A fundamental shift in thinking is necessary to address an enormous challenge like climate change. In order to transition from an irresponsible, unsustainable method of production, transportation, and consumption to a more sustainable, renewable one, a fundamental redesign of our way of life is required. To do this, accurate data is needed, and gathering information on the effects of particular actions is essential if we are to mitigate them appropriately.

In many parts of the world, where governments and policymakers have quickly grasped the negative effects of the disastrous path of unsustainable consumerism, the sustainable development paradigm is being promptly adopted. Comprehensive planning is necessary for environmental sustainability in a number of areas, including waste management, nature-based solutions, responsible urban design, and cutting-edge decarbonization strategies in cities. The development of dependable and strong public transportation systems that reduce reliance on cars, the incorporation of renewable energy into the infrastructure of urban areas, and material innovations in recycling and waste management are all methodologies and techniques that aim to improve sustainability in cities.

This Special Issue of the 8th Volume of the Environmental Science and Sustainable Development extensively discusses topics such as:

  • Climate Change Impacts, Mitigation, and Adaptation
  • Sustainable Planning and Design of Urban and Rural Areas
  • Decarbonization of the Built Environment
  • Climate-related Governance and Challenges
  • Nature-based solutions
  • Co-benefits and synergies between adaptation and mitigation measures

Guest Editors:
Rui Alexandre Castanho
WSB University, Poland, and University of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Mohd Fairuz Shahidan
Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia.

Guest Editors are allowed to include one of their own papers in the special issue they are overseeing. However, this requires prior approval from the Editor-in-Chief. Once the paper is submitted, it will be allocated by the Journal editorial office to the Editor-in-Chief or an appropriate associate editor. They will manage the peer review process and ultimately determine the paper's final acceptance status.

The peer review process in this issue is double blinded. If an editorial boad memeber has submitted a paper, they will not be involved during the revision process in order to preserve the integrity of the revision process.

Submission deadline: 15th of August 2023
Publication date: 30th of September 2023

This special issue explores the intricate intersections between urbanization, energy dynamics, and the future of sustainable urban design and delves into the evolving landscape of centralized and decentralized energy systems. Innovative approaches like predictive control and artificial intelligence shape modern urban environments. As this issue navigates through the realm of occupant information and ventilation systems, it uncovers the pivotal role of carbon dioxide exchange, photosynthesis, and urban greenery in enhancing both environmental quality and human well-being.

The issue examines the promising horizon of urban transformation, fueled by citizen participation and novel mobility solutions such as cable buses. Energy efficiency emerges as a guiding principle, transcending building stock and institutions and embracing a holistic stakeholder perspective to shape the cities of tomorrow. The aim of this issue is to unravel the tapestry of urban evolution, from the intricacies of energy systems to the visionary realm of sustainable urbanism. Topics that are discussed in this issue include:

  1. Decentralized Energy Systems in Urban Contexts
  2. Ventilation Systems and Predictive Control
  3. Carbon Dioxide Dynamics and Urban Greenery
  4. Sustainable and Passive Urban Design and Green Infrastructure
  5. Energy Efficiency, energy storage and Building Stock
  6. Innovative approach and Advancements in Urban Mobility
  7. Photosynthesis and Leaf Gas Exchange in Urban Ecosystems

     Submission deadline: 31st of January 2024
     Publication date: 31st of March 2024