Sustainability

26 pages, 377 KiB

Open AccessReview

Understanding the Determinants of Electric Vehicle Range: A Multi-Dimensional Survey

by Runze Mao, Weiqian Xu, Yutong Qian, Xiaorong Li, Yuanjiang Li, Guoyuan Li and Houxiang Zhang

Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4259; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104259 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2025

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) play a critical role in the transition to sustainable transportation. Despite significant advancements in technology, EVs continue to face major challenges, particularly in terms of limited range, high costs, and insufficient charging infrastructure. This paper presents a comprehensive review that [...] Read more.

Electric vehicles (EVs) play a critical role in the transition to sustainable transportation. Despite significant advancements in technology, EVs continue to face major challenges, particularly in terms of limited range, high costs, and insufficient charging infrastructure. This paper presents a comprehensive review that systematically categorizes the multifaceted factors influencing EV range into technical, environmental, user-related, economic, policy, and cultural dimensions. The aim is to offer a holistic view of how these elements interact to shape EV performance, adoption, and usage. Notably, advancements in battery capacity, charging time, vehicle weight, and aerodynamics are identified as key factors that significantly enhance EV range. Environmental factors such as temperature and terrain are shown to drastically impact energy consumption, with cold climates leading to up to a 50% reduction in range. Furthermore, user behaviors, driving patterns, and economic factors like battery costs, charging infrastructure availability, and electricity prices play a crucial role in determining EV efficiency. This review shows the importance of supportive policies, societal attitudes, and infrastructural developments in promoting the widespread adoption of EVs, making it an innovative and timely contribution to the field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Transportation)

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20 pages, 2920 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining Diverse Investors in the Clean Energy and Environmental Technology Sector: A Network Analysis from Japan

by Hiroyoshi Iwata, Kotaro Kubo, Hiroko Yamano, Masahiro Sugiyama and Kenji Tanaka

Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4258; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104258 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2025

Abstract

Startups in the clean energy and environmental technology (CEET) sector can develop sustainable innovations, but mobilizing private finance has been difficult. As the venture capital (VC) investment model was found to be not well-suited for the CEET startups, diverse types of investors have [...] Read more.

Startups in the clean energy and environmental technology (CEET) sector can develop sustainable innovations, but mobilizing private finance has been difficult. As the venture capital (VC) investment model was found to be not well-suited for the CEET startups, diverse types of investors have received more attention. However, since previous studies have been dominated by a VC-centric perspective in the US and have overlooked collaborative relationships, the roles of various CEET investors have not been systematically analyzed. This study aims to analyze the diverse investors in the CEET investor network formed through co-investment syndication, using Japan as an underexplored regional context. Based on Japan’s comprehensive data from 2008 to 2022, this study examines the evolution, structure, and communities of the network. The analysis identified the development stages of the investor network: the formation stage (2008–2012), the expansion and diversification stage (2013–2017), and the stable growth stage (2018–2022). The results confirmed the strong influence of VCs, while a community analysis suggested the bridging role of governmental venture capital. The findings based on the CEET investor network contribute to expanding both the theoretical understanding and practical implications for overcoming the financing difficulties of CEET startups to address the climate change crisis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)

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18 pages, 310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Winds: Tourist Attitudes Toward Wind Energy Projects in Iceland

by Edita Tverijonaite, Anna Dóra Sæþórsdóttir and Zsuzsanna Kövi

Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4257; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104257 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2025

Abstract

With increasing wind energy infrastructure developments, better understanding of its impacts on tourism is needed. This study examines international visitors’ attitudes toward wind farms in Iceland and investigates how locational factors affect their compatibility with tourism. Based on a survey answered by 1005 [...] Read more.

With increasing wind energy infrastructure developments, better understanding of its impacts on tourism is needed. This study examines international visitors’ attitudes toward wind farms in Iceland and investigates how locational factors affect their compatibility with tourism. Based on a survey answered by 1005 departing visitors, this study reveals that 92% are concerned about climate change. However, a lower proportion, 76%, support the use of wind energy in Iceland. Central European visitors are the most likely to be negatively affected by wind energy development, while Asian visitors showed the greatest interest in visiting a wind farm in Iceland. Among visitors from the leading countries of origin, French tourists were the most negative toward wind energy development in Iceland. Wind farms were perceived as most suitable in industrial, offshore, and agricultural areas, whereas their suitability was considered lowest in national parks and other protected natural areas and cultural heritage areas. Positive attitudes toward the use of wind energy positively affected the perceived suitability of wind farms in all of the discussed areas, while a lower perceived compatibility of wind farms with the tourist experience had a negative effect. The study highlights the importance of careful spatial planning and participatory approaches to improve compatibility between tourism and harnessing wind energy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Energy Systems: Integrating Renewable Energy Carbon Trading and Electricity Markets)

