Sustainability

24 pages, 313 KB

Open AccessArticle

When Digital Trade Meets Regulatory Distance: Implications for Carbon Intensity in International Trade

by Fumei Dai, Min-Jae Lee and Tae-Hoo Kim

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2158; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042158 - 23 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 708

Digital services trade is often viewed as a pathway to lower carbon intensity by reducing reliance on carbon-intensive physical trade. However, its environmental benefits may depend critically on the regulatory environments governing cross-border digital interactions. Integrating institutional distance theory with environmental economics, this [...] Read more.

Digital services trade is often viewed as a pathway to lower carbon intensity by reducing reliance on carbon-intensive physical trade. However, its environmental benefits may depend critically on the regulatory environments governing cross-border digital interactions. Integrating institutional distance theory with environmental economics, this study examines how regulatory divergence in digital services trade shapes the carbon intensity of international trade. Using bilateral trade data and country-level measures of digital services trade regulations, renewable energy capacity, and environmental policy rigor, we analyze the effects of digital regulatory gaps on carbon emissions embodied in exports. The results show that greater regulatory divergence significantly increases both total carbon emissions and export carbon intensity. The analysis further reveals that the scale effect associated with increased trade volume dominates the technique effect, such that the potential environmental benefits of digitalization are frequently offset by structural inefficiencies and compliance costs induced by regulatory fragmentation. Moreover, exporters’ renewable energy capability amplifies—rather than mitigates—the carbon-intensity-increasing effect of digital regulatory gaps, indicating that institutional misalignment imposes higher environmental opportunity costs on countries with greater low-carbon potential. By contrast, environmental policy rigor in importing countries does not significantly attenuate these effects. Overall, the findings highlight regulatory alignment as a critical condition for realizing the environmental benefits of digital trade. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Paradigm Shift in the Digital Era: From Technological Breakthroughs to Social Transformation)

34 pages, 4026 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis for Assessing Green Hydrogen Suitability in MENA FFED Countries

by Abdelhafidh Benreguieg, Lina Montuori, Manuel Alcázar-Ortega and Pierluigi Siano

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2157; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042157 - 23 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 673

Abstract

For nations heavily dependent on fossil-fuel exports, hydrogen is emerging as a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions while preserving economic stability and promoting countries’ energy independence. This research study examines hydrogen potential as a renewable energy source to facilitate the transition toward [...] Read more.

For nations heavily dependent on fossil-fuel exports, hydrogen is emerging as a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions while preserving economic stability and promoting countries’ energy independence. This research study examines hydrogen potential as a renewable energy source to facilitate the transition toward a sustainable economy with a special focus on Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. The analysis delves into policy frameworks, technological advancements, and infrastructure adaptations to build a reliable green hydrogen supply chain for a scalable and bankable future. The role played by other renewable energies like solar and wind, together with the risk related to the high demand for water resources to achieve the green hydrogen transition, has also been assessed. Furthermore, key challenges have been highlighted, including the repurposing of the existing pipelines into the energy networks, public–private partnerships to secure investment, and legislation requirements to encourage the adoption of novel hydrogen applications. In order to do that, a SWOT-PESTEL analysis has been carried out to identify the main decarbonization strategies for achieving a replicable framework. Moreover, a multi-criteria decision analysis was performed, applying 11 indicators across supply-side (e.g., solar/wind potential, LCOE, and water stress), demand-pull/logistics (e.g., maritime connectivity, steel production, and LNG export capacity), and risk/regulation dimensions (e.g., governance effectiveness, regulatory quality, and fossil rent dependence). The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used for weighting, the entropy method for weighting variability (hybrid 50/50 combined weights), min–max normalization for costs, 5% Winsorization for outliers, and TOPSIS for aggregation following OECD-JRC composite indicator guidelines. Results have been validated through a multiple scenario analysis (base, supply-led, and risk-aware) and sensitivity testing via Dirichlet bootstrapping (5000 iterations) with ±20% weight perturbations. Six countries of the MENA region have been studied. The multi-criteria decision analysis outcomes rank Egypt (composite score 0.518), Algeria (0.482), and Oman (0.479) as the most suitable countries for large-scale green hydrogen and ammonia production/export, while Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait achieved lower supply scores in the base case due to higher perceived risks. Full article

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25 pages, 4703 KB

Open AccessArticle

Adsorption Performance and Modeling of Pb(II) on Magnetically Functionalized TiO₂ Nanoflowers

by Tolgahan Polat and Hayrunnisa Mazlumoglu

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2156; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042156 - 23 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 691 | Correction

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination, particularly lead, poses significant environmental and health risks. In this study, a multifunctional TiO₂@PLDOPA@Fe₃O₄ (TPF) nanocomposite was synthesized and evaluated as a reusable adsorbent for lead ion (Pb(II)) removal from aqueous solutions. Batch adsorption experiments [...] Read more.

Heavy metal contamination, particularly lead, poses significant environmental and health risks. In this study, a multifunctional TiO₂@PLDOPA@Fe₃O₄ (TPF) nanocomposite was synthesized and evaluated as a reusable adsorbent for lead ion (Pb(II)) removal from aqueous solutions. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to examine the effects of contact time, temperature, solution pH, adsorbent dosage, and shaking speed on adsorption performance. A high Pb(II) removal efficiency of 84% and an equilibrium adsorption capacity of 72.38 mg g⁻¹ were obtained under optimized conditions. Kinetic analysis revealed that Pb(II) adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order model, indicating surface-controlled interactions. Thermodynamic analysis suggested a spontaneous and endothermic adsorption process dominated by physical interactions and electrostatic attraction Equilibrium data were better fitted by the Freundlich model, suggesting heterogeneous multilayer adsorption on the functionalized composite surface. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of TPF reached 263.16 mg g⁻¹, exceeding those of pristine TiO₂ and Fe₃O₄. Regeneration studies showed that the TPF nanocomposite retained approximately 87% of its initial adsorption capacity after five adsorption-desorption cycles, demonstrating good stability and reusability. The integration of hierarchical TiO₂, magnetic Fe₃O₄, and bio-inspired PLDOPA functionalization provides a promising and sustainable strategy for heavy metal removal and highlights the potential of multifunctional nanocomposites in circular and resource-efficient water treatment systems. Full article

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20 pages, 301 KB

Open AccessArticle

Barriers to Green Economy in the Construction Industry in Ghana

by Sharon Asiamah-Agyeman, Emmanuel Awudzi, Tracy Ohene-Adjei, Isaac Akomea-Frimpong, Roksana Jahan Tumpa, Daniel Oteng and Fatemeh Pariafsai

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2155; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042155 - 23 Feb 2026

Viewed by 734

Abstract

Green economy (GE) is an important sustainable model that supports green practices and the achievement of sustainable development goals in the construction industry. However, the full-scale benefits of GE adoption in construction activities are short-lived by interconnected barriers in many developing economies such [...] Read more.

