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Sustainability, Volume 17, Issue 17 (September-1 2025) – 72 articles

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27 pages, 3909 KiB  
Review
Identifying Root Causes and Sustainable Solutions for Reducing Construction Waste Using Social Network Analysis
by Mona Salah, Emad Elbeltagi, Meshal Almoshaogeh, Fawaz Alharbi and Mohamed T. Elnabwy
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7638; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177638 (registering DOI) - 24 Aug 2025
Abstract
The construction industry is a major contributor to environmental degradation, primarily due to the substantial volumes of construction waste (CW) generated on-site. As sustainability becomes a global imperative aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda, identifying and mitigating the root causes of CW is [...] Read more.
The construction industry is a major contributor to environmental degradation, primarily due to the substantial volumes of construction waste (CW) generated on-site. As sustainability becomes a global imperative aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda, identifying and mitigating the root causes of CW is essential. This study adopts a cross-disciplinary approach to explore the drivers of CW and support more effective, sustainable waste reduction strategies. A systematic literature review was conducted to extract 25 key CW source factors from academic publications. These were analyzed using Social Network Analysis (SNA) to reveal their structural relationships and relative influence. The results indicate that the lack of structured on-site waste management planning, accumulation of residual materials, and insufficient worker training are among the most influential CW drivers. Comparative analysis with industry data highlights theoretical–practical gaps and the need for improved alignment between research insights and site implementation. This paper recommends the adoption of tiered waste management protocols as part of contractual documentation, integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based residual material traceability systems, and increasing attention to workforce training programs focused on material handling efficiency. Future research should extend SNA frameworks to sector-specific waste patterns (e.g., pavement or demolition projects) and explore the intersection between digital technologies and circular economy practices. The study contributes to enhancing waste governance, promoting resource efficiency, and advancing circularity in the built environment by offering data-driven prioritization of CW sources and actionable mitigation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Waste and Recycling)
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22 pages, 634 KiB  
Article
Bi-Level Sustainability Planning for Integrated Energy Systems Considering Hydrogen Utilization and the Bilateral Response of Supply and Demand
by Xiaofeng Li, Fangying Zhang, Yudai Huang and Gaohang Zhang
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7637; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177637 (registering DOI) - 24 Aug 2025
Abstract
Under the background of “double carbon” and sustainable development, aimed at the problem of resource capacity planning in the integrated energy system (IES), at improving the economy of system planning operation and renewable energy (RE) consumption, and at reducing carbon emissions, this paper [...] Read more.
Under the background of “double carbon” and sustainable development, aimed at the problem of resource capacity planning in the integrated energy system (IES), at improving the economy of system planning operation and renewable energy (RE) consumption, and at reducing carbon emissions, this paper proposes a multi-objective bi-level sustainability planning method for IES considering the bilateral response of supply and demand and hydrogen utilization. Firstly, the multi-energy flow in the IES is analyzed, constructing the system energy flow framework, studying the support ability of hydrogen utilization and the bilateral response of supply and demand to system energy conservation, emission reduction and sustainable development. Secondly, a multi-objective bi-level planning model for IES is constructed with the purpose of optimizing economy, RE consumption, and carbon emission. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) and commercial solver Gurobi are used to solve the model and, through the simulation, verify the model’s effectiveness. Finally, the planning results show that after introducing the hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen storage tank, and bilateral response, the total costs and carbon emissions decreased by 29.17% and 77.12%, while the RE consumption rate increased by 16.75%. After introducing the multi-objective planning method considering the system economy, RE consumption, and carbon emissions, the system total cost increased by 0.34%, the consumption rate of RE increased by 0.6%, and the carbon emissions decreased by 43.61t, which effectively provides reference for resource planning and sustainable development of IES. Full article
23 pages, 7301 KiB  
Article
A Study on the Associative Regulation Mechanism Based on the Water Environmental Carrying Capacity and Its Impact Indicators in the Songhua River Basin in Harbin City, China
by Zhongbao Yao, Xuebing Wang, Nan Sun, Tianyi Wang and Hao Yan
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7636; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177636 (registering DOI) - 24 Aug 2025
Abstract
With intensifying watershed pollution pressures and growing ecological vulnerability, scientifically revealing and enhancing the water environmental carrying capacity is crucial for ensuring the long-term health of the basin and the sustainable socioeconomic development of the region. However, the dynamic regulatory mechanisms linking narrow-sense [...] Read more.
With intensifying watershed pollution pressures and growing ecological vulnerability, scientifically revealing and enhancing the water environmental carrying capacity is crucial for ensuring the long-term health of the basin and the sustainable socioeconomic development of the region. However, the dynamic regulatory mechanisms linking narrow-sense and broad-sense water environmental carrying capacity remain poorly understood, limiting the development of integrated management strategies. This study systematically investigated the changing trends of both the narrow-sense and broad-sense water environmental carrying capacity in the Harbin section of the Songhua River basin through model calculations, along with the regulatory mechanisms of its key influence indicators. The results of the study on the carrying capacity of the water environment in the narrow sense show that permanganate, total phosphorus, and ammonia nitrogen exhibited partial carrying capacity across water periods, while dissolved oxygen decreased during flat and dry periods, with only limited capacity remaining at the Ash River estuary and in the Hulan River. The biochemical oxygen demand in the Ash River was consistently overloaded, and total nitrogen showed insufficient capacity except during the abundant water period. Broad-sense analysis indicated that improving urbanization quality, water supply infrastructure, and drinking water safety could effectively reduce future overload risks, with projections suggesting a transition from critical to loadable levels by 2030, though latent threats persist. Correlation analysis between narrow- and broad-sense indicators informed targeted control strategies, including stricter regulation of nitrogen- and phosphorus-rich industrial discharges, restoration of aquatic vegetation, and periodic dredging of riverbed sediments. This work is the first to dynamically integrate pollutant and socio-economic indicators through a hybrid modelling framework, providing a scientific basis and actionable strategies for improving water quality and achieving sustainable management in the Songhua River Basin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Engineering: Agroecology Sustainable Development and Agriculture Environmental Impact Assessment and Measurement)
24 pages, 2594 KiB  
Article
Spatial Evolution of Green Total Factor Carbon Productivity in the Transportation Sector and Its Energy-Driven Mechanisms
by Yanming Sun, Jiale Liu and Qingli Li
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7635; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177635 (registering DOI) - 24 Aug 2025
Abstract
Achieving carbon reduction is essential in advancing China’s dual carbon goals and promoting a green transformation in the transportation sector. Changes in energy structure and intensity constitute key drivers for sustainable and low-carbon development in this field. To explore the spatial spillover effects [...] Read more.
