Sustainable urban infrastructures

Sustainability solutions on a metropolitan level change the lay-out and operation of infrastructures and the consumption of their services. They are fuelled by societal demands for climate neutrality, for creating a circular economy and new forms of citizen involvement. In response a range of innovative modes of urban governance are emerging, with new actor configurations, policy arrangements and social practices.
The research of the Environmental Policy Group explores the emergence of new social practices and institutions in the reconfiguration of urban infrastructures for the provision of energy, water, food and waste services. Our researchers do this by conducting research on urban infrastructures in both developing and developed countries. Applying social practice theory, our research focuses on both domestic and management practices in ‘smart’ systems and cities at large. We further explore infrastructures through what is referred to as the ‘urban nexus’, bringing networks and flows of energy, water and food together in user practice and governance arrangements and how they become integrated in circular systems of consumption and provision. We also critically explore processes of technology-society relations and system innovation through theories related to social construction of technology and transition theory.