Sustainability

17 pages, 420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Employee Environmental Concerns on Sustainable Practices: Investigating Organizational Commitment and Job Satisfaction

by Shengjie Cao, Pengjie Xu, Sikandar Ali Qalati and Ke Wu

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5823; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135823 - 8 Jul 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3189

Abstract

Environmental issues are gradually increasing due to increases in carbon emissions, overproduction, plastic use, the burning of fossil fuels, etc. Therefore, ecological sustainability is a primary concern for society and the upcoming generation. Considering this, the present research objective is to examine the [...] Read more.

Environmental issues are gradually increasing due to increases in carbon emissions, overproduction, plastic use, the burning of fossil fuels, etc. Therefore, ecological sustainability is a primary concern for society and the upcoming generation. Considering this, the present research objective is to examine the factors influencing employee eco-friendly behavior (EEBH) and firm environmental performance (FEP). Cross-sectional data were accumulated from 403 employees working in casual dining restaurants in China and analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS–SEM) approaches (i.e., PLS algorithm, bootstrapping, blindfolding, and PLS prediction). The findings support the significant effect of environmental concern (ENVC) on employee organizational commitment (EOC), employee job satisfaction (EJoS), and EEBH. In addition, EOC and EJoS directly and indirectly influence EEBH. Furthermore, EOC also mediates the link between ENVC and EJoS. Finally, the findings also show that EEBH stimulates environmental performance. By showing the links between these elements, it has been emphasized that EEBH is a precondition of good organizational productivity and how it contributes to enhancing the EJoS and overall firm’s health. It challenges managers to create a work environment that is conducive to sustainability for improved customer relations and a strong reputation for the organization in society. Full article

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21 pages, 16287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Volumetric Add-On Retrofit Strategy with Multi-Benefit Approach toward Nearly Zero Energy Buildings Target

by Maryam Khazaee, Siamak Hosseinzadeh, Saeed Khorrami, Davide Astiaso Garcia and Mosè Ricci

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5822; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135822 - 8 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1232

Abstract

Around 35% of the total housing stock of the European Union is more than half a century old. The shortage of funds for new construction, combined with rapidly changing economic, social, and technological factors, has led to significant obsolescence. Additionally, this situation makes [...] Read more.

Around 35% of the total housing stock of the European Union is more than half a century old. The shortage of funds for new construction, combined with rapidly changing economic, social, and technological factors, has led to significant obsolescence. Additionally, this situation makes it difficult to satisfy the owners’ energy, functional, and socio-economic needs. This research aims to develop an innovative retrofit approach that brings multiple benefits to assessing retrofit designs for social housing, with specific emphasis on volumetric envelope additions toward the nearly zero energy buildings target (nZEBs). To achieve the purpose of this study, the research through design methodology was chosen. The research methodology consisted of two phases: design and simulation. First, the design phase focused on re-designing and retrofitting social housing to address various aspects of the functional requirements in developing rational solutions. Second, the simulation phase focused on computational modeling and analysis of energy performance to assess the nZEBs target. The results show that the use of high-efficiency Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and improved material envelopes cut electricity consumption use by 43% and primary energy use by 40% compared to the base case. Photovoltaics (PV) production can meet the total electricity demand for six months. This approach can encourage residents and tenants to actively participate in the retrofit process and increase the real estate value of buildings through improvements in energy efficiency and housing function. Full article

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31 pages, 3656 KiB

Open AccessReview

What Is the Current State of Sustainability in the Decorative Electroplating Industry? A Close Look at New Practices and Advances

by Walter Giurlani, Giulio Pappaianni, Fabio Biffoli, Elena Mariani, Marco Bonechi, Leonardo Giliberti, Margherita Tufarelli, Paolo Franzo, Elisabetta Cianfanelli and Massimo Innocenti

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5821; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135821 - 8 Jul 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1739

Abstract

Electroplating is a key process in many industrial fields such as automotive, electronics and decorative applications; this process makes it possible to provide new properties to substrates materials such as corrosion resistance, hardness and aesthetic value. Nonetheless, electroplating is considered one of the [...] Read more.

Electroplating is a key process in many industrial fields such as automotive, electronics and decorative applications; this process makes it possible to provide new properties to substrates materials such as corrosion resistance, hardness and aesthetic value. Nonetheless, electroplating is considered one of the most non-sustainable industries related to the manufacturing sector, from both an environmental and a social point of view. With the approaching deadlines set by the United Nations for the 2030 Agenda, electroplating companies have started a trend of innovating their production processes with a focus on sustainability, acting on several fronts: performing simulations to predict criticalities and optimize working procedures, reducing the material used and recovering it from processing water. The purpose of this communication is to highlight the state of the art of sustainable practices peculiar to the electroplating industry, critically analyzing ongoing challenges to achieve and exceed the targets set by regulatory agencies. Both atomistic and multiphysics simulations will be analyzed as powerful tools to design both new sustainable formulations and items; then, the problem of metal dispersion will be discussed, evaluating different industrial approaches; finally, the focus will be shifted towards the general procedures to recover metal from wastewater. Full article

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Fashion accessories presenting a complex geometry made of many cusps and valleys to represent a horse crest; the difference in deposited thicknesses of precious metals on a cusp and a valley observed in a cross section of the sample by a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Full article ">Figure 2
Current density (i) distribution and thickness distribution (δ) over a cathode of irregular shape obtained with CFD simulations by Kauffman [<a href="#B75-sustainability-16-05821" class="html-bibr">75</a>] (image under Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 license, all rights and intellectual property belong to the authors; for more information, see <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0" target="_blank">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0</a> accessed on 15 April 2024). Full article ">Figure 3
A 500 L electroplating tank containing (a) two anode bars, one for each side, to which the MMO anodes are connected; (b) a central cathodic bar, where the rack is attached; (c) a float to control the level and temperature of the solution; (d) a heating element for heating the solution. Full article ">Figure 4
Anode schemes of (a) the Italfimet RAEP system, where 1 indicates the connectors related to the upper section of the three-anode system, 2 the connector related to the middle section and 3 the connector related to the lower section; (b) the LBT HCS system, where 1 indicates the connectors related to the lower section of the three-anode system, 2 the connector related to the middle section and 3 the connector related to the upper section. Full article ">Figure 5
Normalized distributions of electrodeposited gold thicknesses, measured by XRF analysis, relative to a sample obtained (a) under standard conditions (DC1); (b) using the RAEP system; (c) using the HCS. The x and y axes represent the coordinates inside the plating rack, which contains 16 plates arranged in rows and columns of 4. Areas of the rack where there are no plates are shown in black. Full article ">Figure 6
Normalized distributions of electrodeposited gold thicknesses, measured by XRF analysis, relative to a sample obtained (a) under standard DC conditions (DC2); (b) under PC deposition conditions. The x and y axes represent the coordinates inside the plating rack, which contains 16 plates arranged in rows and columns of 4. Areas of the rack where there are no plates are shown in black. Full article ">Figure 7
Electrodialysis principles [<a href="#B155-sustainability-16-05821" class="html-bibr">155</a>] (image under Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 license, all rights and intellectual property belong to the authors; for more information, see <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0" target="_blank">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0</a> accessed on 15 April 2024). Full article ">Figure 8
The conceptual reaction path of photocatalysis over TiO2 [<a href="#B159-sustainability-16-05821" class="html-bibr">159</a>] (image under Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 license, all rights and intellectual property belong to the authors; for more information, see <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0" target="_blank">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0</a> accessed on 15 April 2024). Full article ">

25 pages, 1078 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can the UK Deliver Zero Carbon Ready Homes by 2050?

by Lily Warren, Ayotunde Dawodu, Ayomikun Solomon Adewumi and Cheng Quan

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5820; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135820 - 8 Jul 2024

Viewed by 6945

Abstract

Climate change presents one of the most significant challenges facing the world in the 21st century. In 2019, the UK became the first major economy to pass laws to end its contribution to the world’s greenhouse gas emissions; parliament passed legislation requiring the [...] Read more.

