As editor of this special issue, I am honored to present a curated collection of research articles that explore the dynamic nexus between environmental sustainability and the burgeoning field of smart city development. In recent years, the rapid pace of urbanization, coupled with exponential technological advancements, has underscored the urgent need for transformative approaches to address environmental challenges and foster sustainable urban ecosystems (Belaïd and Arora, 2024).

Cities are at the forefront of global environmental impact, accounting for a significant share of energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and resource depletion (Mongo et al., 2021a, 2021b; Belaïd et al. 2023). As urban populations continue to swell, the imperative to mitigate these environmental footprints while enhancing quality of life and resilience has never been more pressing. Concurrently, the emergence of smart technologies offers unprecedented opportunities to harness data-driven insights, optimize resource utilization, and catalyze sustainable urban transformations (Somanath et al. 2021; Belaïd 2022a,b, 2024).

The articles within this special issue represent a diverse array of research endeavors, each contributing a unique perspective to the multifaceted discourse on environmental sustainability and smart cities solutions. From empirical investigations elucidating the intricate relationships between energy consumption and carbon emissions (Kisswani 2022; Mukhtarov 2023) to theoretical frameworks elucidating the complexities of strategic environmental policy-making (Chang and Sellak 2022), the contributions herein offer a rich tapestry of insights and empirical evidence (Dahmani 2023; Youjin, 2024).

Spanning across geographical and disciplinary boundaries, these articles underscore the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability and smart urban development. By examining the intricate interplay between technological innovation, policy interventions, socio-economic dynamics, and environmental outcomes, this collection seeks to advance our understanding of the complex challenges and opportunities inherent in fostering sustainable urban environments (Wolf et al. 2022; Ben Youssef 2022; Moinse et al. 2022; Economidou et al. 2023).

Indeed, the quest for environmental sustainability is not merely a scientific or technological endeavor; it is a collective imperative that demands interdisciplinary collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and inclusive governance frameworks. As such, the articles presented in this special issue serve not only as repositories of knowledge but also as catalysts for dialogue, inspiration, and action (Lagsaiar et al. 2021).

I extend my sincere gratitude to the authors whose research contributions enrich this volume with their depth of insight and rigor of analysis. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to the diligent reviewers whose constructive feedback has helped refine and enhance the quality of the articles presented herein.

Furthermore, I would be remiss not to acknowledge the invaluable support of the editorial team and publishing staff, whose unwavering dedication has been instrumental in bringing this special issue to fruition.

As editor, it is my fervent hope that this collection serves as a beacon of inspiration for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners alike, spurring collaborative efforts toward building smarter, more sustainable cities that are not only resilient to environmental challenges but also equitable, inclusive, and conducive to the well-being of present and future generations.

I invite readers to explore the articles in this special issue and join us in the collective effort to shape a more sustainable and prosperous urban future.