Session

As cities confront rapid urbanization, climate change, and socioeconomic disparities, sustainability efforts that overlook justice risk perpetuating inequalities, particularly in marginalized communities. This track critically examines the intersection of urban sustainability and spatial justice, exploring how governance structures, participatory planning, and urban design can foster truly inclusive and equitable cities. Key questions include how to ensure fair distribution of benefits and burdens, empower marginalized voices in decision-making, and design built environments that recognize diverse social needs related to gender, cultural identity, and inclusion. The session aims to identify pathways toward cities that achieve both environmental resilience and genuine social equity for all communities.

Presentations:

• 048 Zadra Michele, Beyond the Hype: Are Hydrogen Strategies Democratic?

• 086 Boulanger Saveria Olga Murielle, The housing crisis in Europe: the long absence of planning

• 102 Mahzouni Arian, Norwegian retired electric vehicle batteries for rural energy transitions: Sharbazher District in in Iraqi Kurdistan region

• 123 Di Leo Senatro, Assessing the strategic role of Renewable Energy Communities in local energy systems: a study on the municipality of Tito in Southern Italy

• 140 Romelli Claudia, Use and avoidance of public green spaces and implications for inclusive urban planning

Digital posters:

• 077 Gaspari Francesca, Rethinking the Boundaries of Energy Justice in Demand-Side Flexibility across Europe: A Critical Review

• 132 Sestrem Jardel, Exploring Governance Approaches and Civic Engagement in Municipality-Led Renewable Energy Communities in Italy

• 213 Pantelimon Bianca, The public space as a vector of social cohesion