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Adapting the 15-Minute City to North America: A Framework for Neighborhood Clusters with Urban Agriculture and Green Mobility

Author

Listed:
  • Md Faisal Kabir

    (Department of Building, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada)

  • Mahnoor Fatima Sohail

    (Department of Building, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada)

  • Caroline Hachem-Vermette

    (Department of Building, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada)

Abstract

To reduce GHG emissions from food miles and enhance urban food security, this study develops and evaluates an integrated framework combining three strategies: the 15-minute city concept, urban agriculture, and a renewable-energy-powered green transportation (GT) system. The goal is to create a scalable, holistic approach to sustainable food production and distribution within neighborhoods. A Food Production and Transportation Framework is proposed, modeling vegetable cultivation across rooftops, facades, and lot spaces, with optimized allocations based on a tailored Food Production Schedule. The harvested produce is distributed via GT powered by sidewalk-integrated photovoltaics (PVs). Results demonstrate that using 15% of roof, facade, and lot spaces yields an achieved annual food self-sufficiency of 100%. The transportation system operates with a single GT unit powered by 98 m 2 of sidewalk PVs, reducing CO 2 emissions by 98% from the base case. Economic analysis indicates a payback period of 2.8 years, with the cost of PV-generated electricity estimated at C$0.92/kWh. This framework highlights that 0.19 units of local food production offset one unit of CO 2 emissions. This integrated approach advances multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Suggested Citation

  • Md Faisal Kabir & Mahnoor Fatima Sohail & Caroline Hachem-Vermette, 2025. "Adapting the 15-Minute City to North America: A Framework for Neighborhood Clusters with Urban Agriculture and Green Mobility," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-22, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:18:p:8196-:d:1747409
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Allahdadi, Hamidreza & Allahdadi, Mohammad & Amlashi, Amir Tavana & Walubita, Lubinda F. & Dessouky, Samer, 2025. "Eco-friendly pathways: Exploring the potential of remote-controlled photovoltaic pavement in pedestrian sidewalks," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 239(C).
    2. Wang, Hui & Tsoi, Ka Ho & Loo, Becky P.Y., 2025. "An assessment framework for 15-minute Cities: Progress worldwide and the impact of urban form," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).
    3. Carlos Moreno & Zaheer Allam & Didier Chabaud & Catherine Gall & Florent Pratlong, 2021. "Introducing the “15-Minute City”: Sustainability, Resilience and Place Identity in Future Post-Pandemic Cities," Post-Print hal-03549665, HAL.
    4. Maurizio Cellura & Alberto Fichera & Francesco Guarino & Rosaria Volpe, 2025. "Leveraging Positive Energy Districts Surplus for the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-20, January.
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