Sustainability Assessment Tools Research Articles

An AHP and BEES model-based sustainability assessment of small-scale marble processing industries: Indian prospects

Ornamental marble stone holds significant value as a natural resource and serves as a primary mineral within the mining and processing industries of Rajasthan (India). This industry is characterised by its longstanding production practices and increasing economic impact, placing it among many other conventional sectors. Small to medium-sized industries operate the majority of marble processing industries, and because of their high production levels and lack of monitoring of resource flow and energy consumption, these industries threaten the natural ecosystem and adversely affect human health. This study presents an energy consumption analysis of each transferring and cutting technique employed in the Indian state of Rajasthan’s marble ornamental stone processing industries. The energy consumption dataset utilised for the energy analysis was obtained through a survey conducted in four processing industries, and cross-validation of the information was performed from existing literature on stone industries. Life-cycle assessment was performed with gate-to-gate boundary conditions in which four environmental impacts, such as global warming potential, abiotic depletion potential, acidification potential and human toxicity potential, were calculated using the sustainability and life-cycle assessment tool GaBi®. Furthermore, the analytical hierarchy process was employed to evaluate and rank the various marble processing industries with sustainability indicators. The consolidated index was developed via manufacturing, economic and environmental score indicators, and the outcomes were compared with the analytical hierarchy process results for validation. The study also suggested feasible strategies to improve the processing plants’ overall effectiveness while reducing their environmental impact.

Zero Waste Certification as a Sustainability Assessment Tool for SMEs- Focusing on Comparison of Certification Systems in Each Country

There are various efforts to reduce carbon and circulate resources around the world. Among them, the zero waste movement and related eco-friendly products are growing in terms of minimizing waste. In this context, various countries are operating the zero waste certification as a way to prove the sustainability of these products and services. This study compares zero waste certification in Korea, Japan, and the U.S., and as a result, improves the certification system and applies it to a practical case. This study aims to develop and advance the Korean zero waste certification as a zero waste evaluation tool by suggesting ways to improve the Korean zero waste certification

Critical factors for implementing sustainable construction practices in project delivery and management

Introduction/Background: The construction Industry is central to world economic growth and the ongoing process of urbanization. However, it is also an environmental problematic area as it causes pollution, resource depletion and emission of the greenhouse gases. Modern construction is experiencing significant concerns with sustainability hence the need to shift from the conventional construction practices and embrace sustainable construction. This paper looks at key issues based on construction project delivery and management for sustainability. It also focuses on how the industry can maintain the triple bottom line of sustainability in the different phases of project life cycle. Materials and Methods: This research uses literature review as the method for integrating and analyzing the existing knowledge in the construction sustainable practices. Both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were used in the present study and the most relevant sources of information consisted of peer-reviewed journal articles, industry reports and literature as well as sustainability assessment tools were also used to analyse the findings and identify the major themes and effective measures in the field. The study focuses on three main areas: A)Functions of construction business in sustainable development, B)Measures towards improving sustainability in social, economical and environmental aspects in construction projects and C)Sustainable construction project management. Further, the research assesses sustainable assessment tools with more emphasis put on sustainable neighborhood development through LEED-ND. Results: The result finds several key factors for supporting a sustainable construction approach. They are; procurement and management of materials, use of green building practices, use of LCA in decision making and engagement of stakeholders. A viewpoint for the research is an integrated approach to the use of sustainable practices within the processes of implementing particular projects, taking into consideration the environmental, social and economic factors at the various stages of the project. Simultaneously, the LEED-ND has presented itself as an all-encompassing instrument for measuring and directing the sustainable development of neighbourhoods, focusing on both the level of buildings and of whole communities. Discussion: These are some of the key findings which indicate the interaction between different sustainability issues in construction projects. However, unlike other approaches that focus on the use of technology or even green building, the study brings out the issue of integrated design process, stakeholder engagement, and long term thinking as critical in sustainable development. They also confirm the effectiveness of targeted and case-based approaches because the issues of sustainability and their priorities differ from country to country and from one type of construction project to another. Conclusion: The need to understand critical implementation factors for sustainable construction is what has informed this research work and so, this study will add to the existing body of knowledge the world over. It stresses the imperative for constructing higher order change in the construction industry towards the type of sustainability solutions that are based on the idea of utilising a life cycle approach to problem solving. Therefore, understanding the nature and the degree of the elements impacts will help the practitioners, policymakers and the researchers to design measures towards making construction projects sustainable. Future studies should build on stronger linkages of impacts, longer time horizons of assessment, and the identification of new sources of financing sustainable practices