Achieving carbon reduction is essential in advancing China’s dual carbon goals and promoting a green transformation in the transportation sector. Changes in energy structure and intensity constitute key drivers for sustainable and low-carbon development in this field. To explore the spatial spillover effects of the energy structure and intensity on the green transition of transportation, this study constructs a panel dataset of 30 Chinese provinces from 2007 to 2020. It employs a super-efficiency SBM model, non-parametric kernel density estimation, and a spatial Markov chain to verify and quantify the spatial spillover effects of green total factor productivity (GTFP) in the transportation sector. A dynamic spatial Durbin model is then used for empirical estimation. The main findings are as follows: (1) GTFP in China’s transportation sector exhibits a distinct spatial pattern of “high in the east, low in the west”, with an evident path dependence and structural divergence in its evolution; (2) GTFP displays spatial clustering characteristics, with “high–high” and “low–low” agglomeration patterns, and the spatial Markov chain confirms that the GTFP levels of neighboring regions significantly influence local transitions; (3) the optimization of the energy structure significantly promotes both local and neighboring GTFP in the short term, although the effect weakens over the long term; (4) a reduction in energy intensity also exerts a significant positive effect on GTFP, but with clear regional heterogeneity: the effects are more pronounced in the eastern and central regions, whereas the western and northeastern regions face risks of negative spillovers. Drawing on the empirical findings, several policy recommendations are proposed, including implementing regionally differentiated strategies for energy structure adjustment, enhancing transportation’s energy efficiency, strengthening cross-regional policy coordination, and establishing green development incentive mechanisms, with the aim of supporting the green and low-carbon transformation of the transportation sector both theoretically and practically. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Economics and Sustainable Environment)
25 pages, 425 KiB  
Article
Does Financial Power Lead Farmers to Focus More on the Behavioral Factors of Business Relationships with Input Suppliers?
by Michał Gazdecki and Kamila Grześkowiak
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7634; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177634 (registering DOI) - 24 Aug 2025
Abstract
Developments in agriculture is reshaping the agribusiness landscape, altering farms’ bargaining power and strategic positioning within supply chains. These dynamics raise important questions about how financial strength influences farmers’ preferences for different components of business relationships with input suppliers. The primary objective of [...] Read more.
Developments in agriculture is reshaping the agribusiness landscape, altering farms’ bargaining power and strategic positioning within supply chains. These dynamics raise important questions about how financial strength influences farmers’ preferences for different components of business relationships with input suppliers. The primary objective of this study is to examine the relationship between a farm’s financial power and the importance it assigns to the behavioral dimension in such relationships. To address this objective, we employ a two-stage research design. In the first stage, qualitative interviews with farmers were conducted to identify the key attributes contributing to relationship value, encompassing economic, strategic, and behavioral dimensions. In the second stage, a quantitative survey was administered to 249 farmers, supplemented with financial data from the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN). The Maximum Difference Scaling (MaxDiff) method was applied to assess the relative importance of these attributes, followed by statistical analysis linking the observed preferences to a composite indicator of financial power. The results indicate that financially stronger farms place greater emphasis on economic factors while attaching less importance to behavioral aspects. Among less financially powerful farms, two distinct patterns emerge: one characterized by opportunistic, price-oriented behavior, and another reflecting a relational orientation that values trust, communication, and long-term cooperation alongside economic conditions. These findings contribute to a better understanding of business relationships in agribusiness by explaining how financial power shapes the trade-off between economic and behavioral components. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Supply Chain Innovation and Management)
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15 pages, 2913 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Treated Wastewater Reuse in Saudi Agriculture: Farmers’ Perspectives
by Rady Tawfik, Khalid G. Biro Turk, Mohammad Alomair, Salah Sidahmed, Randah M. Alqurashi, Ammar Ebrahim, Mohamed El-Kafrawy, Sidiq Hamad and Emad Al-Karablieh
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7633; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177633 (registering DOI) - 24 Aug 2025
Abstract
The reuse of treated wastewater (TWW) offers a sustainable solution for water management in agriculture, particularly in arid regions like Saudi Arabia. However, its success depends on farmers’ acceptance, influenced by perceptions of economic benefits, social acceptability, environmental impacts, and health risks. This [...] Read more.
The reuse of treated wastewater (TWW) offers a sustainable solution for water management in agriculture, particularly in arid regions like Saudi Arabia. However, its success depends on farmers’ acceptance, influenced by perceptions of economic benefits, social acceptability, environmental impacts, and health risks. This study surveys 391 farmers across five regions in Saudi Arabia to assess their attitudes toward TWW reuse in irrigation, exploring how advanced wastewater treatment technologies can improve acceptance. Results show that 65% of farmers use TWW, with usage peaking at 72% in Al-Ahsa and Qatif, driven by water scarcity and lack of alternatives. While 78% are satisfied with TWW, concerns persist regarding pests, consumer acceptance, health risks, and soil quality. Advanced technologies can mitigate these issues by enhancing water quality and safety. The highest positive impact of the use of TWW in irrigation from was the impact on productivity, reduction in the cost of fertilizers and savings in the cost of water abstraction. With only 57% of farmers receiving extension services, integrating education on these technologies could further boost confidence. This study highlights key acceptance factors, underscoring the need for technological and educational interventions to promote sustainable TWW reuse in agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Technologies for Wastewater Treatment and Reuse)
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27 pages, 1998 KiB  
Article
Identifying the Impact of Green Fiscal Policy on Urban Carbon Emissions: New Insights from the Energy Saving and Emission Reduction Pilot Policy in China
by Jianzhe Luo, Xianpu Xu and Lei Liu
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7632; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177632 (registering DOI) - 24 Aug 2025
Abstract
Urban carbon reduction is instrumental in enabling cities to realize their developmental sustainability objectives. However, regional disparities in economic development pose significant challenges to low-carbon transitions. This study utilizes panel data from 282 cities in China spanning 2006–2021, considering the energy saving and [...] Read more.
Urban carbon reduction is instrumental in enabling cities to realize their developmental sustainability objectives. However, regional disparities in economic development pose significant challenges to low-carbon transitions. This study utilizes panel data from 282 cities in China spanning 2006–2021, considering the energy saving and emission reduction (ESER) fiscal policy as an external shock. Using a multi-period difference-in-differences approach, we assess how ESER impacts urban carbon emissions. Our findings indicate that ESER significantly reduces municipal carbon emissions by an average of 23.3% compared to non-pilot cities. Mechanism analyses suggest that this effect operates through reduced energy consumption, improved industrial structure, and enhanced green innovation. ESER’s impact exhibits heterogeneity across cities with different levels of economic development, population size, innovation capacity, and industrial composition. Moreover, we find evidence of spatial spillover effects, as ESER benefits extend to neighboring regions. These results confirm the effectiveness of ESER in promoting low-carbon development and offer practical implications for enhancing environmental governance through green fiscal instruments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, 4th Edition)
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20 pages, 14013 KiB  
Article
Research and Application of Bacterial Cellulose as a Fashionable Biomaterial in Dyeing and Printing
by Ying Tang, Yuqing Xue, Jiugang Yuan and Jin Xu
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7631; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177631 (registering DOI) - 24 Aug 2025
Abstract
The fashion industry is facing increasing challenges related to textile waste and environmental pollution, driving the need for sustainable material innovations. Bacterial cellulose (BC), a biodegradable and non-polluting biomaterial, has emerged as a promising alternative for the sustainable transformation of fashion materials. Investigations [...] Read more.
