Ecological indicators of smart urban metabolism: A review of the literature on international standards

Abstract Smart urban metabolism is a hybrid approach—where technological, economic, environmental and social perspectives are simultaneously considered—to develop smart and sustainable cities. This characteristic makes smart urban metabolism a strategic tool for urban policymakers and managers, and planners. Nonetheless, little is known on about the indicators of smart urban metabolism. This study aims to shed light on what the specific indicators of smart urban metabolism are. The paper places international standards and indicators of urban systems under the microscope to determine their focus, and areas of action. The analysis exposes divergences in urban system evaluation approaches by international standardization organizations—particularly with a focus on whether they concentrate on urban smartness or urban metabolism. The results of the analysis demonstrate a challenge in integrating urban metabolism with urban smartness. In this sense, there is no international standard taken into consideration thus far. The study points out to a novel and invaluable approach to improve the understanding and awareness on internationally standardized urban indicators that characterize, and stimulate the knowledge on smart urban metabolism.