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Volume 17
Issue 22
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Sustainability, Volume 17, Issue 22 (November-2 2025) – 508 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): This study presents the first systematic intercomparison of five fine-scale PM2.5 and two O3 datasets in China between 2014 and 2023, evaluated against ground-based observations at national, regional, and provincial levels. We present both operational (single time point) and dynamic (change over time) evaluations to understand how model results compare with observations for each year and to quantify model performance in assessing long-term changes in air quality. The results show that that CHAP provides the most reliable estimates of PM2.5, while TAP is most effective for O3; however, model performance varies spatially and temporally in relation to several factors, including the number of observational monitors in a given location, recent changes in pollutant concentrations, and extreme meteorological conditions. View this paper
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17 pages, 1363 KB  
Article
Climate Change Perceptions, Impacts, and Adaptation Strategies in Mixed Crop–Livestock Systems of Ethiopia’s Lowlands
by Sintayehu Alemayehu, Daniel Olago, Opere Alfred and Sintayehu W. Dejene
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10428; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210428 - 20 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 549
Abstract
Climate change and variables pose a significant risk for agro-pastoral production systems, where mixed crop–livestock production is a primary livelihood strategy. Therefore, this study aims to analyze agro-pastoralists’ perceptions of climate change, the perceived impacts on their production systems, and the adaptation strategies [...] Read more.
Climate change and variables pose a significant risk for agro-pastoral production systems, where mixed crop–livestock production is a primary livelihood strategy. Therefore, this study aims to analyze agro-pastoralists’ perceptions of climate change, the perceived impacts on their production systems, and the adaptation strategies used by mixed crop–livestock producers in the lowland areas of Ethiopia. Data was collected using household surveys, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews. A survey was conducted in three major mixed crop–livestock producer woredas (Teltale, Yabello, and Gomole) with a total of 396 respondents. A multi-stage sampling approach was used for selecting the sample household for the study. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a chi-square test. The study found that agro-pastoralists perceive climate change as a significant threat to their livelihoods. The results revealed that 95.9% and 91.4% of respondents across the three woredas perceived a decline in rainfall and increased temperatures, respectively. The most widely adopted adaptation strategies were livelihood diversification (96.4%), livestock diversification (89.3%), and crop diversification (70.4%). Notably, Teltale had the highest adoption rate of crop diversification, while Yabello exhibited a higher prevalence of non-farming activities. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to enhance adaptive capacity, improve access to climate-smart technologies, and strengthen capacity for climate adaptation in mixed crop–livestock systems. This study contributes to climate risks, their impacts on their production systems, and the adaptation strategies for designing targeted interventions that enhance the resilience of mixed crop–livestock production systems in the face of climate change. Full article
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44 pages, 4211 KB  
Article
Preparing Future Science Teachers to Build a Sustainable World: Supporting Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Competencies in Instructional Planning for Teaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in K-12 Classrooms
by Aslı Koçulu
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10427; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210427 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 526
Abstract
In today’s world, preparing future science teachers is vital because they have the power to transform society and build a sustainable world by raising global citizens. In this manner, the purpose of the present study was to develop pre-service science teachers’ competencies in [...] Read more.
In today’s world, preparing future science teachers is vital because they have the power to transform society and build a sustainable world by raising global citizens. In this manner, the purpose of the present study was to develop pre-service science teachers’ competencies in instructional planning for teaching Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in K-12 classrooms through Education for Sustainable Development Goals (ESDG). The research group consisted of 20 pre-service science teachers who enrolled in the ‘Sustainable Ecology’ elective course at a public university in Istanbul, Türkiye. A design-based research model was followed in the study. The data were collected from pre-service science teachers through semi-structured interviews before and after the course. In the data analysis, deductive content analysis was used. The findings revealed that ESDG shows promise for developing pre-service science teachers’ competencies in instructional planning for teaching the SDGs in K-12 classrooms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Education for Sustainable Development in Higher Education)
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18 pages, 6828 KB  
Article
Determination of the Combustion Parameters of Nonwoody and Animal Biomasses via Thermogravimetric Analysis for Sustainable Energy Valorization
by Amanda Franco-Sardinha, Juan Jesús Rico, Raquel Pérez-Orozco and David Patiño
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10426; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210426 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 285
Abstract
The present paper discusses differences in the theoretical behavior of nonconventional biomasses during combustion according to their combustion parameters, focusing on their potential for sustainable energy valorization and their contribution to sustainable development. Data were obtained through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of biomasses from [...] Read more.
The present paper discusses differences in the theoretical behavior of nonconventional biomasses during combustion according to their combustion parameters, focusing on their potential for sustainable energy valorization and their contribution to sustainable development. Data were obtained through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of biomasses from the local Galicia–North Portugal Euroregion. The samples tested were raw, nonwoody biomasses, specifically kiwi waste and gorse, and animal-derived biomasses, poultry and turkey manure. A wood pellet was also included as a reference conventional biofuel. Nonwoody biomass samples containing kaolin and calcium carbonate were also tested. Thermogravimetric analyses were performed on each biofuel under an oxidative atmosphere at different heating rates. With these data, different combustion parameters were calculated. The TGA results showed that the mean ignition temperature observed for animal-derived fuels was about 15 °C lower than for nonwoody biomasses at every heating rate, which indicates that they start to burn at lower temperatures. These animal-derived fuels generally presented better combustion parameters, suggesting that their combustion behavior is better; however, their high ash and moisture contents are problematic. These issues would be aggravated in real facilities, making them more difficult to use as fuel. The proportion of additives used had no effect on the parameters at lower heating rates, although they started to modify their tendency at 30 °C/min. For instance, the ignition index for non-additivated kiwi waste was 174.32 (wt. %/min3) × 10−3 compared to 143.78 (wt. %/min3) × 10−3 for kiwi with CaCO3. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Bioeconomy of Sustainability)
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54 pages, 11655 KB  
Article
Comparative Assessment of Finnish University Campus Transformation Using New European Bauhaus–Inspired Sustainability Indicators
by Elżbieta Komarzyńska-Świeściak, Magdalena Anna Strauchmann and Aleksandra Urszula Tądel
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10425; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210425 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 598
Abstract
University campuses are key testbeds for circular and climate-resilient transformation. This study evaluates how redevelopment strategies at eight Finnish campuses align with long-term environmental and social goals using indicators derived from the New European Bauhaus (NEB) framework. A mapping and qualitative synthesis of [...] Read more.
