بررسی الگوی هوشمند کاهش مصرف انرژی شهرها با رویکرد توسعه پایدار اجتماعی (مطالعه موردی؛ شهر نجف آباد)

Investigating the Smart Pattern of Urban Energy Consumption Reduction with a Sustainable Development Approach (Case Study: Najafabad City)

Abstract

In recent decades, rapid and uncontrolled urbanization and the rising demand for energy have emerged as one of the most significant global environmental and economic challenges. As the primary hubs of energy consumption, cities account for over 70 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, the concept of “sustainable development” serves as a fundamental strategy, emphasizing a balance between current needs and the preservation of resources for future generations; a goal that necessitates a transition from traditional consumption patterns toward “smart cities.”Najafabad, as a prominent and developing city in Isfahan province, faces critical energy management challenges due to its unique climatic conditions, industrial status, and population growth. Preliminary assessments indicate that the lack of smart models in urban infrastructure, HVAC systems, and distribution network management has resulted in significant energy waste.Therefore, the main objective of this study is to investigate a smart model for reducing urban energy consumption with a sustainable development approach in Najafabad. This research utilized the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the SWOT analysis method for evaluation. The findings revealed that the total score for internal factors is -0.199, while the total score for external factors is 0.181. Consequently, optimizing energy consumption in Najafabad is only feasible through the integration of smart city and sustainable development concepts, adopting a strategic W-O (Weaknesses-Opportunities) approach, which focuses on overcoming existing weaknesses by leveraging available opportunities.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
As a significant and developing city in Isfahan province, Najafabad faces serious challenges in energy resource management due to its unique climatic conditions, industrial status, and population growth. Preliminary investigations indicate that the lack of smart models in urban infrastructure, HVAC systems, and distribution network management has led to significant energy waste in the city. Despite the existing potential, no coherent, scientific, and technology-driven model has yet been developed for optimal energy management in Najafabad. Therefore, the core problem of this paper is: how can an indigenous and practical model for reducing energy consumption in Najafabad be designed by integrating smart technologies with sustainable development indicators? The absence of such a model at the urban management level has led to the persistence of inefficient practices, rendering the city increasingly vulnerable to energy price fluctuations and environmental crises. Consequently, this study seeks to provide a model by accurately assessing the current situation and analyzing the strengths and weaknesses; a model that, in addition to reducing energy costs, will contribute to enhancing citizens’ quality of life and preserving sustainable resources for future generations in Najafabad.

Methodology
This research is of an analytical-applied type and the method of conducting this research is library-field. So that first, concepts of smartization, sustainable development and methods of controlling energy consumption are presented, and then the energy consumption optimization indicators in Najafabad city are prioritized with an approach to sustainable development concepts, using AHP hierarchical analysis, and then using SWOT analysis, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the field of reducing energy consumption in Najafabad city are examined. Finally, using the results obtained, a strategic strategy model in the field of optimizing energy consumption in Najafabad city is presented with an approach to the concepts of smartization and sustainable development.

Results and Discussion
The findings of this study show that in order to achieve energy consumption optimization in Najafabad city, it is necessary to adopt a transformative approach based on a protective strategy (W-O). With the aim of overcoming structural weaknesses and taking advantage of existing opportunities, a proposed strategic model has been developed based on the integration of the concepts of smart city and sustainable development. This model, by focusing on the renovation of worn-out infrastructure (including urban fabric and distribution networks) and their synchronization with renewable energy technologies and smart systems, enables efficient energy management. In addition to technical aspects, this strategy emphasizes social capacities, including the acceptance of technology by the young population and the need to modify behavioral patterns through public education, in order to ensure energy sustainability in Najafabad city through the integration of smart infrastructure and economic activities. It is worth noting that the results of this study are consistent with the research of Shams Najafi et al. in 1401 and the research study of Smith et al. (2023). However, it is not consistent with the results of the research of Francis Mulgany et al. (2025) due to the different type of research and environmental conditions.
Keywords:
Najafabad City, Smartification,
Sustainable Development,
Urban Energy Consumption Reduction.