198
C. F. Albrecht et al.
interaction with people: with input from residents, builders, and decision-makers in
policy and regulations. Recently, Irwin et al. (2018) articulated an
…emerging research agenda for sustainable urban system…emphasizing a new framework
that conceptualizes these systems as multiscale, interdependent, social, engineered and natural systems. This research calls for convergence research on urban systems—that is, research
that moves beyond interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve deep knowledge integrations
across discipline to create new systems frameworks for integrative work.
Their work is consistent with the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) definition of convergence science: it is defined as “Research driven by a specific and
compelling problem,” and requires “Deep interaction across disciplines” (NSF, no
date). A transdisciplinary approach brings together researchers, practitioners, community members considerations and points of view in two different countries, the U.S.
and Brazil, with contrasting culture and environmental characteristics. Importantly,
transdisciplinarity transcends expertise—“disciplinary, multidisciplinary, pluridisciplinarity, and interdisciplinarity” (Max-Neef, M.A. 2005). Importantly, this engagement must involve with people in communities—those most familiar with paramount
local conditions and relationships. As recognized by Irwin et al. (2018) in Bridging
barriers to advance global sustainability, “we need new structures to foster knowledge that is deeply integrated across disciplines and co-produced with non-academic
stakeholders”. Applying ecosystems services to sustainable housing through a transdisciplinary approach empowers residents through increasing housing stability and
affordability, directs efforts towards SDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities,
and by extension all SDGs.
7 Conclusion
It is highly recommended to consider the relation between energy systems in respect
to ecosystem services. Ecosystem services comprehend the basics for human welfare and all living beings’ survival. The energy systems, including the components
of energy sources, transport and storage, and demand management varies across
countries and globally. It is fundamental to understand the ecological impact of each
system locally, regionally, and globally. Most studies about ecosystem services are
conducted within a habitat or bio-region scale; however, it is important to bring
attention to the topic at the local urban scale for designers, developers, and stakeholders. The social and economic context is still in the core of design decision and
energy system adoption. The criteria for human comfort and welfare is very limited
in developing countries as seen in the Brazilian case due to economic limitations.
The potential of ecosystem services to contribute to human welfare in short- and
long-terms may offer multifunctional solutions, with locally sourced resources, and
multiple and diverse benefits from nature.
C. F. Albrecht et al.
interaction with people: with input from residents, builders, and decision-makers in
policy and regulations. Recently, Irwin et al. (2018) articulated an
…emerging research agenda for sustainable urban system…emphasizing a new framework
that conceptualizes these systems as multiscale, interdependent, social, engineered and natural systems. This research calls for convergence research on urban systems—that is, research
that moves beyond interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve deep knowledge integrations
across discipline to create new systems frameworks for integrative work.
Their work is consistent with the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) definition of convergence science: it is defined as “Research driven by a specific and
compelling problem,” and requires “Deep interaction across disciplines” (NSF, no
date). A transdisciplinary approach brings together researchers, practitioners, community members considerations and points of view in two different countries, the U.S.
and Brazil, with contrasting culture and environmental characteristics. Importantly,
transdisciplinarity transcends expertise—“disciplinary, multidisciplinary, pluridisciplinarity, and interdisciplinarity” (Max-Neef, M.A. 2005). Importantly, this engagement must involve with people in communities—those most familiar with paramount
local conditions and relationships. As recognized by Irwin et al. (2018) in Bridging
barriers to advance global sustainability, “we need new structures to foster knowledge that is deeply integrated across disciplines and co-produced with non-academic
stakeholders”. Applying ecosystems services to sustainable housing through a transdisciplinary approach empowers residents through increasing housing stability and
affordability, directs efforts towards SDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities,
and by extension all SDGs.
7 Conclusion
It is highly recommended to consider the relation between energy systems in respect
to ecosystem services. Ecosystem services comprehend the basics for human welfare and all living beings’ survival. The energy systems, including the components
of energy sources, transport and storage, and demand management varies across
countries and globally. It is fundamental to understand the ecological impact of each
system locally, regionally, and globally. Most studies about ecosystem services are
conducted within a habitat or bio-region scale; however, it is important to bring
attention to the topic at the local urban scale for designers, developers, and stakeholders. The social and economic context is still in the core of design decision and
energy system adoption. The criteria for human comfort and welfare is very limited
in developing countries as seen in the Brazilian case due to economic limitations.
The potential of ecosystem services to contribute to human welfare in short- and
long-terms may offer multifunctional solutions, with locally sourced resources, and
multiple and diverse benefits from nature.