University campuses are key testbeds for circular and climate-resilient transformation. This study evaluates how redevelopment strategies at eight Finnish campuses align with long-term environmental and social goals using indicators derived from the New European Bauhaus (NEB) framework. A mapping and qualitative synthesis of 97 peer-reviewed publications (2015–2024) was combined with a comparative analysis of sustainability strategies, carbon-neutrality roadmaps, and campus development strategies (2010–2024). Indicators were formulated based on campus-specific challenges and NEB core values—sustainability, inclusion, and esthetics—and operationalized across five areas: blue-green infrastructure, low-emission mobility, student housing, carbon reduction and renewables, and cultural heritage/community integration. Results show strong commitments to energy efficiency, mobility, and biodiversity. However, socio-spatial dimensions—student housing, participatory inclusion, and place identity—are weak or externalized. Reporting practices are uneven, and metrics are not standardized, limiting comparability across institutions. We argue that SDG-based monitoring should be complemented by NEB’s place-sensitive criteria to bridge strategy–implementation gaps and to future-proof campus redevelopment. An illustrative conceptual case for Helsinki’s Viikki campus demonstrates how the indicators can be integrated into design scenarios. Policy recommendations highlight how integrating NEB’s place-sensitive criteria with ESG/SDG frameworks can strengthen the strategic and spatial coherence of campus transformations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Cities and Campuses)
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34 pages, 4506 KB  
Article
Event-Time Effects of R&D Intensity and Green Financing Complementarities on Capital Costs, Valuation, and Green Innovation in S&P 500 Firms
by Mohammed Naif Alshareef
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10424; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210424 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 3347
Abstract
This study tests whether labeled green and sustainability-linked financing complements firms’ R&D to lower the weighted average cost of capital (WACC), raise valuation, and shift innovation toward climate mitigation technologies. Using a 2012–2024 panel of S&P 500 constituents with complete coverage, this study [...] Read more.
This study tests whether labeled green and sustainability-linked financing complements firms’ R&D to lower the weighted average cost of capital (WACC), raise valuation, and shift innovation toward climate mitigation technologies. Using a 2012–2024 panel of S&P 500 constituents with complete coverage, this study applies a staggered-adoption difference-in-differences design with interaction-weighted event-time estimators and entropy balancing; WACC is decomposed into equity and debt components, valuation is measured by Tobin’s Q, and innovation outcomes cover patent counts and the CPC Y02 share, with matched-bond and secondary-market comparisons for the debt channel. Within two years of first-time adoption, this study observes a meaningful decline in WACC (approximately 40–60 bp) driven mainly by the cost of debt, alongside higher valuation and increased innovation intensity with a larger Y02 share. Effects are larger where R&D intensity is higher and are strongest for use-of-proceeds green bonds and for sustainability-linked contracts with material KPIs and non-trivial step-ups. These results indicate that labeled financing is most effective when aligned with credible R&D pipelines and verification mechanisms, clarifying its governance role in corporate sustainability strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Sustainability and ESG: Strategies, Tools, Good Practices and Challenges)
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22 pages, 4716 KB  
Article
Experimental Study on Adsorption Characteristics of Coal Gangue to Ca2+ in High-Salinity Mine Water
by Nan Zhao, Ze Xia, Haokai Mu, Yukuan Fan and Chuangkai Zheng
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10423; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210423 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 346
Abstract
Targeting the purification of high-salinity mine water in ecologically vulnerable mining areas in Western China, this study conducted batch adsorption experiments using coal gangue from goaf areas to investigate the effects of initial Ca2+ concentration, treatment time, pH, temperature, and particle size [...] Read more.
Targeting the purification of high-salinity mine water in ecologically vulnerable mining areas in Western China, this study conducted batch adsorption experiments using coal gangue from goaf areas to investigate the effects of initial Ca2+ concentration, treatment time, pH, temperature, and particle size on Ca2+ removal. The adsorption process was further elucidated through isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic modeling. The results demonstrate that the unique slit-shaped/plate-like mesoporous structure of coal gangue provides a favorable physical foundation for adsorption. Batch experiments identified optimal conditions at pH = 8 and 40 °C, achieving a maximum adsorption capacity of 12.4 mg/g. The process followed the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.994, χ2 = 0.122) and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.952, χ2 = 0.057), reaching equilibrium within 120 min. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed a spontaneous, endothermic, and entropy-driven process, with a relatively low heat of adsorption (ΔH < 20 kJ/mol) indicating physical adsorption as the dominant mechanism. Collectively, the adsorption system is characterized as a complex process governed by physical adsorption accompanied by weak chemical interactions and modulated by multiple environmental factors. Three mechanisms (electrostatic interaction, ion exchange, and surface complexation) jointly contribute to Ca2+ adsorption on coal gangue. This study enhances the understanding of the water purification mechanism by coal gangue, provides a theoretical basis for the application of underground coal mine reservoirs, and proposes a novel technical approach to mitigate membrane scaling caused by Ca2+ during mine water treatment. Full article
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30 pages, 692 KB  
Article
Green Institutional Investors and Corporate Environmental Violations: Evidence from China
by Zhaoyi Li and Lianchao Yu
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10422; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210422 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 683
Abstract
The existing literature has extensively examined the influences of governments, media, the public, financial institutions, and executives on corporate environmental violations, yet the role of investors remains underexplored. This study introduces the perspective of green institutional investors to investigate how they affect corporate [...] Read more.
The existing literature has extensively examined the influences of governments, media, the public, financial institutions, and executives on corporate environmental violations, yet the role of investors remains underexplored. This study introduces the perspective of green institutional investors to investigate how they affect corporate environmental violations. The results show that such investors significantly curb environmental violations by strengthening environmental oversight and alleviating financing constraints. Furthermore, cross-sectional evidence reveals that this inhibitory effect is more pronounced in settings with weaker government, media, and public environmental attention, underdeveloped green credit systems, and limited executive green experience. Additional analysis of economic consequences indicates that such investors help mitigate both operational and financial risks by reducing environmental violations. Finally, evidence of spillover effects confirms that this inhibitory effect extends to both industry and regional levels. Overall, this study highlights the vital role of investors in deterring corporate environmental misconduct. Full article
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23 pages, 6913 KB  
Article
Empirical Analysis of Brand Experience in the Ontact Era: A Touchpoint Strategy Framework for O2O Operations in the F&B Industry
by Hangtong Cui, Peiying Zhang and Yifan Jia
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10421; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210421 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 709
Abstract
The public health security incident has accelerated the adoption of the O2O (Online-to-Offline) model in the F&B (Food and Beverage) industry, significantly increasing consumer demand for contactless services. Concurrently, brand experience management has progressively shifted toward digital touchpoints. This study selects three hamburger [...] Read more.
