In the heart of Cairo, Egypt, a city teeming with life and history, a pressing question emerges: Are the new urban expansions truly sustainable and regenerative as claimed? Nouran Naguib, a researcher from Alexandria University’s Faculty of Engineering, Department of Architectural Engineering, has delved into this query, shedding light on the importance of evaluating neighbourhood sustainability in a culturally relevant context.
Naguib’s research, published in the journal Prostor (which translates to “Space”), focuses on the often-overlooked social aspects and liveability criteria in Neighbourhood Sustainability Assessment Tools (NSATs). She argues that successful urban regeneration should not only aim for environmental sustainability but also preserve local identity, promote communal living, and optimize resources for the long term.
The study critically evaluates three prominent NSATs—LEED®ND, BREEAM Communities, and CASBEE-UD—and finds that the social dimension is poorly addressed in these tools. Moreover, applying these tools in the Egyptian context poses challenges due to the country’s unique cultural and demographic characteristics.
“Neighbourhood liveability is a crucial aspect that should be at the forefront of sustainability assessments,” Naguib emphasizes. “It’s not just about the environment; it’s about the people and their quality of life.”
The research underscores the need for NSATs to be adapted to local contexts, providing a foundation for future research and the development of tools tailored to the Egyptian cultural landscape. This adaptation could significantly impact the energy sector, as sustainable and liveable neighbourhoods often correlate with reduced energy consumption and more efficient resource management.
Naguib’s findings suggest that future urban developments in Cairo and similar contexts should prioritize social sustainability and liveability. By doing so, they can create regenerative urban environments that truly serve the needs of their residents.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, this research serves as a reminder that sustainability is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It must be locally relevant, culturally sensitive, and, above all, people-centred. In the words of Naguib, “It’s time we start building not just for the environment, but for the people who live in it.”