In the heart of Irbid Camp, Jordan, a groundbreaking study is reshaping how we think about urban sustainability and resource management. Led by Ali Shehadeh, a civil engineering expert from Yarmouk University’s Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology, this research leverages digital twins to create a harmonious balance between technology and community needs, with significant implications for the energy sector.
The study, published in the journal ‘Sustainable Futures’ (translated from Arabic as ‘Futures of Sustainability’), focuses on the Water-Energy-Food-Environment (WEFE) nexus, a complex interplay of resources crucial for urban sustainability. Shehadeh and his team developed an advanced digital twin (DT) model to simulate and plan sustainable infrastructural changes tailored to the unique socio-cultural and environmental context of Irbid Camp.
The journey began with a dynamic Revit model of typical housing in the camp, followed by an extensive survey of 500 residents. The survey explored attitudes towards water, energy, food, and environmental management, including aspects of cultural heritage. “We wanted to understand the community’s perceptions and behaviors towards resource management,” Shehadeh explains. “This understanding is crucial for developing sustainable solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also culturally responsive.”
The survey revealed some surprising insights. Demographic factors had minimal impact on resource management attitudes, and there was a limited correlation between conservation awareness and satisfaction with management. Moreover, the use of renewable energy sources in households did not significantly influence overall consumption patterns. Cultural heritage and the environment were also not major factors influencing local development policy, according to the community’s perspective.
These findings informed the development of the DT model, which integrated simulations of rainwater harvesting systems, roof farming, solar panels, and climate resilience measures. The model demonstrated the potential for sustainable infrastructure development to coexist with cultural heritage conservation, addressing community-based sustainability challenges.
For the energy sector, this research opens up new avenues for community-driven sustainable energy solutions. By integrating renewable energy sources like solar panels into the DT model, the study shows how energy management can be tailored to local needs and values. This approach could lead to more effective and acceptable energy policies, reducing resistance to renewable energy adoption.
The DT model serves as a dynamic urban planning and policy simulation tool, focusing on the balance between technological innovations and local community needs. Shehadeh emphasizes the importance of this balance, stating, “We need to ensure that our technological advancements are not just cutting-edge but also culturally sensitive and community-driven.”
The study calls for culturally responsive resource management that promotes community participation. This model could be implemented in comparable urban settings worldwide, shaping future developments in the field. Future research will focus on iterative calibration of the model and continuous community outreach, keeping sustainability practices technologically advanced and culturally sensitive.
As we look to the future, this research from Yarmouk University offers a compelling vision of urban sustainability. By leveraging digital twins and community engagement, we can create sustainable, resilient, and culturally responsive cities. The energy sector, in particular, stands to gain from this approach, with opportunities for more effective and acceptable energy policies. The journey towards sustainable urban development is complex, but with innovative research like this, the path becomes clearer.