Energy indicator in sustainable urban energy metabolism and challenges

Abstract

Urban areas, especially cities having a significant amount of materials and energy consumption, contribute to environmental degradation. Urbanisation and the development of cities is key to building sustainable societies. Urban metabolism studies can provide a remarkable accumulation of data and observations regarding the material and energy flows of cities. Energy metabolism studies can act as a means to understand better and, subsequently, make smarter decisions for sustainable development in cities. A multidimensional approach for urban energy systems can help to analyse how urban areas function regarding energy use and the underlying physical infrastructures. The present study aims to propose an energy indicators-based approach to performing energy analysis using a metabolic network perspective, within the urban energy system. The strategies presented here would be of interest to municipalities, urban planners, urban managers, policy makers and researchers to help them work more effectively to solve the complex challenges of developing healthy and sustainable cities.