Topic: Material–Energy–Resource Circularity and Carbon/Resource Footprints in Urban–Industrial Systems

This Special Issue focuses on the analysis and management of material, energy, and resource flows within urban and industrial systems, with particular emphasis on their carbon and resource footprints. We welcome contributions that apply multi-scale life cycle assessment (LCA), dynamic material flow analysis (MFA), and other quantitative methods to evaluate environmental impacts, resource efficiency, and sustainability performance. The Special Issue aims to integrate scientific insights with policy-relevant recommendations to support low-carbon and circular economy transitions.

We encourage studies that bridge urban metabolism, industrial ecology, and sustainable resource management, addressing processes across the entire life cycle - from resource extraction and manufacturing to waste management and recycling. Interdisciplinary contributions, including those employing novel modeling approaches, big data analytics, and scenario-based policy analysis, are highly valued. By bringing together diverse perspectives and methodologies, this Special Issue provides a platform to showcase innovative solutions for achieving carbon neutrality, enhancing resource security, and promoting sustainable urban-industrial development.

Proposed topics include, but are not limited to:

1. Multi-scale LCA and MFA in urban and industrial systems;

2. Material–energy–carbon nexus in cities and industrial parks;

3. Circular economy strategies for key resources and metals;

4. Carbon and resource footprint assessment ofmanufacturing processes and industrial supply chains;

5. Urban metabolism and resource flow modeling;

6. Waste management, recycling, and secondary material utilization;

7. Policy evaluation for low-carbon and resource-efficient development;

8. Integration of big data, geographic information systems(GIS), and dynamic modeling in resource management;

9. Critical raw materials, resource security, and sustainable supply chains;

10. Scenario analysis and decision support for sustainable urban–industrial transitions.

Circular economy, carbon footprint, resource footprint, life cycle assessment (LCA), material flow analysis (MFA), urban metabolism, industrial ecology, low-carbon transition, sustainability, policy analysis