# An Integrated SWOT-PESTLE-AHP Model Assessing Sustainability in Adaptive Reuse Projects
## 6 Conclusions  
Sustainable development has been a major issue in urban planning and management during the past decade. One important element for sustainable urban development is undoubtedly the adaptive reuse of existing building stock. Adaptive reuse aims at creating a (new) city landmark, a cultural and social meeting, a city portal through which the physiognomy of the city is further enhanced or developed, enabling citizens to be connected in a dynamic manner. At the same time, adaptive reuse can achieve low carbon urban development. Adaptive reuse is a complex process requiring a holistic consideration on the political, economic, social, cultural, technical, legal, and environmental aspects. The current research employed the combination of three tools for sustainability assessment. Results of the PESTLE analysis were used to feed a SWOT analysis, results of which were subsequently subject of evaluation using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The approach implemented presents an effective way of drawing measurable results through analysis of the surrounding aspects and examining the overall and individual views of experts. To conclude, this paper argues that in order to underline the strategic role and promote the advantages of adaptive reuse practices in urban sustainable development plans, it is crucial to raise the political profile at both regional and local levels of governance. The economic aspects of adaptive reuse are far from negligible and should be closely considered in order to achieve an overall positive impact of adaptive reuse on sustainable urban development. In order to attain the ultimate outcome of an enhanced and sustainable built environment, technological and technical matters involve striking a fine balance toward promoting research and the development of novel resilient techniques, systems, and components. Although environmental indicators are expected to have a positive impact on the sustainability of adaptive reuse projects, results indicate risks, which can harm system sustainability unless issues related to environmental policy aspects are not further developed. From a cultural standpoint, choosing to adaptive reuse old urban industrial buildings may help towards preserving their intrinsic heritage and cultural values, and consequently the intrinsic culture of the society, thereby promoting specific aspects of sustainability. Finally, yet importantly, from a legislative point of view, the flexibility of the relevant building regulations and land use, is necessary to ensure the requested levels of sustainability and effectiveness. The results could serve as a reference point for all interested parties to better decide on adaptive reuse practices in Greece, and other countries sharing common characteristics and combined criteria. Consistent with the wider literature, findings of the current study include strengths and opportunities, to be further enhanced or developed and the adverse weaknesses and threats to be counteracted and reduced. In this context, the following decision-making and policy formulation recommendations have been drawn to develop adaptive reuse practices in Greece on a sustainable basis;  
Adaptive reuse is the only sustainable alternative for underutilized former industrial urban buildings. Current policies should be reviewed in order to develop attractive financial incentives to promote the adaptive reuse of industrial buildings, in order to generate economic growth and employment. In addition to developing the appropriate codes of practice and standards for adaptive reuse, new innovative and green technologies can and should be used. The adaptive reuse of neighboring industrial or unutilized buildings and consolidated projects that can better use the current public facilities should be supported in order to achieve holistic urban regeneration. Public interest, support, and participation are important to promote adaptive reuse and to reach a consensus within the community in order to optimize building use after transformation.