Constructing composite indicators for assessing the feasibility of green walls in urban contexts

Abstract

Urban centers worldwide are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, air pollution, urban heat islands, and biodiversity loss. Green infrastructure solutions, such as green walls or vertical gardens, offer promising strategies to enhance urban resilience, promote ecological sustainability, and improve residents' quality of life. However, their successful implementation depends on comprehensive feasibility assessments that consider technical, ecological, economic, social, and regulatory factors. This paper proposes an integrated, multidimensional framework that synthesizes different information into composite indicators, enabling a holistic evaluation of green wall projects. The study introduces a methodological approach that combines the statistical principles of composite indicator construction with practical assessments of green wall feasibility in urban settings. The framework balances methodological rigor with applied urban sustainability planning and is tested on the buildings of the University of Palermo Campus.