The fashion industry is facing increasing challenges related to textile waste and environmental pollution, driving the need for sustainable material innovations. Bacterial cellulose (BC), a biodegradable and non-polluting biomaterial, has emerged as a promising alternative for the sustainable transformation of fashion materials. Investigations into printing and dyeing techniques are expected to provide methodological frameworks for the design and functional application of BC materials, promoting their adoption and development in the fashion sector. This study, using the kombucha culture method, systematically investigated the cultivation, purification, plasticization, and drying processes of BC as a fashion material, examined its color characteristics using plant and reactive dyeing, and evaluated the effects of pattern printing and the feasibility of traditional plant pigment stencil printing, digital printing, and cyanotype printing on BC. Based on these printing and dyeing methods, digital printing combined with reactive dyeing—offering richer print effects, a wider color gamut, and higher rubbing fastness—was selected to realize the fashion design series Photosynthesis using BC as the primary material. This research contributes methodological insights into the integration of bio-based materials in fashion design and promotes the advancement of sustainable practices within the textile and apparel industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Materials)
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31 pages, 9137 KiB  
Article
Ecological Zoning in Mountainous Areas Based on Ecosystem Service Trade-Offs and Landscape Ecological Risk: A Case Study of the Hengduan Mountain Region
by Xiaoyu Zhao, Erfu Dai, Kangning Kong, Yuan Tian, Yong Yang, Zhuo Li, Jiachen Liu, Baolei Zhang and Le Yin
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7630; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177630 (registering DOI) - 24 Aug 2025
Abstract
Ecological zoning is a key approach to promoting regional ecological protection and sustainable development. At present, landscape ecological risk (LER), driven by both natural and anthropogenic factors, continues to intensify, thereby disrupting ecosystem functions and weakening their service capacity. Although ecosystem services (ESs) [...] Read more.
Ecological zoning is a key approach to promoting regional ecological protection and sustainable development. At present, landscape ecological risk (LER), driven by both natural and anthropogenic factors, continues to intensify, thereby disrupting ecosystem functions and weakening their service capacity. Although ecosystem services (ESs) and LER have been increasingly integrated into ecological management and policy-making in recent years, the interactive relationship between them remains insufficiently explored, particularly in the context of ecological zoning based on their coupled characteristics. Therefore, this study focuses on the Hengduan Mountain region from 2000 to 2020, analyzing the relationship between ES trade-offs and LER, constructing ecological zones, and proposing targeted management strategies. The results show that: (1) ESs in the region are primarily characterized by concave trade-offs, with decreasing trade-off intensity over time. The overall LER level has decreased, exhibiting a spatial pattern of higher risk in the south and lower risk in the north. (2) Bivariate spatial autocorrelation analysis reveals that LER is positively correlated with the trade-offs of carbon storage and soil conservation, shifts from a negative to a positive correlation with carbon storage and water yield, and shifts from a positive to a negative correlation with soil conservation and water yield. (3) Based on overlay zoning, the region is divided into protection, warning, and restoration zones, each with corresponding management measures. This study takes ecological zoning as a starting point to deeply analyze the relationship between ES trade-offs and LER, providing a scientific basis for sustainable development of mountain ecosystems. Full article
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18 pages, 1570 KiB  
Article
Design and Validation of a Multidimensional Instrument for Measuring Eco-Social Competences in Education for Sustainability in Early Childhood Education
by M. Teresa Fuertes-Camacho, Frederic Marimon and Sílvia Albareda-Tiana
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7629; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177629 (registering DOI) - 24 Aug 2025
Abstract
Education for sustainability requires the integration of eco-social competences that encompass cognitive, affective, and behavioural dimensions to face today’s global challenges. This paper presents the development and initial validation of a multidimensional and adaptive assessment tool designed to assess these competences in early [...] Read more.
Education for sustainability requires the integration of eco-social competences that encompass cognitive, affective, and behavioural dimensions to face today’s global challenges. This paper presents the development and initial validation of a multidimensional and adaptive assessment tool designed to assess these competences in early childhood education. Based on robust international frameworks and pedagogical models such as “CARE-KNOW-DO”, the instrument includes nine items that measure children’s environmental awareness, social responsibility, and ethical sense across three levels: knowledge, emotional engagement, and behaviour. The study involved a sample of 150 children aged 5–6 and showed that, while their knowledge was considerable, emotional engagement played a key mediating role in transforming awareness into action. These findings confirm the theoretical assumption that emotional resonance is essential to bridge the gap between knowledge and behaviour. The tool proposed provides educators with a reliable age-appropriate method to assess eco-social competences and promotes transformative learning practices from an early age onwards. This study addresses the urgent need for using empirical tools in the field and supports the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals through critical, participatory, and values-based education. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Education for Sustainable Development and Contributions from Education to Sustainable Development)
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23 pages, 729 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Corporate Carbon Emissions Reporting: Assessing Transparency and Completeness with the Carbon Integrity Index
by José Traub, Carlos Morillas, Rodrigo Gil, Sergio Álvarez and Sara Martínez
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7628; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177628 (registering DOI) - 24 Aug 2025
Abstract
Corporate carbon emissions reporting is central to climate accountability, yet significant gaps remain in transparency, completeness, and methodological rigor. This study introduces the Carbon Integrity Index (CIX), a structured framework for assessing disclosure quality through ten indicators covering Scopes 1, 2, and 3. [...] Read more.
Corporate carbon emissions reporting is central to climate accountability, yet significant gaps remain in transparency, completeness, and methodological rigor. This study introduces the Carbon Integrity Index (CIX), a structured framework for assessing disclosure quality through ten indicators covering Scopes 1, 2, and 3. Unlike existing standards focused on reporting requirements, the CIX evaluates how well emissions are reported, addressing methodological transparency, scope coverage, and treatment of uncertainty. Applied to 2022 sustainability reports from companies listed in Spain’s IBEX 35 index, the framework reveals an average score of 5.7/10, with 69% of firms achieving passing results. While Scope 2 reporting was generally robust (mean: 0.82), Scope 3 disclosures—often representing the majority of emissions—and uncertainty assessments were systematically weak (mean: 0.08). Findings provide empirical support for legitimacy and institutional theory, showing how formal compliance can mask performative compliance that limits meaningful accountability. Sectoral differences suggest that institutional pressures and operational complexity shape divergent transparency pathways, raising concerns that universal standards may entrench reporting disparities. The CIX offers regulators, investors, and companies a practical tool for distinguishing symbolic from substantive disclosure, enabling more informed decision-making and strengthening the role of reporting in driving the transition to net-zero business models. Full article
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36 pages, 53013 KiB  
Article
Spatial Variations in Urban Outdoor Heat Stress and Its Influencing Factors During a Typical Summer Sea-Breeze Day in the Coastal City of Sendai, Japan, Based on Thermal Comfort Mapping
by Shiyi Peng and Hironori Watanabe
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7627; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177627 (registering DOI) - 23 Aug 2025
Abstract
Sea breezes alleviate coastal heat stress via cooling and humidifying. Sendai, Japan, in 2015 had a population of 1.08 million and an area of 786 km2. Integrating the WRF model with RayMan, this study employs the PET index to assess spatiotemporal [...] Read more.
