What is ISO 37120:2018?

ISO 37120:2018Sustainable cities and communities — Indicators for city services and quality of life – is a globally recognized standard developed by ISO that defines and structures performance indicators for city services and the overall quality of life. It helps cities measure and compare their performance across 19 thematic areas such as:

  1. Economy
  2. Education
  3. Energy
  4. Environment
  5. Finance
  6. Fire and emergency response
  7. Governance
  8. Health
  9. Recreation
  10. Safety
  11. Shelter
  12. Solid waste
  13. Telecommunications
  14. Transportation
  15. Urban planning
  16. Wastewater
  17. Water and sanitation
  18. Civic engagement
  19. Culture

Each area includes core and supporting indicators, enabling a comprehensive, data-centric approach to urban management. ISO 37120 aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supports evidence-based decision-making.

Why is ISO 37120:2018 important?

Cities today face unprecedented challenges—urban migration, climate change, resource scarcity, and governance complexity. ISO 37120 equips leaders with the tools to respond intelligently. Here’s why progressive municipalities adopt this standard:

Standardized Global Benchmarking

Enables meaningful comparisons across cities and regions using a globally accepted framework.

Performance-Based Governance

Improves transparency, planning, and accountability through measurable outcomes.

SDG Alignment

Supports local governments in aligning city development goals with global sustainability targets.

Smart City Readiness

Acts as a foundation for smart city certification and integrated urban development.

Stakeholder Confidence

Builds public trust through open data, clear indicators, and ongoing performance evaluation.

What are the benefits of ISO 37120:2018?

🏙 For Urban Planners and Policymakers

  1. Make informed decisions backed by consistent, credible data
  2. Prioritize investments where impact is measurable
  3. Track and publish performance transparently

📊 For Data and Governance Teams

  1. Integrate KPIs into digital dashboards and public reports
  2. Monitor progress across multiple departments and timelines
  3. Strengthen cross-department collaboration using shared metrics

🌿 For Communities and Residents

  1. Better access to quality services like sanitation, housing, and public safety
  2. More inclusive, livable, and resilient neighborhoods
  3. A voice in shaping the future through measurable civic engagement


What kind of businesses can benefit from ISO 37120:2018?

Implementing ISO 37120 doesn’t just benefit governments—it creates new opportunities for private partners, infrastructure developers, urban consultants, and technology firms.

Key Business Benefits:

🔍 New Market Opportunities

Capitalize on the rise of smart city projects needing compliance and reporting support.

📈 Enhanced Credibility & Visibility

Work with city governments that demand international standard alignment.

🤝 Partnership-Ready

Build stronger collaborations with development agencies and urban planning bodies.

🧠 Data Monetization and Intelligence

Support public decision-makers with tools, dashboards, and platforms for ISO 37120 indicators.

🌍 Sustainable Brand Positioning

Align your brand with global sustainability and inclusive urban development goals.

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