You seem to have javascript disabled. Please note that many of the page functionalities won't work as expected without javascript enabled.

Search for Articles:

Title / Keyword

Author / Affiliation / Email

Journal

Article Type

Advanced Search

Section

Special Issue

Volume

Issue

Number

Page

Logical OperatorOperator

Search Text

Search Type

Journal Description

Sustainability

Sustainability is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal on environmental, cultural, economic, and social sustainability of human beings, published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) and Urban Land Institute (ULI) are affiliated with Sustainability and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE and SSCI (Web of Science), GEOBASE, GeoRef, Inspec, AGRIS, RePEc, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Environmental Studies) / CiteScore - Q1 (Geography, Planning and Development)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 19.3 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.4 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2025).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Sustainability.
Companion journals for Sustainability include: World, Sustainable Chemistry, Conservation, Future Transportation, Architecture, Standards, Merits, Bioresources and Bioproducts and Accounting and Auditing.

Impact Factor: 3.3 (2024); 5-Year Impact Factor: 3.6 (2024)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2071-1050

Latest Articles

3223 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Visitor Number Prediction for Daegwallyeong Forest Trail Using Machine Learning

by Sungmin Ryu, Seong-Hoon Jung, Geun-Hyeon Kim and Sugwang Lee

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6061; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136061 (registering DOI) - 2 Jul 2025

Predicting forest trail visitation is essential for sustainable management and policy development, including infrastructure planning, safety operations, and conservation. However, due to numerous informal access points and complex external influences, accurately monitoring visitor numbers remains challenging. This study applied random forest, gradient boosting, [...] Read more.

Predicting forest trail visitation is essential for sustainable management and policy development, including infrastructure planning, safety operations, and conservation. However, due to numerous informal access points and complex external influences, accurately monitoring visitor numbers remains challenging. This study applied random forest, gradient boosting, and LightGBM models with Bayesian optimization to predict daily visitor counts across six sections of the National Daegwallyeong Forest Trail, incorporating variables such as weather conditions, social media activity, COVID-19 case counts, tollgate traffic volume, and local festivals. SHAP analysis revealed that tollgate traffic volume and weekends consistently increased visitation across all sections. The impact of temperature varied by section: higher temperatures increased visitation in Kukmin Forest, whereas lower temperatures were associated with higher visitation at Seonjaryeong Peak. COVID-19 cases demonstrated negative effects across all sections. By integrating diverse variables and conducting section-level analysis, this study identified detailed visitation patterns and provided a practical basis for adaptive, section- and season-specific management strategies. These findings support flexible measures such as seasonal staffing, congestion mitigation, and real-time response systems and contribute to the advancement of data-driven regional tourism management frameworks in the context of evolving nature-based tourism demand. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

1117 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Opportunities for Latvian Companies in West Africa: Cameroon Case

by Ludmila Lozova, Timothée Tabapssi and Biruta Sloka

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6060; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136060 (registering DOI) - 2 Jul 2025

The present study addresses the topic of European companies, including Latvian companies, sustainably entering African markets. The actuality of this topic relates to the recession and the decrease in demand in the classical export markets (such as Scandinavia and Western Europe) with which [...] Read more.

The present study addresses the topic of European companies, including Latvian companies, sustainably entering African markets. The actuality of this topic relates to the recession and the decrease in demand in the classical export markets (such as Scandinavia and Western Europe) with which Latvian firms used to trade; this is why the re-orientation of companies to African countries was carried out. Academic research worldwide has conducted many investigations on the specifics of exporting to Africa. The lack of knowledge relating to local African business practices is considered one of the significant barriers. The aim of this study was to mitigate this barrier by exploring real-world situations in African economic sectors. Interviews with relevant African experts were conducted for this purpose. The results showed that East European entrepreneurs, including Latvian entrepreneurs, should first focus on West African French-speaking countries with big seaports (e.g., Senegal, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Benin, Togo, and Cameroon), where Latvian knowledge, professional skills, and products relating to port and transportation infrastructures are in significant demand. A case study was conducted in Cameroon as an example of a good business match with Latvian service providers. The case study also highlighted the nature of Cameroon’s sociocultural dynamics, which are distinguished by the presence of several sociocultural zones, each with its own specific characteristics that need to be taken into account. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19539 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Circumferential and Interaction Angles of Hydrogen Jets and Diesel Sprays on Combustion Characteristics in a Hydrogen–Diesel Dual-Fuel CI Engine

by Qiang Zhang, Zhipeng Li, Yang Xu and Xiangrong Li

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6059; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136059 (registering DOI) - 2 Jul 2025

This study investigates the impact of circumferential angle (φ) and interaction angle (θ) between hydrogen jets and diesel sprays in a co-axial hydrogen–diesel injector on combustion and emissions in a hydrogen–diesel dual-fuel engine using 3D CFD simulations. The results demonstrate that a co-axial [...] Read more.