Sea breezes alleviate coastal heat stress via cooling and humidifying. Sendai, Japan, in 2015 had a population of 1.08 million and an area of 786 km2. Integrating the WRF model with RayMan, this study employs the PET index to assess spatiotemporal distributions of thermal comfort and heat stress, and their influencing factors, on typical summer sea-breeze days in Sendai, Japan. Results indicate that in the coastal zone, PET was primarily regulated by air temperature (Ta) and relative humidity (RH). In contrast, wind speed was the dominant influence on urban/inland zones, with Ta and RH contributing more during the evening. Sea breezes markedly improved the thermal environment in the coastal zone, suppressing PET increases. PET in urban and inland zones exhibited an initial rise followed by a decline, with the inland zone experiencing sustained extreme heat stress for 3 h. Among regions experiencing extreme heat stress, inland zones showed the highest proportion (17.75%), while coastal zones had the lowest (2.14%). Proportions across the three zones were similar under nighttime conditions with no thermal stress, with the urban zone exhibiting a slightly lower proportion. This study provides a theoretical basis for climate-adaptive urban planning leveraging sea breezes as a resource. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Air, Climate Change and Sustainability)
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21 pages, 732 KiB  
Article
Upcycling Potato Juice Protein for Sustainable Plant-Based Gyros: A Multidimensional Quality Assessment
by Krzysztof Smarzyński, Przemysław Łukasz Kowalczewski, Aneta Tomczak, Joanna Zembrzuska, Mariusz Ślachciński, Grażyna Neunert, Millena Ruszkowska, Michał Świątek, Marcin Nowicki and Hanna Maria Baranowska
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7626; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177626 (registering DOI) - 23 Aug 2025
Abstract
The growing demand for sustainable, nutritionally adequate plant-based foods has driven innovation in meat analogues. This study presents a novel approach to upcycling potato juice protein—a by-product of starch production—into plant-based gyros (PBG) enriched with iron and dietary fiber. Four formulations (PBG1-PBG4) were [...] Read more.
The growing demand for sustainable, nutritionally adequate plant-based foods has driven innovation in meat analogues. This study presents a novel approach to upcycling potato juice protein—a by-product of starch production—into plant-based gyros (PBG) enriched with iron and dietary fiber. Four formulations (PBG1-PBG4) were developed using a blend of potato, rice, wheat, and pea proteins, and fortified with either ferritin-rich sprout powder or ferrous sulfate. Comprehensive analyses were conducted to assess nutritional composition, mineral content, glycoalkaloid safety, antioxidant activity, texture, water mobility, sensory appeal, and microbiological stability. All variants met high-protein labeling criteria and exhibited favorable fiber and mineral profiles. In vitro digestion significantly enhanced antioxidant bioaccessibility, particularly phenolic acids. Sensory evaluations favored ferritin-enriched variants, which also demonstrated superior texture and consumer acceptance. Microbiological assessments confirmed safety for up to 10 days under refrigeration. These findings highlight the potential of potato juice protein as a sustainable, functional ingredient in next-generation plant-based meat analogues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Food and Diets: For Better Nutrition, Health and Environment)
27 pages, 1646 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Inverted “U” Relationship Between R&D Intensity and Green Innovation Performance: A Study Based on Listed Manufacturing Enterprises in China
by Ling Wang and Yuyang Si
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7625; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177625 (registering DOI) - 23 Aug 2025
Abstract
Environmental innovation represents a pivotal pathway toward achieving energy efficiency improvements, carbon footprint reduction, and ecological sustainability enhancement. The research investigates Chinese manufacturing enterprises listed on domestic stock exchanges throughout 2011–2023. The analytical framework utilizes count-based regression methodologies to explore how R&D investment [...] Read more.
Environmental innovation represents a pivotal pathway toward achieving energy efficiency improvements, carbon footprint reduction, and ecological sustainability enhancement. The research investigates Chinese manufacturing enterprises listed on domestic stock exchanges throughout 2011–2023. The analytical framework utilizes count-based regression methodologies to explore how R&D investment intensity influences eco-innovation capabilities. Results demonstrate curvilinear associations linking R&D expenditure levels with both substantive and strategic environmental innovation achievements across industrial firms. This outcome successfully passed the turning-point test. Environmental oversight and financial incentives produce divergent moderating influences on innovation trajectories. Regulatory frameworks generate restrictive impacts through narrowing optimal investment ranges and dampening peak innovation outputs, whereas fiscal support mechanisms foster expansive effects via broadening resource availability and amplifying achievement levels. Cross-sectional examination uncovers substantial variations among ownership categories and geographical locations. State-owned enterprises demonstrate significantly lower optimal R&D intensity thresholds. Private firms require substantially elevated thresholds for optimal performance. Inland territories manifest unbalanced innovation dynamics. Coastal areas exhibit symmetric innovation patterns. The research enriches empirical knowledge in eco-innovation studies while offering context-specific strategic insights. The findings establish theoretical foundations and practical guidance for policy architects designing integrated environmental management systems that enhance innovation capabilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Low-Carbon Economy Towards Sustainability)
28 pages, 621 KiB  
Article
Can Registration System Reform Promote Corporate Sustainability? Evidence from China’s ESG Practices
by Jie Han, Runchang Liu, Yao Xu and Yaoyao Liu
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7624; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177624 (registering DOI) - 23 Aug 2025
Abstract
The registration system reform (RSR) represents a landmark innovation in China’s IPO system, aiming to promote a more transparent, competitive, and sustainable market. Exploiting the staggered implementation of RSR as a quasi-natural experiment, we employ a difference-in-differences (DID) model using a sample of [...] Read more.
The registration system reform (RSR) represents a landmark innovation in China’s IPO system, aiming to promote a more transparent, competitive, and sustainable market. Exploiting the staggered implementation of RSR as a quasi-natural experiment, we employ a difference-in-differences (DID) model using a sample of Chinese A-share IPO firms from 2016 to 2022 to investigate its impact on corporate sustainability, as proxied by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Our findings indicate that RSR significantly enhances corporate ESG performance, especially the governance (G) performance. Mechanism analysis suggests that market competition, investor rationality, and sponsor reputation are potential channels through which the reform facilitates corporate sustainability. Furthermore, the above relationship is more pronounced in regions with a higher degree of marketization, among non-state-owned enterprises, and those with weaker profitability. Moreover, the reform not only exhibits long-term effects but also demonstrates positive spillover effects on peer firms originally listed under the approval-based system. Overall, our study extends the understanding of how capital market institutional reforms promote corporate sustainability in the era of the digital economy and provides valuable insights for regulators to standardize and enhance RSR, thereby establishing a resilient and sustainable financial ecosystem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation and Economic Development: Strategies for Sustainable Industrial Competitiveness)
18 pages, 892 KiB  
Article
Strategic Prioritization of Sustainable Development Goal 11 Targets to Mitigate the Impact of COVID-19: Insights from Cuenca’s Urban Future
by Felipe Quesada-Molina, Sebastian Astudillo-Cordero, Manuel Lema, Jessica Ortiz-Fernández and María Teresa Baquero Larriva
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7623; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177623 (registering DOI) - 23 Aug 2025
Abstract
Cities play a vital role in creating wealth and ensuring the well-being of all their inhabitants. However, major international efforts aimed at fostering fairer, healthier, and a more sustainable world have been compromised by the widespread effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective [...] Read more.
