Frontiers in Sustainable Cities

Scope & Guideline

Advancing Urban Sustainability for a Greener Tomorrow

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Frontiers in Sustainable Cities with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN-
PublisherFRONTIERS MEDIA SA
Support Open AccessNo
Country-
Type-
Converge-
AbbreviationFRONT SUSTAIN CITIES / Front. Sustain. Cities
Frequency1 issue/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressAVENUE DU TRIBUNAL FEDERAL 34, LAUSANNE CH-1015, SWITZERLAND

Aims and Scopes

Frontiers in Sustainable Cities aims to advance the discourse on urban sustainability through comprehensive research that integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations. The journal focuses on innovative solutions and practices that contribute to the development of sustainable urban environments.
  1. Urban Sustainability Practices:
    The journal emphasizes research on practical approaches and methodologies for promoting sustainability in urban settings, such as green infrastructure, sustainable transport, and energy-efficient buildings.
  2. Interdisciplinary Research:
    Encouraging collaboration across various disciplines, the journal seeks to integrate insights from urban planning, environmental science, sociology, and economics to address complex urban challenges.
  3. Community Engagement and Social Inclusion:
    A key focus is on the role of community participation in urban planning and governance, highlighting the importance of inclusive practices that consider diverse perspectives and needs.
  4. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation:
    The journal addresses strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change in urban areas, including resilience planning, adaptation techniques, and policy frameworks.
  5. Technological Innovations for Urban Development:
    Research on the application of new technologies, such as smart city solutions and data-driven approaches, is central to the journal's mission, aiming to enhance urban management and sustainability.
Recent publications in Frontiers in Sustainable Cities reveal several trending and emerging themes that reflect the dynamic nature of urban research and the pressing challenges cities face today.
  1. Circular Economy Initiatives:
    There is a growing focus on circular economy strategies, emphasizing sustainable resource use, waste reduction, and the integration of economic and environmental goals within urban development.
  2. Social Justice and Equity in Urban Planning:
    Increasing attention is being paid to the social dimensions of urban sustainability, particularly issues related to equity, justice, and the inclusion of marginalized communities in urban processes.
  3. Health and Wellbeing in Urban Environments:
    Research linking urban design and planning to public health outcomes is trending, highlighting the importance of green spaces, active transportation, and access to nature for community wellbeing.
  4. Smart Cities and Technological Integration:
    The integration of smart technologies in urban settings is emerging as a critical theme, focusing on how data and technology can enhance urban livability and sustainability.
  5. Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Change:
    There is an increasing emphasis on resilience strategies that prepare cities for climate-related challenges, including extreme weather events and environmental degradation.

Declining or Waning

While Frontiers in Sustainable Cities continues to evolve, some themes have shown a decline in prominence over recent years. This may reflect shifts in research focus or emerging priorities in urban sustainability.
  1. Traditional Infrastructure Approaches:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in publications focused solely on conventional infrastructure models, as the field shifts towards more integrated and sustainable solutions.
  2. Single-Disciplinary Perspectives:
    Research that isolates urban sustainability issues within a single discipline is becoming less common, with a growing preference for interdisciplinary studies that encompass multiple viewpoints and methodologies.
  3. Top-Down Governance Models:
    The focus on hierarchical governance structures is waning, as more studies emphasize collaborative, bottom-up approaches that engage communities and stakeholders in decision-making processes.
  4. Retrospective Environmental Assessments:
    While important, there is a decline in studies that merely assess past environmental impacts without proposing forward-looking solutions or strategies for urban sustainability.
  5. Urbanization as a Sole Focus:
    Research solely centered on urbanization trends without consideration of sustainability implications is becoming less prevalent, as the journal emphasizes the interconnectedness of urban growth and sustainable practices.

Similar Journals

Urban Science

Fostering Inclusive Dialogues on Urban Sustainability
Publisher: MDPIISSN: Frequency: 4 issues/year

Urban Science, published by MDPI in Switzerland, is a pioneering open access journal that has been serving the academic community since 2017. With a robust focus on understanding urban environments through various interdisciplinary lenses such as Environmental Science, Geography, Planning and Development, and Urban Studies, this journal aims to advance knowledge on the complexities of urban living and the challenges that modern cities face. Recognized for its impact, Urban Science holds prestigious rankings, including Q1 in Urban Studies and Q2 in multiple relevant categories. Its presence in leading databases like Scopus, where it stands among the top percentile ranks, underscores its contribution to critical dialogues in urban research. The journal’s commitment to accessibility, targeted toward researchers, professionals, and students alike, fosters an inclusive platform for disseminating innovative ideas and solutions necessary for sustainable urban development.