This study investigates the impact of circumferential angle (φ) and interaction angle (θ) between hydrogen jets and diesel sprays in a co-axial hydrogen–diesel injector on combustion and emissions in a hydrogen–diesel dual-fuel engine using 3D CFD simulations. The results demonstrate that a co-axial dual-layer nozzle design significantly enhances combustion performance by leveraging hydrogen jet kinetic energy to accelerate fuel–air mixing. Specifically, a co-axial alignment (φ = 0°) between hydrogen and diesel sprays achieves optimal combustion characteristics, including the highest in-cylinder pressure (20.92 MPa), the earliest ignition timing (−0.3° CA ATDC), and the maximum indicated power of the high-pressure cycle (47.26 kW). However, this configuration also results in elevated emissions, with 29.6% higher NOx and 34.5% higher soot levels compared to a φ = 15° arrangement. To balance efficiency and emissions, an interaction angle of θ = 7.5° proves most effective, further improving combustion efficiency and increasing indicated power to 47.69 kW while reducing residual fuel mass. For applications prioritizing power output, the φ = 0° and θ = 7.5° configuration is recommended, whereas a φ = 15° alignment with a moderate θ (5–7.5°) offers a viable compromise, maintaining over 90% of peak power while substantially lowering NOx and soot emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Shipping and Operational Strategies of Clean Energy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

456 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Harmonizing Cultural Landscape with Resilience: Climate Adaptation Strategies in the Arno and Hudson River Basins

by Ahmadreza Shirvani Dastgerdi and Giuseppe De Luca

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6058; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136058 (registering DOI) - 2 Jul 2025

Climate change increasingly threatens heritage-rich river basins, yet the integration of traditional ecological knowledge into formal environmental governance remains underexplored. This study investigates how historically embedded water management practices in Tuscany’s Arno River and New York’s Hudson River can inform adaptive strategies under [...] Read more.

Climate change increasingly threatens heritage-rich river basins, yet the integration of traditional ecological knowledge into formal environmental governance remains underexplored. This study investigates how historically embedded water management practices in Tuscany’s Arno River and New York’s Hudson River can inform adaptive strategies under conditions of climate uncertainty. Employing a Triangulated mixed-methods approach—including a systematic narrative literature review, variable coding (hydrological dynamics, cultural heritage, governance structures, economic livelihoods, and adaptive knowledge), and effect size analysis—we conducted a comparative assessment to uncover regional challenges, capacities, and implementation dynamics. The findings reveal that while both basins contend with hydrological volatility and fragmented governance, the Arno benefits from legally embedded heritage practices that continue to shape canal-based agriculture and flood mitigation. In contrast, the Hudson showcases strong multi-level stakeholder engagement and ecological restoration, though with less institutional reliance on traditional land stewardship. By integrating codified traditional practices with participatory governance and applying a weighted implementation structure, this study illustrates how resilience planning can be more context-sensitive, operationally feasible, and socially inclusive. Ultimately, this research positions cultural landscapes as active infrastructure for climate adaptation—provided they are institutionally supported and community-endorsed—offering a transferable model for policy innovation in similarly vulnerable riverine systems. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Figure 1

5588 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on Impact Responses of Geofoam Reinforced Sand Cushion for Rockfall Hazard Mitigation

by Xiaoyu Meng, Qinghui Jiang, Huajian Gao and Hanlin Feng

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6057; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136057 (registering DOI) - 2 Jul 2025

In rockfall hazard mitigation, geofoam has been used in the cushion layer to improve the sustainability of the rockfall gallery, such as impact resistance enhancement and dead load reduction. Impact tests were conducted to study the effect of geofoam type, thickness, and impact [...] Read more.

In rockfall hazard mitigation, geofoam has been used in the cushion layer to improve the sustainability of the rockfall gallery, such as impact resistance enhancement and dead load reduction. Impact tests were conducted to study the effect of geofoam type, thickness, and impact energy on the impact responses of the sand cushion layer. The test results showed that placing geofoam in the sand cushion can reduce the peak impact force of the rockfall and the peak acceleration of the gallery slab by up to 80%. While the peak impact stress at the cushion layer bottom can also be reduced by geofoam under low impact energy, thicker geofoam layers (e.g., 4 and 6 cm) increased peak impact stress when the rockfall had high impact energy. Placing geofoam at the bottom of the cushion to replace one third of the sand cushion thickness can enhance the impact resistance of the cushion layer. Under low impact energy, expandable polyethylene (EPE) foam resulted in lower impact force on the rockfall, reduced impact stress within the sand cushion, and diminished vibration of the gallery slab compared with polystyrene (EPS) foam with a constant thickness. However, EPS foam is suitable for use in sand cushions of rockfall galleries subjected to high-energy rock impacts. Moreover, EPE foam exhibits superior resilience, resulting in less damage compared to EPS foam. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geology, Engineering, and Environmental Sustainability in the Context of Natural Disasters)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

0 pages, 6851 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Driving Factors of Ecological Environment in Metropolitan Area Under Urban Spatial Structural Transformation

by Jingyi Wang, Jinghan Wang, Jia Jia and Guangyong Li

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6056; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136056 (registering DOI) - 2 Jul 2025

Urban areas and their surrounding regions play a pivotal role in supporting population concentration, economic activities, and social interaction in modern society. However, the accelerated pace of urbanization and economic expansion has led to increasing ecological and spatial imbalances, posing significant challenges to [...] Read more.

