Eco-city Indicators: Governance Challenges
Author(s)
S. Joss, D. Tomozeiu & R. Cowley
Abstract
According to the most recent (2011) global census of eco-city initiatives, there
are currently 178 eco-city initiatives under development, representing a
significant mainstreaming of urban sustainability in the last decade. As the
number of eco-city initiatives grows, so the question of how to define eco-city
indicators and establish standards becomes more pressing. While there are many
sustainability standards and certification schemes available for use at building
level (e.g. LEED, BREEAM), similar sustainability assessment and endorsement
frameworks for the urban level have only recently begun to emerge. This article
surveys the current situation by: (i) proposing a conceptual model of urban
sustainability indicators from a governance perspective; (ii) presenting the
findings of a comparative analysis of the use of urban sustainability indicators in
nine eco-city initiatives; and (iii) outlining key challenges for the future
development of international urban sustainability standards. It argues that the
current situation is marked by a considerable diversity of practice and
governance functions, and an ongoing tension between place-specificity and
universal applicability as goals of urban sustainability.
Keywords: eco-city, urban sustainability, indicators, standards, certification.
1 Introduction
The recent global mainstreaming of urban sustainability – through numerous
‘eco-city’, ‘zero/low-carbon city’, ‘solar city’, ‘smart city’ and ‘sustainable city’
initiatives – has increased demands for international indicators, standards and
related certification schemes (Joss [1]). The effective specification,
quantification and monitoring of urban sustainability policies and goals entails
the definition of indicators and the establishment of standards. But through what
mechanisms should indicators and standards be agreed? Who should be involved
in establishing, certifying and monitoring them? And what types of international
Keywords
eco-city, urban sustainability, indicators, standards, certification.
Related Book
Other papers in this volume
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