Thermal Mitigation Effects of Green and Blue Infrastructure and Urban Sustainability from an Interdisciplinary Perspective
A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Urban and Rural Development".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 57
Special Issue Editors
Interests: architecture; urban planning; socioeconomic impacts; sustainable regional development
Interests: urban development; economic development; regional development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue aims to provide an integrated, interdisciplinary perspective on how the strategic implementation of urban green and blue infrastructure (G/B) serves as a critical solution for the mitigation of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, the optimization of thermal comfort, and the substantial enhancement of human well-being within the complex urban ecosystem. The contemporary context is defined by an alarming rise in the frequency, intensity, and duration of heat waves, escalating heat-related mortality into an urgent public health imperative. UHIs—a phenomenon characterized by significantly warmer urban areas compared to surrounding regions—amplify heat exposure risks. By deliberately integrating G/B elements (vegetation, water bodies) into the built environment, cities can effectively diminish the UHI effect, improve pedestrian thermal comfort, alleviate air quality impacts, and promote overall sustainability while concurrently elevating the quality of life for urban residents.
Moreover, the analysis extends to the impact of G/B on building energy efficiency, as shading and evapotranspiration strategies are capable of substantially reducing the thermal cooling load of the building stock. This direct reduction in energy demand for air conditioning not only supports climate adaptation goals but also generates significant operational savings, thereby contributing to long-term urban energy resilience. Consequently, this Special Issue endeavors to bridge the gap between theory and practice across critical fields, including climate change science, public health, urban design, urban ecosystems, infrastructure engineering (green/grey), and adaptation/mitigation strategies, championing rigorous, cross-sectoral applied research to deliver actionable insights.
The Issue seeks to bridge theory and practice across climate change, public health, urban design, urban ecosystems, infrastructure (green/grey), and adaptation/mitigation strategies. It emphasises actionable insights, innovation, and cross-disciplinary research.
Dr. Mircea-Iosif Rus
Dr. Lucian Gaban
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- urban heat islands (UHIs)
- temperature extremes and urban heat stress
- socioeconomic impacts of heatwaves
- heat mitigation and adaptation strategies
- urban greenery
- green infrastructure
- urban blue spaces
- urban form
- urban design
- urban ventilation
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