Urban areas and their surrounding regions play a pivotal role in supporting population concentration, economic activities, and social interaction in modern society. However, the accelerated pace of urbanization and economic expansion has led to increasing ecological and spatial imbalances, posing significant challenges to sustainable urban development and human well-being. Therefore, China has implemented territorial spatial zoning policies aimed at guiding urban spatial structure transformation and improving ecological environmental quality (EEQ). This study employed the improved remote sensing ecological index to analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics and driving mechanisms of EEQ in Beijing from 2000 to 2020. The findings revealed a significant spatial pattern where the EEQ in both summer and winter decreased from the surrounding ecological conservation areas towards the central city. Notably, the overall EEQ was consistently higher in summer than in winter. Regarding the aggregation patterns of EEQ, the ecological conservation areas exhibited more favorable concentration distributions during both seasons, whereas the plain and urban areas displayed poorer aggregation characteristics. Overall, evapotranspiration was the dominant positive factor influencing EEQ across all spatial zones. These results provide a robust scientific basis for promoting sustainable development and informed spatial planning in metropolitan regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Social Space and Sustainable Development—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

0 pages, 3501 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

How Digital Development Leverages Sustainable Development

by Albérico Travassos Rosário, Paula Rosa Lopes and Filipe Sales Rosário

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6055; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136055 (registering DOI) - 2 Jul 2025

This academic article seeks to clarify the state of the literature on a very pertinent topic that is based on how digital innovation, considering emerging technologies and how they could be used in business management and marketing, could increase sustainable development. The sustainable [...] Read more.

This academic article seeks to clarify the state of the literature on a very pertinent topic that is based on how digital innovation, considering emerging technologies and how they could be used in business management and marketing, could increase sustainable development. The sustainable economy, which should maintain long-term development through efficient resource management, has as allies emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things that can help reduce waste, reduce the carbon footprint, and automate tasks. Additionally, they could present themselves as a solution to improve aspects of digital communication between companies and their consumers in remote training, distribution chain, e-commerce, and process optimization in different sectors of activity. These advances will, on the one hand, allow the possibility of conducting a greater amount of professional training, increasing the number of qualified professionals and, on the other hand, facilitate trade exchanges, promoting the economy. Based on a systematic bibliometric review of the literature using the PRISMA framework, this study investigates how digital tools catalyze transformative changes in different sectors of activity. The results indicate that, overall, the academic articles analyzed in this literature review present studies focused on digitalization and sustainability (approximately 50%). In second place are topics related to digitalization and other topics such as: smart cities; Sustainable Development Goals; academia; the digital economy; government policies; academic education; and sustainable communication (29%). Finally, in third place, there are academic articles closely linked to digitalization and the environment, more specifically to sustainable practices and the management of natural resources (21%). The article concludes that digital development, when used wisely, serves as a crucial lever to address the world’s most pressing sustainability imperatives. Future research should emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration and adaptive governance to ensure that these digital changes produce lasting impacts for people and the planet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enterprise Digital Development and Sustainable Business Systems)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

0 pages, 915 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Agricultural Production Services Improve Farmers’ Grain Production Efficiency?—Empirical Evidence from China

by Fang Liu, Lili Gu, Cai Liao and Wei Xue

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6054; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136054 (registering DOI) - 2 Jul 2025

(1) Background: Global grain production faces challenges such as increasing demands due to population growth, limited arable land resources, and climate change, with natural resource and environmental constraints becoming increasingly stringent. Traditional smallholder economies struggle to meet the increasing demand for grain, resulting [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Global grain production faces challenges such as increasing demands due to population growth, limited arable land resources, and climate change, with natural resource and environmental constraints becoming increasingly stringent. Traditional smallholder economies struggle to meet the increasing demand for grain, resulting in a tight balance between grain supply and demand. Therefore, to improve grain production efficiency (GPE), clarifying the specific effects of agricultural production services (APS), a new driving force on farmers’ GPE, is critical for ensuring grain security and achieving sustainable grain production. (2) Methods: Through the super-efficiency Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Tobit models, and utilizing microdata from 747 farmers from the China Rural Revitalization Survey (CRRS), we analyzed the differences in farmers’ operating scales and types of agricultural production services to determine the extent and specific implementation effects of agricultural production services on the farmers’ GPE. (3) Results: agricultural production services enhanced the farmers’ GPE. Specifically, labor-intensive services (LIS) markedly improved the GPE of smallholder farmers but not large-scale farmers; technology-intensive services (TIS) did not have a substantial influence on either the smallholder farmers or large-scale farmers. There were significant regional differences in the threshold effect of agricultural production services on the GPE of the farmers. (4) Conclusions: Providers of agricultural production services should enhance their service capabilities to meet farmers’ diverse service needs. Government departments should establish uniform service standards and regulate industry development. Village and community organizations should leverage their grassroots coordination functions to facilitate the efficient operation of services. In addition, tailored development models should be developed for farmers of different scales, and they should be provided with financial and technical support as well as institutional guarantees. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

0 pages, 877 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Systematic Review of Integrating Technology for Sustainable Agricultural Transitions: Ecuador, a Country with Agroecological Potential

by William Viera-Arroyo, Liliane Binego, Francis Ryans, Duther López, Martín Moya, Lya Vera and Carlos Caicedo

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6053; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136053 (registering DOI) - 2 Jul 2025

Agroecology has traditionally been implemented using conventional methods. However, the integration of precision equipment, advanced methodologies, and digital technologies (DT) is now essential for transitioning to a more modern and efficient approach. While agroecological principles remain fundamental for planning and managing sustainable food [...] Read more.

