital City: Multiple Projects for Sustainable Urban Management

In the last two decades, sustainable urban environments have been predominant, meaning that knowledge production has accompanied this growth. The objective of this study is to present multiple projects for sustainable urban management applied in cities, based on the original Strategic Digital City (SDC) concept, model, and project. The research methodology included an SDC systematic literature review, highlighting the sustainability and respective action research of 11 doctoral theses and multiple projects. The obtained results highlight a set of published multiple projects that form a practical analytical cycle of sustainable and interconnected urban processes through the original SDC framework proposition, SDC, which can be applied in different cities in different countries. The innovations present in the SDC multiple projects propose a theoretical–empirical debate in the interdisciplinary areas of urban management, municipal administration, and sustainable public innovation, with a focus on local government and democracy studies, prioritizing sustainable strategies in cities and not just technologies. The conclusion reiterates that the original multiple projects, created and applied in different cities, present an interdisciplinary advance in sustainable urban management areas and public administration, focused on sustainable urban studies.

Policy decision-support for inland waterway transport in sustainable urban areas: an analysis of economic viability

Policy decision-support for inland waterway transport in sustainable urban areas: an analysis of economic viability

The Future of Island City Development From The Perspective of Geographical Science

Island cities are an important part of modern urban structure, playing an important role in the economic development of coastal countries. In recent years, with population growth and the need for socio-economic development, island urban development has been given top priority to create a suitable living and working environment for residents. At the same time, it protects the marine environment and ensures national security and defense. Besides the benefits that island urban development brings, there are negative impacts on island resources and the environment due to massive urban development. In particular, in a context where the world increasingly faces challenges of climate change, environmental pollution, and economic competition, sustainable island urban development is urgent. From a comprehensive perspective of geographical science based on synthesizing research documents on island urban areas, this article clarifies the future trend of island urban development, which requires attention to the unique characteristics of islands, if you want to develop sustainable island urban areas in the future, you need to follow the philosophy "Relying on Nature - Suitable for land - Harmony of people".

Spatial distribution of Urban land-use in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT This study underlines the critical function of efficient urban land use planning, recommending mixed land use for improved city sustainability. The research, which is rooted in the historical context of urban renewal, attempts to harmonize theoretical frameworks with actual implementation, giving critical insights for policymakers and urban planners in constructing sustainable urban areas. The study identifies a deficit in empirical research on the spatial distribution of urban mixed land use, as well as a gap between theory and real application. Using a mixed-methods approach, it explores mixed land use planning concerns by including stakeholder input and temporal dynamics. Using theoretical frameworks, the study explores land use trends in four Addis Ababa sub-cities. When the null hypothesis of Complete Spatial Randomness is rejected, there is a significant relationship between location and land use functions (statistical chi-square value of 47.763). Finally, the study makes crucial recommendations for purposeful land use distribution in a dynamic urban setting, shedding light on the constraints of mixed land use planning in African urban growth.

Visual Preferences of College Students for an Ecological Design Project in a Campus Environment

In the last few decades, the integration of ecological design in urban landscapes has gained significant attention from researchers, practitioners, and administrators because of its potential to address environmental challenges and enhance the quality of life. While there are many benefits of integrating ecological design in urban landscapes such as environmental conservation and awareness, its aesthetics have remained a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect. This paper examines the visual preferences of college students for ecological design through a rain garden project at Izmir Katip Celebi University. Ecological design includes green infrastructure strategies like rain gardens that play a major role in creating sustainable urban areas. In this study, we conducted surveys among students at Izmir Katip Celebi University regarding a rain garden project that would be implemented on campus. We provided six rain garden design images, each representing various visual attributes in the survey. The survey also included questions about aesthetic appeal, ecological significance, preferred design choice, and demographic information. We collected the data from 120 respondents and analyzed responses using descriptive statistics. The study findings presented that Image 6, featuring colorful plant selections, received the highest aesthetic rating, while Image 4, with canopy trees, stood out as the most ecologically significant design.