Climate change presents one of the most significant challenges facing the world in the 21st century. In 2019, the UK became the first major economy to pass laws to end its contribution to the world’s greenhouse gas emissions; parliament passed legislation requiring the UK government to achieve its carbon neutrality commitment by 2050. This will require all industries, including the housing sector, which currently contributes around 14% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, to reduce their carbon emission contribution. One of the ways in which the housing sector plans to accomplish this is through delivering new zero carbon ready homes by 2050, at the latest. This study makes an innovative contribution to advancing the field of carbon neutral construction through its identification of the barriers to the UK in regards to their ability to deliver zero carbon homes (ZCH) and the provision of potential recommendations to overcome these barriers. To achieve this, a mixed-review method is used, combining a qualitative systematic analysis and a quantitative bibliometric approach. Several key barriers were identified and assigned to following key themes: legislative, socio-cultural, economic, financial, skills and knowledge, technical, industrial, environmental, and procurement factors. Legislative obstacles were found to be a primary barrier due to a lack of certainty, clarity, and clear definitions, as well as the removal and excess of government policies. Significantly, the findings reveal the under-researched impact of recent disruptive events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and economic factors in the UK, opening up novel avenues for exploring their implications. Overall, this study advances industry understanding and highlights innovative directions necessary to propel the sector towards realizing the UK’s legally-binding 2050 net zero target through the development of zero carbon ready homes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Climate Action for Global Health)

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18 pages, 3924 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Distribution of the Economic Impacts of Sustainable Regional Transport Policies

by Rita Prior Filipe, Andrew Heath and Nick McCullen

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5819; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135819 - 8 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1314

Abstract

In response to current environmental, social and accessibility challenges in the mobility sector, this research focuses on promoting the development of integrated sustainable regional transport policies, supported by a thorough analysis of their distributed economic impacts. This is fulfilled with the development of [...] Read more.

In response to current environmental, social and accessibility challenges in the mobility sector, this research focuses on promoting the development of integrated sustainable regional transport policies, supported by a thorough analysis of their distributed economic impacts. This is fulfilled with the development of a new GIS-supported extension of a comprehensive methodology that is currently used for appraising local transport interventions. To illustrate the inputs and outputs of the expanded approach, a regional case study was simulated, highlighting the potential for this methodology to assist in (1) optimising the financial balance between electrification and modal-shift strategies, (2) anticipating and analysing the multiple economic impacts of multimodal transport services (e.g., Mobility as a Service) and (3) understanding how equal the benefits of these policies are across the region. This research will provide novel contributions to the field of transport research and policy development by introducing a comprehensive methodology that quantifies and maps the distributed economic impacts of regional transport policies. This will, consequently, enable the economic outputs of these policies to be easily visualised, analysed and shared with mobility stakeholders, fostering a better understanding of their urban–rural distribution, and promoting the strategic development of sustainable and equitable regional transport systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Techniques to Promote Sustainable Mobility: Evaluation, Optimization and Behavioral Adaptation)

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24 pages, 1874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Virtual Fashion Consumption through the Emotional Three-Level Theory: Reflections on Sustainable Consumer Behavior

by Yajuan Deng, Haina Shen and Xiaofen Ji

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5818; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135818 - 8 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2913

Abstract

The fast fashion industry has been widely criticized for its substantial consumption of resources and significant environmental pollution. In contrast, virtual fashion clothes are attracting attention from consumers and academics for their notable sustainability benefits and potential for fashion innovation. However, research on [...] Read more.

The fast fashion industry has been widely criticized for its substantial consumption of resources and significant environmental pollution. In contrast, virtual fashion clothes are attracting attention from consumers and academics for their notable sustainability benefits and potential for fashion innovation. However, research on consumer acceptance of virtual clothes and the role of sustainability remains limited. This study aims to fill this gap by applying the Emotional Three-Level Theory to identify key virtual fashion attributes, including aesthetic, reality, personalization, presentation, sustainability, and inclusivity features, and evaluating their impact on acceptance using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). A survey of 503 Generation Z consumers in China, analyzed through structural equation modeling, reveals that perceived enjoyment, usefulness, and ease of use significantly influence the intention to adopt virtual fashion clothes. Aesthetic and realistic features enhance enjoyment, while personalization and presentation improve usefulness and ease of use. Sustainability features positively impact all three factors, promoting consumer acceptance. These findings offer theoretical insights for virtual fashion research and practical guidance for the fashion industry to leverage virtual technologies for environmental sustainability. Notably, the study emphasizes the potential of virtual clothes in promoting sustainable development in the fashion industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insights into Contemporary Consumer Behavior: New Perspectives on Social Media and Technological Innovation)

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24 pages, 4486 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is the Economy, Environment and Energy (3E) System Sustainable?—An Analysis of the Coordination Degree of Carbon Decoupling and Energy Equity in the Yangtze River Economic Belt

by Chun Fu, Chuanyong Luo and Yezhong Liu

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5817; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135817 - 8 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1183

Abstract

As the climate crisis intensifies, the low-carbon transition seems to be the necessary path to maintain the sustainability of the 3E system. However, does it no longer pose potential threats to sustainability? In the context of the low-carbon transition, this study reveals hidden [...] Read more.

As the climate crisis intensifies, the low-carbon transition seems to be the necessary path to maintain the sustainability of the 3E system. However, does it no longer pose potential threats to sustainability? In the context of the low-carbon transition, this study reveals hidden worries about the sustainability of the 3E system from an energy equity perspective, specifically focusing on the coordination between carbon decoupling and energy equity. This study innovatively calculates the level of carbon decoupling and energy equity in China’s Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2008 to 2019 and explores the degree of coordinated development between carbon decoupling and energy equity by employing the coupling coordination model and bivariate local Moran index. The results show the following: (1) from 2008 to 2019, the energy equity in the Yangtze River Economic Belt showed steady improvement, but the overall level was still not high, being below 0.5; (2) the upstream and downstream regions showed more obvious resistance in maintaining the coordinated development of carbon decoupling and energy equity, but there are structural differences among them; (3) inter-basin differences were an important feature of the low-carbon economy and equitable energy development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt in the past. This study provides policy implications and research insights for promoting the sustainability of the 3E system in transition countries from an energy equity perspective. Full article

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20 pages, 4113 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial and Temporal Variations in the Coupled Relationship between Ecosystem Services and Human Well-Being in Gansu Province Counties and the Factors Affecting Them

by Xuebin Zhang, Hucheng Du, Haoyuan Feng, Jun Luo, Yanni Liu, Jiale Yu and Xuehong Li

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5816; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135816 - 8 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1124

Abstract

Investigating the interplay between ecosystem services and human well-being is crucial for enhancing ecological conservation and achieving a superior quality of development. This research examined the spatial–temporal disparities in ecosystem services and human well-being across 87 counties in Gansu Province using the coupling [...] Read more.

