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SITIUS method: a new approach for sustainable urban development indexes based on the ISO 37120 standard

Author

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  • Elisa de Almeida Couto

    (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro))

  • Leandro Torres Di Gregorio

    (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro)
    Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro)
    Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro))

  • Glauco Valle

    (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro))

Abstract

Socio-economic-environmental performance indicators constitute an important tool for monitoring and decision-making in the management of cities in favor of a more sustainable urban development. This article presents the SITIUS method (Sustainability Indexes based on Thematic Indicators for Urban Systems), a tool developed for calculating the sustainability indices, and illustrates its application on a local scale to the standardized set of indicators recommended by ISO 37120 and well-accepted worldwide. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to analyze the sustainability parameters from the calculation of indices to the three axes of sustainability such as economic, social, and environmental, obtained from the application of the SITIUS Method. First, the thematic indexes were created based on the primary indicators and validated through Cluster Analysis following ISO 37120 standard. Afterward, different weights were established for the indices for the pillars of sustainability based on the correlation among the indices previously mentioned, and the validation took place by comparing these with reference indices already consolidated for the economic, social, and environmental aspects. We aim that our results can contribute to a holistic approach to urban sustainability, working as a management tool that allows balanced and standardized decision-making, measuring different aspects, and benchmarking with other elements.

Suggested Citation

  • Elisa de Almeida Couto & Leandro Torres Di Gregorio & Glauco Valle, 2025. "SITIUS method: a new approach for sustainable urban development indexes based on the ISO 37120 standard," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 27(1), pages 1619-1642, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:27:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s10668-023-03936-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-03936-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Tom Waas & Jean Huge & Thomas BLOCK & Tarah Wright & Francisco Javier Benitez Capistros & Aviel Verbruggen, 2014. "Sustainability assessment and indicators: Tools in a decision-making strategy for sustainable development," ULB Institutional Repository 2013/189410, ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles.
    4. Schmelzer, Matthias, 2015. "The growth paradigm: History, hegemony, and the contested making of economic growthmanship," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 262-271.
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