Environmental Assessment of Green Areas in the City of Campinas, SP: A Study of Sustainability and Biodiversity

Objective: To present a diagnosis of the environmental quality of three (3) urban green areas in Campinas, SP, so that the impact caused by urban pressure arising from the growth of cities can be evaluated. Theoretical Benchmark: Research has been conducted on sustainable development goals, smart cities and urban green areas, and can understand the importance of urban green areas in the sustainable development of smart cities. Method: Application of the LAP (Landscape Assessment Protocol) methodology, where, through Landscape Assessment using 15 metrics, the LAP CI index is obtained. Results and conclusion: The areas evaluated have LAP CI indices ranging from moderate with index 61 for the Taquaral Lagoon, 81 being good for the German Forest and 95, excellent for the Santa Geneva Forest. The methodology used can be applied to different types of areas, reflecting their environmental condition through the urban pressure suffered and having an inverse relationship between the number of visitors to the parks and the index found. Implications of the research: The research demonstrated that the methodology can be applied by different evaluators bringing different views about the environmental quality of urban green areas, precisely for the subjetive character of the evaluator in scoring the metrics. This environmental classification can help decision-makers create urban green area recovery programs. Originality / value: The research showed that the evaluation of urban green areas is an important ally in the search for sustainability in cities in order to provide better quality of life to the population.

Urban forest biotope mapping: A new approach for sustainable forest management planning in Mexico City

Environmental demands for greener, more sustainable urban areas are increasing worldwide and are particularly magnified in megacities such as Mexico City, the largest city in North America. Strategic land use planning initiatives aimed at integrated and sustainable urban green infrastructure across broader city landscapes require an understanding of urban environments, their urban forest, and their spatial distribution. However, this approach has not been widely used in megacities. Here, we use the urban biotope approach to address the knowledge gap and help inform land-use planning to support greater urban forest sustainability in Mexico City. Two levels of biotope classes, broader-level (3 classes defined by canopy cover) and finer-level (7 classes describing urban forest characteristics), were modeled and mapped across the city. Statistical modeling was done using a random forest algorithm, a set of uncorrelated predictor variables, and field observations to predict biotope presence. Models of the broader-level biotopes yielded better prediction results (AUC > 0.90) than the finer-level biotopes (AUC values from 0.61 to 0.88). Classification errors ranged from 6.5 to 100 %, indicating different levels of predictive confidence. Of all mapping units of the broader-level biotopes 87 % were predicted while of the finer-level biotopes only 12.7 %. As the finer-level predictions often overlap, more field data and better predictors are required to accurately capture biotope classes. The modeled biotopes can inform urban planning across spatial scales, from the neighborhood and borough level to the city-wide scale, and across the residential-commercial land use, which requires more greening efforts. Results suggest that more field and spatial data, and a smaller grain size, can improve biotope models and maps to better represent the variation in urban forest characteristics across Mexico City. Biotope maps are a practical tool to guide spatial planning, identify priority areas for canopy protection and tree planting, and set tree diversification goals.

Smart Waste Management System for Smart & Sustainable City of Indonesia’s New State Capital: A Literature Review

Urbanization in Indonesia has led to increased waste generation, posing significant challenges to sustainability. Until now, the method for collecting and transporting waste in Indonesia is still done manually. Nusantara, the New State Capital of Indonesia, aims to address these challenges through the adoption of a Smart Waste Management System (SWMS), leveraging IoT and ICT technologies. This paper reviews the current state of technology research in this field. The proposed SWMS framework integrates various types of sensors for waste monitoring, categorizing, and real-time tracking. This system enhances operational efficiency by triggering waste pickup when bin fill levels exceed a set threshold and directing waste pickup vehicles equipped with GPS and surveillance systems to specific locations. Managed by a central management system accessible via web or mobile applications, this framework exemplifies an innovative approach to waste management in Nusantara, aligning with the city’s vision of becoming a smart and sustainable urban area. The paper concludes that integrating IoT and ICT in waste management is crucial for achieving sustainable urban environments. The successful implementation of SWMS in Nusantara could serve as a model for other cities globally.