Investigating the interplay between ecosystem services and human well-being is crucial for enhancing ecological conservation and achieving a superior quality of development. This research examined the spatial–temporal disparities in ecosystem services and human well-being across 87 counties in Gansu Province using the coupling coordination degree model and geographically weighted regression analysis. The key findings include the following: (1) Over two decades, from 2000 to 2020, ecosystem services in Gansu Province witnessed a financial appreciation of approximately CNY 29.32 billion. The distribution displayed a notable trend, with higher values in the southeastern counties, particularly in Gannan and Longnan, whereas lower values prevailed in the Hexi area. (2) The well-being of the populace experienced a substantial enhancement, registering a 75% increase during the same period, characterized by higher well-being indices in the north, especially in Hexi, and the lowest indices in Gannan and the Linxia sector of Longzhong. (3) The coupling coordination degree between ecosystem services and human well-being escalated from 0.412 to 0.587, transitioning from moderate dysfunction to moderate coordination over the two decades. Regions such as Hexi and Gannan recorded a moderate discordance in their coupling coordination, whereas regions including Longzhong, Longnan, and Longdong demonstrated a more stable, basic coordination. (4) Influences on the coupling coordination degree between county ecosystem services and human well-being displayed significant spatial variability, often aligned along distinct geographic bands. Economic and natural foundations were predominantly aligned southeast to northwest, while investment and urbanization levels were more prominent from west to east, and industrialization levels were distributed along an east–west axis. Full article

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15 pages, 3034 KiB

Open AccessArticle

NO Formation in Combustion Engines Fuelled by Mixtures of Hydrogen and Methane

by Joaquim Campos, Leonardo Ribeiro, Joaquim Monteiro, Gustavo Pinto and Andresa Baptista

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5815; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135815 - 8 Jul 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1117

Abstract

The present work addresses the production of nitrogen oxides in ICEs burning hydrogen mixed with methane. A mathematical model that allows the calculation of nitrogen oxide emissions from such combustion was built; this model uses the extended chemical kinetic mechanism of Zeldovich. Numerical [...] Read more.

The present work addresses the production of nitrogen oxides in ICEs burning hydrogen mixed with methane. A mathematical model that allows the calculation of nitrogen oxide emissions from such combustion was built; this model uses the extended chemical kinetic mechanism of Zeldovich. Numerical simulations were carried out on the production of NO, varying the following variables: proportion of H₂ to CH₄, the equivalence ratio of the reactant mixture, the compression ratio, and the engine speed. The essential purpose was to assess how NO production is affected by the mentioned variables. The main assumptions were (i) Otto cycle; (ii) instantaneous combustion; (iii) chemical equilibrium reached just at the end of combustion; (iv) the formation of NO only during the expansion stroke of pistons. Results were obtained for various proportions of hydrogen and methane, various equivalence ratios, speeds of rotation, and compression ratios of an engine. In short, the results obtained in the current work show that the lowering of the equivalence ratio leads to a lower concentration of NO; that increasing the compression ratio also lowers the concentration of NO; that NO production occurs until shortly after the beginning of the expansion stroke; and finally, that the NO concentration in the engine exhaust is not very sensitive to the H₂/CH₄ ratio in the fuel mixture. Full article

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52 pages, 893 KiB

Open AccessReview

Poverty (Number 1 Goal of the SDG) of Disabled People through Disability Studies and Ability Studies Lenses: A Scoping Review

by Tsion Berie, Sean A. Kidd and Gregor Wolbring

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5814; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135814 - 8 Jul 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2206

Abstract

According to the World Bank, the world will not meet the SDG of ending extreme poverty in 2030. Disabled people live disproportionally below the poverty line. Many societal developments and discussions can influence the poverty level of disabled people. This study aimed to [...] Read more.

According to the World Bank, the world will not meet the SDG of ending extreme poverty in 2030. Disabled people live disproportionally below the poverty line. Many societal developments and discussions can influence the poverty level of disabled people. This study aimed to better understand the academic engagement with the poverty of disabled people in general and in Canada. To fulfill this aim, we performed a scoping review of academic abstracts obtained from SCOPUS, the 70 databases of EBSCO-HOST, and Web of Science. We performed a frequency count and a content analysis of abstracts containing the terms “poverty” or “impoverish*” or “socioeconomic” or “SES” or “income”. We ascertained how the abstracts engaged with the poverty of disabled people in general and in Canada and in conjunction with keywords linked to a select set of societal developments and discussions we saw as impacting poverty and being impacted by poverty. We also looked at the use of concepts coined to discuss ability judgments and social problems with being occupied, two areas that impact the poverty of disabled people. We found that disabled people were mentioned in 0.86% of the abstracts using the term “poverty” in general and 4.1% (88 abstracts) for Canada. For the terms “impoverish*”, “socioeconomic”, “SES”, and “income”, the numbers were 3.15% in general and 0.94% for Canada. The poverty of disabled people who also belong to other marginalized groups was rarely covered. Our qualitative content analysis revealed that many of the hit-count positive abstracts did not cover the poverty of disabled people. We found 22 relevant abstracts that covered the poverty of disabled people in conjunction with technologies, eight in conjunction with accessibility not already mentioned under technology, eight with intersectionality, seven with “activis*” or advocacy, three with sustainability, two with climate change, and none for burnout or ally. The occupation and ability judgment-focused concepts were rarely or not at all employed to discuss the poverty of disabled people. Our findings suggest many gaps in the coverage of the poverty of disabled people that need to be fixed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Health, Well-Being and Sustainability)

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17 pages, 1437 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inhibitory Effects of Biochar on N₂O Emissions through Soil Denitrification in Huanghuaihai Plain of China and Estimation of Influence Time

by Hongyuan Liu, Nana Wang, Yanjun Wang, Ying Li, Yan Zhang, Gaoxiang Qi, Hongyun Dong, Hongcheng Wang, Xijin Zhang and Xinhua Li

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5813; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135813 - 8 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1035

Abstract

Biochar application is considered an effective method for reducing nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from soil. However, the mechanisms underlying the influence of various biochar dosages on soil N₂O emissions and the duration of one-time biochar application remain unclear. The [...] Read more.

Biochar application is considered an effective method for reducing nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from soil. However, the mechanisms underlying the influence of various biochar dosages on soil N₂O emissions and the duration of one-time biochar application remain unclear. The effects of different biochar application rates and a one-time application on soil N₂O emissions in the Huanghuaihai Plain of China were investigated through a field experiment from 2020 to 2022. In the wheat and maize rotation system, six treatments were administered: no biochar (C0); 2 (C1), 4 (C2), 8 (C3), and 12 t/hm² biochar (C4) applied annually; and a one-time application of 12 t/hm² biochar (CS) in 2018. Our results indicate that, compared with C0, biochar significantly inhibited soil N₂O emissions, particularly in the C3 and C4 treatments, with reductions of 31.36–56.21% and 36.92–52.45%, respectively. However, CS did not significantly affect soil N₂O emissions during the study period. These findings suggest that the biochar’s inhibitory effect on soil N₂O emissions is contingent upon the dosage and frequency of application. A structural equation model revealed that biochar decreases soil N₂O emissions by enhancing the reduction in N₂O during denitrification. Under the conditions of this experiment, based on a logistic ecological model, a one-time application of 12 t/hm² biochar was projected to significantly reduce soil N₂O emissions for approximately 1.77 years. On the whole, biochar reduces soil N₂O emissions mainly by regulating N₂O production through denitrification, and the duration of this inhibition of N₂O emissions mainly depends on the application amount and frequency of biochar application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)

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Cumulative soil N2O emissions in each season and treatment. Bars are shown as the means with standard errors. Different small letters for the same season indicate a significant difference between the groups (p < 0.05). The equation represents the linear relationship between different biochar inputs and soil cumulative N2O emissions in each season. Full article ">Figure 2
Changes in soil N2O fluxes in each treatment. Broken lines are shown as means with standard errors. The same applies to the figures below. Full article ">Figure 3
Changes in the soil <math display="inline"><semantics> <msubsup> <mrow> <mi>NH</mi> </mrow> <mn>4</mn> <mo>+</mo> </msubsup> </semantics></math> (a) and <math display="inline"><semantics> <mrow> <msubsup> <mrow> <mi>NO</mi> </mrow> <mn>3</mn> <mo>−</mo> </msubsup> </mrow> </semantics></math> (b) content in each treatment. Full article ">Figure 4
Changes in the nirK (a), nirS (b), and nosZ (c) gene copy numbers in each treatment. Full article ">Figure 5
SEM of factors influencing soil N2O emissions. The blue line indicates a positive correlation, and the red line indicates a negative correlation. A→B represents the action of A on B, and A↔B represents the interaction between A and B. Full article ">

19 pages, 6945 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of the Impact of Fault Characteristics on the Cost-Effectiveness of Doubly Fed Induction Generator-Based Wind Systems in Withstanding Low-Voltage Ride-Through

by Tarek Kandil

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5812; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135812 - 8 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1122

Abstract

Wind farms utilizing doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) can have a significant impact on the stability of power networks as both the stator and rotor of the DFIG are linked to the grid, which can result in excessive overcurrent and overvoltage in the [...] Read more.