Opportunities Following the Path to Sustainability at Universidad San Francisco de Quito

Since 2013, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) has utilized various global and national sustainability assessment tools, including STARS by AASHE, UI Green Metrics, Q.S. Sustainability, and THE Impact Ranking. These tools have been pivotal in diagnosing institutional strengths and weaknesses, identifying opportunities for improvement, and integrating strategic actions into our policies and institutional plans. This paper explores the comparative effectiveness of these diverse sustainability evaluation tools and analyzes their impact on decision-making processes at USFQ. It explores how these assessments have informed our sustainability policies and strategies over the years, leading to significant improvements within our institution. Additionally, the paper presents successful case studies from USFQ where these tools have directly influenced the implementation of various projects. The insights provided will demonstrate how rigorous assessments can pave the way for meaningful institutional enhancements, offering a valuable resource for academic institutions worldwide to foster a culture of sustainability and make informed decisions that drive institutional change towards greater sustainability.

Transformative territorial assessment of food systems: A post-normal science perspective

The importance of food systems’ transformations worldwide in order to achieve sustainability is recognised at all levels and scales, and the assessment of the said sustainability appears as a central element to understand the very aspects that need transforming. In parallel, the territorial scale is increasingly seen as the right one to produce such transformations, both in the scientific literature and in policy debates. There has been a proliferation of sustainability assessment methods and tools over the past couple of decades. Yet, researchers agree that these have been mostly unable to support the aforementioned transformations. A post-normal outlook may help in doing so, and it is of interest to identify the aspects that can help rendering assessment coherent with post-normal science. We identify three central categories that can help in doing so, and should thus be considered as central elements in sustainability assessment of Food Systems. These are interdependencies between system components, the system’s trajectories and actors’ participation. We draw elements from the scientific literature to justify the importance of these elements, and carry out a focused literature review of Food System sustainability assessment at the territorial scale to see the extent to which the methodologies proposed incorporate them.

Lowering the burden: Shorter versions of the Program Sustainability Assessment Tool (PSAT) and Clinical Sustainability Assessment Tool (CSAT)

BackgroundAlthough significant advances have been made in the conceptualization of sustainability, having pragmatic, psychometrically valid tools remains a need within the field. Our previous work has developed frameworks and tools to assess both program sustainability and clinical sustainability capacity. This work presents new, psychometrically tested short versions of the Program Sustainability Assessment Tool (PSAT) and the Clinical Sustainability Assessment Tool (CSAT).MethodsThese methods were conducted in identical, parallel processes for the CSAT and PSAT. Previously collected data for these instruments was obtained across a variety of settings, contexts, and participants. We first conducted testing to determine cronbach’s alpha of shortened domains (3 items each) and then conducted Confirmatory Factor Analysis to ensure that the domains were still appropriate for the tool. After, the team met to review the results and determine the final versions of the short PSAT and short CSAT.ResultsThe short PSAT retained cronbach’s alpha’s of 0.82 – 0.91 for each domain of the tool, with which maintains excellent reliability for the tool. Confirmatory factor analysis highlights that the short PSAT retains conceptual distinction across the 8 domains, with CFI scores greater than 0.90, RMSEA scores below 0.6, and SRMR scores less than 0.08. The short CSAT had cronbach’s alpha of 0.84 – 0.92 for each of the domains of the tool, also suggesting excellent reliability of the domains within the measure after dropping two items/domain. Confirmatory factor analysis of the short CSAT meets the same specifications as above, again highlighting conceptual distinction across the domains.ConclusionEach tool was able to be shortened to three items per domain while maintaining strong psychometric properties. This results in a tool that takes less time to complete, meeting one of the key calls for pragmatic measures within implementation science. This advances our abilities to measure and test sustainability within implementation science.

Exploring Marine-Based Food Production: The Challenges for a Sustainable and Fast Biotechnology-Based Development

Marine-derived nutrients and bioactive compounds may offer a myriad of biological benefits, such as anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties, and technological potential, enhancing food quality as additives. Their role in the sustainable development of food technology is fundamental, especially in advancing the knowledge of functional foods and related technologies. Algae are considered one of the major sources of marine-derived ingredients and the subject of several recent studies. Despite their potential, the translation of marine ingredients’ potential into a marine-based competitiveness of the food industry faces hurdles in the extraction process and operational systems scale-up that the industry needs to tackle. The complexity of marine matrices with diverse compounds and solubilities adds complexity to extraction processes and may lead to low yields or bioactivity loss. Contaminants, like heavy metals and pesticide residues in marine organisms, require rigorous purification processes for product safety. The use of biorefinery systems in marine-based ingredients’ production, particularly cascade processes, offers zero-waste solutions, contributing to the blue economy and aligning with UN sustainability goals. Sustainability assessment tools are critical for evaluating marine-based food production’s environmental, social, and economic impacts. A continued exploration and collaboration are essential for the future, fostering innovation and sustainability to create a resilient, equitable, and eco-friendly food system.