ЕКОЛОГІЗАЦІЯ ТРАНСПОРТНОЇ СИСТЕМИ МІСТ УКРАЇНИ

One of the obstacles to the development of ecological transport in Ukraine is the insufficient number of specialized bicycle paths and associated bicycle infrastructure, the insufficient number of electric cars (both cars and trucks), the slow transition of public transport to environmentally friendly means of transportation. Therefore, the further greening of the transport system of Ukrainian cities is a very urgent issue. Therefore, the purpose of this article was to highlight the advantages and justify the urgent need to transfer the foreign experience of sustainable urban mobility and greening of transport to the existing conditions of Ukrainian society. The article discusses priority directions for the development of ecological types of transport, obstacles that stand in the way of greening the transport system of Ukrainian cities, and proposes an action plan aimed at avoiding various types of risks associated with the greening of transport. The relationship between the availability of certain types of transport, the state of the environment and the health of the population is recognized all over the world. It has been proven that it affects the economic indicators of the country’s development. Therefore, European countries calculate the economic effect of expanding the existing bicycle infrastructure based on this relationship. Cities with positive experience in this matter should share their experiences of creating sustainable, comfortable and healthy urban areas, and a single unified action mechanism for promoting such an eco-approach should be developed for decision-makers. Similar transformations are fully available to Ukrainian cities. They are relatively inexpensive. The article proves that in the post-war period it will be necessary to apply a comprehensive approach to the development of sustainable urban mobility (necessarily taking into account the specifics of each city), which should satisfy the needs of the population for high-quality, comfortable, easy and safe movement, complete the integration of the bicycle network into the general transport system of Ukrainian cities.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF TOURISM: ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF TOURISM, GLOBAL TRADE, CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE, ELECTRICITY, AND POPULATION ON ENVIRONMENT IN LEADING GLOBAL TOURIST DESTINATIONS

The study analysed the impact of tourism, trade, consumption expenditure, electricity usage, and population on carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) in leading tourist destinations. The study uses a panel dataset of 32 countries from different continents between 2001 and 2020 and applies the generalized method of moments (GMM) and Quantile Regression approaches. The results suggest that tourism (arrivals and revenues) can reduce environmental degradation, and that CO2 emissions increase due to factors such as GDP per capita, electricity consumption, and population growth. Trade openness can reduce CO2 emissions, and controlling for final consumption also indicates a decrease in CO2 emissions. The study suggests that sustainable tourism practices, responsible consumption, and larger international integration may play a role in mitigating CO2 emissions. Leading tourist destinations should develop sustainable urban areas to accommodate population growth, and embrace eco-friendly technologies, infrastructure, and consumption patterns to promote sustainable economic growth while reducing CO2 emissions.

The Behavioral Intention of Citizens to Finance Smart City Development in Indonesia through Civic Crowdfunding

In order to foster the creation of sustainable and habitable urban areas that cater to the needs of all residents, it is imperative to construct new infrastructure and concurrently ensure the upkeep and modernization of existing ones. This is where the concept of smart cities becomes instrumental, exerting a profound impact on the broader urban landscape. However, a significant challenge lies in securing the financial resources required for the development of smart cities, particularly in the midst of the current economic downturn. As a solution to this challenge, the present study proposes the implementation of an Integrated Civic Crowdfunding Model (ICCM) to finance the development of smart cities in East Java, Indonesia. Based on this proposed model, the study delves into the willingness of citizens to adopt ICCM. To achieve this, an analysis is performed utilizing Partial Least Squares on primary data collected through a survey administered to residents of East Java, specifically in Surabaya (SmartPLS). Additionally, the study assesses the model's adoption in practice by incorporating an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The study's results reveal that factors such as the perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived benefits positively influence residents' intentions to use ICCM, thereby contributing to the advancement of smart cities in Indonesia. Furthermore, there is a favorable correlation and direct impact of perceived ease of use on the perceived utility of ICCM among citizens. These findings can serve as a foundation for the development of a specialized framework for examining other aspects of the ICCM model and devising relevant intervention strategies for the enhancement of smart cities in East Java. Originality/Value: The originality of this study lies in its introduction and application of the Integrated Civic Crowdfunding Model (ICCM) to finance the development of smart cities in East Java, Indonesia.

