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