ESG principles and urban regeneration: challenges and opportunities

Abstract

The growing interest in ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles, stimulated
by the awareness of climate change and social inequalities, is revolutionising the
way cities are designed and managed. In particular, urban regeneration represents a
privileged context for the application of these principles, offering the opportunity to
rethink urban spaces in a sustainable, equitable and resilient way.
To assess the integration of ESG criteria in urban planning, this contribution adopts an
approach that combines a review of scientific literature with the analysis of case studies
applying ESG criteria. Subsequently, in relation to European directives and regulations,
the compatibility between ESG criteria and existing urban planning instruments was
analysed, identifying the opportunities and challenges of their integration.
The contribution proposes a multidisciplinary and integrated approach to the innovation
of urban planning tools and sustainability assessment in urban regeneration projects,
emphasising the need to involve multiple stakeholders and adopt a shared framework.
This holistic approach would allow “stakeholders” and “communities” interests to
be properly assessed in relation to contemporary issues and integrated into the urban
planning and urban design project from the outset.