Sustainable Urban Transitions: Integrating Renewable Energy, Circular Economy, and Policy Innovation

The rapid pace of urbanization coupled with climate change challenges necessitates an urgent transition towards sustainable urban systems. Cities, as epicenters of economic activity and innovation, face growing demands for resource efficiency, equitable growth, and environmental preservation. Achieving urban sustainability is central to global agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). This calls for the integration of renewable energy systems, circular economy practices, and innovative policies to create resilient and inclusive urban spaces. Additionally, leveraging advancements in digital innovation, green finance, and governance mechanisms provides a pathway to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions while fostering economic prosperity. This special issue addresses the pressing need to explore economic trade-offs, infrastructural dynamics, and policy innovations to create sustainable, climate-resilient, and economically vibrant urban systems.

The goal of this special issue is to address the critical challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable urban transitions in the context of global environmental, economic, and social imperatives. Urban areas, as hubs of economic activity and significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, require a reimagined approach to development that aligns with climate resilience and resource efficiency. This issue seeks to explore the integration of renewable energy systems, circular economy models, and innovative policy frameworks to enhance urban sustainability.

Key objectives include identifying economic trade-offs in urban energy transitions, understanding the role of digital innovation and green finance in urban planning, and examining governance mechanisms that drive sustainable development. By fostering interdisciplinary contributions, this special issue aims to provide actionable insights for reducing urban emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting inclusive economic growth. Ultimately, the research aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of how urban systems can evolve to meet the demands of the 21st century, contributing to global sustainability goals and building resilience against climate shocks.

This special issue seeks contributions that critically examine the economic, environmental, and policy dimensions of sustainable urban transitions. The scope includes, but is not limited to, the integration of renewable energy systems, circular economy practices, and digital innovation in urban settings. Authors are encouraged to address topics such as climate-resilient infrastructure, green finance, urban energy transitions, and the economic trade-offs involved in achieving urban sustainability.

Submissions may include original research articles, reviews, policy analyses, and case studies that explore the role of governance strategies, public-private collaborations, and technological advancements in fostering sustainable urban development. Manuscripts focusing on interdisciplinary approaches and actionable insights to enhance urban resilience and economic equity are particularly welcomed. All submissions must align with the theme of this special issue and adhere to the journal’s rigorous publication standards.

Keywords: Urban Sustainability; Renewable Energy Systems; Circular Economy; Urban Resilience; Green Infrastructure; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Climate Action; Economic Dynamics;

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.