Urban water supply systems in Iran and Turkey are facing increasing pressure due to leakages, inefficient resource use, and lack of a proactive management approach. This study proposes an integrated engineering model combining Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, a loss calculation algorithm (ΔQ), and a multi-criteria demand analysis (MCDA) method to identify, prioritize, and fix water leaks in urban infrastructure. The developed system, named Smart Leak, was tested in pilot areas of Tehran (District 3) and Istanbul (Beyoğlu District) where real-world data collection and expert assessment were carried out. The model includes a digital monitoring architecture, dashboards, an alert system, and integration with Google Sheets and App Sheet. The results showed a 27% reduction in leak detection time, improved prioritization accuracy, and improved resource allocation efficiency. In addition, the MCDA–LCA criteria heat map highlighted the priority of environmental factors in decision making. The developed approach demonstrates scalability, adaptability and suitability for application in cities experiencing water shortages. The system can be integrated into smart city platforms for sustainable water management.

Keywords: sustainable development, environmental project management, socio-economic effects, renewable energy, circular economy, waste-to-energy recycling, urban infrastructure, Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, Istanbul

Rapid urbanization in developing countries, particularly Iran and Turkey, has increased environmental challenges that require systemic and engineering-based strategies for managing sustainable development projects. This study presents a structured approach to engineering modeling and managing urban environmental projects using five metropolitan areas: Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Istanbul. Particular attention is paid to the socio-economic impacts of implementing sustainable initiatives, including job creation, cost reduction, and improved urban quality. Istanbul’s successful experience in integrating waste-to-energy systems and switching to electric public transport is compared with less effective and disparate practices in Iranian cities. Based on the analysis, policy recommendations are developed to promote interregional cooperation and form a coherent sustainable development framework for policymakers and urban planners.

Keywords: sustainable development, environmental project management, socio-economic effects, renewable energy, circular economy, waste-to-energy, urban infrastructure, Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, Istanbul