The public health security incident has accelerated the adoption of the O2O (Online-to-Offline) model in the F&B (Food and Beverage) industry, significantly increasing consumer demand for contactless services. Concurrently, brand experience management has progressively shifted toward digital touchpoints. This study selects three hamburger brands as case studies to analyze brand experience levels across various online and offline touchpoints. We examine differences between brand touchpoints in the Ontact (Connect On + Untact) era and traditional touchpoints, identifying which ones effectively enhance brand experience. Subsequently, we develop an O2O brand experience management framework, demonstrating that brand experience positively influences satisfaction and repurchase intention. Finally, we propose touchpoint design strategies for the Ontact era to guide businesses in leveraging experiential marketing, strengthening consumer engagement, and informing strategic decision-making. Full article
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35 pages, 1056 KB  
Article
Digital Economy, Green Innovation, and Agricultural Carbon Emission Reduction: Spillover Effects and Analyses of Mechanisms
by Kejun Lin, Taobo Ye, Shilong Xi and Chuanjian Yi
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10420; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210420 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 500
Abstract
Against the backdrop of the global imperative for carbon neutrality, in this study, we systematically assessed the roles of spatial spillover and underlying mechanisms along with threshold characteristics of the digital economy on agricultural carbon emissions as related to green innovation. Using provincial [...] Read more.
Against the backdrop of the global imperative for carbon neutrality, in this study, we systematically assessed the roles of spatial spillover and underlying mechanisms along with threshold characteristics of the digital economy on agricultural carbon emissions as related to green innovation. Using provincial panel data from China, as obtained over the period from 2013 to 2022, we determined agricultural carbon emissions as measured using the emission coefficient method and constructed a comprehensive digital economy index via the entropy weight method. An array of econometric models, including linear regression, the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM), mediation effect models, and panel threshold models were employed to examine both direct and indirect pathways, spatial interactions, and nonlinear moderating effects of digital economy. The results indicate that the following findings: (1) The digital economy significantly reduces agricultural carbon emissions, with a coefficient of approximately –2.051 in the baseline model. (2) Green innovation serves as a key mediator. The mediation effect analysis revealed that green innovation has a mediation effect value of 1.896 in the digital economy’s carbon reduction effect. (3) Significant negative spatial spillovers were observed upon reducing neighboring regions’ digital development of local emissions, with indirect effects ranging from –1.434 to –2.708 under different spatial matrices. (4) Urbanization rates exhibit a dual-threshold effect (73.38% and 74.79%), with the carbon reduction effect of the digital economy showing a notable strengthening when these rates extend beyond these thresholds. Heterogeneity analysis reveals a stronger effect in western China (coefficient: –6.079), attributable to higher marginal returns from digitalization as compared with that observed in less developed regions. Limitations associated with this study include the use of provincial-level data which may mask sub-regional heterogeneity, reliance on green patent counts as a proxy for green innovation output, and omissions of effects of exogenous policy programs such as the “Dual Carbon” policy. Future research would markedly benefit from micro-level data and more dynamic tests of the mechanisms involved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agrometeorology Research for Sustainable Development Goals)
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23 pages, 298 KB  
Article
Depopulation, Ageing, and Social Sustainability: Institutionalized Elderly and the Geography of Care Between Rural and Urban Romania
by Dana Zamfirescu-Mareș and Sorina Corman
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10419; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210419 - 20 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 684
Abstract
Population ageing and rural depopulation are reshaping the social and spatial structure of many European regions, producing new forms of social risk and care dependency. This study examines how institutionalization among older adults reflects the broader dynamics of demographic decline, migration, and uneven [...] Read more.
Population ageing and rural depopulation are reshaping the social and spatial structure of many European regions, producing new forms of social risk and care dependency. This study examines how institutionalization among older adults reflects the broader dynamics of demographic decline, migration, and uneven territorial development. Using a qualitative design, semi-structured interviews and social network mapping (ecomaps) were conducted with residents of an urban elderly care facility in Romania. Guided by frameworks of social sustainability, social capital, and territorial resilience, the analysis explores how the erosion of informal networks and migration-driven care deficits affects the wellbeing and social inclusion of older people. Findings show that institutionalization operates both a consequence and as an indicator of depopulation and spatial inequality, highlighting the disconnection between aging populations and community-based care infrastructures. Yet, residents develop micro-level forms of resilience and relational stability within institutional life. The study concludes that sustainable territorial development must integrate care and ageing into regional planning, encouraging decentralized, community-based services that rebuild local networks and restore social cohesion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges in Sustainable Urban, Rural and Regional Development)
28 pages, 577 KB  
Article
Constraining or Enabling? The Impact of Climate Transition Risk on Green Innovation in China
by Haili Ding
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10418; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210418 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 762
Abstract
The literature on the climate transition risk–green innovation nexus remains divided: some studies find negative effects, while others report positive effects. Using data on Chinese A-share listed firms from 2011 to 2023, we analyze firm-level directional sensitivity to public climate attention and document [...] Read more.