Cities play a vital role in creating wealth and ensuring the well-being of all their inhabitants. However, major international efforts aimed at fostering fairer, healthier, and a more sustainable world have been compromised by the widespread effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this research is to determine key priorities for addressing the pandemic’s impact in both the present and in a future urban context. Therefore, this study applies the Delphi method to a panel of 24 experts in order to identify the most and least important targets from Sustainable Development Goal 11 for post-COVID-19 sustainable urban planning in Cuenca, Ecuador. Out of the twelve targets, only five were prioritized, including “Target 11.1 Affordable housing”, Target 11.3 Sustainable Urbanization”, “Target 11.9 Implement policies for inclusion and property rights”, and “Target 6.3 Improve water quality”. These findings can serve as a foundation for future public policies and strategies for sustainable urban planning of the city. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Development Goals towards Sustainability)
17 pages, 850 KiB  
Article
The Relevance of the “Usual Environment” Concept in Nautical Tourism Monitoring
by Neven Ivandić and Zrinka Marušić
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7622; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177622 (registering DOI) - 23 Aug 2025
Abstract
The notion of the usual environment is a key factor in distinguishing tourism activities from a demand-side perspective, yet applying it in practice presents persistent difficulties when estimating tourism’s physical and monetary scale. These challenges are particularly pronounced in nautical tourism, and especially [...] Read more.
The notion of the usual environment is a key factor in distinguishing tourism activities from a demand-side perspective, yet applying it in practice presents persistent difficulties when estimating tourism’s physical and monetary scale. These challenges are particularly pronounced in nautical tourism, and especially in the case of domestic same-day boat trips. Focusing on Croatia, a country where yachting makes up a substantial share of overall tourism flows, this study examines criteria for classifying domestic nautical same-day trips from the demand perspective. Qualitative research on the population of residents who are recreational boat owners was conducted. The aim of the research was to assess residents’ perception of the usual environment when on a same-day boat trip from the criteria of trip frequency, distance, motives, and activities. Seventeen in-depth interviews were conducted, providing insight into subjective and objective determinants of trip classification. Although the analysis revealed a blurred understanding of the distinction between boating as a lifestyle and as a tourism activity, the results indicate that official statistics likely underestimate the number of recreational same-day boat trips. This finding underscores the need for more precise measurement of total physical flows in nautical tourism as a prerequisite for effective sustainability assessment and informed management policies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Tourism, Culture, and Heritage)
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27 pages, 517 KiB  
Article
Financing Targeted Basic Income Through Carbon Taxation: A Simulation for Türkiye
by Mete Dibo, Özgür Emre Koç, Florina Oana Virlanuta, Neslihan Koç, Radu Octavian Kovacs, Suna Şahin, Valentina-Alina Vasile (Dobrea) and Marian-Gigi Mihu
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7621; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177621 (registering DOI) - 23 Aug 2025
Abstract
This research evaluates the financial sustainability of a basic income (BI) model funded through carbon taxation in Türkiye. Unlike classical BI models that provide unconditional transfers to everyone, this study proposes an income support scheme targeted only at those below the poverty line. [...] Read more.
This research evaluates the financial sustainability of a basic income (BI) model funded through carbon taxation in Türkiye. Unlike classical BI models that provide unconditional transfers to everyone, this study proposes an income support scheme targeted only at those below the poverty line. The model seeks to balance limited resources with the goal of social equity. In this scenario, sectoral carbon taxation evolves progressively. The tax starts with the energy sector, which has the highest emissions, and subsequently shifts to industry and other sectors. Emissions will be reduced by 1% each year, while a carbon tax that starts at USD 12 per ton will be dynamically converted to TL based on the increasing exchange rate year by year. The simulation looks at 2023–2050 and computes annual revenue and expenditure forecasts for the period. The findings indicate that the revenues from carbon taxation are not only sufficient to cover the prioritized expenditure in the targeted basic income (TBI) scheme but also will lead to fiscal surplus in the long run. The research proposes for the first time a framework which integrates social protection and the environmental taxation of carbon, synergizing policies aimed at alleviating income disparity and climate change within Türkiye’s context. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Macroeconomic Policies and Sustainable Economic Growth in Emerging Countries)
33 pages, 523 KiB  
Review
Theoretical Justification, International Comparison, and System Optimization for Comprehensive Supervision of Natural Resource Assets in China
by Wenfei Zhang, Zhihe Jiang and Xianjie Zhou
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7620; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177620 (registering DOI) - 23 Aug 2025
Abstract
Natural resource assets inherently integrate tripartite synthesis of legal, economic, and ecological attributes. They serve dual critical functions as foundational elements supporting the evolution of new-quality productive forces and pivotal mechanisms safeguarding ecosystemic integrity. It has become a global consensus and direction of [...] Read more.
Natural resource assets inherently integrate tripartite synthesis of legal, economic, and ecological attributes. They serve dual critical functions as foundational elements supporting the evolution of new-quality productive forces and pivotal mechanisms safeguarding ecosystemic integrity. It has become a global consensus and direction of action to advance comprehensive supervision of natural resource assets and practice the concept of “Community of Life for Human and Nature”. Under the background of the super-ministry system restructuring in China, comprehensive supervision of natural resource assets remains challenged by system fragmentation in supervision objectives and multifaceted interest conflicts among stakeholders. In light of this, this research focuses on the theoretical justification and system optimization of the comprehensive supervision of natural resource assets in China. Using comparative analysis and normative analysis methods, we validate the system’s function on the comprehensive supervision of natural resource assets, summarize foreign experiences, and ultimately aim to explore the optimization pathway of the legal system for the comprehensive supervision of natural resource assets. The results show the following: (1) The choice of the legal system for the comprehensive supervision of natural resource assets emerges as the functional product aligning societal objectives, the rational paradigm for achieving efficient resource allocation, and the adaptive response to the external effects of common property. (2) The system supply of comprehensive supervision of natural resource assets in foreign countries is characterized by normative convergence in conceptual elements and typological categorization in objectives and objects. Therefore, this research recommends that, in order to optimize the system of the comprehensive supervision of natural resource assets in China, (1) in terms of protection of source, natural resource assets should be categorized, with operational natural resource assets focusing on management and public welfare natural resource assets focusing on conservation. (2) In terms of valuation, the economic valuation of natural resource assets should be integrated with ecosystem service assessments to enhance fair market equity. (3) In terms of method, the big data center should be established to enable the synergistic integration of technological innovation and system reforms. (4) In terms of subject, requiring the participation of various government departments, non-governmental organizations, the general public, and other parties could realize the connection of different legal bases for the comprehensive supervision of natural resource assets and the balance of multiple rights and interests, which should help to achieve balanced resource efficiency and biodiversity conservation and safeguard national ecological security. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Innovative and Critical Issues in Natural Resource Management and Exploitation)
21 pages, 4087 KiB  
Article
Influence of Composite Amendments on the Characteristics of Sandy Soil
by Xinrui Sui, Lingyan Wang, Xinyao Lv, Yanan Liu, Yuqi Zhu, Lingyun Fan and Hanxi Wang
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7619; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177619 (registering DOI) - 23 Aug 2025
Abstract
Soil desertification control is a global challenge, and the barrenness of sandy soil limits the growth of plants. To enhance the vegetation growth capacity of sandy soils, the preparation of soil amendments and the experiment of improving desertified soil were conducted. The soil [...] Read more.