Green economy (GE) is an important sustainable model that supports green practices and the achievement of sustainable development goals in the construction industry. However, the full-scale benefits of GE adoption in construction activities are short-lived by interconnected barriers in many developing economies such as Ghana. In particular, the transition to GE construction practices has been noted to hold a promising spot but it is undone by numerous challenges. Thus, this study aims to analyze the barriers to green economy implementation in the construction industry in Ghana. The source of the data was construction stakeholders using questionnaires. The data were analyzed with fuzzy synthetic evaluation to establish the critical barriers. The analysis revealed three key components of barriers including inadequate regulations, technological gaps and poor practice frameworks to GE. The principal implications of the article are twofold. First, the clusters of barriers offer understanding and a guide to construction practitioners towards developing measures to overcome the major challenges to GE integration into construction works. Second, the study presents relevant outputs which deepen knowledge on GE in construction literature and provide essential areas for further studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Economy and Sustainable Infrastructure to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals)

40 pages, 670 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

AI Solutions for Improving Sustainability in Water Resource Management

by Jorge Alejandro Silva

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2154; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042154 - 23 Feb 2026

Viewed by 1236

Abstract

Water systems experience increasing sustainability challenges from climate variability, aging infrastructure, and energy and chemical intensity demands, but AI has typically been assessed against prediction accuracy rather than demonstrated operational success. This PRISMA 2020 systematic review analyzed the role of AI solutions on [...] Read more.

Water systems experience increasing sustainability challenges from climate variability, aging infrastructure, and energy and chemical intensity demands, but AI has typically been assessed against prediction accuracy rather than demonstrated operational success. This PRISMA 2020 systematic review analyzed the role of AI solutions on sustainability in distribution, treatment, and basin management. The database search identified 920 records; after deduplication (n = 185), screening was conducted on n = 735 titles/abstracts and examination of the full text for n = 85, providing a total of n = 41 included peer-reviewed studies for qualitative synthesis and n = 38 for quantitative/bibliometric synthesis with the additional analysis of seven grey-literature sources. Evidence mapping reveals high growth post-2020, and distribution and wastewater operations are dominated by a few companies. The most deployable evidence is found with monitoring, anomaly/leak detection, and short-term forecasting, while optimization and reinforcement-learning control are primarily simulation validated with limited field applications. While accuracy metrics are often reported, transformation into water saved, kWh/m³, chemicals, compliance/reliability/resilience/equity measures are inconsistently and less frequently operationalized. In general, AI is most believable when it is part of analysis-ready workflows, bounded decision support, and measurement-and-verification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI Solutions for Improving Sustainability in Water Resource Management)

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17 pages, 5295 KB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Automatic Burrow Detection for Sustainable River Levees

by Lisa Borgatti, Alberto Cervellati, Monica Ghirotti, Davide Martinucci, Giacomo Pampalone, Alberto Paparella, Stefano Parodi, Federica Pellegrini, Edoardo Ponsanesi, Guido Sciavicco, Massimo Valente and Roberta Zambrini

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2153; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042153 - 23 Feb 2026

Viewed by 422

Abstract

Burrows are tunnels or holes excavated into the ground by certain types of animals, to be used as habitation or temporary refuge, or as a by-product of their locomotion. Burrows provide a form of shelter against predation and exposure to the elements, and [...] Read more.

Burrows are tunnels or holes excavated into the ground by certain types of animals, to be used as habitation or temporary refuge, or as a by-product of their locomotion. Burrows provide a form of shelter against predation and exposure to the elements, and can be found in nearly every biome and among various biological interaction types. River bank burrowing weakens the soil structure, increases the risk of erosion, and may lead to bank retreat and landslides. Currently, burrow watching, mapping, and prevention are human-only activities, and there are no conventional data or information systems designed for this purpose. In this paper, we design, implement, and test a novel AI-based solution that, starting with drone-acquired imagery, allows the user to automatically identify and map potentially dangerous burrows in the target area, and lays the basis for the digitization and systematic conservation of such information, to be later used for intervention and planning. Our solution contributes to the environmental sustainability of rivers, especially close to densely populated areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)

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31 pages, 1660 KB

Open AccessArticle

Explaining Chinese Consumer Recycling Behavior in Express Packaging: Insights from PLS-SEM, fsQCA, and Necessary Condition Analysis

by Jun Lyu, Bowen Zhan and Bakti Hasan-Basri

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2152; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042152 - 23 Feb 2026

Viewed by 837

Abstract

The rapid growth of e-commerce, particularly in China, has led to a surge in express packaging waste, posing significant environmental challenges. However, consumer participation in express packaging recycling remains a critical yet underexplored issue. To address this gap, this study extends the Theory [...] Read more.