A database for positive energy districts (PED)

The development of Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) is a complex process that involves the integration of various technologies, stakeholders, and policies. To facilitate this process, a database for PEDs has been developed as a joint effort of COST Action ‘PED-EU-NET’, IEA EBC Annex 83, and JPI Urban Europe. This paper reports on the realization of the PED-Database framework and its online implementation as a modular web interoperable platform, giving details on the development life cycle since the scoping phase up to the testing phase. The PED-Database offers a variety of implementation strategies and conceptualizations for the PED concept, making it a valuable resource for urban planners, policymakers, and researchers. The testing phase has shown that there is no one-fits-all solution for PED implementation, and the overall PED framework definitions require further detailing in the local context. However, the database allows users to visualize and compare different PED scenarios by customizing their selection, accessing to the information provided by real PED cases that best meets their expectations and goals. Overall, the PED-Database provides a valuable tool for the development of sustainable and energy-efficient urban areas.

Analyzing Key Performance Indicators for Mobility Logistics in Smart and Sustainable Cities: A Case Study Centered on Barcelona

Background: This article identifies and examines key performance indicators (KPIs) related to citizen mobility logistics in smart and sustainable urban areas. It begins with a comprehensive literature review to identify essential KPIs, offering valuable insights for both public and private stakeholders, including policymakers and mobility service providers. Drawing from various mobility projects in smart cities, the study extracts common KPIs and best practices. The focus of the paper then turns to Barcelona, Spain, where KPIs that matter most are analyzed. Methods: Using open data from the city council spanning from 2017 onwards, the study provides insights into the evolving mobility logistics landscape. KPIs from other European cities are also considered by utilizing similar open data sources. This comparative analysis provides valuable benchmarks and reveals disparities in mobility logistics. Throughout this investigation, the paper emphasizes the role of data quality in KPI selection. Results: Reliable open data significantly influence indicator choices and present challenges when comparing cities. Remarkably, the findings consistently highlight environmental data as an area requiring attention in sustainable mobility logistics. Conclusions: This paper makes contributions by identifying and examining KPIs relevant to citizen mobility logistics in smart and sustainable urban areas. It offers insights by applying these KPIs to Barcelona and conducting comparative analyses with other European cities. These findings serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, city planners, and mobility experts.

Towards local sustainability: A case study to evaluate outdoor urban spaces in Baghdad using physiological equivalent temperature index

Improving environmental quality to promote outdoor activities, which also aims at providing social benefits, is an extensively researched field of study. In this study, a sustainable urban solution is evaluated as a prototype using the physiological equivalent temperature (PET) index. The literature demonstrated the local deficit of increasing social qualities through the development of a prototype that performs as a mitigation strategy to improve the urban thermal environment. To fill this gap, the aim of this experimental study is to create a neutral outdoor thermal comfort area that is suitable for social gatherings while minimizing local heat stress. We investigated six selected sites using ENVI-met 4.4 software, and we validated them with the observed data by two types of validation metrics. The sites were located near the Tigris River in Baghdad. The conditions at the sites were analyzed between 8:00 and 24:00. The simulation findings revealed the possibility of achieving thermal comfort during most of the working hours. A reduction in thermal stress by ∼18.4 °C was observed with a drop of 36.4% of PET results. The urban solution contributed to a decrease in the temperature by four degrees from the existing situation, which promotes a sustainable outdoor urban area. In hot climates, any outdoor activity between 12:00–16:00 is generally discouraged, whereas (8:00–10:00 & 18:00–00:00) hours are suitable for social interaction. However, multistoried buildings with sufficient orientation and shading could be ideal for achieving local sustainability, whereas the river's presence and its low albedo significantly raise the mean radiant temperature (MRT) by ∼7–8 °C, which proves its importance in heat reduction. The hybrid fabric altered the traditional courtyard's climatic characteristics, exacerbating its heat stress. The largest dip in PET in the courtyard area occurred at 17:00, with a drop of 13.6 °C, which was smaller than the rest of the areas. The additional sustainable prototype had a significant impact on influencing the microclimate and played a decisive role in determining thermal comfort. The prototype's high- albedo materials and dense, selective local trees have a direct effect on reducing the local air temperature and MRT. This, together with the physical characteristics of the surrounding area, helped to minimize PET outcomes and improve the local thermal environment. The findings of this study serve urban designers by verifying the success of the modelled design prototype spatially and environmentally.