Transdisciplinary and systemic construction of a framework for assessing the sustainability of alternative food networks in Mexico City

ABSTRACT This paper describes and analyzes the process and results of the construction of a framework to assess the sustainability of alternative food networks in Mexico City, using a transdisciplinary and systemic approach. We generated a practical tool with twenty-two evaluation criteria linked to five themes: “care for nature and waste reduction;” “equity and economic viability;” “quality, diversity and local products;” “social equity, transparency and democracy,” and “learning and collaboration.” Our method allowed us to develop common languages and context-appropriate tools for sustainability assessment; identify trade-offs and leverage points; and promote collective learning in alternative food networks.

Evaluation of the dairy sustainability assessment tool (DSAT) for dairy systems in East Africa

ABSTRACT Sustainability assessment of dairy systems is necessary to understand bottlenecks and to identify measures to enhance sustainability of the systems. The Dairy Sustainability Assessment Tool (DSAT) was developed with a focus on the facilitation of discussion on sustainability among dairy sector actors in East Africa. DSAT has been applied in several case studies, but the tool has not been systematically evaluated. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of DSAT and to compare its main features with similar dairy assessment tools for Africa. This evaluation consisted of a literature search to identify relevant assessment tools and an online survey about the tool among its users. DSAT was different from other tools compared with as it does not require input data from farm surveys as the assessments rely on expert opinion, and it can conduct assessments at farm, regional and national scales. Results also showed that DSAT was appropriate for holistic assessments of the sustainability of dairy systems in Africa by providing a good overview of threats to sustainability. Weaknesses were mainly the scoring of indicators, which tends to be subjective and the absence of numerical reference values for indicators. Therefore, improving DSAT requires addressing the identified weaknesses.

Assessing the sustainability of Blue Economy activities using an ecosystem and life cycle-based approach: Possibilities, challenges and implications for an informed policy making

The global ocean faces increasing exploitation to meet the demand of a rapidly growing globalisation. Human marine activities are leading to local environmental pressures/benefits, for example on marine ecosystems and their services, but also through their value chains on terrestrial ecosystem services, and to global pressures such as global warming. Effective management of marine activities is essential for the conservation of the natural environment. There is a growing need for holistic sustainability assessment tools capable of quantifying environmental impacts at various geographical scales, alongside evidence-informed policies. This study examines the evolving marine policy landscape, identifies key legislation that supports the sustainable growth of the Blue Economy, traces its historical development, and explores the integration of ecosystem services assessment and life cycle assessment as methodologies for assessing environmental sustainability within this legislation. The review shows that current legislation falls short in providing instructions on how to measure sustainability impacts in a consistent way, i.e., which methods/indicators to use. Therefore, this study supports evidence-informed policy-making by proposing a quantitative and comprehensive environmental sustainability impact assessment methodology, integrating both ecosystem and life-cycle based methods, to a Belgian multi-use case study involving offshore wind energy and mussel farming. Considering the impacts that were possible to assess and the limits of the methodology used, the value of the positive impacts of the MUOF was +61.3 M€ y−, while the negative ones were −4.0 M€ y−1, resulting in a net handprint of +57.0 M€ y−1, primarily attributed to the benefits of the local ecosystem service ‘offshore renewable energy’ However, such a solution is not necessarily scalable, due to cumulative impacts. An analysis was conducted to identify areas for enhancing the methodology to more effectively meet policy needs. The study highlights the importance of using scientifically grounded methods to inform policy decisions.