Soil desertification control is a global challenge, and the barrenness of sandy soil limits the growth of plants. To enhance the vegetation growth capacity of sandy soils, the preparation of soil amendments and the experiment of improving desertified soil were conducted. The soil amendment is prepared by mixing polyacrylamide (2.7%), biochar (16.2%), sodium bentonite (16.2%), straw fibers (5.4%), corn straw (2.7%), sheep manure organic fertilizer (54.1%), and composite microbial agents (2.7%). The laboratory experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of varying rates (0, 1.5%, 3%, 4.5%, 6%) of composite soil amendments on the properties of sandy soil and the Lolium perenne L. with a growth period of 30–60 days. The results indicated that the application of composite amendments at different rates maintained the soil pH between 7.0 and 7.5, increased the electrical conductivity, and significantly improved the soil moisture content, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus contents. Under the condition of 3% amendment, the soil TN content increased from 0.74 to 1.83 g·kg⁻¹. The composite amendments remarkably promoted L. perenne growth, as evidenced by increased plant height, dry weight, and nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient content, while the SOC content increased by 1–4 times. The application of composite amendments, prepared by mixing materials such as biochar, organic fertilizer, crop straw, microbial agents, bentonite, and water-retaining agents, enhanced the physicochemical properties of sandy soil and promoted L. perenne growth, and 3% was the most suitable application rate. These findings are expected to advance desertification-controlling technologies and enhance soil carbon sequestration capacity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Soil Conservation and Sustainability)
41 pages, 2741 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Trihalomethanes in Drinking Water Distribution Lines and Assessment of Their Carcinogenic Risk Potentials
by Kadir Özdemir and Nizamettin Özdoğan
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7618; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177618 (registering DOI) - 23 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study examined the spatial and seasonal variations of trihalomethanes (THMs) and estimated the health risks associated with THM exposure in drinking water through various pathways. Water samples were collected from 14 distribution districts connected to the Ulutan Distribution System (UDS) and the [...] Read more.
This study examined the spatial and seasonal variations of trihalomethanes (THMs) and estimated the health risks associated with THM exposure in drinking water through various pathways. Water samples were collected from 14 distribution districts connected to the Ulutan Distribution System (UDS) and the Süleyman Bey Distribution System (SDS), which supply drinking water to Zonguldak Province, Türkiye. THMs were measured using the USEPA 551 method. The median total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) ranged from 41 μg/L to 71 μg/L, which is below the Turkish drinking water standard of 100 μg/L. Chloroform (TCM) was the most common trihalomethane in all distribution networks in UDS and SDS. On the other hand, pre-ozonation oxidation after chlorination in SDS disinfection caused the contribution of brominated THMs (62%) to THM formation to be higher than that of TCM (38%). The study on cancer risk reveals that ingestion (96%) poses the greatest risk of the investigated pathways, followed by dermal contact (3.95%), while inhalation has been found to have a negligible effect. The highest and lowest median TTHMs occurred during winter and summer. The findings of the study show that the distribution areas of Kozlu, Ömerli, Topçalı, and Uzunçayır, for both genders, exhibit an unacceptable cancer risk level according to the criteria established by the USEPA (˃10−4). Bromodichloromethane (BDCM) and chlorodibromomethane (DBCM) are the main contributors to cancer risk for males and females in UDS and SDS. The hazard index (HI) data indicated that the HI value remained below one for both UDS and SDS. Sensitivity analysis of THMs demonstrated that exposure frequency (EF) was the primary parameter contributing to the maximum potential impact on the total cancer risk exposure frequency (EF), followed by body weight (BW) and exposure duration (ED). Further, the results provide valuable information for health departments and water management authorities, enabling the formulation of more specific and efficient policies to minimise THM levels in drinking water distribution networks. Full article
14 pages, 411 KiB  
Article
How Media and Environmental Water Pollution Affect Chinese Residents’ Willingness to Pay for Environmental Protection: Empirical Evidence from China
by Fangyuan Sun and Zeming Kong
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7617; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177617 (registering DOI) - 23 Aug 2025
Abstract
The field of communication studies shares significant connections with environmental science, where environmental monitoring constitutes one of the fundamental functions of communication. Based on data from the China General Social Survey (CGSS2021), this study establishes two research models and employs ordered logistic regression [...] Read more.
The field of communication studies shares significant connections with environmental science, where environmental monitoring constitutes one of the fundamental functions of communication. Based on data from the China General Social Survey (CGSS2021), this study establishes two research models and employs ordered logistic regression to examine the relationships between media usage, environmental water pollution, cognition of environmental policies, and willingness to pay (WTP) for environmental protection. The findings reveal that the perception of water pollution significantly enhances public cognition of environmental policies and WTP. However, the impact of water pollution itself is insignificant, indicating a weak public perception of long-term environmental risks. Both traditional media usage and new media usage significantly improve cognition of environmental policies, with traditional media playing a more pronounced role; yet, media trust does not significantly enhance cognition. Furthermore, new media usage and media trust exhibit a negative impact on WTP for environmental protection, revealing the effects of the “clicktivism” mechanism and the “trust-efficacy perception” negative feedback loop. The negative impact of cognition of environmental policies on WTP further uncovers a “cognition-behavior paradox,” where groups with higher cognition tend to attribute environmental responsibility to the government, thereby reducing their personal WTP. Based on these findings, this paper proposes recommendations including optimizing environmental communication strategies, strengthening public participation, and designing differentiated policies to enhance public environmental awareness and promote the effective implementation of water pollution governance. Full article
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13 pages, 603 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Impacts and Sustainability Indicators of Construction in Prefabricated Concrete Houses in Ecuador
by Marcel Paredes and Javier Perez
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7616; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177616 (registering DOI) - 23 Aug 2025
Abstract
The construction of prefabricated concrete houses in Ecuador poses significant challenges in terms of environmental and social sustainability, amid growing housing demand and the urgent need to mitigate adverse impacts associated with the construction processes and materials. In particular, the lack of a [...] Read more.