Toward Positive Energy Districts by Urban–Industrial Energy Exchange

The concept of Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) has emerged as a promising approach to achieving sustainable urban development. PEDs aim to balance the energy demand and supply within a district while reducing the carbon footprint and promoting renewable energy sources. Urban–Industrial Symbiosis (UIS) is another approach that involves the exchange of energy and resources between industrial processes and nearby urban areas to increase efficiency and reduce waste. Combining the concepts of PED and UIS can create self-sufficient, sustainable, and resilient districts. As the analysis and implementation of such systems are barely studied in North America, this research study was structured to fill the gap by evaluating the financial and environmental advantages of this combination. This study proposes a methodology to design a heat transmission system; then, it is applied to the case of a paper-making factory and a multifunctional heritage building in Montreal, Canada. The results show that the building’s new heating system can generate sufficient heat while emitting near-zero direct emissions. Overall, this paper argues that combining the concepts of PED and UIS can lead to a more sustainable and resilient urban area, and provides a roadmap for achieving this goal.

Mapping and evaluating sustainable and unsustainable urban areas for ecological management towards achieving low-carbon city: an empirical study of Asir Region, Saudi Arabia

Urbanisation can cause a variety of environmental and health issues, which has prompted experts to evaluate degraded areas and develop management strategies aimed at promoting urban sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. In low-carbon cities, sustainable urban areas have low carbon emission and prioritised carbon reduction by implementing sustainable transportation, green infrastructure, and energy-efficient buildings. On the other hand, unsustainable urban areas tend to lack these priorities and rely heavily on non-renewable energy sources and have high carbon emission. Therefore, this study aims to identify the most sustainable and unsustainable regions in the Abha-Khamis Mushayet Twin City region of Saudi Arabia in respect to urbanisation and carbon emission during the period between 1990 and 2020. To do so, we used Landsat datasets to create land use land cover (LULC) maps and then calculated carbon storage, emission, and absorption using InVest software. Additionally, the study examined micro-climatic conditions by calculating the urban heat island (UHI) effect, which allowed determining sustainable and unsustainable regions by comparing the UHI model and carbon similarity and mismatch model using coupling coordination degree model (CCDM). The study found that during the last three decades, the LULC pattern of the region underwent significant alterations, resulting in a substantial decline in carbon storage from 710,425 Mg C/hm2 in 1990 to approximately 527,012.9 Mg C/hm2 in 2020. Conversely, carbon emissions were observed to be very high in areas with high built-up density, with emission levels exceeding 20 tons per annum. Whilst the areas of excess carbon have decreased significantly, the areas of excess carbon emission have increased over time, resulting in the UHI effect due to high greenhouse gases. By comparing the UHI and carbon similarity and mismatch model, the researchers found that over 280 km2 of the study area is unsustainable and has increased since 1990. In contrast, only about 410 km2 of the study area is currently sustainable. To promote sustainability, the study recommends several strategies such as carbon capture, utilisation, and storage; green infrastructure; and the use of renewable energy to manage carbon emissions.