Identification and Prioritization of the Urban Sustainability Pattern of Green Communities, Case Study: Tabriz City

Introduction 
The rapid expansion of urbanization has reshaped the environmental, social, and economic structures of cities worldwide. While urban growth has contributed to economic development and improved infrastructure, it has simultaneously intensified environmental degradation, spatial inequality, and social fragmentation. In developing countries such as Iran, the pace of urban expansion has exceeded the capacity of urban management systems to ensure balanced and sustainable development. Tabriz, as one of Iran’s largest and oldest metropolitan centers, faces severe air pollution, declining per capita green space, inefficient transportation systems, and uneven spatial distribution of services. These challenges undermine urban resilience and reduce environmental quality. In response, the concept of green communities has emerged as a practical manifestation of sustainable urban development, emphasizing ecological balance, low‑carbon mobility, resource efficiency, social justice, and participatory governance. Despite global advancements, Iranian cities still lack comprehensive frameworks that integrate environmental, social, economic, and governance dimensions. This study aims to identify and prioritize the key dimensions of an urban sustainability pattern tailored to green communities in Tabriz. Existing studies in Iran often focus on isolated aspects of sustainability, such as green space distribution or environmental pollution, without offering a holistic model that reflects the lived realities of residents. The absence of participatory mechanisms and limited access to updated spatial data have hindered evidence‑based decision‑making. Tabriz, with its rapid population growth and industrial expansion, faces complex sustainability challenges that require integrated and community‑centered solutions. This research addresses the gap by developing a multi‑dimensional sustainability model that incorporates environmental, social, economic, and governance indicators. The study’s significance lies in its potential to guide policymakers, planners, and local stakeholders toward more effective and sustainable urban strategies.
 
Mothodology
This research employed a mixed‑method design combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. In the qualitative phase, semi‑structured interviews were conducted with 15 experts, including university professors, urban planners, and municipal managers. Using grounded theory, interview data were analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding, resulting in the identification of six major dimensions of urban sustainability. In the quantitative phase, a sample of 322 residents of Tabriz was selected using Cochran’s formula. A 29‑item questionnaire derived from the qualitative findings was used for data collection. Content validity was confirmed through the Delphi method, and reliability was verified using Cronbach’s alpha, with all constructs exceeding 0.7. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using Smart PLS was employed to test the model and evaluate the relationships among variables.
Finding
The final model identified six fundamental dimensions that together explain a substantial portion of the variance in urban sustainability within Tabriz’s green communities. These dimensions encompass a sustainable environment, reflected in improvements in air quality, expansion of green spaces, enhanced waste management efficiency, and protection of natural ecosystems; green urban design, characterized by pedestrian‑friendly environments, energy‑efficient buildings, mixed land‑use patterns, and ecologically oriented landscape planning; social justice and welfare, which includes equitable access to services, reduction of spatial inequalities, strengthened social inclusion, and improved public safety; corporate social responsibility, highlighting the contribution of industries and private organizations to environmental stewardship and community development; participatory governance, emphasizing citizen engagement, transparency, collaborative decision‑making, and bottom‑up planning; and finally urban resilience and livability, which reflects the city’s capacity to withstand environmental and socio‑economic shocks while ensuring high‑quality living conditions. The findings revealed that all six dimensions exert significant positive effects on urban sustainability, with social justice and welfare emerging as the most influential factor, underscoring the necessity of addressing spatial disparities and ensuring fair access to urban services. Green urban design and participatory governance demonstrated strong indirect effects, reinforcing their strategic role in shaping green communities. Corporate social responsibility served as a mediating mechanism linking environmental and social dimensions, indicating that private‑sector engagement is essential for achieving sustainability objectives. Overall, the model exhibited strong explanatory power, confirming that these six dimensions collectively form a robust and comprehensive framework for understanding and advancing urban sustainability in Tabriz.
 
Discussion and Conclusion
The findings underscore the multi‑dimensional nature of urban sustainability and the need for integrated planning approaches that bridge environmental, social, economic, and governance domains. In Tabriz, sustainability challenges stem not only from environmental degradation but also from structural inequalities, fragmented governance, and limited public participation. The strong influence of social justice suggests that sustainable development cannot be achieved without addressing socio‑spatial disparities. The importance of participatory governance reflects a growing recognition that top‑down planning is insufficient. Sustainable cities require active collaboration between municipal authorities, residents, and civil society organizations. The role of CSR highlights the potential of industries to contribute to environmental restoration and community well‑being. The proposed model provides a strategic framework for policymakers and urban managers. It can guide the development of green community initiatives, inform spatial planning decisions, and support targeted interventions to enhance resilience, livability, and environmental quality. Tabriz has the potential to become a national model for green community development, provided that sustainability principles are integrated into long‑term planning and supported by participatory mechanisms. The study emphasizes that achieving a sustainable and human‑centered city requires coordinated efforts among municipal institutions, private sectors, academic bodies, and local communities.