The construction of prefabricated concrete houses in Ecuador poses significant challenges in terms of environmental and social sustainability, amid growing housing demand and the urgent need to mitigate adverse impacts associated with the construction processes and materials. In particular, the lack of a comprehensive assessment of these impacts limits the development of effective strategies to improve the sustainability of the sector. In addition, in rural areas, the design of flexible and adapted solutions is required, as evidenced by recent studies in the Andean area. This study conducts a comprehensive assessment of the impacts and sustainability indicators for prefabricated concrete houses, employing international certification systems such as LEED, BREEAM, and VERDE, to validate various relevant environmental and social indicators. The methodology used is the Hierarchical Analytical Process (AHP), which facilitates the prioritization of impacts through paired comparisons, establishing priorities for decision-making. Hydrological, soil, faunal, floral, and socioeconomic aspects are evaluated in a regional context. The results reveal that the most critical environmental impacts in Ecuador are climate change (28.77%), water depletion (13.73%) and loss of human health (19.17%), generation of non-hazardous waste 8.40%, changes in biodiversity 5%, extraction of mineral resources 12.07%, financial risks 5.33%, loss of aquatic life 4.67%, and loss of fertility 3%, as derived from hierarchical and standardization matrices. Despite being grounded in a literature review and being constrained due to the scarcity of previous projects in the country, this research provides a useful framework for the environmental evaluation and planning of prefabricated housing. To conclude, this study enhances existing methodologies of environmental assessment techniques and practices in the construction of precast concrete and promotes the development of sustainable and socially responsible housing in Ecuador. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Approaches for Developing Concrete and Mortar)
31 pages, 2209 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Analysis of Wind Turbine Blade Fatigue: Simplified Method for Dynamic Load Measurement and Life Estimation
by Cristofer Aguilar Jiménez, Geovanni Hernández Gálvez, José Rafael Dorrego Portela, Antonio Verde Añorve, Guillermo Ibáñez Duharte, Joel Pantoja Enríquez, Orlando Lastres Danguillecourt, Alberto-Jesus Perea-Moreno, David Muñoz-Rodriguez and Quetzalcoatl Hernandez-Escobedo
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7615; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177615 (registering DOI) - 23 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study presents a novel approach to addressing the challenges associated with wind turbine blade fatigue, focusing on the development of a simplified method for dynamic load measurement and life estimation. Wind turbine blades are subjected to complex and varied loads during their [...] Read more.
This study presents a novel approach to addressing the challenges associated with wind turbine blade fatigue, focusing on the development of a simplified method for dynamic load measurement and life estimation. Wind turbine blades are subjected to complex and varied loads during their operational life, leading to fatigue-induced damage that can significantly impact the overall performance and longevity of the turbine. The proposed method integrates advanced sensor technologies and data analytics to capture dynamic loads on the blades more effectively. Dynamic load measurement and fatigue estimation for a wind turbine blade are quite challenging tasks, since the real-time wind-induced load is irregular and stochastic, and the associated load history affects blade fatigue life in complex ways. This paper shows the implementation of a simplified method for damage and life estimation of a 1.5 kW wind turbine blade with an aerodynamic stall-limiting system. The findings from this research contribute to advancing the field of wind energy by providing a streamlined and efficient approach to addressing blade fatigue issues, ultimately promoting the sustainable and economic utilization of wind power resources. The proposed method simplifies the processes of dynamic load measurement and fatigue life estimation by employing a resonance-based approach. This reduces energy and cost requirements compared to forced displacement methods, while maintaining accuracy in replicating damage equivalent loads. Additionally, it avoids the complexities of simulating real-world turbulence by using controlled conditions, ensuring reproducibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Energy System: Efficiency and Cost of Renewable Energy)
30 pages, 491 KiB  
Article
Spatial Differentiation of the Competitiveness of Organic Farming in EU Countries in 2014–2023: An Input–Output Approach
by Agnieszka Komor, Joanna Pawlak, Wioletta Wróblewska, Sebastian Białoskurski and Eugenia Czernyszewicz
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7614; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177614 (registering DOI) - 23 Aug 2025
Abstract
Organic agriculture is a production system based on environmentally friendly practices that promote the conservation of natural resources, biodiversity, and the production of high-quality food. Its tenets are linked to the concept of sustainable development, which integrates environmental, social, and economic goals. In [...] Read more.
Organic agriculture is a production system based on environmentally friendly practices that promote the conservation of natural resources, biodiversity, and the production of high-quality food. Its tenets are linked to the concept of sustainable development, which integrates environmental, social, and economic goals. In the face of global competition and changes in food systems, studying their competitiveness of organic agriculture is essential. It is key to assessing its potential for long-term development and competition with conventional agriculture. The purpose of this study is to identify and assess the spatial differentiation in the competitiveness of organic agriculture in EU countries. This study assessed the level of input and output competitiveness of organic agriculture in selected EU countries using the author’s synthetic taxonomic indicators consisting of several sub-variables. The competitiveness of organic farming in twenty-three countries (Cyprus, Latvia, Portugal, and Finland were not included due to a lack of statistical data) was analysed using one of the linear ordering methods, i.e., a non-pattern method with a system of fixed weights. The research has shown significant spatial differentiation in both the input competitiveness and the outcome competitiveness of organic agriculture in EU countries. In 2023, Estonia had the highest level of input competitiveness, followed by Austria, the Czech Republic, and Sweden. In 2023, Estonia had the highest synthetic indicator of outcome competitiveness, followed by the Netherlands and Denmark. In addition, an assessment was made of changes in EU organic agriculture in 2014–2023 by analysing the direction and dynamics of changes in selected measures of the development potential of organic agriculture in all member states (27 countries). This sector is characterised by high growth dynamics, including both the area under cultivation and the number of producers and processors of organic food. This study identified several important measures to support the development of organic farming (especially in countries where this type of activity is relatively less competitive) through targeted support mechanisms, such as policy and regulatory measures, financing, agricultural training and advisory services, scientific research, encouraging cooperation, and stimulating demand for organic products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Food Security, Food Safety, and the Agri-Food Supply Chain)
44 pages, 18122 KiB  
Article
A Model for Complementing Landslide Types (Cliff Type) Missing from Areal Disaster Inventories Based on Landslide Conditioning Factors for Earthquake-Proof Regions
by Sushama De Silva and Uchimura Taro
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7613; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177613 (registering DOI) - 23 Aug 2025
Abstract
Precise classification of landslide types is critical for targeted hazard mitigation, although the absence of type-specific classifications in many existing inventories limits their utility for effective risk management. This study develops a transferable machine learning approach to identify cliff-type landslides from unclassified records, [...] Read more.
Precise classification of landslide types is critical for targeted hazard mitigation, although the absence of type-specific classifications in many existing inventories limits their utility for effective risk management. This study develops a transferable machine learning approach to identify cliff-type landslides from unclassified records, with a focus on earthquake-prone regions. Using the Forest-based and Boosted Classification and Regression (FBCR) tools in ArcGIS Pro, a model was trained on 167 landslide points and 167 non-landslide points from Tokushima Prefecture, Japan. The model achieved high predictive performance, with 84% accuracy and sensitivity, an F1 score of 84%, and a Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) of 0.68. The trained model was applied to the Kegalle District, Sri Lanka, and validated against a recently updated inventory specifying landslide types, resulting in an accuracy of 80.1%. It also enabled retrospective identification of cliff-type landslides in older inventories, providing valuable insights for early hazard assessment. Spatial analysis showed strong correspondence between predicted cliff-type zones and key conditioning factors, including specific elevation ranges, steep slopes, high soil thickness, and proximity to roads and buildings. This study integrates FBCR-based modelling with a cross-regional application framework for cliff-type landslide classification, offering a practical, transferable tool for refining inventories, guiding countermeasures, and improving preparedness in regions with similar geomorphological and seismic settings. Full article
24 pages, 1352 KiB  
Article
Gas Extraction and Earthquakes in the Netherlands: Drawing Lessons from the Response to Ongoing Social Conflict and Tensions
by Nienke Busscher and Ena Vojvodić
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7612; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177612 (registering DOI) - 23 Aug 2025
Abstract
Since the onset of gas extraction in Groningen province, the Netherlands, more than 1700 earthquakes have taken place. This has resulted in damage to properties and safety issues for almost 28,000 buildings. As a result, an extensive reinforcement and damage repair operation started, [...] Read more.