Enhancing wine industry sustainability: An empirical test of the sustainable wine assessment tool

The validation of sustainability indicators is a critical process that must be conducted at various stages of development and implementation. In this article, we evaluate the Sustainable Wine Assessment Tool, a framework designed to objectively measure sustainability performance across decision-making levels in the wine value chain. The evaluation process involves two steps. First, the framework is applied to the Portuguese wine sector to assess the indicators' accuracy and scientific quality. Second, the tool's performance is measured against recommended attributes for effective sustainability assessments. Findings suggest that this assessment framework can serve as an effective tool for sustainability monitoring and management efforts. The selected indicators demonstrated reliability, and the theoretical framework exhibits substantial strengths, making it a valuable addition to any indicator-based system. Additionally, the framework's easily interpretable results highlight its potential as an effective communication instrument, in line with the commitment to creating a scientifically robust yet user-friendly tool. This study presents a practical approach to evaluating sustainability indicators using empirical data from scientific research. This method has proven highly effective, particularly in contexts with limited data and where direct comparisons are challenging. It ensures both contextually relevant assessments and robust evaluations of the indicators' accuracy.

Sustainability assessment for indoor air quality using unit-based sustainability assessment tool in 11 Thai public universities

PurposeThis study aims to assess the status of sustainable performance, given the significance of indoor air quality related to health and the environment. This research focus on the current status of indoor air quality management in these universities and simplifies its relevance and criticality in safeguarding the well-being of the academic community and the environment.Design/methodology/approachThis study used the Unit-based Sustainability Assessment Tool (USAT) as a comprehensive instrument to assess sustainability performance across various modules: Operations Management, Research, Education and Social/Community. In-depth interviews were conducted across the 11 public universities in Thailand to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current practices, challenges and initiatives related to indoor air quality and sustainability management. The approach provides a foundation for future research to identify causal factors and potential solutions for the observed indoor air quality management gaps.FindingsThe research outcomes underscore the outstanding efforts in academic research, with many institutions showcasing advanced measures and a solid dedication to mitigating air pollution. However, there is a noticeable disparity in the practical management of indoor air quality, with many universities presenting unsatisfactory conditions for professors, academic staff and students.Practical implicationsRecognizing that proficient indoor air quality (IAQ) management strengthens the practical and scholarly intersection, this document highlights a crucial alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and health implications. It advocates for carefully implementing pragmatic IAQ strategies within academic institutions, guiding the pathway towards sustainable, health-conscious environments.Social implicationsThis research addressed indoor air quality (IAQ) within universities. The document intertwines health implications and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), revealing a significant gap between academic research and practical IAQ management. While universities are committed to sustainability and community engagement, inconsistencies in IAQ management practices impact staff and student well-being and productivity. This exploration underscores the universal applicability of IAQ management strategies, driving educational institutions towards cultivating healthier, sustainable indoor environments globally.Originality/valueThis research introduces a new approach integrating air quality assessment and sustainability management in Thai universities. It aims to bridge the gap between environmental health and education. The Unit-based Sustainability Assessment Tool is developed as a part of this research, which provides new insights into improving indoor environments. This tool is fundamental for health and learning. The significance of this research lies in guiding policy and campus management towards sustainable, health-promoting practices, thereby adding value to the discourse on educational sustainability. This work can pave the way for enhanced well-being in academic settings, marking a significant step forward in sustainable educational practices.

A Patient-Driven Mobile Health Innovation in Cystic Fibrosis Care: Comparative Cross-Case Study.

Patient-driven innovation in health care is an emerging phenomenon with benefits for patients with chronic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis (CF). However, previous research has not examined what may facilitate or hinder the implementation of such innovations from the provider perspective. The aim of this study was to explain variations in the adoption of a patient-driven innovation among CF clinics. A comparative multiple-case study was conducted on the adoption of a patient-controlled app to support self-management and collaboration with health care professionals (HCPs). Data collection and analysis were guided by the nonadoption, abandonment, spread, scale-up, and sustainability and complexity assessment tool (NASSS-CAT) framework. Data included user activity levels of patients and qualitative interviews with staff at 9 clinics (n=8, 88.9%, in Sweden; n=1, 11.1%, in the United States). We calculated the maximum and mean percentage of active users at each clinic and performed statistical process control (SPC) analysis to explore how the user activity level changed over time. Qualitative data were subjected to content analysis and complexity analysis and used to generate process maps. All data were then triangulated in a cross-case analysis. We found no evidence of nonadoption or clear abandonment of the app. Distinct patterns of innovation adoption were discernable based on the maximum end-user activity for each clinic, which we labeled as low (16%-23%), middle (25%-47%), or high (58%-95%) adoption. SPC charts illustrated that the introduction of new app features and research-related activity had a positive influence on user activity levels. Variation in adoption was associated with providers' perceptions of care process complexity. A higher perceived complexity of the value proposition, adopter system, and organization was associated with lower adoption. In clinics that adopted the innovation early or those that relied on champions, user activity tended to plateau or decline, suggesting a negative impact on sustainability. For patient-driven innovations to be adopted and sustained in health care, understanding patient-provider interdependency and providers' perspectives on what generates value is essential.

