Context: This study explores the impact of environmental indicators on air quality, waste management, and water quality in cities. Objective: evaluate how these indicators can support sustainable urban policies aimed at improving the environment and public health. Methodology: The research uses a quantitative and descriptive approach, employing questionnaires for data collection via Google Forms, followed by analysis using descriptive statistics and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. The study identifies four main environmental indicators and develops an initial model composed of 74 questions. This model is evaluated for its reliability, discriminant validity, and convergent validity. The Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) is used to analyze collinearity. The final model includes R² values and path coefficients, which have high explanatory power. Contributions: the study contributes to the literature by offering a theoretical framework on sustainable cities. From an academic point of view, it presents an efficient methodology for creating a strategic map and a statistical model that can be used by municipal managers. In practice, the research provides policymakers with a validated model that can assist in the management and monitoring of urban waste, aiming to improve environmental quality and protect public health. Results: the results suggest that, although environmental indicators significantly impact certain areas, further refinement of the model could help to better address the complex challenges of urban sustainability.
Santa et al. (Wed,) studied this question.