Wind farms utilizing doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) can have a significant impact on the stability of power networks as both the stator and rotor of the DFIG are linked to the grid, which can result in excessive overcurrent and overvoltage in the event of a grid fault and can activate the protective mechanism, leading to the disconnection of the WF and generating instability in the system. One term that is often mentioned in the literature is low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability, which is crucial to the stability of microgrids (MGs). To handle LVRT, advanced protection schemes or supporting devices are required. In addition, MGs must comply with the operational limits imposed by different countries for LVRT. Therefore, numerous solutions for improving LVRT have been proposed, including external approaches that are expensive to adopt and internal procedures that provide economic gains but are more difficult to apply. Consequently, to help lower the cost of installing WFs, the study investigates how fault characteristics affect MGs’ ability to meet grid LVRT code requirements or even choose the right code to be used. It also aims to give a clear understanding of how fault characteristics affect the grid’s behavior during different types of faults, which will be helpful in choosing the best LVRT-enhancing method or device and for determining the optimal ratings for these devices, and thus reduce the cost of installation. The study offers case studies and simulations using Matlab 2024/Simulink, which could help engineers to ensure reliable grid integration of renewable energy sources in a cost-effective manner. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)

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23 pages, 4656 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Decomposition Analysis of Carbon Emission Drivers and Peaking Pathways for Key Sectors under China’s Dual Carbon Goals: A Case Study of Jiangxi Province, China

by Xinjie Jiang and Fengjun Xie

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5811; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135811 - 8 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1275

Abstract

Clarifying the factors influencing CO₂ emissions and their peaking pathways in major sectors holds significant practical importance for achieving regional dual-carbon goals. This paper takes Jiangxi, a less developed demonstration zone in central China, as an example. It pioneeringly combines the LMDI [...] Read more.

Clarifying the factors influencing CO₂ emissions and their peaking pathways in major sectors holds significant practical importance for achieving regional dual-carbon goals. This paper takes Jiangxi, a less developed demonstration zone in central China, as an example. It pioneeringly combines the LMDI method, Tapio decoupling model, and LEAP model to multi-dimensionally analyze the driving mechanisms, evolution patterns, and dynamic relationships with the economic development of carbon emissions in Jiangxi’s key sectors from 2007 to 2021. It also explores the future carbon emission trends and peaking potentials of various sectors under different scenarios. Our results show that (1) Carbon emissions in various sectors in Jiangxi have continued to grow over the past fifteen years, and although some sectors have seen a slowdown in emission growth, most still rely on traditional fossil fuels; (2) Economic growth and industrial structure effects are the main drivers of carbon emission increases, with a general trend towards decoupling achieved across sectors, while agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry and fishery, and ferrous metal smelting have shown a decline in their decoupling status; (3) In the carbon reduction and low-carbon scenarios, the carbon emission peaks in Jiangxi are estimated to be 227.5 Mt and 216.4 Mt, respectively, and targeted strategies for high-emission industries will facilitate a phased peak across sectors and enhance emissions reduction benefits. This has significant reference value for the central region and even globally in formulating differentiated, phased, sector-specific carbon peaking plans, and exploring pathways for high-quality economic development in tandem with ecological civilization construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Development: Cleaner Production and Reduced Carbon Emissions)

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15 pages, 582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Energy Trading Mechanism Based on Individual Level Carbon Quota

by Di Wang, Daozhi Zhao, Fang Chen and Xin Tang

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5810; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135810 - 8 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 991

Abstract

High economic growth is accompanied by substantial consumption of fossil energy and significant negative externalities on the ecological environment. The global warming effect resulting from environmental pollution caused by energy has brought energy carbon emissions into the forefront of social attention. Establishing a [...] Read more.

High economic growth is accompanied by substantial consumption of fossil energy and significant negative externalities on the ecological environment. The global warming effect resulting from environmental pollution caused by energy has brought energy carbon emissions into the forefront of social attention. Establishing a carbon trading market is an essential measure to achieve the “double carbon” goal, with individual and household carbon emissions accounting for 70% of China’s total emissions. Constructing an individual-level carbon trading market will facilitate the efficient realization of this goal. However, addressing the challenge of handling vast amounts of data and network congestion in relation to frequent but small-scale individual carbon trading has become an urgent issue that needs to be resolved. In light of this, the present study designs a digital technology-based framework for the carbon market trading system and proposes an individual carbon asset price-based model for carbon market trading, aiming to establish a research framework for the carbon quota market. Furthermore, blockchain technology is employed as the underlying technology in the proposed carbon trading market model to cater to individual-level carbon trading services and achieve optimal matching between carbon quota suppliers, thereby enhancing profitability of the carbon trading platform. The numerical results obtained from the model demonstrate that in absence of government subsidy mechanisms, individual-level carbon trading can effectively reduce total consumer emissions. The present study successfully overcomes the carbon lock-in effect of consumer groups and achieves the generation and trading of individual carbon assets despite capital constraints. This study facilitates accumulation and trade of individual carbon resources, reduces overall consumer emissions, enhances environmental benefits at societal level, and provides a foundation for governmental decision-making. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Supply Chain Management for Remanufacturing)

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20 pages, 5122 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Ecological Environment Quality and Analysis of Influencing Factors in Wuhan City Based on RSEI

by Xintian Gan, Xiaochu Du, Chengjun Duan and Linhan Peng

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5809; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135809 - 8 Jul 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1298

Abstract

It is crucial to assess the quality of ecological environments in urban areas and investigate the driving forces that would affect urban ecological environments. Utilizing the GEE platform, RSEI was computed by us for Wuhan from 1990 to 2020. Employing geodetector tools and [...] Read more.

It is crucial to assess the quality of ecological environments in urban areas and investigate the driving forces that would affect urban ecological environments. Utilizing the GEE platform, RSEI was computed by us for Wuhan from 1990 to 2020. Employing geodetector tools and the PLS-SEM approach, driving factors for ecological environment quality in Wuhan were discussed. The overall trend of ecological environment quality in Wuhan was to decline at first and then rise from 1990 to 2020 spatial aggregation characteristics of RSEI were significant; moreover, land use, location, population density, and GDP were included as the main influence factors causing spatial differentiation of RSEI; each influence factor’s effect was also different. Over the past three decades, a fluctuating decline has been exhibited by ecological environment quality in Wuhan. Central urban areas have poor ecological environment quality, while southern and northern distant urban zones have superior ecological environment quality. Clustering is shown to be significant spatially by both. The main influencers of ecological quality in Wuhan are human geographic factors, while natural geographic factors have comparatively minor impacts. Full article

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14 pages, 688 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stochastic Optimal Operation of SOP-Assisted Active Distribution Networks with High Penetration of Renewable Energy Sources

by Hongtao Li, Zijin Li, Bo Wang and Kai Sun

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5808; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135808 - 8 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 966

Abstract

This paper introduces a mixed-integer convex model for optimizing the scheduling of soft open points (SOPs) integrated with energy storage (ES) in active distribution networks (ADNs) with high proportions of photovoltaic sources, designed to ensure zero risk of constraint violations. A stochastic optimization [...] Read more.