The rapid growth of e-commerce, particularly in China, has led to a surge in express packaging waste, posing significant environmental challenges. However, consumer participation in express packaging recycling remains a critical yet underexplored issue. To address this gap, this study extends the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by incorporating perceived benefit, perceived trust, and policy communication to explain consumer behavior. Survey data from 382 urban consumers in China were analyzed using an integrated approach combining partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), and necessary condition analysis (NCA). The results indicate that attitude, perceived benefit, and perceived trust significantly influence recycling behavior, while subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and policy communication exhibit no significant net effects. Furthermore, configurational analysis demonstrates that high recycling behavior emerges from multiple combinations of factors rather than any single dominant driver, and NCA identifies attitude as a necessary prerequisite. In conclusion, these findings underscore that express packaging recycling is driven by complex interactions among benefits, trust, and attitudes, suggesting that policymakers should prioritize multi-factor policy designs to effectively promote sustainable consumer behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Waste Management for Recycling and Environmental Protection)

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25 pages, 1894 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analytic Hierarchy Process-Based Framework for Corporate Social Responsibility Decision-Making in Peacebuilding Contexts

by Carlos Téllez-Bedoya, Carlos Almanza-Junco and Jorge Herrera

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2151; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042151 - 23 Feb 2026

Viewed by 603

Abstract

This paper proposes an integrated framework to evaluate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in peacebuilding settings using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The model is structured around six criteria: conflict sensitivity, economic resilience, social inclusion, governance, education for peace, and sustainability, each subdivided [...] Read more.

This paper proposes an integrated framework to evaluate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in peacebuilding settings using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The model is structured around six criteria: conflict sensitivity, economic resilience, social inclusion, governance, education for peace, and sustainability, each subdivided into measurable subcriteria. A key methodological innovation is the introduction of objective grouping, which ensures that each alternative project is assessed only against the subcriteria where it generates tangible impact. Unlike the traditional AHP approach, where alternatives are evaluated against all criteria, objective grouping prevents irrelevant comparisons, reduces the cognitive burden on experts, and increases consistency in judgments. The method distinguishes between direct contributions (full weight allocation) and indirect contributions (partial weight allocation), while excluding unrelated dimensions. This refinement yields more transparent and context-sensitive prioritization, particularly relevant for fragile territories where CSR interventions must be both socially legitimate and economically viable. The empirical application shows that objective grouping highlights structural levers, such as grievance redress, local supply chain integration, peace education, and project scalability, as decisive for long-term peacebuilding. The framework thus improves decision-making by combining analytical rigor and stakeholder legitimacy, enhancing both business legitimacy and long-term societal resilience. Full article

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14 pages, 409 KB

Open AccessArticle

Green Minds, Smart Tools: Exploring the Mediating Role of Digital Citizenship in the Relationship Between Environmental Education Awareness and Self-Efficacy

by Mohamed Ali Nemt-allah, Mamdouh Mahmoud Mostafa, Mamdouh Mosaad Helali, Hussam Khalifah Aldawsari, Yusra Zaki Aboud and Ashraf Ragab Ibrahim

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2150; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042150 - 23 Feb 2026

Viewed by 526

Abstract

Environmental education awareness (EEA) often fails to translate into confident environmental action, representing a critical knowledge–action gap in sustainability education. This study investigated whether digital citizenship mediates the relationship between EEA and self-efficacy among university students. A cross-sectional design was employed with 879 [...] Read more.

Environmental education awareness (EEA) often fails to translate into confident environmental action, representing a critical knowledge–action gap in sustainability education. This study investigated whether digital citizenship mediates the relationship between EEA and self-efficacy among university students. A cross-sectional design was employed with 879 Egyptian university students from Al-Azhar University. Participants completed validated instruments measuring EEA, digital citizenship competencies (including internet political activism, technical skills, critical perspectives, and networking agency), and general self-efficacy. Mediation analysis using Hayes’ PROCESS macro revealed that digital citizenship significantly partially mediated the relationship between environmental awareness and self-efficacy, accounting for 21.9% of the total effect. Environmental awareness directly predicted self-efficacy (β = 0.590) and indirectly through digital citizenship (β = 0.166). These findings demonstrate that digital competencies serve as “smart tools” enabling students to transform ecological knowledge into confident environmental agency. The results underscore the necessity of integrating digital citizenship training within environmental curricula to cultivate climate-literate, digitally empowered citizens capable of meaningful contributions to global sustainability and climate action initiatives. Full article

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24 pages, 4727 KB

Open AccessArticle

Digitalization and the Rural Timescape: A Case Study of Algorithmic Time, Agricultural Rhythms, and Social Sustainability in Rural China

by Lingjun Zhang, Yang Ouyang and Leiting Peng

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2149; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042149 - 22 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 695

Abstract

Digital infrastructure in rural China acts as a significant temporal intervention, yet its impact on social sustainability remains under-explored. Adopting the “timescape” lens, this study examines the interaction between linear algorithmic time and cyclical agricultural rhythms. Focusing on Qing Village, a hollowed-out settlement [...] Read more.

Digital infrastructure in rural China acts as a significant temporal intervention, yet its impact on social sustainability remains under-explored. Adopting the “timescape” lens, this study examines the interaction between linear algorithmic time and cyclical agricultural rhythms. Focusing on Qing Village, a hollowed-out settlement in the Wuling Mountains, we employed a mixed-methods approach combining ethnography, time-use surveys, and logistics trace data. The findings depict a transforming rural timescape characterized by specific temporal tensions: (1) digital connectivity tends to permeate the interstices of agricultural labor, blurring the traditional boundaries between work and recovery; (2) the “digital nanny” phenomenon emerges as a temporal trade-off, where caregivers utilize devices to manage labor pressure, modifying the sequence of intergenerational interaction; and (3) logistics systems facilitate a loose re-synchronization of consumption, and villagers further demonstrate behavioral elasticity by leveraging natural interruptions to reclaim social time. We suggest that digital intervention reconfigures the local temporal order. Consequently, achieving genuine social sustainability requires moving beyond coverage metrics to establish a resilient “ecology of social time” that respects diverse rural temporalities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges in Sustainable Urban, Rural and Regional Development)

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24 pages, 2416 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Hybrid Machine Learning Framework for Multi-Pollutant Air Quality Assessment in Urban Environments

by Muzzamil Mustafa, Maaz Akhtar, Ashfaq Ahmad, Fahad Javaid, Barun Haldar and Badil Nisar

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2148; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042148 - 22 Feb 2026

Viewed by 826

Abstract

Urban air quality assessment is central to environmental sustainability and public health management. This study presents a structured comparative evaluation of Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), LSTM, and Bi-LSTM models for pollutant-driven air quality classification under the Indian National Air Quality [...] Read more.