The literature on the climate transition risk–green innovation nexus remains divided: some studies find negative effects, while others report positive effects. Using data on Chinese A-share listed firms from 2011 to 2023, we analyze firm-level directional sensitivity to public climate attention and document that, at the aggregate level, climate transition risk is not significantly related to green innovation. However, decomposition reveals polarization: positive sensitivity is associated with higher green innovation, whereas negative sensitivity is linked to lower green innovation. Two channels operate in opposite directions: financing constraints ease with positive sensitivity and tighten with negative sensitivity, and R&D investment rises with positive sensitivity and falls with negative sensitivity. The patterns are more pronounced among manufacturing firms, non-state-owned enterprises, firms without financial backgrounds, and firms in central-western or low-marketization regions. A policy-shock analysis around the Paris Agreement indicates that regulatory uncertainty amplifies the adverse effect associated with negative sensitivity. These findings suggest that climate policy and support instruments should account for firm-level heterogeneity and target financing and R&D frictions that condition the innovation response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)
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16 pages, 1953 KB  
Article
Real-Time Dynamic Control of Nitrification and Denitrification in an Intermittently Aerated Activated Sludge System for Enhanced Nitrogen Removal and Energy Efficiency: Toward Sustainable Operation
by Konstantinos Azis, Spyridon Ntougias and Paraschos Melidis
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10417; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210417 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 671
Abstract
Advanced control systems have been recently implemented in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to optimize activated sludge processes, reduce operational costs, and decrease energy consumption, with the aim of moving toward sustainable operation. Real-time dynamic control of NH4+-N and NO3 [...] Read more.
Advanced control systems have been recently implemented in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to optimize activated sludge processes, reduce operational costs, and decrease energy consumption, with the aim of moving toward sustainable operation. Real-time dynamic control of NH4+-N and NO3−-N concentrations is important for the optimization of biological nitrogen removal (BNR) processes. This study presents an advanced control strategy based on continuous monitoring of NH4+-N and NO3−-N concentrations at 22.8–25.1 °C to enhance nitrogen removal performance. Specifically, the control performance of an intermittently aerated and fed activated sludge (IAF-AS) system treated with domestic wastewater was evaluated using a controller under two different scenarios: (i) normal conditions at constant ammonium nitrogen loading rate (ALR) and (ii) varied conditions with a sudden increase in ALR. The effect of temperature changes on BNR efficiency was not analyzed. In both scenarios, the optimal duration ratio of the nitrification and denitrification phases was determined, which depended on the ALR. In the first scenario, at a constant ALR of 0.2 g L−1 d−1, the controller kept the duration of nitrification and denitrification at a low level, succeeding in complete nitrogen removal in less than 60 min. In the second scenario, when the ALR exceeded 0.3 g L−1 d−1, the controller dynamically extended these phases to achieve the effluent endpoints of 2 mg L−1 NH4+-N and 1 mg L−1 NO3−-N. The results show that the use of real-time dynamic control is of great importance, as the nitrogen removal efficiency is maximized by minimizing the anoxic/aerobic duration ratio, thus significantly reducing the aeration energy requirement and operating cost. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies and Innovative Process Control Strategies Used for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment and Reuse)
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29 pages, 10583 KB  
Article
A Step Toward Sustainable Cities: Recognizing the Transportation Modes of Urban Residents Based on Mobile Phone Location Data
by Xiaoqing Song, Shumei Jiang, Mengke Liu, Xinyu Sun, Yi Lu, Wei Jiang, Qin Hao, Wenying Du and Yi Long
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10416; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210416 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 344
Abstract
Urban residents’ transportation modes play a pivotal role in shaping transportation planning and policies for sustainable cities. Mining refined transportation modes from mobile phone location (MPL) data is a key spatiotemporal big data application for sustainable city planning and traffic management. However, key [...] Read more.
Urban residents’ transportation modes play a pivotal role in shaping transportation planning and policies for sustainable cities. Mining refined transportation modes from mobile phone location (MPL) data is a key spatiotemporal big data application for sustainable city planning and traffic management. However, key challenges persist: low recognition accuracy due to insufficient consideration of travel features of transportation modes, the positioning uncertainty of MPL data, and ineffective evaluation due to lacking validation datasets. To address these limitations, we propose an analytical framework for transportation mode recognition. First, precise moving segments are constructed through road network matching and linear interpolation, resolving the positioning uncertainty issues of MPL data. Then, we propose a comprehensive feature parameter system for transportation mode recognition and construct a transportation mode recognition model based on eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). Finally, using synchronously collected GPS data and travel logs, we validated the framework’s recognition results, demonstrating its ability to improve the accuracy of transportation mode recognition. Full article
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16 pages, 2503 KB  
Article
Investigation of Structural, Magnetic, Optical, and Photocatalytic Properties of Fe/CoFe2O4 Composite
by Liliya Frolova, Vyacheslav Protsenko and Tetiana Butyrina
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10415; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210415 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 461
Abstract
A Fe/CoFe2O4 nanocomposite was synthesized in one step by a hydrothermal method by processing the created iron and cobalt hydroxocomplexes. For precise characterization of the structure and morphology, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and ultraviolet–visible [...] Read more.
A Fe/CoFe2O4 nanocomposite was synthesized in one step by a hydrothermal method by processing the created iron and cobalt hydroxocomplexes. For precise characterization of the structure and morphology, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis-DRS) were used. It was found that the obtained samples have a pronounced spinel crystalline structure, with the presence of metallic iron. The crystal size was determined by various methods and was 93–104 nm. The saturation magnetization, determined from the hysteresis loop, was 189.24 Emu/g, and the force coefficient was 602 Oe. UV-vis-DRS studies showed a band gap of 2.1 eV. The photocatalytic degradation of ibuprofen, streptocide, furacilin, methylene blue, and tetracycline was investigated under the influence of UV radiation in the presence of a photocatalyst. It was confirmed that the rate of degradation of pollutants obeys pseudo-first-order kinetics. Analysis of the constant rate of reactions showed that in order of decreasing stability, pharmaceutical drugs can be dissolved as follows: ibuprofen → streptocide → furatsilin → methylene blue → tetracycline. It was found that the ratio of photocatalyst and hydrogen peroxide concentrations is important for the destruction of more stable pollutants. The effect of hydrogen peroxide and catalyst concentrations is extremely strong. For unstable compounds, the most influential factor is the duration of treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Development of Nanomaterials for Wastewater Treatment and Sustainable Environmental Protection)
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22 pages, 470 KB  
Article
The Impact of Market-Oriented Carbon Regulation on the High-Quality Development of the Manufacturing Industry—Based on Double Machine Learning
by Chunxin Lin, Keqiang Wang and Hongmei Liu
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10414; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210414 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 366
Abstract
Promoting high-quality development of the manufacturing industry is an important strategy for China’s economic transformation and upgrading, as well as the realization of sustainable development, and the manufacturing industry is also a critical field for environmental regulation. What impact does market-driven carbon regulation [...] Read more.
