Evaluation of urban metabolism assessment methods through SWOT analysis and analytical hierocracy process

• Published in: The Science of the total environment Vol. 807; no. Pt 1; p. 150700
• Main Authors: Voukkali, Irene, Zorpas, Antonis A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 10.02.2022
• Subjects: Analytical Hierocracy Process; Circular economy; Cities; Conservation of Natural Resources; Ecological footprint; Emergy Analysis; Greenhouse Gases; Material Flow Analysis; PRISMA statement; Sustainable development goals; SWOT analysis; Urban metabolism; Urbanization; Cities; Circular economy; PRISMA statement; Emergy Analysis; SWOT analysis; Analytical Hierocracy Process; Urban metabolism; Sustainable development goals; Ecological footprint; Material Flow Analysis
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150700

The interconnection of urbanization trends and environmental pressures, are due to the rising demand for resource consumption, waste production and greenhouses gas emissions. Taking into consideration the massive reduction of natural resources, the deprivation of the life quality and the climate change, the scientific community indicates the necessity to emphasis and understand the relationship between cities and the environment as a dynamic concept. Consequently, cities are facing the challenge to implement alternative strategies towards more sustainable management of urban resources. This research aims to shed light on the concept of urban metabolism, the methods that are been used to gauge urban metabolism (i.e Emergy Analysis, Material Flow Analysis, Ecological Footprint etc.), as well as the assessment of the proposed methodologies through SWOT analysis and Analytical Hierocracy Process, considering multi-criteria analysis and how those reflect to Circular Economy and European Green Deal Strategy. The results showed that, the existing methodologies needs refreshment to cover the needs for the cities of tomorrow and a new hybrid approach which will include new set of Key Performed Indicators is essential. Furthermore, the results could serve as a beneficial reference point for policy makers, consultants, rural developers as the new hybrid approach can be used to measure and assess the level of metabolism in one area in order to prevent future expansion. [Display omitted] •Evaluation of the existing methodology to assess urban metabolism through criteria•The Impact of circular economy in the metabolism of an area•Sustainable Development Goals related with Urban metabolism•Material Flow Analysis, Ecological Footprint, Emergy are the well-known tools to assess Urban Metabolism•Assessment of Urban Metabolism through SWOT analysis PRISMA statement to accomplished urban metabolism review