In the heart of China, a city named Guangze is pioneering a new approach to urban renewal that could reshape how communities are revitalized worldwide, with significant implications for the energy sector. At the forefront of this innovative strategy is Xin Liu, an associate professor at Beijing Forestry University, who has developed a multi-stakeholder decision-making framework that promises to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of urban old community renewal (UOCR).
Liu’s research, published in the Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, addresses a critical challenge in urban development: how to shift from merely expanding urban areas to improving the quality and sustainability of existing communities. This shift is particularly relevant as cities grapple with the need to create more livable spaces while minimizing environmental impact.
The traditional approach to urban renewal often overlooks the value of stakeholder input, leading to projects that may not fully meet the needs of the community or maximize long-term benefits. Liu’s framework, however, emphasizes Stakeholder Value Creation (SVC) and involves a collaborative process that includes residents, local businesses, and government officials.
“By engaging multiple stakeholders, we can identify indicators that have been overlooked in previous studies,” Liu explains. “This collaborative approach ensures that the renewal efforts are more aligned with the actual needs and aspirations of the community.”
To develop this framework, Liu and her team used the Delphi method and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). They conducted focus group discussions and resident questionnaire surveys to identify 37 indicators related to old community renewal. These indicators were then weighted and organized into three dimensions: infrastructure renewal, functional facility improvement, and service operation construction.
The results were striking. The collaborative discussions among stakeholders not only supported the construction of the decision-making model but also revealed urban old community renewal indicators that had been overlooked in previous studies. These indicators can serve as meaningful references and provide practical paradigms and decision-making support for urban renewal strategies at both local and national levels.
For the energy sector, the implications are profound. As cities become more sustainable, the demand for efficient energy solutions will increase. Liu’s framework can help identify areas where energy infrastructure needs improvement, leading to more targeted and effective investments. Moreover, by involving stakeholders in the decision-making process, energy companies can better understand the community’s needs and develop solutions that are more likely to be accepted and supported.
“Energy companies often face resistance when implementing new projects,” Liu notes. “By involving the community from the outset, we can build trust and ensure that the projects are more likely to succeed.”
The Guangze case study demonstrates the potential of this multi-stakeholder approach. By engaging residents, local businesses, and government officials, the city has been able to identify key indicators for urban renewal and develop a decision-making framework that is both sustainable and efficient.
As cities around the world grapple with the challenges of urban renewal, Liu’s research offers a promising path forward. By emphasizing stakeholder engagement and sustainability, cities can create more livable spaces that meet the needs of their residents while minimizing environmental impact. For the energy sector, this approach can lead to more targeted investments and greater community acceptance of new projects.
Liu’s work, published in the Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, is a significant step forward in the field of urban renewal. As cities continue to grow and evolve, the need for sustainable and efficient renewal strategies will only increase. Liu’s framework offers a compelling solution, one that could shape the future of urban development for years to come.