This paper introduces a mixed-integer convex model for optimizing the scheduling of soft open points (SOPs) integrated with energy storage (ES) in active distribution networks (ADNs) with high proportions of photovoltaic sources, designed to ensure zero risk of constraint violations. A stochastic optimization model for ADNs is proposed to maximize the benefits of SOPs while simultaneously minimizing system power losses, SOP power losses, voltage deviations, PV power curtailment, battery energy storage system (BESS) operation cost, and utility power purchase. Uncertainties in PV generation and load demand are considered by Monte Carlo simulation and k-means technologies. Finally, simulation cases from a 21-bus distribution network show that the curtailment of PV sources is minimized and the power fluctuations of the BESS are reduced in comparison to the case without SOP. Constraints in the nodal voltages, power outputs, energy balance, and power flow are all satisfied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficient Renewable Energy Integration Technology in Low Voltage Networks)

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13 pages, 852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Export Competitiveness of Agri-Food Products at the EU-27 Level through the Perspective of Technical Complexity

by Georgiana Raluca Lădaru, Mariarosaria Lombardi, Ionut Laurentiu Petre, Carmen Elena Dobrotă, Marco Platania and Steliana Mocanu

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5807; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135807 - 8 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1484

Abstract

This paper aims to identify the export competitiveness of agri-food products at the level of the European Union Member States, considering indicators/elements belonging to technical innovation (technical complexity) as well as qualitative elements. The main research problem is to examine the differences in [...] Read more.

This paper aims to identify the export competitiveness of agri-food products at the level of the European Union Member States, considering indicators/elements belonging to technical innovation (technical complexity) as well as qualitative elements. The main research problem is to examine the differences in the technical complexity of agri-food exports (EXPY) between EU Member States. Through detailed analysis of product categories and Member States’ performance, we have identified significant differences in the technical complexity of exports. Products such as dairy, meat, cereal and vegetable preparations were associated with high technical complexity, while fruit, tobacco and oils were classified in the low technical complexity category. We also identified Member States with exports characterised by high technical complexity, including Cyprus, Ireland and Luxembourg, and those with low technical complexity, such as Slovakia, Latvia and Croatia. These findings suggest the influence of various factors, such as economic specialisation, natural resources and R&D investment on shaping the agri-food export landscape in the European Union. In-depth analysis of these issues provides significant insights for understanding the economic and technical dynamics in the European agri-food sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Opportunities in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the Agrifood Economy)

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22 pages, 304 KiB

Open AccessReview

Determinants of Blockchain Technology Adoption in the Australian Agricultural Supply Chain: A Systematic Literature Review

by Peter Sasitharan Gandhi Maniam, Nirmal Acharya, Anne-Marie Sassenberg and Jeffrey Soar

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5806; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135806 - 8 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1771

Abstract

Blockchain technology (BCT) is emerging as a key enabler of sustainability in various sectors, including agriculture. This study explores the impact of BCT adoption on sustainability within the Australian agriculture sector. Through a systematic literature review (SLR) of studies published between 2015 and [...] Read more.

Blockchain technology (BCT) is emerging as a key enabler of sustainability in various sectors, including agriculture. This study explores the impact of BCT adoption on sustainability within the Australian agriculture sector. Through a systematic literature review (SLR) of studies published between 2015 and 2021, ten key themes influencing BCT adoption were identified: transparency, traceability, contract exchange, transaction efficiency, trade finance management, quality control, real-time information dissemination, security, trust, and legislative frameworks. The findings suggest that BCT adoption in agriculture can lead to improved sustainability outcomes. By enhancing transparency and traceability, BCT enables stakeholders to track the provenance of products, reducing the risk of fraud and ensuring compliance with environmental standards. The automation and efficiency gains afforded by BCT streamline supply chain processes, reducing waste and resource consumption. BCT enhances trust among stakeholders, fostering collaboration and information sharing to address sustainability challenges. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting how BCT can drive sustainability in agriculture through improved transparency, efficiency, and collaboration. Full article

16 pages, 638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Opportunity or Curse: Can Green Technology Innovation Stabilize Employment?

by Lingling Jiang and Simin Shen

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5805; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135805 - 8 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1283

Abstract

This study examines the influence of green technology innovation on employment in enterprises and explores the potential mechanisms behind this impact, which is critical to understanding the social impact of the green transition in the climate change scenario. This paper, based on detailed [...] Read more.

This study examines the influence of green technology innovation on employment in enterprises and explores the potential mechanisms behind this impact, which is critical to understanding the social impact of the green transition in the climate change scenario. This paper, based on detailed data from listed corporations in China between 2010 and 2020, discovers that the introduction of green technology innovation by corporations has a substantial positive impact on employment levels. The effects of green technology innovation on employment are both persistent and heterogeneous; they persist even two years later, with more significant effects observed in non-heavy-polluting industries, state-owned enterprises, and highly educated employees. This article also carries several policy implications. The findings presented in this paper provide useful insights into the potential employment consequences of the green transition as well as the reactions and adjustment behaviors that corporations exhibit in the low-carbon transition. Additionally, this development holds significant implications for other developing nations grappling with the challenges of switching to environmentally sustainable practices. Full article

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22 pages, 4679 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Media as a Lens for Citizen Science: Investigating Visitor Contributions in a Forest Recreational Area

by Shoma Jingu, Yui Ogawa, Kazushige Yamaki, Asako Miyamoto and Norimasa Takayama

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5804; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135804 - 8 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1635

Abstract

The primary challenge in collecting biodiversity information using citizen science is to encourage a diverse range of people to participate. This is crucial in fostering a Nature Positive society. Social media approaches have the potential to engage not only nature lovers but also [...] Read more.

The primary challenge in collecting biodiversity information using citizen science is to encourage a diverse range of people to participate. This is crucial in fostering a Nature Positive society. Social media approaches have the potential to engage not only nature lovers but also a wider range of citizens, including those indifferent to nature. However, current understanding of the traits of individuals who contribute to widely prevalent social media platforms is limited and insufficient. This study focuses on individuals who contribute to a forest recreational area and the photos they share on a popular social media platform; it sheds light on the untapped potential of social media as a source of citizen science data and contributor sources. We developed a taxonomy of 22 classifications for 1066 photographs that illustrate human–ecosystem interactions and identified the relationship between these subjects and the history of social media activities of the 136 photo contributors. Our findings indicate that different behavioral styles exist among different types of visitors regarding their posting behavior and associated forest recreation types. This can encourage future contributions to the recruitment of citizen scientists and the collection of biodiversity information at small spatial scales. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Methodologies for Sustainable Tourism)

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Study site in (a) Japan, Kanto region, including Tokyo and Ushiku City. The Japan and Kanto region maps are CS 3D maps based on the digital map (Basic Geospatial Information) published by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan. Dark brown indicates a high elevation, high slope, and high curvature. (b) is the map with trails and amenities in Ushiku Nature Sanctuary. The background is based on the seamless photo layer published by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan <a href="http://maps.gsi.go.jp/development/ichiran.html" target="_blank">http://maps.gsi.go.jp/development/ichiran.html</a> (accessed on 30 April 2024). Full article ">Figure 2
Flowchart for analysis using data obtained from Google Maps. Full article ">Figure 3
Distribution of the number of photos posted by 190 submissions related to Ushiku Nature Sanctuary on Google Maps. (a) is broken down by the number of visits to the Ushiku Nature Sanctuary. (b) Furthermore, (c) is categorized by year and month. Full article ">Figure 4
Classification of photos posted related to the Ushiku Nature Sanctuary on Google Maps. Each bounding box shows the classification and the number in parentheses indicates number of photos. The yellow boxes indicate a grouping of subcategories that are the same subcategory, but divided by the location of the photo (outdoor or indoor). Full article ">Figure 5
Photographs taken in the Ushiku Nature Sanctuary symbolize each classification and the number of photographs analyzed. The photos are further categorized based on the contributor’s check-in frequency: total number of photos, those submitted during the first visit, and those submitted during subsequent visits. Shoma Jingu, the lead author, captured these representative images. The photographs were taken at the same locations and aimed to depict similar subject matter as the original Google Maps submissions, using those submissions as a reference. These representative images are original and have not been previously published. Full article ">Figure 6
This figure depicts a breakdown of the number of contributors in each cluster and the main subjects. In (a), a contributor posted photos on Google Maps to share their recreational use in the Ushiku Nature Sanctuary at the first check-in. (b) shows when a contributor posted photos at the second and subsequent check-ins. The heat map displays the number of contributors who posted photos of each main subject/cluster. The more people posted photos of the main subject/cluster, the darker the red, and if the post was posted only by a certain number of people, then the lighter the red. In or Out indicates whether the photos were related to indoor or outdoor activities. Lines indicate main category or classification boundaries; dashed lines indicate subcategory boundaries. Full article ">Figure 7
Distribution of the number of photos posted by the main subjects, including the distribution of each cluster. In (a), a contributor posted photos on Google Maps to share their recreational use in the Ushiku Nature Sanctuary at the first check-in. (b) shows when a contributor posted photos at the second and subsequent check-ins. In or Out indicates whether the photos were related to indoor or outdoor activities. Full article ">

