Modelling the transition toward urban sustainability: a case study of the industrial city of Jinchang, China

Abstract Sustainable urban development is a fundamental discourse for cities in industrialising nations. This is particularly so for new industrial cities in rapid developing countries where local residents and ecological systems have been significantly impacted by economic growth. In this paper, we draw upon the case of Jinchang City (north-western China) to demonstrate how the transition toward urban sustainability can be understood and facilitated. By using an urban metabolism model combined with qualitative social research and policy analysis to understand the urban systems, this research verifies that urban sustainability requires good governance, policy and planning, as well as the participation of local enterprises and residents. This can be built on the notion of urban metabolism that identifies changes and suggests adaptive responses, which when combined with informed public understanding can create adaptive changes in the physical, economic and social dimensions of the city. In particular, such change is predicated upon the rapid development of appropriate human capital that can be employed to monitor and evaluate the functioning of the urban systems, facilitate innovation and build a diversified economy. The rapidly growing cities in north-western China provide a model of how new industrial cities have the potential to be significant actors in the transition toward global sustainability. Specifically this research suggests how necessary environmental improvements for north-western China can be achieved and a model for the developing world can be created.