Urban air quality assessment is central to environmental sustainability and public health management. This study presents a structured comparative evaluation of Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), LSTM, and Bi-LSTM models for pollutant-driven air quality classification under the Indian National Air Quality Index (NAQI) framework defined by CPCB guidelines. To provide a fair comparison, multi-pollutant data of Indian urban monitoring stations were preprocessed, and the class-balancing protocol and validation protocol were combined. RF had highest total accuracy (0.9971) in the held-out set, with Bi-LSTM (0.9615), LSTM (0.9495), and SVM (0.9442) coming next. Although ensemble methods proved to be very separable in line with the threshold-based NAQI structure, Bi-LSTM was more stable when it came to boundary-sensitive switches among the adjacent severity classes. Calibration analysis (multiclass Brier score: 0.08) showed consistent probabilistic behavior and interpretation, and using SHAP showed physically significant pollutant driving factors. The results explain the appropriateness of comparative models in organized AQI classification and present a reproducible assessment framework for the NAQI framework. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Climate Change Adaptation Research and Technology)

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30 pages, 7755 KB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Various Statistical Indicators for Drought Analysis Based on Remote Sensing Data: A Case Study of Three Major Provinces of Turkey

by Yunus Ziya KAYA

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2147; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042147 - 22 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 695

Abstract

Droughts are one of the most significant hazards that affect human life due to the imbalanced distribution of water across the world. Some parts of the world are usually dry, and meteorological conditions affect these regions rapidly. In water-scarce regions, droughts significantly put [...] Read more.

Droughts are one of the most significant hazards that affect human life due to the imbalanced distribution of water across the world. Some parts of the world are usually dry, and meteorological conditions affect these regions rapidly. In water-scarce regions, droughts significantly put at risk socio-economic stability and food security, which may cause a major challenge to sustainable development. Therefore, a precise definition of drought and the identification of early warning signals can help to minimize the negative effects of droughts, especially in terms of agriculture. In this study, drought signals of three major agricultural provinces of Turkey, namely Antalya, Şanlıurfa, and Konya, were investigated. For this purpose, the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), Evaporative Demand Drought Index (EDDI), and Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) were computed for each province. A composite score index was proposed for the evaluation of multiple indices together. All datasets were obtained from remote-sensing products to ensure reproducibility. A dataset for the 2003–2023 period was used. The monthly precipitation derived from CHIRPS data and potential evaporation (PEV) data were obtained from the ERA5-Land. Therefore, the SPEI and EDDI values were calculated by using ERA5-Land PEV values but not the evapotranspiration. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values for each province were obtained from the MODIS/Terra MOD13A3 v061. The Mann–Kendall test and Sen’s slope were applied to the computed time series to detect the trends. As a result, the dry and wet periods were identified for each province individually. The VCI was found to have an increasing trend for all tested provinces. Overall, from a future perspective, the most vulnerable province in terms of meteorological drought was indicated to be Antalya. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Water and Soil Management Towards Climate Change Adaptation)

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30 pages, 11141 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping Spatial Synergies and Trade-Offs: A Geographically Weighted Analysis of Ecosystem Services and Carbon Sequestration in Southern Italy

by Federica Isola, Bilge Kobak, Sabrina Lai, Francesca Leccis, Federica Leone and Corrado Zoppi

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2146; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042146 - 22 Feb 2026

Viewed by 689

Abstract

The transition towards climate neutrality requires the development of spatially explicit planning approaches that account for territorial differences and land-use dynamics. Within this conceptual framework, this study has the objective of identifying and discussing spatially explicit planning approaches that can support the transition [...] Read more.

The transition towards climate neutrality requires the development of spatially explicit planning approaches that account for territorial differences and land-use dynamics. Within this conceptual framework, this study has the objective of identifying and discussing spatially explicit planning approaches that can support the transition to climate neutrality in different regional spatial contexts. With reference to this research question, a methodological framework is introduced and applied that is designed to support climate neutrality through spatial planning strategies. Carbon sequestration (CS) serves as a key metric to evaluate both the current state and the temporal evolution of this process, examined in connection with the provision of specific ecosystem services (ESs) within the relevant spatial setting. The work is structured as follows. An approach is developed to define the provision of ESs. Drawing on previous research and detailed assessments of environmental, landscape, and socio-cultural features, the study considers the following ESs: maintaining or improving habitat quality to sustain the life cycles of wild species valuable to humans; regulating climate by mitigating land surface temperature; agricultural and forestry production; and nature-based recreational opportunities. Moreover, spatial relationships between CS capacity and ES provision are examined through geographically weighted regressions, allowing comparisons across Basilicata, Campania, and Sardinia, three Regions in southern Italy forming the Italian Mezzogiorno. The multifunctional characteristics of ES supply contributes to optimizing CS capacity and advancing climate neutrality goals. In particular, in all three regional contexts, high values of CS capacity elasticity are recognized in relation to habitat quality and ground temperature mitigation, and very low elasticity conditions as regards the supply of recreational ESs and agricultural and forestry production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Services in the Planning and Sustainable Development of Urban Green Spaces)

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18 pages, 1626 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rock Mass and Dust Emissions from Hard Coal Mining as a Sustainability Challenge During Energy Transition—The Case Study of Poland

by Andrzej Chmiela, Beata Barszczowska, Stefan Czerwiński and Adam Smoliński

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2145; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042145 - 22 Feb 2026

Viewed by 542

Abstract

Coal continues to play a significant role in Poland’s electricity generation system, making the sustainable management of environmental impacts from hard coal mining a critical challenge during the ongoing energy transition. In line with the European Green Deal and circular economy principles, reducing [...] Read more.