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers-Urban Design and Planning

Connecting Ideas for Resilient City Planning
Publisher: EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LTDISSN: 1755-0793Frequency: 4 issues/year

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers-Urban Design and Planning is a leading scholarly journal published by EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LTD, dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in the fields of urban design and planning. With an ISSN of 1755-0793 and E-ISSN 1755-0807, this journal serves as a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students to disseminate impactful studies and findings. It boasts impressive rankings, including Q1 in Architecture and notable positions in Civil and Structural Engineering and Urban Studies, underscoring its significance in the academic community. The journal's scope encompasses a diverse array of topics relevant to urban environments, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and exploration. Although it operates under traditional access, its contributions are invaluable, reflecting the latest developments and challenges within urban planning practices. Published regularly since 2009, the Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers-Urban Design and Planning is vital for those seeking to enhance their understanding of sustainable urban development and design methodologies, making it a critical resource in its fields of study.

Urbani Izziv-Urban Challenge

Illuminating Challenges in Urbanization and Culture
Publisher: URBAN PLANNING INST REPUBLIC SLOVENIAISSN: 0353-6483Frequency: 2 issues/year

Urbani Izziv - Urban Challenge, a prominent journal in the field of urban studies and planning, is published by the Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia. Established in 1993, this Open Access journal aims to foster the dissemination of cutting-edge research and innovative ideas in architecture, cultural studies, and urban development. With an impressive impact, it holds a Q2 ranking in both Architecture and Cultural Studies, while maintaining a solid presence in Geography, Planning and Development, and Urban Studies categories. As of 2023, it ranks within the top 25% of journals in the Cultural Studies discipline, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping urban discourse. Researchers and practitioners alike will find the journal an invaluable resource for exploring the intertwined challenges of urbanization, cultural evolution, and sustainable development. With an expansive convergence from 1994 to 2024, it continues to attract influential contributions that illuminate the dynamics of urban life in Slovenia and beyond.

URBAN ECOSYSTEMS

Illuminating the Interplay of Ecology and Urbanism
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 1083-8155Frequency: 6 issues/year

URBAN ECOSYSTEMS is a prestigious journal published by Springer, focusing on the intricate relationships between urban environments and their ecological systems. With an ISSN of 1083-8155 and E-ISSN 1573-1642, this journal has established itself as a vital resource for scholars and professionals in the fields of ecology and urban studies. Recognized within the top category quartiles, it holds a distinguished Q1 ranking in both Ecology and Urban Studies as of 2023, placing it prominently in the global academic landscape. The journal’s extensive review of urban ecological phenomena helps to inform sustainable development and policy-making, bridging the gap between scientific research and practical applications. Additionally, it enjoys a favorable position in Scopus rankings, being ranked #38 out of 279 in Urban Studies and #86 out of 461 in Environmental Science. Researchers seeking to delve into the challenges and innovations of urban ecosystems will find URBAN ECOSYSTEMS to be an invaluable addition to their scholarly resources. Although it operates under a subscription model, the journal provides rich insights essential for enhancing our understanding of sustainable urban futures.

npj Urban Sustainability

Exploring innovative pathways to resilient cities.
Publisher: SPRINGERNATUREISSN: Frequency: 1 issue/year

npj Urban Sustainability is a pioneering journal published by SPRINGERNATURE that stands at the forefront of addressing the contemporary challenges of urbanization and sustainability. Since its inception in 2021, this Open Access journal has emerged as a vital resource for researchers and professionals across various disciplines such as engineering, environmental science, and urban studies, exemplified by its commendable rankings in Scopus, including a 96th percentile rank in Engineering - Computational Mechanics and 92nd percentile in Environmental Science - Ecology. The journal offers an interdisciplinary platform for advancing knowledge and fostering innovation in sustainable urban development, making it an essential reference for those dedicated to improving urban environments. With continuous publications aligned with the mission to promote sustainable practices in urban planning and management, npj Urban Sustainability is committed to fostering a deeper understanding of the infrastructural, social, and environmental dynamics at play within urban contexts.