Use of Delphi methodology to select sustainability indicators on dairy farms: an exploration of environmental, economic, social and animal welfare dimensions

Sustainable livestock production is essential to ensure the availability of food and resources, and to address the social, economic, and environmental challenges that threaten conventional livestock production. While there is consensus among economic, social, and scientific groups on the need to assess sustainability to make decisions that protect resources for present and future generations, there are few sustainability assessment tools that address it holistically. The aim of this study was to develop an assessment tool applicable to farms by identifying the indicators currently applied in dairy farms, based on a systematic literature review and expert opinion. This study used the Delphi methodology to explore sustainability indicators at the farm level. A panel of seven expert researchers and academics in livestock sustainability and animal welfare participated in the study. A high level of consensus was found for 15 economic indicators, 14 social indicators, 20 environmental indicators, and 16 animal welfare indicators. Some indicators, such as financial autonomy, transmissibility, cow and labor productivity, husbandry system, labor intensity, community bonding, labor satisfaction, biodiversity, crop rotation, fertilization, manure management, and water management, showed a high level of consensus and were considered useful in assessing sustainability on dairy farms. In addition, livestock sustainability experts reached a high consensus on 16 animal welfare indicators that could be useful in assessing farm sustainability. These results provide a solid basis for sustainability indicators in the economic, social, environmental, and animal welfare dimensions, which could serve as a basis for developing a sustainability assessment tool for dairy farms.

Integrating sustainability assessment tools with life cycle analysis for agroecological systems: A UK case study

CONTEXTLife cycle analysis (LCA) is increasingly used to assess the environmental impacts of primary food production. As an alternative, impacts can be assessed at the farm level using holistic sustainability assessment tools. OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to evaluate whether an integrated approach combining a “detailed and narrow” LCA with a “broad and shallow” sustainability assessment could help integrate socioeconomic and ecosystem service evaluations in LCA by including a wide range of impact criteria. METHODSTo address this overarching objective, we present results from whole-farm sustainability assessments using the Public Goods Tool (PGT), a tool developed in the United Kingdom (UK) by the Organic Research Centre, and cradle-to-farm-gate LCAs of beef, carrots and tomatoes for (i) a diverse agroecological case study farm (CSF) and (ii) a specialised agroecological production system. The use of the PGT enabled comparison with similar UK farm systems and was extended to develop biodiversity and social indices to complement the LCA. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSResults of the CSF demonstrated a relationship between environmental impacts and increased production efficiency, as the climate change impact per kg of product was strongly associated with higher yields, but this was less clear when impacts expressed per ha. The CSF produced less beef than the specialised system but more tomatoes and carrots, which reflects its higher labour input and less intensive production methods. The CSF generally used fewer external inputs, which decreased its overall impacts. Purchased feed contributed disproportionately to the water consumption of beef from the specialised system. PGT results highlighted the environmental benefits that can be delivered by ‘diverse’ agricultural systems and added detail to LCA results; for example the high labour input at the CSF helped generate social capital whilst partially explaining the reduced emissions from tractor operations modelled in the carrot LCA. SIGNIFICANCEWe conclude that LCA may not be the most suitable tool to consider these wider aspects of sustainability and can only provide an estimate of environmental impacts. LCA helps understand which parts of the food system have the greatest impacts, and how they could become more sustainable, but it cannot determine sustainable agriculture alone. The addition of rapid farm-level multi-criteria sustainability assessment tools can complement the LCA results, help reveal ‘blind spots’, and encourage adoption by farmers.