Promoting high-quality development of the manufacturing industry is an important strategy for China’s economic transformation and upgrading, as well as the realization of sustainable development, and the manufacturing industry is also a critical field for environmental regulation. What impact does market-driven carbon regulation have on the high-quality development of manufacturing firms? Taking the carbon emission trading pilot policy as a “quasi-natural experiment” of market-driven carbon regulation, this paper selects micro panel data from Chinese listed manufacturing enterprises spanning 2003 to 2021 and uses the double machine learning method to evaluate the effect of market-oriented carbon regulation on the high-quality development of the manufacturing industry. The study finds that the carbon emission trading pilot policy notably boosts the high-quality development of the manufacturing industry. Further mechanism analysis reveals that the policy has exerted a significant innovation effect, while the resource allocation effect is not yet significant. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the carbon emission trading pilot policy has a significant promotional effect on the high-quality development of the manufacturing industry in eastern and western regions, as well as state-owned and technology-intensive manufacturing industries. The research conclusions provide theoretical reference and practical insights for the construction of a national unified carbon market and the promotion of the green and low-carbon transformation of the manufacturing industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effectiveness Evaluation of Sustainable Climate Policies)
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26 pages, 935 KB  
Article
Digital Technologies Selection for Sustainable Urban Logistics in Last-Mile Delivery Under Conditions of Uncertainty
by Adis Puška, Radovan Dragić, Nedeljko Prdić, Đorđe Ćosić, Nataša Novaković Božić and Anđelka Štilić
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10413; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210413 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 406
Abstract
In this research, the impact of applications on improving urban logistics was examined using the example of the company EX, with an emphasis on the sustainability of its business. To conduct this research, expert decision-making was used. The model used ten criteria and [...] Read more.
In this research, the impact of applications on improving urban logistics was examined using the example of the company EX, with an emphasis on the sustainability of its business. To conduct this research, expert decision-making was used. The model used ten criteria and eight applications. To incorporate uncertainty into this research, an intuitionistic fuzzy approach was used. Based on the obtained CC values, the criteria weights were determined using the SiWeC (Simple Weight Calculation) method, while the WASPAS (Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment) method ranked the applications. The results showed that “Security and data protection” and “System reliability and stability” were the most important criteria, while Application 1 achieved the best results. These results were confirmed by the consistency analysis of the WASPAS method and the sensitivity analysis, which considered 30 scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Logistics for Tomorrow: Navigating the Future of Sustainable Distribution)
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27 pages, 706 KB  
Article
Lighting Preferences of Interior Users with Different Personality Traits: Pilot Study
by Kamil Kubiak and Piotr Pracki
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10412; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210412 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 387
Abstract
In the era of recognising the adverse effects of our activities on the climate, more and more attention is being paid to designing sustainable solutions. The assumptions during such sustainable designs often do not fulfil the user’s needs and comfort. Therefore, we frequently [...] Read more.
In the era of recognising the adverse effects of our activities on the climate, more and more attention is being paid to designing sustainable solutions. The assumptions during such sustainable designs often do not fulfil the user’s needs and comfort. Therefore, we frequently encounter the discrepancies concerning higher energy consumption and user’s modifications in the building systems compared to the design and building use stages. To mitigate these problems in the context of interior lighting design, the authors innovatively researched the lighting preferences of a selected group of respondents based on their personality traits. The Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment tool was used for this research. The research was conducted using an online survey of 101 women from Poland with an average age of 42. The received lighting preferences were analysed using the descriptive statistics and the Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA test by Ranks. Some individuals exhibited preferences for electric lighting parameters that deviate from those recommended by the standards and current technical knowledge. Such preferences can sometimes lead to lower illuminances, maintaining comfort and reducing energy consumption. The knowledge of user’s preferences can reduce the discrepancies between the sustainable design and use stages as users’ interference in device operation will be minimised by meeting their needs, thus achieving sustainable goals. Full article
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19 pages, 485 KB  
Article
Developing Sustainable Chef Competency Indicators: An Application of the Fuzzy Delphi Method
by Ting Chi Yang and Yuan Chia Ho
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10411; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210411 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 388
Abstract
The hospitality industry plays a pivotal role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the foodservice sector bears specific responsibilities for reducing environmental impacts and embedding sustainability in practice. Meeting these goals requires chefs to pair technical expertise with ecological responsibility. This [...] Read more.
The hospitality industry plays a pivotal role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the foodservice sector bears specific responsibilities for reducing environmental impacts and embedding sustainability in practice. Meeting these goals requires chefs to pair technical expertise with ecological responsibility. This study establishes a structured competency indicators framework for sustainable chefs by synthesizing principles from sustainable food systems and culinary practice. We applied the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) with dual triangular fuzzy numbers across two expert rounds. In round 1, 47 of 61 indicators met the consensus threshold; 5 new indicators were added based on expert suggestions. Round 2 achieved full convergence, confirming a final set of 38 sustainable chef competency indicators across six domains. The framework clarifies the competencies required of sustainability-oriented chefs and provides a practical basis for curriculum design, workforce training, and sustainability strategies within the hospitality sector. Full article
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17 pages, 483 KB  
Article
Accident Characteristics and Cost-Based Risk Control Options by Nationality in Korean Aquaculture
by Su-Hyung Kim, Seung-Hyun Lee, Kyung-Jin Ryu, Soo-Yeon Kwon and Yoo-Won Lee
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10410; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210410 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 394
Abstract
The Korean aquaculture sector relies heavily on foreign workers, who face elevated risks due to language barriers and limited safety training. This disparity necessitates data-driven safety interventions addressing specific worker vulnerabilities to ensure sustainable industry growth. This study quantitatively investigated accident characteristics and [...] Read more.
