Action Plans Study: Principles of Green Chemistry, Sustainable Development, and Smart Cities

Abstract

The sustainability of cities is a challenge due to the growth, functioning, and needs of the population. In this context, the concept of the smart city has gained prominence worldwide in the last decades. In Brazil, it has also drawn attention driven by technological advances and the search for innovative solutions to urban challenges. Several different reports were created aiming to assess and categorize the advancement of cities in this regard. Some of them established their own indicators for this evaluation, whereas others are based on standards ISO 37120 and ISO 37122. The focus of this study revolves around the examination of indicators presently utilized, which may be influenced by initiatives grounded in the principles of green chemistry (PGCs). Furthermore, it explores how these principles can aid in the realization of the targets outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations. Two case studies are presented, the first pointing out how PGCs and SDGs can correlate with smart city reporting indicators. The second is a case study centered on the Brazilian city of Curitiba (PR). We aim to exemplify how the city’s action plans underscore the significance of synergy among the principles of green chemistry, the objectives of sustainable development, and indicators for smart cities. Assessing how chemically green a city can be is a relevant argument for future industrial installations and stakeholders and the influence of this index on the quality of life of its population. Such an approach not only fosters innovation and efficiency but also fosters environmental stewardship, thus contributing to overall sustainability.