Agroecology has traditionally been implemented using conventional methods. However, the integration of precision equipment, advanced methodologies, and digital technologies (DT) is now essential for transitioning to a more modern and efficient approach. While agroecological principles remain fundamental for planning and managing sustainable food systems by optimizing natural resources, technological tools can significantly support their implementation and adoption by farmers. This transition, however, must also consider socioeconomic factors and policy frameworks to ensure that technological advancements lead to meaningful improvements in farms and agroecosystems. Across both industrialized and emerging economies, various initiatives, such as precision agriculture, digital platforms, and e-commerce, are driving the digitalization of agroecology. These innovations offer clear benefits, including enhanced knowledge generation and direct improvements to the food supply chain; however, several barriers remain, including limited understanding of digital tools, high-energy demands, insufficient financial resources, economical constrains, weak policy support, lack of infrastructure, low digital learning by framers, etc. to facilitate the transition. This review looks for the understanding of how digitalization can align or conflict with local agroecological dynamics across distinct political frameworks and reality contexts because the information about DT adoption in agroecological practices is limited and it remains unclear if digital agriculture for scaling agroecology can considerably change power dynamics within the productive systems in regions of Europe and Latin America. In South America, among countries like Ecuador, with strong potential for agroecological development, where 60% of farms are less than 1 ha, and where farmers have expressed interest in agroecological practices, 80% have reported lacking sufficient information to make the transition to digitalization, making slow the adoption progress of these DT. While agroecology is gaining global recognition, its modernization through DT requires further research in technical, social, economic, cultural, and political dimensions to more guide the adoption of DT in agroecology with more certainty. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Technology and Biological Approaches to Sustainable Agriculture)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

3256 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Dynamic Efficiency and Influencing Factors of China’s Mining-Land Restoration System

by Jin Yao, Chunhua Li, Shuangfei Zhao and Yong Hu

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6052; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136052 (registering DOI) - 2 Jul 2025

Land degradation neutrality is crucial for sustainable mining, necessitating a comprehensive assessment of mining and land restoration performance. Current assessments of mining development and land degradation neutrality are isolated. Therefore, this study formulated a comprehensive framework for economic development and land governance, integrating [...] Read more.

Land degradation neutrality is crucial for sustainable mining, necessitating a comprehensive assessment of mining and land restoration performance. Current assessments of mining development and land degradation neutrality are isolated. Therefore, this study formulated a comprehensive framework for economic development and land governance, integrating a Dynamic Network Directional Distance Function (DDF) model with structural equation modeling (SEM), using China’s mining development and land restoration governance as a case study, to evaluate the efficiency and its determinants of mining and land restoration systems. The findings are as follows: there are significant regional differences in mining efficiency; the overall land restoration efficiency is higher than mining efficiency; the development of the two stages is unbalanced, and there is no obvious linear correlation between efficiencies; policy and economic factors negatively impact both mining and land restoration efficiency; technological innovation strongly boosts mining efficiency but has a weaker effect on land restoration efficiency; and climate factors slightly hinder land restoration and mildly enhance mining. Therefore, comprehensively analyzing the mining-land restoration system and considering exogenous factors to internalize externalities are crucial for promoting ecological protection, achieving the LDN target in mining areas, and realizing harmonious human-nature development in China. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

0 pages, 862 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Ecological Education on University Students’ Environmentally Sustainable Behavior—Evidence from China

by Wei Hou, Qianwen Yang, Yipei Cao, Lei Luo, Jingyi Ding, Qilin Wang, Jun Wei and Hai Ma

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6051; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136051 (registering DOI) - 2 Jul 2025

With the development of higher education, college students have become a new and important group for environmentally sustainable development. How to evaluate and strengthen the practical effect of ecological education is of great significance. Based on the survey data of 1579 university students, [...] Read more.

With the development of higher education, college students have become a new and important group for environmentally sustainable development. How to evaluate and strengthen the practical effect of ecological education is of great significance. Based on the survey data of 1579 university students, this study constructed a systematic index system of ecological education by using a hierarchical evaluation method. Moreover, OLS (Ordinary Least Squares), Oprobit, and intermediary effect models were used to analyze the influence relationship and mechanism of the two empirically and IV-Oprobit was used to solve the endogeneity problem. The results show the following: (1) Ecological education can effectively promote the sustainable behavior of university students, and the probability of university students implementing sustainable behavior increases by 10.7% with each unit increase in the level of ecological education. (2) Environmental value perception such as in individual economic value perception, social value perception, and health value perception are all important mediating channels of ecological education, among which health value perception has the strongest mediating effect. (3) Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) exposure positively moderates the impact of university students’ environmental value perception on their sustainable behavior. (4) There is a significant correlation between university students’ household registration, participation in environmental associations and hometown social networks, and sustainable behaviors. (5) The influence of ecological education on students’ behaviors shows heterogeneity in family household registration. Students from rural families have a higher level of environmental behavior and value perception than those from urban families. Moreover, they are more likely to exhibit behaviors under the influence of ecological education. The above results provide reference suggestions for the ecological education policy system and offer theoretical support and policy inspiration for promoting sustainable behaviors among global college students and enhancing the efficiency of ecological education in universities. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