The Korean aquaculture sector relies heavily on foreign workers, who face elevated risks due to language barriers and limited safety training. This disparity necessitates data-driven safety interventions addressing specific worker vulnerabilities to ensure sustainable industry growth. This study quantitatively investigated accident characteristics and economic losses by nationality in Korean aquaculture by integrating 325 approved cases (2018–2022) from Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance (268 Korean; 57 foreign) and field survey data into the Formal Safety Assessment and Fault Tree Analysis frameworks recommended by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The study revealed that entanglement during machinery operations accounted for 63.5% of the total cost among foreign workers. For Korean workers, slip and fall accidents were most frequent, while falls from height were the most severe in terms of unit cost and fatality. Based on the importance index and Human Element analysis, four risk control options were proposed: guarding and interlocks retrofit, multilingual training for foreign workers, and fall-protection upgrades and permit-to-work systems with lockout/tagout for Korean workers. Scenario analysis demonstrated consistent cost-saving effects. Both direct and indirect costs were incorporated into total loss estimation, with indirect costs calculated as 0.5–1.0 times the direct costs following the Ministry of Employment and Labor (2021). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Seafood Production: Innovative Strategies for Resource Conservation)
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28 pages, 4038 KB  
Review
Are Nature-Based Climate Solutions in the Russian Arctic Feasible? A Review
by Sergey V. Dudov, Aleksandra V. Pryadilina, Anton S. Kumaniaev, Maxim V. Bocharnikov, Andrey D. Naumov, Sergey S. Chernianskii and Vladimir Y. Slobodyan
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10409; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210409 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 666
Abstract
Arctic ecosystems are highly vulnerable to ongoing and projected climate change. Rapid warming and growing anthropogenic pressure are driving a profound transformation of these regions, increasingly positioning the Arctic as a persistent, globally significant source of greenhouse gases. In the Russian Arctic—a critical [...] Read more.
Arctic ecosystems are highly vulnerable to ongoing and projected climate change. Rapid warming and growing anthropogenic pressure are driving a profound transformation of these regions, increasingly positioning the Arctic as a persistent, globally significant source of greenhouse gases. In the Russian Arctic—a critical zone for national economic growth and transport infrastructure—intensive development is replacing natural ecosystems with anthropogenically modified ones. In this context, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) represent a vital tool for climate change adaptation and mitigation. However, many NbS successfully applied globally have limited applicability in the Arctic due to its inaccessibility, short growing season, low temperatures, and permafrost. This review demonstrates the potential for adapting existing NbS and developing new ones tailored to the Arctic’s environmental and socioeconomic conditions. We analyze five key NbS pathways: forest management, sustainable grazing, rewilding, wetland conservation, and ecosystem restoration. Our findings indicate that protective and restorative measures are the most promising; these can deliver measurable benefits for both climate, biodiversity and traditional land-use. Combining NbS with biodiversity offset mechanisms appears optimal for preserving ecosystems while enhancing carbon sequestration in biomass and soil organic matter and reducing soil emissions. The study identifies critical knowledge gaps and proposes priority research areas to advance Arctic-specific NbS, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary carbon cycle studies, integrated field and remote sensing data, and predictive modeling under various land-use scenarios. Full article
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21 pages, 636 KB  
Article
Linking Sustainability and Brand Love Through Employees’ Insights on ESG Practices in the Airline Industry
by Fang-Rong Chen, Wen-Hwa Ko and Min-Yen Lu
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10408; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210408 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 595
Abstract
This study investigates the intricate mechanisms linking ESG practices, innovation performance, and brand outcomes from the perspective of internal stakeholders—employees. This study investigates employees’ perceptions of ESG practices and their influence on brand identification and brand love, based on a quantitative survey conducted [...] Read more.
This study investigates the intricate mechanisms linking ESG practices, innovation performance, and brand outcomes from the perspective of internal stakeholders—employees. This study investigates employees’ perceptions of ESG practices and their influence on brand identification and brand love, based on a quantitative survey conducted among 346 employees from three major Taiwanese airlines; the findings reveal that ESG practices positively influence innovation performance, which, in turn, significantly enhances brand loyalty and brand value, ultimately fostering greater brand love. Moreover, the results indicate that an innovative organizational climate exerts a significant positive moderating effect on the relationship between ESG practices and innovation performance. In contrast, the moderating effect of human capital was not found to be significant. Full article
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21 pages, 936 KB  
Article
Assessing Governance and Impacts of Water Funds in Colombia: An Institutional Analysis
by Juan Diego Restrepo, Mauro Masiero and Alessandro Leonardi
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10407; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210407 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 466
Abstract
Sometimes referred to as an influential variant of payment for ecosystem services (PES), Water Funds are among the most promoted schemes in Latin America to foster environmental conservation while securing water provision to some of the region’s largest cities. Despite their growing importance, [...] Read more.
Sometimes referred to as an influential variant of payment for ecosystem services (PES), Water Funds are among the most promoted schemes in Latin America to foster environmental conservation while securing water provision to some of the region’s largest cities. Despite their growing importance, empirical research on the impacts of Water Funds as institutions that reshape watershed governance remains limited. In this study, we analyze five Water Funds in Colombia affiliated with the Latin American Water Funds Partnership through the lens of common-pool resource institutions. Drawing upon Ostrom’s Institutional Analysis and Development Framework, we analyze the factors that explain why some Water Funds in Colombia remain active while others dissolve. Specifically, we examine how the rule-making process is influenced by institutional strength, stakeholder trust, and collaboration with environmental authorities, creating outcomes of continuity or dissolution of these governance structures. Our research relies on qualitative methods, including remote interviews with pertinent actors and stakeholders associated with each Water Fund. The findings reveal that although Water Funds can serve as novel governance spaces where diverse public and private stakeholders engage concerning watershed governance, particular challenges persist, putting the continuity of Water Funds at risk. These challenges relate to including a wider array of actors, such as landowners and certain public institutions in the Funds’ management bodies, and the need to foster a shared watershed vision between actors to enhance legitimacy and trust among them. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)
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19 pages, 770 KB  
Article
A Study on Acceptance Intention of Extruded Pellet for Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) Based on the UTAUT2 Model
by Nam-Lee Kim, Kang-Woong Kim and Do-Hoon Kim
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10406; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210406 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 254
Abstract
This study aims to examine the factors influencing the acceptance of extruded pellet (EP) usage among Korea’s olive flounder farming households by analyzing their acceptance factors to provide recommendations for its wider adoption. A survey was conducted among olive flounder farming households, and [...] Read more.
