Document Type : CASE STUDY
Authors
1
Departamento de Urbanística y Ordenación del Territorio de la Escuela Superior de Arquitectura. Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
2
School of Maritime Science, University of Gibraltar, Campus Europa Point, GX11 1AA, Gibraltar.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The reliance on fossil fuels has led to significant environmental pollution, directly impacting public health and making breathing difficult for many. Also, the high density of environmentally damaging gases from fossil fuels in the earth's atmosphere has prevented heat from escaping from the earth's surroundings and intensified greenhouse effects. At the same time, it should be noted that oil and its derivatives are considered valuable national assets of the country, and their non-optimal consumption will cause irreparable losses. As a result, experts have suggested that clean energy must replace fossil fuels to reduce environmental pollutants.
METHODS: This study employs a comprehensive methodology involving library studies, including academic articles and government reports, and then a multi-criteria decision-making analysis based on an analytical network process, a Delphi questionnaire, and the participation of experts to identify the main criteria for sustainable urban development using biomass energy. These criteria include ecological limits, social sustainability and higher quality of life, justice and equality, social profit and loss, renewable energy sources, pollution reduction, and economic progress. The authors used the Analytic network process method and Super Decisions software to rank these criteria.
FINDINGS: Based on the Super Decisions program, social benefits and losses have equal weight and are 1.0, the highest ranking. Ecological constraints are ranked second, with a weight of 0.787998. Social sustainability weighs 0.787509, placing third. Justice and equality weigh 0.455988, ranking fourth. This indicates that the principles of sustainable urban development are important and successful, as assessed by this study.
CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the importance of developing biomass energy in Iran, particularly in Mashhad, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, enhance social sustainability, and improve environmental health. Despite Iran’s potential in biogas production, the abundance of fossil fuels and lack of a unified authority have hindered progress. The research identifies key factors for sustainable urban development through biomass, such as social sustainability, ecological limits, and justice. Future research should include field studies, policy analyses, and economic assessments to create a more comprehensive framework for biomass energy development in Iran.
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