The Jerusalem Institute for Israel Studies (founded in 1978) is an independent, non-profit think tank, which has been engaged in the study of Jerusalem since its inception. JIIS research covers a vast range of areas of life in Jerusalem: population, economy, education, culture, tourism, environment, and more. Key to our success is our closely guarded integrity, independence, and quality.

The Challenge The world has become urbanized, with more than half of the global population living in urban settings today and this trend is likely to continue. In Israel this figure is much higher: 90% of the population lives in urban enclaves, which is well reflected in consumption patterns and levels of pollution. At the same time, there are advantages to having large concentrations of people in given areas: they often share patterns of behavior and can, collectively, change their attitudes to issues such as efficient exploitation of resources and environmental problems to give an end-result of more sustainable lifestyles. This project will take Jerusalem, Israels largest city, as a case study for promoting urban sustainability around the country. It will incorporate sociological and behavioral science aspects as well as environmental theories. The challenge is to build models for a sustainable lifestyle that will improve the long-term quality of life in Jerusalem and, based on those models, Israel.

The Project Plan To identify the relevant fields affecting urban sustainability To define goals and indicators for measuring progress towards urban sustainability in the coming years To outline a vision for Jerusalem as a sustainable city, drawing on existing models from other cities that promote such a lifestyle. Thus, Jerusalem will serve as the pilot city for urban sustainability in Israel

Anticipated Products Detailed reports and periodic updates presenting experts assessments on the main components of sustainable lifestyles in the cityA Final Report will include recommendations for short- and long-term policy measures

Anticipated Impact The Final Report will be presented to government officials, the mayor, policymakers and other professionals. Adoption of the projects findings by the Jerusalem Municipality and/or the government will suggest a new attitude toward policy that will ultimately advance sustainable lifestyles in Jerusalem and around Israel. The project will also have implications for local industry and the business sector.

Lead Researchers Tami Gavrieli, Valerie Brachya, Galit Raz-Dror

Cost Cost of the project: $90,000

Urban Sustainability in Jerusalem