Since the onset of gas extraction in Groningen province, the Netherlands, more than 1700 earthquakes have taken place. This has resulted in damage to properties and safety issues for almost 28,000 buildings. As a result, an extensive reinforcement and damage repair operation started, due to which, many residents were temporarily relocated. Although the need for compensation and restoration was recognized from 2012, recent years are characterized by unclear and shifting responsibilities, bureaucratic complexities, and evolving compensation standards, leading to disparity and a further escalation of social impacts. This paper examines developments in the case from 2015 onwards, when the last overview article on this case was published. We observe that even after a decade of compensation efforts, many residents experience loss of trust in the government and endure chronic stress that impacts their well-being, family dynamics, and overall quality of life. We analyze the government-led mitigation and compensation system that in essence fails to address the grievances of local people. Even after broad recognition of the flawed system, the parliament did not fundamentally change it. In nine lessons, we underscore the global imperative for robust social impact assessments, ongoing social monitoring, and well-coordinated compensation frameworks. This is not only crucial to address socio-ecological distress, but also to build more accountable and sustainable institutional responses to future extraction endeavors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management of Multi-Hazard Natural Disasters and Industrial Accidents)
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26 pages, 1244 KiB  
Article
On High-Value Mixed Cropping System: Four-Way Evolutionary Game Analysis of HMC Synergy of Circular and Sharing Economy for Multiple Low-to-Middle-Income Farmer Families
by Duc Nghia Vu, Truc Le Nguyen, Mai Huong Nguyen Thi, Gia Kuop Nguyen, Duc Binh Vo, Ngoc Anh Nguyen and Huy Duc Nguyen
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7611; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177611 (registering DOI) - 23 Aug 2025
Abstract
This paper introduces a novel four-party evolutionary game model to analyze cooperation dynamics in High-Value Mixed Cropping (HMC) systems integrating non-pesticide cacao, cashew nut, and free-range chicken farming within circular and sharing economy frameworks. The model uniquely examines strategic interactions among local government [...] Read more.
This paper introduces a novel four-party evolutionary game model to analyze cooperation dynamics in High-Value Mixed Cropping (HMC) systems integrating non-pesticide cacao, cashew nut, and free-range chicken farming within circular and sharing economy frameworks. The model uniquely examines strategic interactions among local government and three farming family types (cacao, cashew, and chicken), incorporating both regulatory mechanisms and cooperative behaviors. Through rigorous stability analysis and MATLAB simulations based on empirical data from Southeast Vietnam, we identify precise conditions for Evolutionarily Stable Strategies (ESSs) that sustain long-term cooperation. Our results demonstrate that government incentives (subsidies, technical support) and reputational sanctions critically shape farmers’ and consumers’ payoffs, thereby steering the system toward collective action equilibria. In particular, increasing the strength of positive incentives or reputational benefits enlarges the basin of attraction for full-cooperation ESSs, regardless of initial strategy distributions. Conversely, overly punitive sanctions can destabilize collaborative outcomes. These findings underscore the pivotal role of well-balanced policy instruments in fostering resilience, innovation, and resource circulation within rural agroecosystems. Finally, we propose targeted policy recommendations, such as graduated subsidy schemes, participatory monitoring platforms, and cooperative branding initiatives, to reinforce circular economy practices and accelerate progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Waste and Recycling)
25 pages, 12887 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Soil Quality in Peruvian Andean Smallholdings: A Comparative Study of PCA and Expert Opinion Approaches
by Tomás Samaniego, Beatriz Sales and Richard Solórzano
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7610; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177610 (registering DOI) - 23 Aug 2025
Abstract
Soil degradation poses a significant threat to the sustainability of agroecosystems, particularly in mountainous regions where environmental conditions are highly variable and management practices are often suboptimal. In this context, soil quality assessment emerges as a key tool for guiding sustainable land use [...] Read more.
Soil degradation poses a significant threat to the sustainability of agroecosystems, particularly in mountainous regions where environmental conditions are highly variable and management practices are often suboptimal. In this context, soil quality assessment emerges as a key tool for guiding sustainable land use and informing decision-making processes. This study aimed to develop and spatially evaluate a Soil Quality Index (SQI) tailored to the northeast sector of Jangas district, Ancash, Peru. A total of 24 soil indicators were initially considered and reduced using Spearman’s correlations to avoid multicollinearity. Depending on the weighting strategy applied, the final SQI configurations incorporated between 14 and 15 indicators. Two weighting strategies—Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Expert Opinion (EO)—were combined with linear and non-linear (sigmoidal) scoring functions, resulting in four distinct SQI configurations. The spatial performance of each index was tested using Geographically Weighted Regression Kriging (GWRK), incorporating covariates like NDMI, elevation, slope, and aspect. The SQI constructed using PCA combined with non-linear scoring achieved the highest performance, effectively minimizing skewness and while achieving the highest predictive accuracy under GWRK. By contrast, although the EO-based index with linear scoring demonstrated similar statistical robustness, it failed to achieve comparable effectiveness in terms of spatial predictive accuracy. The SQIs generated offer a practical framework for local institutions to identify and prioritize areas requiring intervention. Through the interpretation of complex soil data into accessible, spatially explicit maps, these indices facilitate the targeted application of inputs—such as organic amendments in low-SQI zones—and support the implementation of improved management practices, including crop rotation and soil conservation, without necessitating advanced technical expertise. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Quality and Innovation in Agriculture: Dynamics, Indicators, and Sustainability)
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25 pages, 1704 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Family Firm Value and Its Spatial Evolution Towards Sustainable Development in China
by Junjie Le, Renyong Hou, Lu Xiang, Zehao Zhang and Jing Li
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7609; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177609 (registering DOI) - 23 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study develops a four-dimensional value-assessment framework encompassing economic, innovation, social, and cultural dimensions to evaluate the multidimensional performance of family firms in China. Drawing on the entropy weighting method, we construct a composite value index for 251 A-share listed family firms from [...] Read more.
This study develops a four-dimensional value-assessment framework encompassing economic, innovation, social, and cultural dimensions to evaluate the multidimensional performance of family firms in China. Drawing on the entropy weighting method, we construct a composite value index for 251 A-share listed family firms from 2014 to 2023 and apply spatial statistical techniques—including Dagum Gini coefficients, Theil indices, and coefficients of variation—to examine temporal evolution and regional disparities. We further estimate explanatory panel models with firm and year fixed effects (Hausman test favoring FE) to identify the firm-level determinants of composite value. Leverage exhibits a significantly negative association with value, while firm size and innovation capacity are positively related; no significant moderating effect of technology-intensive industry is found. A robustness check using equal weights (0.25 for each dimension) yields an almost perfect correlation (0.9999) with the entropy-weighted index, confirming that the dominance of the innovation dimension in the weighting scheme does not materially affect the overall conclusions. The results highlight the importance of integrating multidimensional value perspectives into both academic research and policy design to promote balanced, inclusive, and sustainable development trajectories for family enterprises. Full article
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