The Urban Sustainability Index for Kosovo Cities is based on 25 Indicators that allow city planners, city managers and policymakers to measure the socio-economic and environmental impact of current urban designs, infrastructures, policies, waste disposal systems, pollution and access to services by citizens. They allow for the diagnosis of problems and pressures, and thus the identification of areas that would profit from being addressed through good governance and science-based responses. They also allow cities to monitor the success and impact of sustainability interventions.
Aiming to establish a National Urban Sustainability Index for Kosovo, the Index will initially evaluate the sustainability level of Kosovo’s 10 biggest cities (Prishtina, Prizen, Peja, Ferizaj, Gjilan, Gjakova, Mitrovica, Vushtrria, Lipjan, Fushë Kosova, Suhareka).
The Index is guided by a comprehensive set of 25 indicators that are categorized into five essential indicator groups, namely ‘’Basic Needs’’, ‘’Built Environment’’, ‘’Planning’’, ‘’Environmental Cleanliness’’ and ‘’Mobility’’- ensuring a holistic and measurable approach to sustainable urban development. Under Basic Needs, key indicators include the Water Access Rate, Living Space per capita, and the accessibility and quality of Health and Education Services, measured by space allocation, service coverage, and ratios such as doctor per capita and student per teacher. The Built Environment dimension evaluates Urban Density, Land Use Ratio, and the availability and accessibility of Public Service Infrastructure, Green Areas, and Public Spaces. Within the Planning category, the Index emphasizes the existence of a clear Vision and Strategy, Public Participation mechanisms, secured Finance for Sustainability, availability of Personnel and Resources, and the presence of robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Review Systems. To ensure Environmental Cleanliness, it monitors pollutants like SOx, NOx, and PM10, tracks the Air Quality Rate, and assesses performance in Waste Recycling, Wastewater Treatment, and Noise Pollution levels. The Basic Infrastructures and Mobility category includes evaluation of core infrastructure services, Modal Split between transportation types, Public Transport Coverage, Speed, and Usability, the share of Low Emission Vehicles, and the safety and accessibility of Walking and Cycling infrastructure. Together, these indicators form the backbone of the Smart City Strategies, ensuring that cities evolve into inclusive, healthy, green, and connected urban environments.
The evaluation process will be followed by intervention suggestions as well as preparing the guidelines and Action Plans for implementing related recomandations. The evaluation process is scheduled to 15 months, while academics and professionals from UBT, ETH Zurich, TU Wien and Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University will be involved.
Benefits
The Urban Sustainability Index for Kosovo Cities offers a wide range of transformative benefits for cities, their residents, the economy, and the environment. For cities, the Index serves as a strategic planning tool that enables decision-makers to identify urban challenges, prioritize investments, and monitor progress through a structured, data-driven framework. It supports the development of science-based policies and fosters good urban governance, helping municipalities align with national and international sustainability goals.
For the people, the Index ensures that urban development is focused on improving quality of life, by evaluating and guiding improvements in access to clean water, health and education services, green spaces, mobility, and public infrastructure. By highlighting gaps in service delivery and social equity, it encourages cities to become more inclusive, livable, and resilient.
On the economic front, the Index promotes efficiency in infrastructure, mobility, and resource management, leading to cost savings, better productivity, and a business-friendly environment. It can also attract funding and investment by demonstrating a city’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
From an environmental perspective, the Index helps cities monitor and reduce their ecological footprint by tracking pollution levels, waste management, energy use, and the state of green infrastructure. By encouraging cleaner air, sustainable mobility, and the protection of natural resources, it plays a crucial role in enhancing climate resilience and environmental health.
Thus, the Urban Sustainability Index is not only a diagnostic tool but also a catalyst for action, providing tailored intervention suggestions, implementation guidelines, and city-specific action plans. Its comprehensive nature ensures that the benefits extend across all sectors, building a strong foundation for a more sustainable, equitable, and future-ready urban Kosovo.