18 pages, 700 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Development-Oriented Aid on Student Development in Higher Education: The Mediating Effect of Psychological Capital

by Xiaohong Li and Yuxi Mu

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5803; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135803 - 8 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1318

Abstract

Recently, there has been a transition from guarantee-oriented financial aid to development-oriented aid for economically disadvantaged students. Development-oriented aid aims to enable economically disadvantaged students to acquire long-term and sustainable self-development capacity. However, to what extent and how development-oriented aid promotes student development [...] Read more.

Recently, there has been a transition from guarantee-oriented financial aid to development-oriented aid for economically disadvantaged students. Development-oriented aid aims to enable economically disadvantaged students to acquire long-term and sustainable self-development capacity. However, to what extent and how development-oriented aid promotes student development remains unclear. Identification of the related mechanism can help both students and educators effectively apply development-oriented aid in higher education scenarios. The main objective of this study was to uncover the effect of size, pathways, and mediating factors of development-oriented aid on student development in higher education. Drawing from a sample of 1792 sponsored students at University G in China and applying the structural equation modeling method for quantitative analysis, the results indicate that development-oriented aid directly shows positive influences toward student development and indirectly impacts student development through psychological capital. These results also show that development-oriented aid directly impacts Han Chinese students’ development more than the development of ethnic minority students. The pathways through which development-oriented aid positively influences Han Chinese students and ethnic minority students vary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Psychology of Sustainability and Sustainable Development)

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28 pages, 2670 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Regional Carbon Emission Reduction on Corporate ESG Performance in China

by Xiaoqiu Chen and Jinxiang Wang

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5802; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135802 - 8 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2067

Abstract

The integrated planning of central and local emission reduction tasks is crucial for achieving sustainable economic development, and corporate ESG performance aligns with the principles of sustainable development, having become a prominent topic in academic research. This paper empirically investigates the impact of [...] Read more.

The integrated planning of central and local emission reduction tasks is crucial for achieving sustainable economic development, and corporate ESG performance aligns with the principles of sustainable development, having become a prominent topic in academic research. This paper empirically investigates the impact of regional carbon emission reductions on the ESG performance of local enterprises from 2009 to 2021 using provincial carbon emission data from China. The findings indicate that regional carbon emission reductions significantly enhance the ESG performance of local firms. The underlying mechanism is that regional carbon emission reductions facilitate local enterprises obtaining green credit, attracting media coverage and green investors and thus improving ESG performance. Second, heterogeneity tests reveal that regional carbon emission reductions enhance the ESG performance of local firms more significantly in regions with stricter environmental regulations, within heavily polluted industries, and among less digitized enterprises. Finally, further analysis demonstrates that regional residents’ carbon emission reductions can enhance the ESG performance of local enterprises, with regional carbon emission reductions exerting a dual effect after improving ESG performance. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the low-carbon development of various economic entities and the collaborative promotion of economic green transformation. Full article

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Trends in Chinese carbon emissions and carbon emission intensity. Notes: Data from China Emission Accounts and Datasets. Carbon intensity = carbon emissions/GDP. Full article ">Figure 2
The relationship between carbon emission intensity across various provinces in China and the ESG performance of listed companies during the period from 2009 to 2021. Notes: <a href="#sustainability-16-05802-f002" class="html-fig">Figure 2</a> provides a detailed depiction of the relationship between the average carbon intensity and the average ESG performance of locally listed companies in each province from 2009 to 2021. Additionally, Tibet, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau were not included in our research sample because we were unable to obtain the necessary carbon emission data for these areas. Data from China Emission Accounts and Datasets and Hua Zheng ESG Rating System. Carbon intensity = carbon emissions/GDP. Full article ">Figure 3
The relationship between carbon reduction levels across various provinces in China and the ESG performance of listed companies during the period from 2009 to 2021. Notes: The red numbers on the right axis represent negative numbers. Data from China Emission Accounts and Datasets and Hua Zheng ESG Rating System. Detailed calculation methods for carbon reduction levels are provided in the Variable Definition section of <a href="#sec4dot2-sustainability-16-05802" class="html-sec">Section 4.2</a> below. Full article ">Figure 4
Rail passenger traffic in China from 2017 to 2021. Notes: Data from the Ministry of Transport of China. Full article ">Figure 5
Monthly rail passenger traffic in China for 2019 and 2020. Notes: The horizontal axis of <a href="#sustainability-16-05802-f005" class="html-fig">Figure 5</a> represents the months from January to December. Data from the Ministry of Transport of China. Full article ">Figure 6
Theoretical model. Full article ">

18 pages, 4636 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimal Allocation of Water Resources Using Agro-Economic Development and Colony Optimization Algorithm

by Ali Sardar Shahraki, Mohim Tash, Tommaso Caloiero and Ommolbanin Bazrafshan

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5801; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135801 - 8 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1186

Abstract

Water is an irreplaceable commodity with a high economic value. Today, water scarcity is the biggest challenge in the world, and the crises arising from lack of freshwater resources are serious threats to sustainable environmental development and human health and welfare. As the [...] Read more.

Water is an irreplaceable commodity with a high economic value. Today, water scarcity is the biggest challenge in the world, and the crises arising from lack of freshwater resources are serious threats to sustainable environmental development and human health and welfare. As the problems grow in complexity and dimensions, it becomes less possible to solve them with conventional optimization methods or explicit computational methods in a proper amount of time and with the currently limited computation memory, making it very difficult to achieve an optimal absolute solution. In this regard, metaheuristic algorithms that are generally inspired by nature are used in complex optimization problems. The Pishin Dam is an important dam in the eastern basin of Iran in the south of Sistan and Baluchestan province. This region faces severe water stress due to very low precipitation and very high evaporation on the one hand and the growing increase in urban, agricultural, and industrial demand on the other hand. The water development plans executed by the Ministry of Energy in the studied region influence water supply and demand profoundly. This research investigated the optimal allocation of water resources of this dam under management scenarios using the metaheuristic technique of the ant colony optimization algorithm (ACO). The results showed that the best value of the objective function was 82.3658 million m³. When applying the scenario of developing the cultivation area, the best value was obtained at 67.1258, which was significantly different from the base state. The results show that the ACO algorithm is suitable for the water resources of the Pishin Dam and can be used in planning and policymaking. Full article

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The behavior of Argentinian ants in Goss et al.’s experiment [<a href="#B27-sustainability-16-05801" class="html-bibr">27</a>,<a href="#B28-sustainability-16-05801" class="html-bibr">28</a>]. Full article ">Figure 2
The optimal path of ants in a simple graph [<a href="#B30-sustainability-16-05801" class="html-bibr">30</a>,<a href="#B31-sustainability-16-05801" class="html-bibr">31</a>]. Full article ">Figure 3
The location of the Pishin Dam in the south of Sistan and Baluchestan province. Full article ">Figure 4
The graph defined for the problem of dam reservoir operation considering the sequential constraints. Full article ">Figure 5
How the ACO algorithm performs considering the sequential constraints. Full article ">Figure 6
The optimal release rate as the output of the ACO algorithm and the demand rate. Full article ">Figure 7
The performance of the ACO algorithm considering the sequential constraints for the scenario. Full article ">Figure 8
The optimal release rate as the output of the ACO algorithm and the demand under the scenario. Full article ">

18 pages, 1824 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Corporate Carbon Footprint and Energy Analysis of Transformer Industry

by Manolya GÜLDÜREK and Burak ESENBOĞA

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5800; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135800 - 8 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1483

Abstract

Transformers are primarily key components in power transmission and distribution systems. In the electrical industry, transformers are becoming increasingly important to increase energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. In the process from the production to the use of transformers, various strategies and technologies [...] Read more.