Coal continues to play a significant role in Poland’s electricity generation system, making the sustainable management of environmental impacts from hard coal mining a critical challenge during the ongoing energy transition. In line with the European Green Deal and circular economy principles, reducing and managing mining-related waste emissions is an important component of sustainable development in regions undergoing a gradual phase-out of fossil fuel extraction. This study analyzes rock mass and dust emissions associated with underground hard coal mining in Poland over the period 2017–2025 using the most recent statistical data, including estimates for 2025 based on the first three quarters of the year. The scale, structure, and trends of emissions are examined to assess their implications for environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, and long-term land use. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between declining coal production and the relatively slower reduction in waste rock emissions, which indicates increasing contamination of extracted material and poses challenges for sustainable mining practices. The results show that while total coal output has decreased substantially, reductions in rock mass emissions have been less dynamic, highlighting the need for improved waste management strategies from a sustainability perspective. The study demonstrates that increasing the utilization of mining waste, through underground use and circular economy applications, can reduce environmental pressure, support compliance with sustainability policies, and mitigate long-term impacts on post-mining regions. Although the analysis focuses on Poland, the findings provide transferable insights for other countries seeking to balance energy security, mining sector restructuring, and sustainable development objectives during the transition away from fossil fuels. Full article

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30 pages, 1876 KB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Economy Development and Corporate Low-Carbon Transition: An Indicator Suite and Capability–Governance Evidence from China

by Manlu Yang and Song Li

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2144; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042144 - 22 Feb 2026

Viewed by 569

Abstract

Digitalization and decarbonization are unfolding in parallel, yet firm-level evidence on whether digital economy development delivers substantive low-carbon performance remains mixed. Using a 2008–2022 panel of Chinese listed firms matched to a city-level digital economy index, we estimate lagged fixed-effects models and examine [...] Read more.

Digitalization and decarbonization are unfolding in parallel, yet firm-level evidence on whether digital economy development delivers substantive low-carbon performance remains mixed. Using a 2008–2022 panel of Chinese listed firms matched to a city-level digital economy index, we estimate lagged fixed-effects models and examine capability and governance channels through firm digital transformation and ESG disclosure. The local digital economy is positively associated with the green transition level (GT beta = 0.0044, p < 0.01) and transition speed (GTS beta = 0.0039, p < 0.10), and it significantly increases digital transformation (DT beta = 0.1431, p < 0.01) and ESG disclosure (ESG beta = 0.9790, p < 0.01), consistent with partial mediation. By contrast, effects on carbon intensity are small and become insignificant once year effects are included, indicating that short-run emissions outcomes are dominated by macro energy conditions and potential rebound forces. Overall, digital development appears to accelerate strategic transition and disclosure capacity more quickly than operational emissions efficiency. Policy implications are twofold: align digital infrastructure with ESG data governance and verification, and coordinate digitalization with energy-system reforms to enable sustained emissions reductions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Technologies for Sustainable Business and the Green Economy)

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19 pages, 17278 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) Based Framework for Evaluating Urban Low-Carbon Governance and Its Implications for Sustainable Development

by Zeyu Cao, Liyin Shen, Xiangrui Xu, Yang Guo, Bingyue Pan and Haijun Bao

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2143; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042143 - 22 Feb 2026

Viewed by 627

Abstract

The transition to low-carbon urban environments is a cornerstone of global sustainability efforts. However, evaluating the diverse management efforts driving this transition is frequently hindered by fragmented and heterogeneous data. This study introduces a novel Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) framework to systematically evaluate urban [...] Read more.

The transition to low-carbon urban environments is a cornerstone of global sustainability efforts. However, evaluating the diverse management efforts driving this transition is frequently hindered by fragmented and heterogeneous data. This study introduces a novel Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) framework to systematically evaluate urban low-carbon governance. RAG represents a significant methodological innovation, integrating advanced information retrieval with generative artificial intelligence to provide a transparent and evidence-based assessment of policy implementation. The proposed framework is applied to evaluate the low-carbon energy practices of 296 Chinese cities. A critical finding is the systemic neglect of the “Check” phase across all urban tiers, posing a significant challenge to the long-term sustainability of carbon reduction initiatives. Conversely, high-performing cities are characterized by robust “Feedback” mechanisms. Policy priorities also vary significantly with city scale: larger cities emphasize strategic development and low-carbon transitions, while smaller cities focus on foundational planning and ecological preservation. This framework serves as a transparent, process-oriented tool for evidence-based low-carbon governance, thereby facilitating more resilient and sustainable urban pathways. Full article

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23 pages, 16576 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Framework for Designing Green Infrastructure to Maximize Co-Benefits in High-Density Industrial Districts

by Yue Xing, Yu Wen, Zixiang Xu, Pan Zhang, Sijie Zhu and Haishun Xu

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2142; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042142 - 22 Feb 2026

Viewed by 562

Abstract

Green infrastructure (GI) provides essential ecosystem services for urban sustainability in the face of urbanization and climate change, including stormwater management, heat mitigation, and reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration levels. Existing studies often focus on single-dimensional ecological effects, lacking a [...] Read more.

Green infrastructure (GI) provides essential ecosystem services for urban sustainability in the face of urbanization and climate change, including stormwater management, heat mitigation, and reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration levels. Existing studies often focus on single-dimensional ecological effects, lacking a systematic investigation of their synergies and trade-offs. This study developed a coupled framework integrating scenario design, model simulation, and multi-indicator evaluation. Fifty-six scenarios, varying by GI combinations, weather conditions, and total annual runoff control rate (RCR), were applied to a high-density industrial district in Nanjing. The results showed that: (1) GI combinations enhanced comprehensive benefits, with the combination including bioretention (BR), permeable pavement (PP), and green roof (GR) performing most effectively. This was followed by the combination of BR and PP, then by BR and GR, while the use of BR alone provided the lowest effectiveness. (2) PP was a key synergistic component, improving heat mitigation and reducing CO₂ concentration levels through the beneficial effects of rainfall events. (3) Exceeding the optimal RCR threshold for some GI combinations diminished tree space and three-dimensional green volume, shifting synergies into trade-offs. (4) Three-dimensional green volume was positively correlated with reductions in Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) and CO₂ concentration, confirming its core role. (5) Rainfall boosted carbon sinks, while a significant cooling enhancement required PP. This study elucidates the water–heat–carbon synergy in small-scale GI, supporting multi-objective optimization in high-density urban renewal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Energy and Climate: Net Zero Strategies and Rapid Decarbonisation Pathways)

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27 pages, 2190 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Design Decisions to Sustainable Development: Exploring Textile and Fashion Designers’ Challenges in the Portuguese Textile and Fashion Industry

by Lívia Lara, Isabel Cabral and Joana Cunha

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2141; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042141 - 22 Feb 2026

Viewed by 781

Abstract

Textile and fashion designers play a strategic role in sustainable development within the textile chain. Several studies highlight the decision-making role of designers, emphasizing how their choices influence the entire production sector. The aim of this research is to examine how design decisions [...] Read more.