0 pages, 7042 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Durability of Recycled Concrete Aggregate as a Pavement Base Material Including Drainage: A Laboratory and Simulation Study

by Syed Ashik Ali, Paul Cancino Arevalo, Musharraf Zaman, Royce W. Floyd, Zahid Hossain and Javier Rojas-Pochyla

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6050; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136050 (registering DOI) - 2 Jul 2025

Recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) have the potential to be used as a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly material in pavement base construction. However, there is a lack of information on the durability, strength, and hydraulic properties of RCA. The primary purpose of this [...] Read more.

Recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) have the potential to be used as a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly material in pavement base construction. However, there is a lack of information on the durability, strength, and hydraulic properties of RCA. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the properties and performances of commonly available RCAs in Oklahoma as pavement bases through laboratory testing and AASHTOWare Pavement ME simulations. For this purpose, three RCAs (RCA-1, RCA-2, and RCA-3) and a virgin limestone aggregate (VLA-1) were collected from local sources. RCA-1 and RCA-3 were produced in the field by crushing the existing concrete pavement of Interstate 40 and US 69 sections, respectively. RCA-2 was produced by crushing concrete and rubble collected in a local recycling plant. Laboratory testing for this study included particle size distribution, wash loss, optimum moisture content and maximum dry density (OMC-MDD), Los Angeles (LA) abrasion, durability indices (D_c and D_f), permeability (k), and resilient modulus (M_r). The properties of aggregates were compared and the service life (performance) of aggregate bases was studied through mechanistic analysis using the AASHTOWare Pavement ME design software (version 2.6, AASHTO, USA). The results indicated that the properties of RCAs can differ greatly based on the origin of the source materials and the methods used in their processing. Recycled aggregates from concrete pavements of interstate and state highways exhibited similar or improved performance as virgin aggregates. RCA produced in a recycling plant was found to show durability and strength issues due to the presence of inferior quality materials and contaminants. Also, the results indicated that the fine aggregate durability test is a useful tool for screening recycled aggregates to ensure quality during production and construction. Bottom-up fatigue cracking was identified as the most affected performance criterion for flexible pavements when using RCA as the base layer. The findings will help increase the use of RCA as pavement base to promote environmental sustainability. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

0 pages, 3344 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Terrestrial LiDAR Technology to Evaluate the Vertical Structure of Stands of Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl., a Species Symbol of Conservation Through Sustainable Use in the Brazilian Amazon

by Felipe Felix Costa, Raimundo Cosme de Oliveira Júnior, Danilo Roberti Alves de Almeida, Diogo Martins Rosa, Kátia Emídio da Silva, Hélio Tonini, Troy Patrick Beldini, Darlisson Bentes dos Santos and Marcelino Carneiro Guedes

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6049; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136049 - 2 Jul 2025

The Amazon rainforest hosts a diverse array of forest types, including those where Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) occurs, which plays a crucial ecological and economic role. The Brazil nut is the second most important non-timber forest product in the Amazon, a [...] Read more.

The Amazon rainforest hosts a diverse array of forest types, including those where Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) occurs, which plays a crucial ecological and economic role. The Brazil nut is the second most important non-timber forest product in the Amazon, a symbol of development and sustainable use in the region, promoting the conservation of the standing forest. Understanding the vertical structure of these forests is essential to assess their ecological complexity and inform sustainable management strategies. We used terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) to assess the vertical structure of Amazonian forests with the occurrence of Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) at regional (Amazonas, Mato Grosso, Pará, and Amapá) and local scales (forest typologies in Amapá). TLS allowed high-resolution three-dimensional characterization of canopy layers, enabling the extraction of structural metrics such as canopy height, rugosity, and leaf area index (LAI). These metrics were analyzed to quantify the forest vertical complexity and compare structural variability across spatial scales. These findings demonstrate the utility of TLS as a precise tool for quantifying forest structure and highlight the importance of integrating structural data in conservation planning and forest monitoring initiatives involving B. excelsa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis for Monitoring and Assessing Landscape and Ecosystem Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

0 pages, 4713 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Embankment Temperature Regulation Efficiency of V-Shaped Bidirectional Heat Conduction Thermosyphon in Permafrost Regions

by Feike Duan, Bo Tian, Sen Hu and Lei Quan

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6048; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136048 - 2 Jul 2025

The complex climate in permafrost regions poses severe challenges to infrastructure, and freeze-thaw cycles accelerate the deformation and damage of road embankments. Conventional thermosyphon technology, though effective in lowering permafrost temperatures, has a limited range of effect, making it hard to meet the [...] Read more.

