Developing indicators framework to evaluate the sustainability of urban infrastructure systems in middle eastern cities

Presently, cities face problems in the implementation of sustainable urban infrastructure systems. Sustainable infrastructure systems are essential to achieving sustainable cities because the lack of adequate services affects every aspect of daily life of the community. This research aims to develop indicators framework to evaluate the sustainability of urban infrastructure systems (wastewater treatment, energy, transportation and water resources) taking the city of Hilla, Iraq (as one of the Middle Eastern cities) as a case study. Exploration of an extensive and wide array of literature, interviews and personal communications with stakeholders and experts were conducted to acquire the information necessary for obtaining indicators framework. Moreover, that will identify and examine various issues in urban infrastructure systems and assist formulation, and selection of indicators framework which can then guide the evaluation of urban infrastructure systems’ sustainability in Middle Eastern cities. The framework developed in this research succeeded and could be considered applicable, capable and effective in constructing a set of indicators which consist of 10 water resources indicators, 8 wastewater treatment indicators, 14 transportation indicators and 18 energy indicators. These indicators will reflect most of the issues regarding sustainability of urban infrastructure systems and can guide the promotion of the development of sustainable urban infrastructure systems in Middle Eastern cities.