This study aims to examine the factors influencing the acceptance of extruded pellet (EP) usage among Korea’s olive flounder farming households by analyzing their acceptance factors to provide recommendations for its wider adoption. A survey was conducted among olive flounder farming households, and 188 valid questionnaires were collected. To examine the factors influencing EP acceptance intention, the UTAUT2 (extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology) model was used. The independent variables were categorized into performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, social influence, price value, and reliability as independent variables, while acceptance intention was considered as the dependent variable, to derive measurement items. In addition, the differences between the two groups were analyzed by using the aquaculture region and the manager’s experience as moderating variables. The hypothesis testing showed that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, price value, and reliability factors had a positive effect on acceptance intention, while facilitating conditions did not show a significant effect. The analysis of the moderating effect of the aquaculture region indicated a significant difference between the Jeju-do and Jeollanam-do groups. Conversely, the moderating effect of experience showed no significant difference between those with more experience (≥10 years) and those with less (<10 years). Full article
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26 pages, 1624 KB  
Article
Open Government Data Portals and SDG 11: Lessons from 19 U.S. Cities
by Gulnara N. Nabiyeva and Stephen M. Wheeler
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10405; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210405 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 656
Abstract
Open Government Data (OGD) portals have the potential to be powerful tools for advancing progress toward the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this paper, we examine the extent to which U.S. municipal open data portals support SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities [...] Read more.
Open Government Data (OGD) portals have the potential to be powerful tools for advancing progress toward the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this paper, we examine the extent to which U.S. municipal open data portals support SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and a more complete set of sustainable city indicators, which we call SDG 11+. We focus on the 19 U.S. cities ranked in the 2024 Sustainable Cities Index. Amazingly, none of the cities had data that directly addressed SDG 11 indicators, showing a pressing need to link U.S. OGD portals with the SDGs. In terms of SDG 11 target areas, data were most available for transportation (31% of datasets) and green and public spaces (25% of datasets), though these databases often lacked demographic and equity details. Cities ranking highly on sustainability (New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.) had far more such datasets available than low-ranked cities (Atlanta, Tampa, and Pittsburgh). We propose an expanded list of urban sustainability indicators (some within other SDGs) and recommend that cities emphasize coordination with the SDGs, usability, breadth of content, links with policy, timely updating, and greater disaggregation of data when managing OGD portals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Measuring Progress towards the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs))
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14 pages, 601 KB  
Article
Integrating Economic and Social Sustainability with Technological Competence: The Mediating Effect of Organizational Values on Economic Performance
by Sura Alayed, Sultan Alateeg and Maged M. Albaz
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10404; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210404 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 284
Abstract
This research paper examines how economic sustainability, social sustainability and technological competence affect organizational values which then influence the economic performance in Saudi Arabian manufacturing businesses. The study used a quantitative research approach to gather data from 367 employees through convenience sampling in [...] Read more.
This research paper examines how economic sustainability, social sustainability and technological competence affect organizational values which then influence the economic performance in Saudi Arabian manufacturing businesses. The study used a quantitative research approach to gather data from 367 employees through convenience sampling in March 2025. Data analysis was performed through structural equation modeling with SmartPLS software. The study demonstrates that economic sustainability, social sustainability and technological competence directly impact organizational values which subsequently drive positive economic results. The research demonstrates that organizational values act as a connecting link between sustainability, technology elements and economic performance which proves their essential role in organizational success. The research demonstrates how Saudi Arabian manufacturers should unite sustainable practices with technological capabilities to achieve better outcomes, which is in line with Vision 2030 economic transformation objectives. The research provides valuable guidance to industry managers and policymakers who want to create sustainable business expansion and market competitiveness. Full article
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23 pages, 4380 KB  
Article
How Does Culture Become an Asset? Property Rights Design and Internalised Governance on China’s Urban Peripheries
by Linhao Chen, GPTS Hemakumara and Zhigao Liu
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10403; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210403 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 469
Abstract
Research on culture-led urban change in China has shifted from inner-city clusters to peripheral zones where formal planning meets managed informality, yet two gaps remain. First, artistic production continues to be interpreted through a leasing lens that positions artists as temporary occupiers. Second, [...] Read more.
Research on culture-led urban change in China has shifted from inner-city clusters to peripheral zones where formal planning meets managed informality, yet two gaps remain. First, artistic production continues to be interpreted through a leasing lens that positions artists as temporary occupiers. Second, land is analysed largely at the macro scale of municipal supply and branding, while internal property rules and meso-level governance are overlooked. This paper mobilises the concept of assetisation to show how precarious cultural spaces become rule-bound assets through property-rights design. Fieldwork in Chengdu’s Blue Roof Art District draws on qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, policy and registration documents, and on-site observation. We examine which resources are assetised, how this occurs, and with what effects on publicness and spatial form. Our findings show that planning endorsement, the transfer of collective construction land for cultural use, and title registration with mortgageability codify eligibility, use and transfer. Studios are converted into owner-occupied assets tied to land value. Governance shifts from direct administrative control to asset management by owners and the site operator. While production stabilises and overt conflict declines, public interfaces narrow and enclave risks intensify when city priorities change. Empirically, the paper demonstrates how property-rights design operates as a meso-level governance tool that sets explicit trade-offs between stability and openness. Theoretically, it links producers to land value, bridging macro land regimes with micro political practice in urban peripheries and informing urban policy-making that prioritises sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)
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34 pages, 1663 KB  
Article
Institutional Investor Horizon and Corporate Green Innovation: Evidence from Chinese Listed Companies
by Qiang Qiu and Yuxin Chen
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10402; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210402 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1617
Abstract
Drawing on a comprehensive sample of China’s A-share listed companies spanning 2007–2022, this paper provides empirical evidence on how institutional investment horizons shape corporate green innovation, with special attention to the operative mechanisms. After implementing standard data screening protocols, the resulting dataset comprising [...] Read more.