Urban sustainability assessment: An analysis of how weighting and aggregating coefficient system was used in the development of SUCCEED assessment tool for developing countries

The development of a weighting and aggregating coefficient system used in urban sustainability assessment tools is a process that needs well-defined procedures using a series of steps, methodology, and a systematic approach in its development. The development of assessment tools has been successful in developed countries but developing countries would need to have a structured process that will assist in the development of an assessment tool that is tailored to its environs. This paper aims to understand the various weighting and aggregating coefficient systems employed in the development of sustainability assessment tools. Alongside using these findings to understand how these weighting and aggregating coefficients can be adopted in the development of sustainability assessment tools for developing countries based on their differences, advantages, and disadvantages. Qualitative Content Analysis based on a systematic review of existing literature was used in this study to understand various weighting and aggregating coefficients. It is imperative to note that this research will focus on how assessment tools are developed with a clear focus on sustainability assessment weighting and aggregating. The study also further analyses how a case study SUCCEED (Sustainable Composite Cities Environmental Evaluation and Design Tool) has benefited from the adoption of equal weighting and additive aggregation methods based on validation carried out. The findings of this research show that the selection of weighting and aggregating systems is defined by the relevance, importance, and purpose of the assessment tool. It also develops a guide/recommendations on the process utilised in the development of assessment tools for developing countries.

Sustainability Assessment Tools for Dairy Supply Chains: A Typology

The dairy sector faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. Various tools have been developed to evaluate sustainability of the dairy supply chain. This paper provides an overview of these tools, highlighting their strengths and limitations regarding sustainability dimensions, indicators, and system boundaries. A systematic literature search identified 27 tools that were then categorized into a typology based on dimensions of sustainability, geographical applicability, and accessibility. In-depth analysis was conducted on six tools: Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture (SAFA), Sustainability Monitoring and Assessment RouTine (SMART), Response-Inducing Sustainability Evaluation (RISE) 3.0 version, Swiss Agricultural Life Cycle Assessment (SALCAsustain), MOnitoring Tool for Integrated Farm Sustainability (MOTIFS), and Technology Impact and Policy Impact CALculations (TIPICAL). Assessment focused on the relevance of covered sustainability dimensions to the dairy sector, level of supply chain coverage, type of indicators, accessibility, and practicability. The review identified tools which integrate multiple sustainability aspects in a comprehensive way (SAFA and SMART) and tools offering accurate quantification of the impact on sustainability dimensions of the production system (SALCAsustain, RISE, MOTIFS, TIPICAL). Only two tools extend assessment past the farm gate (SAFA, SMART). Future users should select tools based on the specific objectives of measuring sustainability in dairy systems. This review contributes to the literature by addressing various aspects of sustainability assessment tools, by addressing the need for an integrated and comprehensive view, and by considering the entire dairy supply chain.

LCT-Based Framework for the Assessment of Sustainability: From the Perspective of Literature Review

In the context of sustainable development, urban transformation should encourage the use of life cycle thinking tools for infrastructure development. By adopting sustainable economic, social, and environmental criteria, this study presents a review of sustainability assessment tools to build a framework for urban infrastructure. It incorporates a variety of methods that economists and industrial ecologists use for evaluating their projects, in addition to the LCT approach. To recognize the strategic sustainability indicators and criteria, the framework uses LCC, LCA, and SLCA in conjunction with stakeholder evaluation and multi-criteria decision analysis, which recognizes the foremost three pillars of sustainability, i.e., economy, environment, and society. Additionally, system dynamics and agent-based modelling are used to optimise the framework. The prominence of the framework is to understand the route an urban infrastructure development should follow to achieve key sustainability interests involving the interconnected environmental and socio-economic aspects. This sustainability assessment framework can be utilised by consultants or supporting agencies to help organisations carry out and monitor such projects.

Can we use indicator-based farm sustainability assessment tools for the WEFE Nexus?

Can we use indicator-based farm sustainability assessment tools for the WEFE Nexus?

Sustainable Urban Design Model for Residential Neighborhoods Utilizing Sustainability Assessment-Based Approach

The sustainable urban design of residential neighborhoods plays an important role in the efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals and alleviate the effects of climate change. This paper aims to develop a model for the sustainable urban design of residential neighborhoods, taking into account the local condition in Palestinian territories. This model is built on various international neighborhood sustainability assessment (NSA) tools, based on the review of existing assessment tools, to study the sustainability status of Palestinian neighborhoods, and to develop a sustainable indicator model for local sustainable neighborhood assessment. Computer tools like Urbano and GIS tools as well as qualitative assessment methods are used. Results from the case study showed that the satisfaction of the preferred location indicator was not sufficient to maintain its sustainability. The assessment of measured indicators found that weaknesses were almost double the count of the satisfactory indicator. Moreover, some indicators from the (NSA) tools were partially or completely met, and some gaps appeared because of the lack of strengths in the selected indicators of the international tools when used for local social, ecological and governmental aspects, and there are issues in the inclusion of economic and environmental elements in current urban configurations. The proposed local model offers valuable insights for local governments, municipalities, and construction developers.