Transformers are primarily key components in power transmission and distribution systems. In the electrical industry, transformers are becoming increasingly important to increase energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. In the process from the production to the use of transformers, various strategies and technologies are adopted to reduce the carbon footprint. To achieve decarbonization targets and a future with sustainable energy, ongoing efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of transformers need to continue. Therefore, this study aims to calculate the carbon footprint (CF) of Beta Energy in the Adana Province of Türkiye. A comprehensive inventory is being created to determine and monitor the greenhouse gas emissions of Beta Energy, a transformer manufacturer. This inventory includes direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions from all of the company’s activities. The findings show that in 2023, the total CF of Beta Energy is equal to 1,799,482.72 tons of CO₂-eq and considering the total of 6044 transformers sold in 2023, results in 297 tons of CO₂-eq/transformer per product. The results show that the transformer manufacturing industry has a high carbon footprint because it is an energy-intensive process. The areas where the most carbon emissions occur in transformer production are revealed by CF hot spot analysis in this study. To minimize both current and future greenhouse gas emissions during transformer production, the measures to be taken during the R&D, production, transportation, and service stages are revealed. This study aims to establish a foundation for Beta Energy’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by managing them effectively. Full article

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32 pages, 5626 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploring Sustainability Assessment Practices in Higher Education: A Comprehensive Review through Content and Bibliometric Analyses

by Najihath Basheer, Vian Ahmed, Zied Bahroun and Chiraz Anane

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5799; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135799 - 8 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5248

Abstract

The drastically increasing significance of sustainability development has motivated higher education institutions (HEIs) to make efforts to achieve sustainability development goals (SDGs). This has led to the inevitable need to track and assess these efforts. This review is centered on the meticulous collection [...] Read more.

The drastically increasing significance of sustainability development has motivated higher education institutions (HEIs) to make efforts to achieve sustainability development goals (SDGs). This has led to the inevitable need to track and assess these efforts. This review is centered on the meticulous collection and analysis of pertinent papers within the context of HEIs, subsequently organizing and consolidating them into distinct sustainability domains by utilizing the PRISMA methodology. A collection of 83 pre-existing articles and publications retrieved from the Scopus database is employed for an in-depth exploration of the current research. This study employs both bibliometric and content analyses to explore distribution and citation dynamics and identifies six primary thematic concentrations within the field. The key findings highlight a significant increase in the importance of sustainability, emphasizing the critical need for HEIs to integrate SDGs across all departments. Additionally, the development of cross-institutional evaluation tools tailored to various sustainability aspects is underscored. These tools elucidate key competencies and broaden the application of educational sustainability in both research and curriculum development. The study also identifies a need for future research to explore how effectively these assessment methodologies drive tangible sustainability outcomes within HEIs. It suggests that developing more nuanced and adaptable evaluation tools could better meet the diverse needs of institutions globally. Additionally, the findings support HEIs’ and stakeholders’ decision making by identifying potential challenges in the implementation and assessment of sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Sustainability in Higher Education)

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14 pages, 7036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Land Use Changes in the Sado Estuary (Portugal) from the 19th to the 21st Century, Based on Historical Maps, Fieldwork, and Remote Sensing

by Neise Mare de Souza Alves, Nuno Pimentel, Débora Barbosa da Silva, Miguel Inácio, Ana Graça Cunha and Maria da Conceição Freitas

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5798; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135798 - 8 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1020

Abstract

This study analyses land use changes in the Sado Estuary (West-Central Portugal) based on a multi-temporal analysis of 19th century cartographic data and 21st century remote sensing land use maps, updated by fieldwork. A GIS plot of land use evolution is summarized in [...] Read more.

This study analyses land use changes in the Sado Estuary (West-Central Portugal) based on a multi-temporal analysis of 19th century cartographic data and 21st century remote sensing land use maps, updated by fieldwork. A GIS plot of land use evolution is summarized in a quantitative table. The comparison shows the changes in land use, with increasing occupation by human economic activities, including extensive agriculture and forestry, as well as localized urbanization and industrialization. The main elements of the landscape impacted by anthropogenic uses were (i) hydrography—river dams affected the flow dynamics and sedimentary processes in the estuary; (ii) vegetation—increasing agriculture and forestry reduced the area of native vegetation, which is now mostly occupied by vineyards, pine forests and cork oaks; (iii) wetlands—tidal and alluvial plains are being occupied by rice cultivation, aquaculture, industries, and ports; (iv) coastal dunes—new developments are occupying large areas of Holocene coastal dunes; and (v) natural environment—mining and dredging have affected some habitats and biodiversity. This analysis is intended to help the territorial organization of present and future economic activities, as well as to reduce environmental and social problems, thus promoting the long-term sustainability of this rapidly evolving region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainability in Geographic Science)

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Location of the study area, corresponding to the estuarine municipalities (in yellow), of the larger Sado River drainage basin (in dark grey on the inset). Full article ">Figure 2
(a) Mosaic of eleven Pery maps representing the land use and coverage of the study area in the 19th Century. (b) GIS map based on the mosaic of eleven Pery maps. Full article ">Figure 3
Land use and coverage of the study area, based on a mosaic of the 21st century COS 2018 maps. Full article ">Figure 4
Anthropogenic interventions in the landscape. (a) Salt production on a tidal plain, close to Gâmbia; (b) paddy field with rice cultivation on the Sado River’s floodplain and smooth hills with pine forests, south of Alcácer do Sal; (c) traditional “montado” with cork oak trees; (d) piling up of extracted cork; (e) sand extraction on eolian Holocene dunes, at Lagoa Salgada; (f) “montado” with cork oak or holm oak trees and cattle; (g) urban growth of Setúbal city (view from the Palmela castle, from north to south). Full article ">Figure 5
Comparative maps of land use and coverage, based on the 19th century Pery maps (left hand side) and the 21st century COS 2018 maps (right hand side); see <a href="#sustainability-16-05798-f002" class="html-fig">Figure 2</a> and <a href="#sustainability-16-05798-f003" class="html-fig">Figure 3</a>. Full article ">Figure 6
Graphical display of the land use and occupation in the 19th and 21st century (see also <a href="#sustainability-16-05798-f005" class="html-fig">Figure 5</a> and <a href="#sustainability-16-05798-t001" class="html-table">Table 1</a>). Full article ">

24 pages, 1514 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation into the Factors Affecting the Green Consumption Behavior of China Rural Residents in the Context of Dual Carbon

by Kaiyu Hua and Xinsheng Pang

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5797; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135797 - 8 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1304

Abstract

The achievement of the dual-carbon objective and China’s green and sustainable development are both heavily reliant on green consumption. This research paper employs the Likert scale method to construct a questionnaire encompassing internal and external factors that influence green consumption behavior, as well [...] Read more.