Textile and fashion designers play a strategic role in sustainable development within the textile chain. Several studies highlight the decision-making role of designers, emphasizing how their choices influence the entire production sector. The aim of this research is to examine how design decisions within the Portuguese textile and fashion industry influence the implementation of sustainable development principles by exploring designers’ perceptions, practices, and the challenges they encounter throughout the design process. To achieve the proposed goal, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 designers from the industry. The collected data were qualitatively evaluated using NVivo software, highlighting the complexity of incorporating sustainability into the design process. The findings revealed that daily challenges are primarily related to fashion business models, greenwashing, limited knowledge of raw materials and finishing processes, cost constraints, lack of transparency and traceability in the supply chain, and low consumer awareness. By examining both the conceptual understanding and practical application of sustainability in the design process, this research provides strategic lines into designers’ decision-making processes, highlights barriers to sustainable practice, and underscores the importance of design education. The study contributes to academic debate and identifies opportunities for advancing sustainable practices and circularity in the textile and fashion industry, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDGs 9, 12, and 13, to transform the current industrial and consumption models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Development Goals towards Sustainability)

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15 pages, 1204 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multiparameter Sensitivity Analysis of Farm-Level Greenhouse Gas Emission Decision Support Tool DecarbFarm Using Morris and Sobol Methods

by Katrina Muizniece, Jovita Pilecka-Ulcugaceva and Inga Grinfelde

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2140; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042140 - 22 Feb 2026

Viewed by 476

Abstract

Addressing climate change necessitates coordinated efforts across multiple sectors, with agriculture representing a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This requires sophisticated mitigation strategies at the farm level. Digital decision support tools (DSTs) tailored for this purpose play a crucial role in [...] Read more.

Addressing climate change necessitates coordinated efforts across multiple sectors, with agriculture representing a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This requires sophisticated mitigation strategies at the farm level. Digital decision support tools (DSTs) tailored for this purpose play a crucial role in accelerating farm-level decarbonization. Ensuring the reliability and accuracy of these DSTs mandates thorough model robustness validation. This study validates a farm-level GHG accounting and decarbonization DST using Sobol and Morris global sensitivity analyses to evaluate output robustness and to identify key input parameters critical for reliable mitigation planning. Both sensitivity analysis methods provide a comprehensive assessment of the tool’s robustness and highlight parameters most influencing farm-level GHG emission outcomes. Results show consistent outcomes across sensitivity approaches, reinforcing confidence in the tool’s application for emission reduction planning. The sensitivity analysis results indicate that the tool delivers reliable outcomes across various sensitivity analysis methods, thereby enhancing confidence in its suitability for decarbonization planning. Furthermore, the findings of this study provide a methodological foundation for future advancements and expanded use within the agriculture sector. This supports the DST’s effectiveness in prioritizing mitigation strategies and planning emission reduction pathways at the farm scale, while providing a transparent template to guide future tool improvements and broader agricultural applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Spatial Planning: Climate Change Challenges and Local Development)

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18 pages, 1995 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Impact of Corporate ESG Greenwashing on Sustainable Development Performance: Evidence from China

by Yifan Wang, Yujie Li, Wei Sun and Jun Yang

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2139; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042139 - 22 Feb 2026

Viewed by 1302

Abstract

Against the backdrop of China’s vigorous promotion of green and low-carbon development, this study empirically examines the impact of ESG greenwashing on corporate financial sustainable development performance, using a sample of Chinese A-share-listed companies from 2018 to 2023. Empirical results indicate that ESG [...] Read more.

Against the backdrop of China’s vigorous promotion of green and low-carbon development, this study empirically examines the impact of ESG greenwashing on corporate financial sustainable development performance, using a sample of Chinese A-share-listed companies from 2018 to 2023. Empirical results indicate that ESG greenwashing significantly undermines corporate financial sustainable development performance. Furthermore, accounting conservatism mediates the relationship between ESG greenwashing and corporate financial sustainable development performance, whereas negative external media coverage moderates it. This research provides robust theoretical and empirical support for standardizing corporate ESG practices and advancing the achievement of green sustainable development objectives. Full article

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23 pages, 4942 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Laboratory Investigation on Utilization of Alkali-Activated By-Products in Deep Soil Mixing in Silty Sands

by Önder Akçakal and Mustafa Hatipoğlu

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2138; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042138 - 22 Feb 2026

Viewed by 442

Abstract

Cement is one of the primary construction materials in ground improvement applications that employ the binder stabilization method. Due to the high carbon dioxide emissions in its production, evaluating environmentally friendly alternative binder materials is a popular research topic. Industrial by-products such as [...] Read more.

Cement is one of the primary construction materials in ground improvement applications that employ the binder stabilization method. Due to the high carbon dioxide emissions in its production, evaluating environmentally friendly alternative binder materials is a popular research topic. Industrial by-products such as fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) are alternatives to traditional cement, especially in deep soil mixing (DSM) applications, and can enhance sustainability in construction projects. Since these materials are not active when used alone, alkali activation is proposed to modify them as binding agents in ground improvement projects. This study presents the outcomes of a primary laboratory test phase for on-site applications. FA and GGBS precursors supplied by local plants, mixed with soil and activator solutions in applicable ratios, and samples were prepared for laboratory tests. Unconfined compression tests were applied with strain measurements after several curing durations, between 1 and 54 weeks. Average compression strength and modulus of elasticity values were recorded at approximately 12.3 MPa and 11.7 GPa, respectively, in samples with an average dosage. An empirical correlation between the strength and stiffness modulus was found. Strength and stiffness values were comparable to traditional materials, indicating the potential of these industrial by-products when activated under alkali conditions. The carbon footprints of cement and alkali-activated by-products were compared based on calculated CO₂-eq emissions. Full article

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22 pages, 762 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Digital Engine of Transition: Empirical Evidence on How the Digital Economy Drives High-Quality Energy Development in China

by Jiawei Li, Mingyang Li, Meng Sun and Di Li

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2137; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042137 - 22 Feb 2026

Viewed by 448

Abstract

Against the backdrop of China’s “Dual Carbon” strategy, transitioning to high-quality energy development (HQED) is imperative for balancing decarbonization with economic resilience. This study explores the transformative role of the digital economy as a primary driver of this transition. Using provincial panel data [...] Read more.