Drawing on a comprehensive sample of China’s A-share listed companies spanning 2007–2022, this paper provides empirical evidence on how institutional investment horizons shape corporate green innovation, with special attention to the operative mechanisms. After implementing standard data screening protocols, the resulting dataset comprising 24,362 firm-year observations is examined through panel regression techniques. The results demonstrate that longer investment horizons of institutional investors significantly promote corporate green innovation. Our mechanism analysis indicates that environmental regulations and subsidy policies significantly moderate the relationship between institutional investors’ investment horizons and green innovation. These findings provide both a novel theoretical perspective and robust empirical evidence on the determinants of corporate green innovation, and yield valuable policy insights for leveraging capital markets to facilitate the corporate transition to sustainability. It also provides specific references for policymakers to facilitate corporate green transformation and support the dual-carbon goals by guiding and incentivizing greater influence exerted by long-term institutional investors through corporate governance mechanisms. Full article
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28 pages, 2132 KB  
Article
Bayesian Projections of Shoreline Retreat Under Climate Change Along the Arid Coast of Duba, Saudi Arabia
by Eman Rafi Alamery, Mohamed Nejib El Melki, Khadeijah Yahya Faqeih, Somayah Moshrif Alamri, Jamilah Yahya Alamry and Fayez Mohammed M. Alasiri
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10401; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210401 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 413
Abstract
Coastal zones in arid regions are particularly vulnerable to climate change because of their limited sediment supply and high sensitivity to marine and aeolian forces. This study provides probabilistic projections of coastal evolution for a 130 km segment of the Duba shoreline, Saudi [...] Read more.
Coastal zones in arid regions are particularly vulnerable to climate change because of their limited sediment supply and high sensitivity to marine and aeolian forces. This study provides probabilistic projections of coastal evolution for a 130 km segment of the Duba shoreline, Saudi Arabia, a rapidly developing region that includes the NEOM mega-project. An integrated modeling framework was developed by combining a four-decade (1985–2024) diachronic analysis of shoreline evolution from Landsat imagery with a cascade of numerical models. Specifically, climate projections from CMIP6 (under SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5 scenarios) were dynamically downscaled using the regional climate models COSMO-CLM and RegCM, which provided boundary conditions for the SWAN hydrodynamic model to simulate the wave dynamics. The SWAN outputs were then used to force the Delft3D morphodynamic model to project future shoreline evolution. A Bayesian framework was applied to systematically quantify and integrate the uncertainties across all modeling steps, enabling robust probabilistic forecasts. Results indicate an accelerated trend of shoreline retreat, with mean Net Shoreline Movement (NSM) by 2100 ranging from −8.1 m under the low-emission SSP1-2.6 scenario to a critical −25.6 m under the high-emission SSP5-8.5 scenario, with 95% confidence intervals reaching −47.9 m. This erosion is mainly driven by a projected relative sea-level rise of up to 48.3 cm (±15.8 cm) and an increase in significant wave height of up to 40% (mean of 1.95 m). By delivering probabilistic rather than deterministic results, this study provides a solid scientific basis to guide sustainable coastal management, inform the design of risk-sensitive infrastructure, and support the development of climate-resilient adaptation strategies in one of the world’s most rapidly transforming coastal regions. Full article
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21 pages, 536 KB  
Article
Does the “Green Factories” Certification Pilot Policy Improve the ESG Performance of Enterprises? Evidence from a Quasi-Natural Experiment in China
by Junlin Ren, Xinyue Li, Yuejia Li and Junmei Qi
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10400; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210400 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 472
Abstract
Green manufacturing is an important path for accelerating the green transformation of the industrial development model. “Green Factories” certification serves as an innovative approach to voluntary environmental regulation, designed to guide firms toward optimal decision making in green manufacturing. Can the voluntary environmental [...] Read more.
Green manufacturing is an important path for accelerating the green transformation of the industrial development model. “Green Factories” certification serves as an innovative approach to voluntary environmental regulation, designed to guide firms toward optimal decision making in green manufacturing. Can the voluntary environmental regulation policy be effective, particularly in the absence of a mandatory, strictly environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework environment? Utilizing the “Green Factories” certification pilot policy released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in 2016 as a quasi-natural experiment, this study employs the staggered difference-in-differences (DID) model to estimate the impacts of the voluntary environmental regulation policy on corporate ESG performance. Using a panel dataset of 2585 Chinese A-share listed enterprises from the industrial sector spanning 2012 to 2021, the results show that the “Green Factories” certification pilot policy significantly improves corporate ESG performance, and the results remain consistent after robustness tests. The mechanism analysis reveals that the influencing channel mainly works through green technology innovation, total factor productivity (TFP), and digital transformation. Heterogeneity tests further indicate that the green manufacturing pilot policy has a stronger effect on larger, heavily polluting, private enterprises that receive greater investor attention. This study provides empirical evidence at the micro level on the determinants of corporate ESG performance and voluntary environmental regulation policy evaluation, offering practical insights for promoting green manufacturing engineering development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Industrial Engineering and Management Towards Sustainable Development Goals)
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24 pages, 1213 KB  
Article
Government Environmental Protection Expenditure and Regional Green Innovation: The Moderating Role of R&D Element Flow in China
by Zhao Wang and Ting Wang
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10399; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210399 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 457
Abstract
Local governments assume the crucial responsibility of advancing regional environmental regulation and protection and fostering green innovation in development. This paper takes the provincial-level data from 2007 to 2018 in China, and investigates how government environmental protection expenditure (GEPE) influences regional green innovation. [...] Read more.
Local governments assume the crucial responsibility of advancing regional environmental regulation and protection and fostering green innovation in development. This paper takes the provincial-level data from 2007 to 2018 in China, and investigates how government environmental protection expenditure (GEPE) influences regional green innovation. Also, a gravity model is constructed to figure out R&D element flow, and the moderating mechanisms of the flow of R&D personnel and R&D capital are further examined. The empirical evidence shows that GEPE significantly promotes regional green innovation (coefficient = 0.185, p < 0.01), with robustness confirmed through lagged effect tests, indicating sustained positive impact. Mechanism analysis indicates that R&D personnel flow significantly strengthens the positive effect of GEPE on regional green innovation (interaction coefficient = 0.016, p < 0.01), while the moderating effect of R&D capital flow is statistically insignificant. The spatial Durbin model further confirms that the impact of GEPE on green innovation has a spatial spillover effect in neighboring regions. Additionally, excessive environmental decentralization suppresses the positive influence of GEPE on regional green innovation. These findings provide empirical evidence for local governments to promote regional green innovation through fiscal expenditures. It emphasizes the necessity of giving full play to the guiding and “leveraging” role of government environmental governance expenditure while fostering a synergistic effect between government environmental protection expenditure and the free flow of R&D elements, ultimately promoting coordinated green development in regions. Full article
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