The complex climate in permafrost regions poses severe challenges to infrastructure, and freeze-thaw cycles accelerate the deformation and damage of road embankments. Conventional thermosyphon technology, though effective in lowering permafrost temperatures, has a limited range of effect, making it hard to meet the demand for large-scale temperature regulation. This paper proposes a V-shaped transverse thermosyphon design with bidirectional heat conduction. It connects at the embankment centerline and transversely penetrates the entire cross-section to expand the temperature regulation range. Using a hydro-thermal coupling model, the temperature regulation effects of vertical, inclined, and V-shaped thermosyphons were calculated. Results show that the V-shaped design outperforms the other two in temperature control across different embankment areas. Transverse temperature analysis indicates uniform cooling around the embankment center, while depth temperature analysis reveals more stable temperature control with lower and less fluctuating temperatures at greater depths. Long-term temperature analysis demonstrates superior annual temperature regulation, providing consistent cooling. This research offers a scientific basis for embankment temperature regulation design in permafrost regions and is crucial for ensuring long-term embankment stability and safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Protection and Utilization of Black Soil for Sustainable Highway Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

0 pages, 8947 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cultural Heritage and Lacustrine Landscape Conservation: The Case of “Procession of The Wise Men” in Cajititlán, Jalisco

by David Fabricio Alvarado-Ramírez, Pedro Lina Manjarrez, José Teodoro Silva García, Gustavo Cruz-Cárdenas and Paloma Gallegos Tejeda

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6047; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136047 - 2 Jul 2025

Although lagoons are sites of water accumulation and runoff where a variety of animal species and plant varieties inhabit, they have also been positioned as spaces where rituals and religious practices take place, from which the transmission of knowledge emanates, and social activities [...] Read more.

Although lagoons are sites of water accumulation and runoff where a variety of animal species and plant varieties inhabit, they have also been positioned as spaces where rituals and religious practices take place, from which the transmission of knowledge emanates, and social activities are strengthened. The Laguna de Cajititlán (Cajititlán Lagoon) in the town of Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, Jalisco, México is a lacustrine landscape that faces a state of fragility due to incessant processes of urbanization along with basin desiccation and wastewater pollution. However, the community of Cajititlán has managed to protect its lacustrine landscape through the rescue of the religious tradition of the Procesión Los Santos Reyes (Procession of the Wise Men). Therefore, the objective of this article is to analyze how this tradition, as cultural heritage, has influenced the conservation of the lacustrine landscape. We conclude that cultural heritage and the lacustrine landscape are bidirectionally correlated because fostering Indigenous traditions like the Procesión in Cajititlán, as a manifestation of devotion and faith, enhances identity, promotes tourism, and supports conservation practices and the sustainability of the lacustrine landscape. At the same time, conservation of the lacustrine landscape enables the preservation of cultural heritage, generating an interdependent relationship between these elements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural Heritage Conservation and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3740 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on the Activation Mechanism of Residual Slag Micro Powder After Recycled Aggregate of Waste Concrete

by Shengbo Zhou, Kai Zhang, Shengjie Liu, Li Gao, Jian Wang, Xiaojie Wang, Mengyao Cui and Lu Guo

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6046; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136046 - 1 Jul 2025

This study investigated sustainable activation strategies for residual slag micro powder derived from recycled waste concrete aggregates, aiming to advance circular economy principles in construction materials. An experimental study was carried out to explore the activation mechanisms of slag micro powder from recycled [...] Read more.

This study investigated sustainable activation strategies for residual slag micro powder derived from recycled waste concrete aggregates, aiming to advance circular economy principles in construction materials. An experimental study was carried out to explore the activation mechanisms of slag micro powder from recycled waste concrete aggregates to enhance its utility in building materials. Three methods—mechanical grinding, high-temperature calcination, and mechanical grinding–thermal activation—were evaluated comparatively. The results showed high-temperature calcination at 750 °C for 10 min proved most effective, achieving a 95.85% activity index. High-temperature calcination may contribute to the release of active SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ substances of slag micro powder, thereby improving the hydration performance of slag micro powder and its cement mortar’s compressive strength. The flexural strength of cement mortar after different activation treatments was also analyzed. Mechanical grinding alone showed limited benefits, only achieving a less than 65.59% activity index, while the combined method negatively impacted the mechanical properties of cement mortar samples. An SEM (scanning electron microscope) and EDS (energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer) microstructural analysis supported these findings, highlighting enhanced hydration product formation after calcination at 750 °C for 10 min. This work may contribute to sustainable construction practices through the resource-efficient utilization of industrial by-products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Approaches for Developing Concrete and Mortar)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recovery and Reuse of Nutrients from Hydroponic Effluent in the Context of Circular Agriculture

by Lisa Eliana Samudio Legal, Simeón Aguayo Trinidad, María Natalia Piol, Pedro Gabriel Gamarra Alfonso, Jiam Pires Frigo and Andréia Cristina Furtado

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6045; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136045 - 1 Jul 2025

This research evaluated the recovery and reuse of dolomitic calcareous amendment saturated with nutrients adsorbed from hydroponic effluent as a soil improver and its impact on the agronomic performance of Phaseolus vulgaris. Initially, the dolomitic calcareous amendment (DCA) was saturated with nutrients [...] Read more.