26 pages, 2340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Early Warning Mechanism for Industrial Land Redevelopment in High-Tech Zones: A Multi-Dimensional Evaluation Based on Enterprise Life Cycle, Park Compatibility, and Land Use Efficiency

by Zhiwen Tan, Likuan Dong, Zhanlu Zhang and Hao Li

Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4256; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104256 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2025

Abstract

In the era of new productive forces, the efficient utilization of industrial land in high-tech zones is critical for fostering technological innovation, intelligent manufacturing, and green development. However, constrained by limited land reserves, inefficient stock utilization, and sluggish industrial upgrading, high-tech zones must [...] Read more.

In the era of new productive forces, the efficient utilization of industrial land in high-tech zones is critical for fostering technological innovation, intelligent manufacturing, and green development. However, constrained by limited land reserves, inefficient stock utilization, and sluggish industrial upgrading, high-tech zones must establish a scientific early warning mechanism for industrial land redevelopment. This study constructs a four-tier early warning system (normal, alert, warning, and response) based on three key dimensions: enterprise life cycle, enterprise–park compatibility, and industrial land use efficiency. Using the Jinan High-Tech Zone as a case study, this study conducts an empirical analysis of 360 industrial land parcels from 2020 to 2022, employing DEA, fixed effects models, GIS visualization, and MCDA methods. The results indicate a strong correlation between enterprise life cycle and land use efficiency, with significant spatial differentiation in enterprise–park compatibility. Efficient land use is concentrated in areas with well-defined functions and high industrial agglomeration. This study identifies 360 land use scenarios, with 12% classified as normal, 28% requiring monitoring, 52% requiring optimization, and 8% necessitating redevelopment. Based on these findings, a “warning–monitoring–regulation” closed-loop management model is proposed, providing decision-making support for dynamic land optimization and sustainable development in high-tech zones. Full article

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17 pages, 1009 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rural Household Garbage Sorting for Sustainable Development: Contributing to Substantial Health Improvements in China

by Jia Yue, Siyao Chen and Zhixiong Weng

Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4255; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104255 - 8 May 2025

Abstract

Promoting household garbage sorting holds substantial importance for improving the living environment, enhancing public health, and advancing sustainable development. Based on data from rural households in China, this study empirically examines the impact of garbage sorting on household health and explores its underlying [...] Read more.

Promoting household garbage sorting holds substantial importance for improving the living environment, enhancing public health, and advancing sustainable development. Based on data from rural households in China, this study empirically examines the impact of garbage sorting on household health and explores its underlying mechanisms. The findings reveal that garbage sorting significantly improves households’ subjective health, with notable heterogeneity across regions and household characteristics. Specifically, the health benefits are more pronounced in the eastern region, as well as among households with higher levels of education and income, while the effects are less significant in lower-education and lower-income groups. Further analysis indicates that garbage sorting may also indirectly promote household health at the cognitive level by fostering greater engagement with health and wellness information. Moreover, garbage sorting is associated with positive changes in other health-related behaviors, such as better regulation of sugar, salt, and oil intake, as well as an increase in the use of health products. These results suggest that garbage sorting not only improves household health outcomes but also contributes to environmental sustainability and health equity, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable rural development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainability: Achieving a Circular Economy Through Waste Management)

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15 pages, 10991 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Methodology to Fabricate Polymer–Metal Parts Through Hybrid Fused Filament Fabrication

by Sofia F. Silva, Pedro M. S. Rosado, Rui F. V. Sampaio, João P. M. Pragana, Ivo M. F. Bragança, Eurico Assunção and Carlos M. A. Silva

Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4254; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104254 - 8 May 2025

Abstract

This paper introduces a new methodology that enables the production of polymer–metal parts through hybrid additive manufacturing. The approach combines fused filament fabrication (FFF) of polymers with adhesive bonding of metal inserts, applied during layer-by-layer construction. The work is based on unit cells [...] Read more.

