Page 15 - JCAU-7-3

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Urban resilience in civil engineering

It also recommends implementing integrated policies values associated with improving ecosystem functions.
that prioritize material efficiency, regulate emissions, and This framework also offers models for evaluating and
reduce dependence on imported resources. By adopting classifying management actions that promote connectivity.
ISO 37123 indicators related to resource efficiency and Unlike other models that primarily focus on the biophysical
emission control, cities such as Guangzhou can better aspects of ecosystems, the CBF stands out for its ability to
evaluate their urban metabolism and implement policies identify direct benefits to people through functional and
that mitigate vulnerabilities while fostering sustainable connected ecosystems. To implement this tool effectively,
growth. specific goals and actions are planned, and functions and
resources are clearly delineated. The framework was tested
According to Zhao et al. (2022), urban resilience in
China has been gradually improving; however, significant in the expansion of the Portland Metro rail system, aiming
regional disparities remain, with cities in eastern China to reduce passenger vehicle traffic, alleviate congestion,
demonstrating greater resilience compared to those in lower air pollution, and support carbon reduction targets,
central and western regions. These results offer insights among other objectives.
for policymakers seeking to enhance urban resilience, The ISO 37123 framework provides a structured
optimize resource allocation, and promote balanced urban approach to assessing urban resilience through indicators
development. that incorporate NBS. For example, metrics related to
stormwater management, urban heat mitigation, and
China’s advancements in urban resilience can also be
assessed through the framework of ISO 37123, particularly biodiversity enhancement align closely with the benefits
provided by green infrastructure projects. These indicators
regarding its adoption of renewable energy and sustainable help quantify the effectiveness of solutions such as rain
transportation technologies. The disparities among regions gardens and green streets, ensuring their implementation
in China, as identified in the current study, highlight the
importance of standardized indicators for evaluating and contributes to both environmental and social resilience.
improving resilience across diverse urban contexts. For Several benefits were identified, such as the accessibility
example, cities in eastern China demonstrate a higher of green spaces within walking distance of neighborhoods,
alignment with resilience metrics, serving as valuable case which enhances public health. In addition, the creation
studies for global application. of green jobs can support local economies and promote
economically resilient communities. The construction
3.4. Green infrastructure: Nature-related solutions of cycling and walking trails surrounded by diverse
for urban resilience vegetation offers recreational opportunities and improves
NBSs play an important role in mitigating the damage urban aesthetics. These paths also help reduce surface
caused by climate change and reducing hydrological risks, runoff. However, the risks associated with planning
high temperatures, and human discomfort. The study by and implementing the CBF tool were analyzed, such as
Beyer and Anderson (2020), which was included outside potential damage to systems caused by tree roots and
the database search, highlights how water utilities can the ongoing costs of tree maintenance. By incorporating
invest in green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, stream ISO 37123 metrics, urban planners can better evaluate
restoration, and green streets, instead of relying solely the long-term performance of these projects, ensuring
on conventional infrastructure. These solutions not only that risks – such as maintenance challenges and potential
address rainwater collection and retention needs but ecosystem disruptions – are effectively managed. For
also provide benefits to other municipal departments, instance, the framework highlights the importance of
such as health, transportation, and education. monitoring ecological connectivity and social engagement,
Collaboration between departments, from identifying both of which are key to maximizing the benefits of green
needs to implementing solutions, can result in projects infrastructure. These insights reinforce the role of NBS
that simultaneously address stormwater management, in fostering sustainable and resilient cities. Given the
recreation, education, urban heat reduction, biodiversity identified risks, strategic solutions and adaptive responses
enhancement, mobility improvement, and housing were explored, demonstrating that the CBF is an effective
expansion. This is achieved by revitalizing rivers and green tool for urban planning.
spaces, such as parks, that require ecosystem restoration and 4. Conclusion
integrating solutions that work in conjunction with nature.
Hardy et al. (2022) introduce a set of tools and processes The primary aim of this study was to explore urban
known as the connectivity benefits framework (CBF), resilience and its link to various areas of civil engineering,
which helps professionals identify the ecological and social such as electricity infrastructure. The analysis examined

Volume 7 Issue 3 (2025) 9 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.8088