Sustainable Engineering of Future Urban Systems: An Inclusive Approach Toward Livable, Climate-Neutral, and Productive Smart Cities

Abstract

Cities are very significant for the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations as they are responsible for more than 70% of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Within this context, the European Union has a mission for climate-neutral and smart cities, including decarbonization of the built environment. This book chapter addresses this mission and aims at livable, climate-neutral, and productive smart cities, aligned with the people, planet, and prosperity aspects of sustainability. It proposes an inclusive approach by engaging quadruple-helix collaboration between the academia, industry, governments, and citizens.

This book chapter has three objectives: first, to articulate a practical concept of smart cities in the construction knowledge domain; second, to clarify the challenges for sustainable engineering of smart cities regarding energy transition, climate resilience, and circular construction; and third, to define a systemic approach enabled by digitalization to tackle these challenges. In the beginning, this book chapter reviews the key innovation agendas on sustainable built environments. It goes further with an empirical case and practical analysis for identifying the innovation challenges, knowledge demands, and research opportunities. Finally, it presents a direction for applied research through living labs and synergy with higher professional education for construction students.