This paper introduces a new methodology that enables the production of polymer–metal parts through hybrid additive manufacturing. The approach combines fused filament fabrication (FFF) of polymers with adhesive bonding of metal inserts, applied during layer-by-layer construction. The work is based on unit cells designed and fabricated using eco-friendly materials—polylactic acid (PLA) and aluminum—which were subsequently analyzed for build quality and for mechanical performance under tensile lap-shear and three-point bending tests. The acquired knowledge in terms of optimal processing parameters for attaining strong polymer–metal bonds was then applied for the fabrication and testing of prototypes representing modular corner connectors for framing applications. Results on build quality demonstrate that issues, such as lumps and warping, can be solved by finetuning the 3D printing stages of the proposed methodology. In terms of destructive testing, significant improvements in the mechanical performance of PLA can be achieved, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed methodology in integrating the lightweight properties of polymers with the stiffness of metals. This enables the development of innovative, sustainable and eco-friendly solutions that align with the growing demand for eco-friendly materials and processes in manufacturing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Materials)

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21 pages, 4695 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Manure to Vermicompost: Testing a Sustainable Approach for Agriculture

by Giovanna Marta Fusco, Ida Di Mola, Mauro Mori, Eugenio Cozzolino, Biagio Morrone, Fulvio Trasacco and Petronia Carillo

Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4253; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104253 - 8 May 2025

Abstract

The application of organic amendments in agriculture has gained increasing attention as a sustainable approach to improving soil fertility and crop productivity. This study assessed the effects of vermicompost derived from water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) manure on the yield and biochemical [...] Read more.

The application of organic amendments in agriculture has gained increasing attention as a sustainable approach to improving soil fertility and crop productivity. This study assessed the effects of vermicompost derived from water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) manure on the yield and biochemical quality of cauliflower cultivated in soil types typical of the Campania region: loam and clay. Three fertilization treatments were tested, an unfertilized control, vermicompost (140 kg N ha⁻¹), and mineral fertilizer (MIN), at the same nitrogen rate. The results showed that vermicompost more significantly improved plant growth compared to the unfertilized control, particularly in loam soil, where the biomass and the leaf number increased by 160% and 335%, respectively. In clay soil, vermicompost enhanced nutrient availability, leading to a 159% biomass increase relative to the control. While mineral fertilization resulted in the highest yields, vermicompost improved the antioxidant capacity and influenced the amino acid composition, particularly in clay soil, where it enhanced the total amino acid content by 35% over that of the control. Additionally, vermicompost increased the quantity of soil organic matter and moderated the oxidative stress responses, suggesting long-term benefits for soil health. These findings highlight the potential of vermicompost as an effective and sustainable soil amendment, particularly in regions with intensive livestock farming and nitrate-sensitive environments. Further research is needed to optimize its integration with conventional fertilization strategies to maximize the agronomic and environmental benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development)

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23 pages, 2297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of Economic and Environmental Trade-Offs in Alfalfa Production in China: A Case Study

by Helan Bai, Xueni Ma, Huilong Lin, Yanqin Wu and Zhibiao Nan

Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4252; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104252 - 8 May 2025

Abstract

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plays a crucial role in the revitalization of the dairy industry and grassland agriculture in China. However, regional differences in economic and environmental performance have not been adequately specified or quantified. This study compares alfalfa production in Wuhe [...] Read more.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plays a crucial role in the revitalization of the dairy industry and grassland agriculture in China. However, regional differences in economic and environmental performance have not been adequately specified or quantified. This study compares alfalfa production in Wuhe County (Southern China) and Ar Horqin Banner (Northern China) by integrating cost–benefit analysis (CBA) with life cycle assessment (LCA). Field data from 22 enterprises were analyzed using one ton of alfalfa hay and a net profit of CNY 10,000 as functional units, over a three-year evaluation period (2017–2019). The assessment encompassed four impact categories: primary energy demand (PED), global warming potential (GWP), acidification potential (AP), and water use (WU). The northern case systems exhibited 67.45% higher production costs but 96.99% greater profitability per ton compared to the southern case, alongside 2.13 × 10⁻² greater environmental impact. Conversely, the southern case systems were less profitable and demonstrated an 18.6% higher environmental impact per CNY 10,000 net profit compared to the northern case. Regional environmental hotspots differed: fertilizer use dominated impact in the south, whereas irrigation and electricity consumption drove burdens in the north. To facilitate a sustainable transition, policymakers should implement region-specific support measures, such as ecological incentives and crop rotation schemes for the south, and water-saving technologies along with renewable energy integration for the north. Farmers and enterprises are encouraged to adopt precision input strategies and climate risk management tools, while researchers should focus on advancing adaptive breeding techniques and optimizing resource utilization. The development of a unified system that integrates economic and environmental metrics is crucial for enabling stakeholders to drive the sustainable transformation of alfalfa production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)