The achievement of the dual-carbon objective and China’s green and sustainable development are both heavily reliant on green consumption. This research paper employs the Likert scale method to construct a questionnaire encompassing internal and external factors that influence green consumption behavior, as well as various types of consumption behavior. It then administers the questionnaire to 1004 rural residents residing in the eastern, central, western, and northeastern regions of China, with the objective of gathering pertinent data on green consumption behavior. Drawing from the aforementioned, structural equation modeling was employed to investigate the impact of three external factors—market incentives, social pressure, and information boost—and two internal factors—environmental awareness and psychological factors—on diverse forms of green consumption behavior. The objective was to identify the most influential factors of various green consumption behaviors to facilitate the effective promotion of green consumption. The research findings indicate that internal factors exert a more substantial influence on green consumption behaviors compared to external factors. Specifically, market incentives ranks highest among the external determinants of green consumption behavior, and environmental protection cognition rank highest among the internal determinants of green consumption behavior. Full article

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20 pages, 2141 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Responsive Membranes for Water Recovery through Desalination of Saline Industrial Effluents

by Elizabeth Vazquez, Claudia Muro, Sergio Pérez-Sicairos, Yolanda Alvarado, Vianney Díaz-Blancas and Karina Hernández

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5796; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135796 - 8 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1180

Abstract

Polysulfone (PSF) and smart polymers (SRPs)—including polyacrylic acid (AAc), poly N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA), and sulfonated poly(1,4-phenylene ether-ether-sulfone) (SPEES)—were used in the synthesis of responsive membranes (PSF-SRP) for application in sustainable desalination processes involving food industry effluents for water recovery and recycling. With the inclusion [...] Read more.

Polysulfone (PSF) and smart polymers (SRPs)—including polyacrylic acid (AAc), poly N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA), and sulfonated poly(1,4-phenylene ether-ether-sulfone) (SPEES)—were used in the synthesis of responsive membranes (PSF-SRP) for application in sustainable desalination processes involving food industry effluents for water recovery and recycling. With the inclusion of SRPs, PSF-SRP membranes showed different characteristics when compared to the PSF membrane. AAc caused fibers to occur in the surface structure, increasing the MWCO of the PSF membrane, whereas NIPA and SPEES diminished the MWCO, resulting in ultrafiltration and nanofiltration membranes. Furthermore, NIPA and SPEES provided high mechanical and thermal resistance when incorporated into the PSF membrane. The performance of the membranes also showed important changes. In comparison with only PSF, PSF-SPEES and PSF-NIPA increased the water flux and salt rejection percentage by 20–30%. In addition, the highest membrane fouling resistance was observed with PSF-NIPA, while PSF-AAc and PSF-NIPA-AAc presented the lowest resistances. Therefore, PSF-NIPA and PSF-SPEES resulted in membrane improvement, including stimuli-responsive properties, allowing for effective saline effluent treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wastewater Purification, Treatment, and Reuse)

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Cross-flow filtration system of flat membrane module, used for performance evaluation of PSF-SRP membranes. Full article ">Figure 2
Microscopic images of membranes manufactured using phase inversion method, including PSF membrane, PSF-SRP membranes, and PVDF membrane (control) (2, 5, and 10 µm of magnification). Full article ">Figure 3
Thermograms of PSF, PSF-SRP, and PVDF membranes. Full article ">Figure 4
Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) curves of PSF-SRP membranes, as well as PVDF membrane (control). Full article ">Figure 5
Dextran retention percentage (DR%) and pore size distribution in PSF-SRP membranes and PVDF membrane control. Full article ">Figure 6
Water fluxes (Jp, mL/scm2) of PSF-SRP membranes (including PVDF membrane) under different operating conditions: (a) TMP range 2–8 bar; (b) feed temperature range 20–40 °C; and (c) feed pH range 4–8. Full article ">Figure 7
(a) Rejection percentage of salts from PSF-SRP and PVDF membranes during the treatment of a saline industrial effluent containing 10,000–20,000 mg/L of total solids (TS) at 25 °C, pH 9, and 8 bar of TMP; (b) membrane resistance (nm), including HR, RFR, and IFR. Full article ">

26 pages, 37365 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Urban Morphology on High-Density Commercial Block Energy Consumption in Severe Cold Regions

by Yueran Wang, Wente Pan and Ziyan Liao

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5795; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135795 - 8 Jul 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1259

Abstract

In sustainable city development, urban form plays an important role in block energy consumption, and as different environmental contexts and block functions create differences in energy use, it is necessary to study the relationship between morphology and energy consumption under the dual constraints [...] Read more.

In sustainable city development, urban form plays an important role in block energy consumption, and as different environmental contexts and block functions create differences in energy use, it is necessary to study the relationship between morphology and energy consumption under the dual constraints of special environments and special block functions. Urban high-density blocks have concentrated energy consumption, high energy intensity, and complex morphological layout, but the influencing mechanism of the block’s morphology on its energy consumption remains unclear. Accordingly, this study focuses on the mechanism and evaluation method of the influence of morphology on the energy consumption of high-density commercial blocks in severe cold regions. Through Grasshopper model extraction, EnergyPlus performance simulation, Pearson correlation analysis, and linear regression analysis, this study extracts and classifies high-density commercial blocks in Harbin, China, into six basic layout types (Courtyard, Courtyard-T, Slab, Slab-T, Point, Point-T) according to their horizontal and vertical morphology, analyzes the energy consumption characteristics of each basic type, examines the relationships between energy use intensity (EUI) and building density (BD) and between floor area ratio (FAR) and building height standard deviation (BHSD), and constructs theoretical models by controlling variables to study the effect of a single form parameter on block EUI. The research findings are as follows: (1) The annual energy consumption of Point and Slab blocks is relatively low, whereas that of Courtyard and Courtyard-T blocks is higher due to the lack of open space in Courtyards and the poor ventilation in summer. (2) FAR is significantly correlated with the energy consumption of high-density commercial blocks in severe cold regions, while the effects of BD and BHSD are weaker than those of FAR. For every 0.1 increase in BD, every 1 increase in FAR, and every 1(m) increase in BHSD, the Winter Daily EUI of the Slab block changes by +0.87, −2.26, and −0.22 (kWh/m²), respectively, whereas that of the Slab-T block changes by −0.38, +0.68, and +0.08 (kWh/m²), respectively. (3) Controlling other variables, a large BD is theoretically beneficial to energy performance in the blocks, and increasing BD in the range of 0.4–0.55 has a significant effect on lowering energy consumption in Point blocks. EUI increases with the increase in FAR, while the change depends on different block types with the increase in BHSD. This study provides design strategies for high-density commercial blocks in severe cold regions. Under different layout types, though EUI shows different relationships with BD, FAR, and BHSD, Slab-T and Point-T blocks can achieve excellent energy performance by appropriately increasing BD and decreasing FAR, whereas Slab blocks need to decrease BD while increasing FAR. The patterns found in this paper can provide strategic help for policymaking and early urban design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Green Building)

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21 pages, 633 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Communicative Framework Development for Construction Risk Governance: An Analysis of Risk and Trust Perception for Organizational Sustainability

by Katrina Hinsberg, Majia Nadesan and Anthony Lamanna

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5794; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135794 - 8 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1310

Abstract

In the construction industry, risk governance stems from the standardization of safety policies and procedures. Safety governance is typically communicated and enforced through a top-down, command-and-control approach. Procedures and policies are created at the top level and cascaded down to the work. Individual [...] Read more.

In the construction industry, risk governance stems from the standardization of safety policies and procedures. Safety governance is typically communicated and enforced through a top-down, command-and-control approach. Procedures and policies are created at the top level and cascaded down to the work. Individual discretion in the workplace permits a choice for worker adherence to safety procedures. Through a literature review, this study identified risk perception as a significant variable in regulatory compliance and fidelity. Individual hazard assessments and risk behaviors are often based on subjective cognitive risk perceptions rather than organizational governance policy. In the current governance system, there is a misalignment of risk perceptions and failure in trust between the workforce and the regulatory process. This study examines the impact of risk perceptions on safety compliance and promotes a more participative risk governance process for sustainable construction practices. A participative framework model is proposed to help align worker risk perceptions with organizational governance through policy creation, policy compliance and stakeholder participation and feedback. Utilizing proper discourse and cyclical communication, the proposed framework aims to increase safety fidelity, compliance, and trust in the construction industry through a more inclusive and collaborative governance strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trust and Sustainable Management in Construction Projects)

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Sustainability, Volume 16, Issue 13 (July-1 2024) – 550 articles

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