Against the backdrop of China’s “Dual Carbon” strategy, transitioning to high-quality energy development (HQED) is imperative for balancing decarbonization with economic resilience. This study explores the transformative role of the digital economy as a primary driver of this transition. Using provincial panel data from 2013 to 2023, we employ a two-way fixed effects model to quantify the impact of digital economy on high-quality energy development. Our empirical results demonstrate that the digital economy significantly bolsters high-quality energy development, a finding that holds across rigorous robustness and endogeneity checks. Mechanism analysis reveals three critical transmission pathways: fostering technological innovation, accelerating industrial structure upgrading, and promoting industrial sophistication. Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis indicates a pronounced positive effect in the Eastern and Central regions, whereas the impact in the Western region remains limited, highlighting a “digital divide” in energy transition. These findings suggest that policymakers should prioritize digital infrastructure in lagging regions and leverage digital tools to bridge the gap between industrial upgrading and energy efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Transition: Balancing Economic, Political, and Social Realities)

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23 pages, 2127 KB

Open AccessArticle

Driving Mechanisms of Structural Evolution in Intercity Tourism Information Flow Networks: An Endogenous–Exogenous Perspective

by Juan Bi, Xinyu Zuo, Ziyu Zhao and Yuxuan Li

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2136; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042136 - 22 Feb 2026

Viewed by 468

Abstract

This study investigates the evolution of the structures of China’s domestic intercity tourism information flow networks, an increasingly important issue in an information-driven society. Moving beyond prior research that primarily emphasizes urban node attributes and multidimensional distances, this study applies social network analysis [...] Read more.

This study investigates the evolution of the structures of China’s domestic intercity tourism information flow networks, an increasingly important issue in an information-driven society. Moving beyond prior research that primarily emphasizes urban node attributes and multidimensional distances, this study applies social network analysis to develop an integrated analytical framework that incorporates endogenous structural effects, exogenous network effects, node attributes, and similarity effects. Using tourism information flows in China as an empirical proxy, the study examines the mechanisms underlying the formation and persistence of intercity relationships within the country. The results indicate that the self-organization of microscopic network structures plays a significant role in both tie formation and persistence, particularly through reciprocity, cyclicity, and convergence. Notably, the effect of cyclicity reversed during the COVID-19 pandemic and changed direction from relationship formation to persistence. In addition, cultural distance (proxied by dialect distance), geographical distance, and institutional distance significantly inhibit both the formation and persistence of intercity tourism information flows. Changes in urban node scale and node similarity also exert significant influences on network evolution. This study deepens the understanding of the spatial structural dynamics of China’s domestic intercity tourism information flows and provides a conceptual basis for future research on the evolutionary mechanisms of tourism network structures within a domestic context. Its direct significance lies in promoting sustainable urban tourism development, network resilience, and adaptive governance of urban systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation and Sustainability in Urban Planning and Governance)

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13 pages, 514 KB

Open AccessArticle

Artificial Intelligence Adoption and Labour Productivity in Slovakia and the EU27: Implications for Sustainable Economic Growth

by Jaroslava Kádárová, Milan Fiľo, Dominika Sukopová and Monika Dúlová

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2135; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042135 - 22 Feb 2026

Viewed by 611

Abstract

This study analyses the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in enterprises in Slovakia in comparison with the EU27 and examines its relationship with labour productivity from the perspective of long-term economic sustainability. Using harmonised Eurostat data for the period 2021–2024, the analysis applies [...] Read more.

This study analyses the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in enterprises in Slovakia in comparison with the EU27 and examines its relationship with labour productivity from the perspective of long-term economic sustainability. Using harmonised Eurostat data for the period 2021–2024, the analysis applies descriptive statistics, gap analysis, dynamics of change, correlation analysis, and an illustrative regression model. The results show that although AI adoption in Slovakia increased across all enterprise size classes, it consistently remained below the EU27 average. Labour productivity developments in Slovakia were characterised by substantial short-term volatility and did not show a stable association with AI diffusion. Both correlation and illustrative regression results confirm the absence of an immediate statistical relationship between AI adoption and productivity at the aggregate level. These findings suggest that potential productivity improvements associated with AI adoption are likely to depend on complementary investments in organisational transformation, digital skills, and institutional capacity. The study provides empirical evidence for a small open economy within the EU and offers policy-relevant insights into how AI adoption is more likely to support long-term economic sustainability than short-term performance gain. Full article

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14 pages, 4617 KB

Open AccessArticle

Generalized Additive Model (GAM) Applied to the Analysis of Ozone Pollution in a City in Eastern China

by Wenjing Li, Weifeng Wang, Liuyan Cao, Shengjie Li, Zechen Yu and Deming Han

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2134; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042134 - 22 Feb 2026

Viewed by 560

Abstract

Ground-level ozone (O₃) pollution remains persistently high in China, despite the implementation of stringent emission controls targeting primary pollutants. However, understanding of the drivers and formation mechanisms of this secondary pollutant remains limited. Herein, comprehensive field observations of O₃ and [...] Read more.