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30 pages, 6062 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prioritizing Smart City Themes for Multi-National Enterprises and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

by Neeraj Sharma, Rupesh Kumar, Nitin Simha Vihari, Madhu Arora and Jatinderkumar R. Saini

Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4251; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104251 - 8 May 2025

Abstract

Cities’ role as major hubs of human activity and economic development is essential in attaining sustainable development, fostering a balance between economic, social, and environmental development, especially in light of the growing concern over Anthropocene-induced environmental issues like global warming and climate change. [...] Read more.

Cities’ role as major hubs of human activity and economic development is essential in attaining sustainable development, fostering a balance between economic, social, and environmental development, especially in light of the growing concern over Anthropocene-induced environmental issues like global warming and climate change. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a historic call for coordinated international action in this area, with SDG 11 specifically identifying “Sustainable Cities and Communities” as a primary objective. Therefore, it is clear that a paradigm shift in our approach to these challenges in terms of our thinking, sensibility, behavior, and responses is necessary. Implicitly, in view of their pivotal role in environmental sustainability, development of “smart” cities as healthy, citizen-friendly, economically viable, and sustainable cities for our future generations in today’s globally integrated world, as predominant centers of human settlement and activity with multinational enterprises driving economic growth, gains the immediate attention of researchers. In this light, this study aims to identify and thereafter prioritize key indicators of a smart city using the structured and consistency-focused best–worst multi-criteria decision-making (BWM) method, suitable for expert-driven decision-making with limited comparisons. While the UN’s SDG 11 promotes safe and resilient cities, our findings suggest a disparity in how local officials prioritize certain dimensions such as safety or recreation. This disconnect warrants closer examination of localized policy drivers. The findings of this study indicate that according to experts, among others, the priority themes are, in order, water and sanitation, wastewater, health, the environment, and the economy. Thus, these represent a key take-away for multinational enterprises for identifying and assessing significant thrust domains and areas of opportunity for intervention and contribution to the UN SDGs. It also enables a replicable framework for synergy between the public and private sectors towards contrastive intervention in other cities across the globe. Full article

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25 pages, 3322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lotka–Volterra Dynamics and Sustainable Regulation of Agroecosystems: Coupled Framework of Monte Carlo Simulation and Multi-Objective Optimisation

by Zhiyuan Zhou, Peng Lin, Tianqi Gao, Congjie Tan, Kai Wei and Liangzhu Yan

Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4249; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104249 - 8 May 2025

Abstract

Addressing the dual challenges of agricultural productivity and ecological sustainability, this study develops an integrated framework combining Lotka–Volterra dynamics, Monte Carlo simulation, and multi-objective optimisation to quantify agroecosystem responses under anthropogenic interventions. Key innovations include the incorporation of carbon sequestration dynamics and low-carbon [...] Read more.

Addressing the dual challenges of agricultural productivity and ecological sustainability, this study develops an integrated framework combining Lotka–Volterra dynamics, Monte Carlo simulation, and multi-objective optimisation to quantify agroecosystem responses under anthropogenic interventions. Key innovations include the incorporation of carbon sequestration dynamics and low-carbon agricultural practices into ecological–economic trade-off analysis. Our findings demonstrate the following: (1) Seasonal carbon fertilisation effects enhance producer growth by up to 30%, while energy recycling from consumer mortality offsets 22% of pesticide-induced carbon emissions. (2) The strategic introduction of dual-function species synergistically improves carbon sink capacity by 18–25% through enhanced producer efficiency and reduced chemical reliance. (3) Multi-objective optimisation reveals that integrated pest management coupled with organic amendments achieves a 51.2% net benefit improvement, while reducing agrochemical carbon footprints by 40–55%. The proposed framework bridges critical gaps in sustainable agriculture by simultaneously addressing yield stability, biodiversity conservation, and climate mitigation imperatives. This work advances the dynamic modelling of agroecosystems through probabilistic risk assessment and carbon-aware decision-making, providing actionable pathways for low-carbon agricultural intensification. Full article

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Sustainability, Volume 17, Issue 10 (May-2 2025) – 10 articles

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