Urban Solid Waste Management (USWM) is a worldwide challenge. The problems faced are even greater due to the disproportional increase of Urban Solid Waste (USW) generation in volume, especially in a context of increased urbanization, population growth and economic globalization in the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). In this context, the objective of this work is to analyze the status of MSW management in the BRICS countries, as well as to promote an exchange of experience and management strategies, pointing out possible ways to improve USWM systems that have to be adapted to each local reality. Focusing on this, a systematic literature revision was carried out through a bibliometric analysis. Results showed that the management system of these BRICS countries does not possess well-developed structures. The collection stage is quite often inefficient, the solid waste being stored in inappropriate ways and also disposed of in irregular locations. The participation of the informal sector is a trademark characteristic in USWM for BRICS countries, highlighting the need to integrate and formalize these activities for USW collection. Due to the high organic fraction, it is known that composting offers advantages as a way to promote a better use of organic waste and also as a means of reducing the amount of waste sent to sanitary landfills. Finally, with a better knowledge about solid waste generation and decentralization of the offered services, the decision makers will be able to successfully provide this essential public service.

The objective of this paper is to understand the interactions and functioning of the transportation of people and goods in the urban environment, and to propose an evaluation model in terms of sustainability and integrated transportation. Firstly, an in-depth literature review allowed us to understand the interactions and functioning of transport of people and goods in the urban environment, verifying the main initiatives to promote sustainability. The model was developed through a multi-criteria decision analysis methodology consisting of the application of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in a system specially developed for remote evaluation of the hierarchical model. The index was then applied to São Paulo, where two distinct periods were considered, and the results provided an assessment of the evolution of the city regarding the sustainability and integration of the passenger and freight systems. The conclusions indicate improve in the sustainability of the urban transport and logistics in the city, highlighting the importance of incentives to the use of active modes of transport and the communication channel with population.

Construction waste is generated during construction and remodelling undertakings. Construction waste management (CWM) is a challenge in developing countries such as Brazil. Thus, it is necessary to create tools by which CWM may be evaluated. This article presents the elaboration of a tool to assess CWM in Brazilian cities; moreover, this method facilitates such analyses in regions which lack substantial quantitative data. In doing so, the tool, known as the Assessment Index for Construction Waste Management (ICWM), combines quantitative and qualitative information and is composed of 49 indicators and 19 criteria divided into the following groups: operational; environmental; politico-economic, educational; and social. The analytic hierarchy process was used to assign the weights attributed to the groups and criteria to build the index. The indicators were measured according to a standardized rating scale proposed for each one. These elements were aggregated in a mathematical formula that enables the calculation of the ICWM. The aggregation method used was a weighted linear combination, and the index is rated on a 0 to 1 scale. The ICWM was tested in four municipalities. In all cases, the management was considered inefficient. The proposed tool proved to be effective in evaluating the CWM. In cities where the ICWM was tested, it was possible to identify the significant deficiencies of the CWM and recommend improvement actions to develop more efficient and sustainable management.

Accessibility is a well-established concept in sustainable transportation literature; however, it is often measured through accessibility models that are still being developed. This article presents an accessibility evaluation model that applies multiple attributes, fuzzy functions, and spatial analysis tools. The model determines indices that reflect an average level of attractiveness for each potential destination (deemed a location of interest—LI). Each destination has different weights based on its degree of importance. Moreover, the model was developed in two phases: The first considered cost–distance metrics, and the second incorporated ground friction factors. The application of the model provides great contribution to the region under study (Campos do Jordão, a city located in a mountainous region of the state of São Paulo), thus presenting some implications for sustainable urban planning and mobility policies, especially in segregated areas with mixed inhabitant populations between tourists and local residents. The results have shown that special attention should be paid to planning new school facilities and city transportation systems. Most of these services are currently concentrated in the city’s downtown area, making access to urban facilities inefficient and unfair. Using the results in urban projects, the allocation of future urban facilities or the reallocation of current urban facilities contributes to reduced impacts on urban mobility caused by individual motorized transportation in daily activities.