This research evaluated the recovery and reuse of dolomitic calcareous amendment saturated with nutrients adsorbed from hydroponic effluent as a soil improver and its impact on the agronomic performance of Phaseolus vulgaris. Initially, the dolomitic calcareous amendment (DCA) was saturated with nutrients from the hydroponic effluent through adsorption tests. The characterization of the DCA was conducted before and after nutrient saturation to verify its composition. Soil analysis was carried out prior to the trial, and a completely randomized experimental design was applied with four treatments and five replications, totaling 20 experimental units for each soil type (sandy and clayey): T1 (control), T2 (raw dolomitic calcareous amendment—DCA), T3 (saturated dolomitic calcareous amendment—DCAS), and T4 (granulated dolomitic calcareous amendment—DCAG). Agronomic performance parameters of Phaseolus vulgaris were assessed to determine nutrient availability to the plant: number of pods, pod length (cm), number of seeds per pod, and weight of 100 seeds (g). Data normality was verified using the Shapiro–Wilk test, and results were analyzed using ANOVA and mean comparisons through Tukey’s test (p < 0.05) using InfoStat software 2020I. Additionally, plant tissue was analyzed to determine nutrient absorption in the seeds, and both soil types were analyzed after harvest. Adsorption results indicated that the DCA retained phosphorus, manganese, calcium, and zinc. According to the characterization, DCA primarily consisted of calcium and magnesium carbonates; following the saturation process, an increase in carbonate groups was observed due to calcium adsorption from the hydroponic effluent. Results in both soil types showed no significant differences in pod number, pod length, or seeds per pod, except for the weight of 100 seeds in sandy soil, where T1, T2, and T3 differed significantly from T4. Based on references, the phosphorus content in the harvested seeds from T3 in sandy soil is classified as sufficient. The findings demonstrate the potential of recovering and reusing nutrients from hydroponic effluent using DCA and transforming it into a value-added agricultural input for soil improvement, presenting a promising alternative for more sustainable and efficient agriculture. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 624 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility Policies in the Tourism Industry and Sustainable Development Goals: A Review of Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

by Miguel Ángel Montañés-Del Río, Vanessa Rodríguez-Cornejo, Paula Isabel Rodríguez-Castro and Jesús Herrera-Madueño

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6044; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136044 - 1 Jul 2025

As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry is experiencing a surge in demand. While this growth is essential for economic recovery, it also presents significant challenges in terms of sustainability. The tourism industry is under increasing pressure to adopt [...] Read more.

As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry is experiencing a surge in demand. While this growth is essential for economic recovery, it also presents significant challenges in terms of sustainability. The tourism industry is under increasing pressure to adopt business practices that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a critical framework for addressing these challenges. This study seeks to understand how CSR can contribute to the achievement of the SDGs within the tourism industry, with a focus on identifying the best practices of management. A systematic literature review was conducted to address this research question. A comprehensive search of the literature was performed using Boolean operators in databases including Web of Science, ABI/Inform Collection, Business Source Complete, and Emerald Insight. After applying pre-determined inclusion criteria, the selected studies were analysed using the population/problem, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) framework. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines to ensure the rigor and reliability of the findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation in Circular Economy and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

43 pages, 1112 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advancements in Characterization and Potential Structural Seismic Performance of Alkali-Activated Concrete Incorporating Crumb Rubber: A State-of-the-Art Review

by Yousef Elbaz, Aman Mwafy, Hilal El-Hassan and Tamer El-Maaddawy

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6043; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136043 - 1 Jul 2025

The production of ordinary Portland cement has had a significant environmental impact, leading to increased interest in sustainable alternatives. This comprehensive review thus explores the performance and applications of rubberized alkali-activated concrete (RuAAC), an innovative material combining alkali-activated concrete with crumb rubber (CR) [...] Read more.

The production of ordinary Portland cement has had a significant environmental impact, leading to increased interest in sustainable alternatives. This comprehensive review thus explores the performance and applications of rubberized alkali-activated concrete (RuAAC), an innovative material combining alkali-activated concrete with crumb rubber (CR) from waste tires as a coarse/fine aggregate replacement. The study examined current research on the components, physical and mechanical properties, and seismic performance of RuAAC structures. Key findings revealed that CR addition enhances dynamic characteristics while reducing compressive strength by up to 63% at 50% CR replacement, though ductility improvements partially offset this reduction. Novel CR pretreatment methods, such as eggshell catalyzation, can enhance seismic resilience potential. While studies on the structural seismic performance of RuAAC are limited, relevant research on rubberized conventional concrete indicated several potential benefits, highlighting a critical gap in the current body of knowledge. Research on the behavior of RuAAC in full-scale structural elements and under seismic loading conditions remains notably lacking. By examining existing research and identifying crucial research gaps, this review provides a foundation for future investigations into the structural behavior and seismic response of RuAAC, potentially paving the way for its practical implementation in earthquake-resistant and sustainable construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Seismic Design Approaches, Structural Systems, and Retrofit Measures of Civil Engineering Structures)

37 pages, 1097 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Iconological Reconstruction and Complementarity in Chinese and Korean Museums in the Digital Age: A Comparative Study of the National Museum of Korea and the Palace Museum

by Hui Liu and Maowei Chen

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6042; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136042 - 1 Jul 2025

In the context of rapid global digitalization and evolving media ecologies, sustainable cultural communication has become central to both museum transformation and the theoretical renewal of iconology. Images, as vital carriers of cultural memory and identity, are shifting from static, linear presentations to [...] Read more.

