Last Updated on July 16, 2026 by Dr. Bhagat
JOURNAL METRICS·Updated June 2026
Sustainable Cities and Society Impact Factor 2025
Sustainable Cities and Society Impact Factor 2025 is 12.8 (Q1, Environmental Sciences, Elsevier). Launched in 2011, this Elsevier journal has become a premier venue for urban sustainability research spanning smart cities, green buildings, and resilient infrastructure.
OVERVIEWWhat is Sustainable Cities and Society?
Founded in 2011, Sustainable Cities and Society (ISSN: 2210-6707) is an international peer-reviewed journal published by Elsevier. It occupies a unique niche at the intersection of urban planning, environmental science, civil engineering, and social policy. The journal publishes original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and case studies that advance the science of sustainable urban development.
With a Q1 ranking in Environmental Sciences, the journal has cemented its position as a thought leader in the rapidly evolving conversation around climate-resilient cities. Its editorial scope covers energy-efficient buildings, sustainable transportation networks, urban ecology, waste management systems, and the socio-economic dimensions of city living.
Key Takeaways
- Sustainable Cities and Society earned a 12.8 Impact Factor for 2025, placing it firmly in Q1.
- The journal sits at the crossroads of environmental science, urban planning, and engineering.
- With a CiteScore of 18.5, it ranks among the most-cited outlets in urban sustainability research.
- Publishes research on smart cities, green infrastructure, building efficiency, and urban resilience.
HISTORICAL DATA5-Year Impact Factor Trend
| Year | Impact Factor | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 9.7 | → |
| 2021 | 10.5 | ↑ |
| 2022 | 10.5 | ↑ |
| 2023 | 11.7 | ↑ |
| 2024 | 12.5 | ↑ |
| 2025 | 12.8 | ↑ |
The trajectory above reveals a journal on a consistent upward climb. From 9.7 in 2020, the Impact Factor has grown to 12.8 in 2025, an increase driven by rising citation counts from urban studies, environmental engineering, and policy research communities. This growth mirrors the global surge in urban sustainability research following international climate commitments.
SCOPUS METRICSCiteScore and SJR Analysis
Beyond the Impact Factor, Elsevier reports that the journal holds a CiteScore of 18.5 and an SJR of 2.1. These Scopus-derived metrics provide an alternative lens on citation influence. The CiteScore captures average citations per document over a four-year window, while the SJR weights citations by the prestige of the citing journal. Both indicators confirm Q1 standing.
UNDERSTANDING IFHow is the Impact Factor Calculated?
The Impact Factor is a ratio: citations in a given year to articles published in the two preceding years, divided by the total number of citable items published in those same two years. For 2025, the calculation uses citations received in 2025 to items published in 2023 and 2024. This metric, though debated, remains the most widely recognized shorthand for journal influence in academia.
FREQUENTLY ASKEDFAQ
What is the Sustainable Cities and Society Impact Factor 2025?
The 2025 Impact Factor is 12.8, based on the latest Clarivate Journal Citation Reports release.
Is this journal indexed in Scopus?
Yes, Sustainable Cities and Society is indexed in both Scopus and the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE).
What topics does the journal cover?
The journal publishes research on smart cities, green buildings, urban energy systems, sustainable transport, waste management, and urban resilience.
How does the CiteScore compare to the Impact Factor?
The CiteScore of 18.5 is typically higher than the IF because it uses a 4-year window and includes all document types.
Is it a good journal to submit to?
With a Q1 ranking, an IF of 12.8, and strong CiteScore, it is considered a top-tier venue in environmental and urban research.