Environment and Urbanization ASIA

Advancing Knowledge for Sustainable Urban Futures
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0975-4253Frequency: 2 issues/year

Environment and Urbanization ASIA is a leading academic journal published by SAGE Publications Ltd, focusing on the interplay between urbanization and environmental change across Asia. With an ISSN of 0975-4253 and E-ISSN 0976-3546, this peer-reviewed journal has established itself as an essential resource for scholars and practitioners alike, contributing significantly to the field of urban studies. Ranked in the Q1 category for Urban Studies in 2023 and positioned at 93rd out of 279 in Scopus, it reflects a robust percentile ranking of 66%, underscoring its impact and relevance. Published on a biannual basis, Environment and Urbanization ASIA aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and disseminate cutting-edge research that explores the complex dynamics of urbanization, sustainability, and environmental governance. Though it currently does not offer open-access options, its wealth of scholarly articles offers invaluable insights, making it a cornerstone for anyone engaged in addressing the challenges facing rapidly urbanizing regions in Asia. Join the community of researchers, professionals, and students dedicated to exploring innovative solutions in this critical area of study.

ENVIRONMENT AND URBANIZATION

Exploring the nexus of urban life and environmental health.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0956-2478Frequency: 2 issues/year

Environment and Urbanization is a leading interdisciplinary journal published by SAGE Publications Ltd, dedicated to advancing knowledge in the fields of Environmental Science and Urban Studies. With a strong focus on the interactions between urban environments and ecological systems, this journal has established itself as a pivotal resource for researchers, professionals, and students interested in sustainable urban development and environmental management. Since its inception in 1989, Environment and Urbanization has continually provided high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that foster a deeper understanding of contemporary urban challenges, making it a highly cited publication with an impressive impact factor. As evidenced by its Q1 ranking in both Environmental Science (miscellaneous) and Urban Studies for 2023, the journal stands at the forefront of research, boasting notable Scopus rankings in its fields. By remaining committed to publishing cutting-edge research, the journal aims to influence policy and practice across the globe, ultimately aiding in the creation of more resilient and livable urban areas.

International Journal of Urban Sustainable Development

Transforming cities for a sustainable tomorrow.
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1946-3138Frequency: 3 issues/year

The International Journal of Urban Sustainable Development is a premier peer-reviewed journal published by Taylor & Francis Ltd, dedicated to advancing knowledge in the field of urban sustainability. With an ISSN of 1946-3138 and an E-ISSN of 1946-3146, this journal has gained recognition for its high-quality research, attaining Q1 status in multiple categories including Development, Geography, Planning and Development, and Urban Studies, per the 2023 category quartiles. Open Access since 2022, the journal ensures that groundbreaking research is widely accessible to scholars, practitioners, and policy-makers alike, enhancing its reach and impact. Operating from the United Kingdom, it focuses on a diverse array of topics related to urban environments and sustainable practices, supporting innovation and policy development. As a result, the journal holds significant placements in Scopus rankings, notably ranking #62 in Urban Studies, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable urban development globally.

Chinese Journal of Urban and Environmental Studies

Pioneering Research for Resilient Cities and Ecosystems
Publisher: WORLD SCIENTIFIC PUBL CO PTE LTDISSN: 2345-7481Frequency: 4 issues/year

Chinese Journal of Urban and Environmental Studies, published by World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd, stands at the intersection of urban studies and environmental research, providing a critical platform for the dissemination of knowledge and innovative ideas in these increasingly vital fields. With an ISSN of 2345-7481 and E-ISSN 2345-752X, this open-access journal has been recognized for its significant contributions, achieving impressive quartile rankings, including Q2 in Urban Studies and Q2 in Geography, Planning and Development for 2023. As it converges from 2019 to 2024, the journal aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and to stimulate dialogue among researchers, professionals, and policymakers. With its focus on relevant socio-economic and environmental issues, Chinese Journal of Urban and Environmental Studies serves as an essential resource for anyone looking to gain insight into the complexities of urban environments and their ecological impacts, making it an indispensable addition to the libraries of those committed to sustainable development and urban planning.

URBAN STUDIES

Transforming Urban Studies Through Critical Analysis and Engagement
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0042-0980Frequency: 16 issues/year

URBAN STUDIES, published by SAGE Publications Ltd, stands as a premier journal in the field of urban studies and environmental science, evidenced by its prestigious Q1 ranking in both categories for 2023. With an ISSN of 0042-0980 and an E-ISSN of 1360-063X, this UK-based journal has been disseminating pivotal research since its inception in 1964, and will continue to do so until 2024. As a leader in the social sciences, it ranks #11 out of 279 in the field of Urban Studies and #15 out of 219 in Environmental Science, achieving remarkable percentiles of 96% and 93% respectively. Although not an open-access journal, URBAN STUDIES provides a platform where scholars, practitioners, and students can engage with cutting-edge research, critical analyses, and innovative solutions addressing the complexities of urban environments. By publishing studies that encompass economic, social, and environmental dimensions of urbanization, the journal contributes significantly to the discourse on sustainable development and urban planning.