In the context of rapid global digitalization and evolving media ecologies, sustainable cultural communication has become central to both museum transformation and the theoretical renewal of iconology. Images, as vital carriers of cultural memory and identity, are shifting from static, linear presentations to generative, interactive, and participatory modes enabled by digital platforms. This shift calls for a new paradigm in image communication—one that integrates meaning construction with technological and user-centered logics. This study adopts a “technology–culture–user” framework, drawing on constructivism, cultural memory theory, and symbolic interactionism to construct a digital-era iconological system. Through comparative analysis of the Chinese Palace Museum and the National Museum of Korea, the research reveals complementary approaches: the former emphasizes structured, authoritative knowledge dissemination, while the latter prioritizes immersive, user-driven interaction. These differences provide a basis for cross-cultural cooperation. Accordingly, the paper proposes five collaborative strategies: integrating advanced technologies, building shared image resource systems, enhancing user engagement mechanisms, expanding East Asian visual symbol networks, and adapting institutional frameworks to diverse cultural contexts. These strategies aim to support both theoretical innovation in iconology and sustainable regional cultural communication in the digital age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Technology and Conservation Science for Sustainable Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Interdisciplinary Studies, Challenges, and Perspectives)

More Articles...

Submit to Sustainability Review for Sustainability

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Highly Accessed Articles

View More...

Latest Books

More Books and Reprints...

E-Mail Alert

News

30 April 2025
Richard DiMarchi and Rolf Müller Share the 2024 Tu Youyou Award

27 January 2025
Recruiting Early Career Editorial Board Members for Sustainability

2 July 2025
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO’s Letter #24 – 2024 Impact Factor & CiteScore, MDPI Summits France & USA, Tu Youyou Award

More News & Announcements...

Topics

Propose a Topic

Topic in Buildings, Materials, Recycling, Sustainability

Sustainable Building Materials Topic Editors: Bingxiang Yuan, Waseim Ragab Azzam, Binbin Yang, Shiyuan Huang
Deadline: 15 July 2025

Topic in Electricity, Energies, Mathematics, Sustainability, Systems

Energy Systems Planning, Operation and Optimization in Net-Zero Emissions Topic Editors: Jen-Hao Teng, Kin-Cheong Sou, Alfeu J. Sguarezi Filho, Lakshmanan Padmavathi
Deadline: 31 July 2025

Topic in Energies, Sustainability, JMSE, Processes, Solar, Wind

Sustainable Energy Technology, 2nd Edition Topic Editors: Wei-Hsin Chen, Aristotle T. Ubando, Chih-Che Chueh, Liwen Jin, Yanjun Sun
Deadline: 20 August 2025

Topic in Education Sciences, EJIHPE, Sustainability, Trends in Higher Education

Education for Sustainable Development and Science Teaching Topic Editors: José Benito Vázquez Dorrío, Araceli Queiruga-Dios, Manuel Filipe P. C. M. Costa, Miguel Ángel Queiruga Dios
Deadline: 31 August 2025

More Topics

Conferences

Announce Your Conference

4–5 September 2025 The 2nd International Electronic Conference on Land

2–3 October 2025 The 11th World Sustainability Forum (WSF 2025)

28–30 October 2025 [Foods 2025] Call for Abstracts—The 6th International Electronic Conference on Foods: Future Horizons in Foods and Sustainability

More Conferences...

Special Issues

Propose a Special Issue

Special Issue in Sustainability

Advancing Bottom-Up Energy Approaches for Carbon-Neutral Building Stock Guest Editors: Usama Bin Perwez, Muhammad Salman Siddiqui
Deadline: 2 July 2025

Special Issue in Sustainability

Innovative and Sustainable Planning, Control and Optimization Methods for Urban Transportation System Guest Editors: Yiming Bie, Hu Zhang, Shidong Liang
Deadline: 2 July 2025

Special Issue in Sustainability

International Trade Governance and Policy and Sustainable Agricultural Economics Guest Editors: Sayed Saghaian, Hosein Mohammadi
Deadline: 3 July 2025

Special Issue in Sustainability

Machine Learning for Secure and Efficient Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Guest Editors: Soodeh Nikan, Hossein Hassani
Deadline: 5 July 2025

More Special Issues

Topical Collections

Topical Collection in Sustainability

Adaptive Cities: Urban Planning and Design Contribution for Achieving Climate Resilient Cities Collection Editors: Francesco Musco, Eugenio Morello

Topical Collection in Sustainability

Sustainability and Engineering Design Collection Editors: Hassan Abdalla, Arya Assadi Langroudi

Topical Collection in Sustainability

Circular Economy and Sustainable Strategies Collection Editors: Elena Rada, Lucian-Ionel Cioca

Topical Collection in Sustainability

Sustainable Development of Coal Based Energy: Technology, Environment, Humanities, Economy, and Education Collection Editors: Cun Zhang, Fangtian Wang, Shiqi Liu, Erhu Bai

More Topical Collections

Back to TopTop