Ground-level ozone (O₃) pollution remains persistently high in China, despite the implementation of stringent emission controls targeting primary pollutants. However, understanding of the drivers and formation mechanisms of this secondary pollutant remains limited. Herein, comprehensive field observations of O₃ and its precursors were conducted in a medium-sized city in eastern China. The average O₃ concentration was 93.60 ± 61.98 μg·m⁻³, with severe pollution accounting for 47.05% (high-temperature, low-humidity conditions). The peak O₃ concentration during pollution episodes (207.13 ± 34.93 μg·m⁻³) exceeded that of non-pollution periods (108.77 ± 43.99 μg·m⁻³) by more than twofold. A generalized additive model (GAM) was employed to identify the key drivers of O₃ pollution, revealing relative humidity (RH) (F = 36.95) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (F = 8.03) as dominant drivers. Further interaction analysis using the GAM showed synergistic effects between RH and nitric oxide (NOx) as well as the temperature (T) and NOx on O₃ evolution. O₃ formation sensitivity analysis demonstrated that O₃ production was primarily within a VOC-limited regime (VOCs/NOx < 5.5). Alkenes were found to be the most prominent component, contributing 41.20–45.38% to the in situ O₃ formation potential (OFP), especially for ethylene and acetaldehyde (>10 μg·m⁻³). The toluene/benzene ratio indicated that Taizhou’s ambient VOCs were dominated by vehicle exhaust emissions, with minor contributions from solvents, oils, and gases, and LPG volatilization, making vehicle exhaust control the core of VOC reduction. The air mass transport from the Yellow Sea also significantly affected the local O₃. This study quantifies the effects of multiple factors of summertime O₃ pollution and provides scientific support for targeted O₃ control strategies in a medium-sized city in eastern China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution: Causes, Monitoring and Sustainable Control)

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25 pages, 745 KB

Open AccessArticle

Entrepreneurial Education, Risk Perception and Self-Efficacy as Drivers of Entrepreneurial Intentions in a Sustainability Orientated Context

by Gina Ionela Butnaru, Larisa-Loredana Dragolea, Rodica Cristina Butnaru, Alexandru Anichiti and Geanina Brînză

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2133; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042133 - 21 Feb 2026

Viewed by 700

Abstract

This study analysed the role of risk perception and business self-efficacy feeling through entrepreneurial education acquired by higher specialised studies on the emergence of entrepreneurial intentions. The quantitative research method included a questionnaire measured on a Likert scale, which was used to collect [...] Read more.

This study analysed the role of risk perception and business self-efficacy feeling through entrepreneurial education acquired by higher specialised studies on the emergence of entrepreneurial intentions. The quantitative research method included a questionnaire measured on a Likert scale, which was used to collect data from high school and university students from educational institutions with an economic profile in Romania. The evaluation of the model proposed in this study and the testing of the hypotheses postulated was performed through structural equation modelling (SEM). Our findings indicated that the role of risk perception and the self-efficacy feeling acquired through entrepreneurial education have a direct positive and statistically significant impact on entrepreneurial intentions. In the context of the growing relevance of sustainability-oriented entrepreneurship, this study aims to examine how entrepreneurship education fosters sustainable entrepreneurial intentions among young people. Thus, the importance of entrepreneurial education (EE) on entrepreneurial intentions among high school and university students in Romania was confirmed. This study is to investigate how entrepreneurship education encourages sustainability-oriented entrepreneurial intents among young people in light of the growing significance of sustainable entrepreneurial intentions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Management)

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25 pages, 1006 KB

Open AccessArticle

Symbiosis and Empowerment: How Logistics Parks Drive Sustainable Development in Cross-Border Agricultural Supply Chains—A Hybrid Analysis Based on SEM-fsQCA

by Yang Yi, Gaofeng Wang, Meng Yuan, Haoyu Yang and Yuxin Wang

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2132; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042132 - 21 Feb 2026

Viewed by 579

Abstract

Logistics parks are increasingly acting as coordination hubs in cross-border agricultural supply chains (CASCs), yet evidence on how park-enabled governance mechanisms translate into sustainability remains limited. This study examines the drivers of CASC sustainability within the context of logistics parks in Henan, China, [...] Read more.

Logistics parks are increasingly acting as coordination hubs in cross-border agricultural supply chains (CASCs), yet evidence on how park-enabled governance mechanisms translate into sustainability remains limited. This study examines the drivers of CASC sustainability within the context of logistics parks in Henan, China, and assesses whether the dominant park type conditions these effects. A total of 385 valid questionnaire responses were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). SEM results show that symbiotic environment cultivation is the strongest predictor of sustainability, while interface mediation efficiency and safety also significantly support cross-border circulation. The moderating role of dominant park type is supported only for the interface and sustainability link. fsQCA further identifies three equifinal configurations leading to high sustainability, indicating that strong environmental cultivation and interface efficiency can compensate for weaker elements under certain combinations. These findings clarify how logistics parks enable economic, environmental, and social value creation in CASCs and provide actionable levers for park management and policy design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Multidimensional Synergy Measures to Achieve Sustainable Regional Socio-Economic Development)

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31 pages, 29530 KB

Open AccessArticle

Decoding Waterfront Vitality: A Space–Experience Interaction Evaluation

by Fang Zhang, Jun Zhou, Jie Wu, Xi Zhou, Ziqi Yang, Xu Wang and Zhide Wu

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2131; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042131 - 21 Feb 2026

Viewed by 662

Abstract

Waterfront recreational spaces, as key urban ecological resources, are distinctive in their scarcity and ecological fragility. Their sustainable revitalization requires evidence-based spatial planning and design. The analysis of the vitality of waterfront recreational spaces, which are characterized by the interaction between space and [...] Read more.

Waterfront recreational spaces, as key urban ecological resources, are distinctive in their scarcity and ecological fragility. Their sustainable revitalization requires evidence-based spatial planning and design. The analysis of the vitality of waterfront recreational spaces, which are characterized by the interaction between space and experience, essentially explores how human, water, and the city can coexist and thrive together. Based on the dual characteristics of vitality, this study presents a space–experience interactive evaluation system for waterfront recreational places that incorporates multi-source data. The vitality evaluation results can then be cross-validated with intuitive representations of vitality quantified using pedestrian flow data. Furthermore, this can be used to accurately calibrate the vitality gradient, identify and analyze the anomalous units, and provide insight into influencing factors and underlying mechanisms of vitality. The empirical investigation of the waterfront recreational area of Suzhou Jinji Lake Scenic Area (JLSA) demonstrates that this method can accurately identify spatial vitality distributions and effectively characterize the key elements of vitality zones at different levels. It can precisely decode the vitality of waterfront recreational spaces, providing fresh perspectives on understanding the space–experience interaction in waterfront recreational spaces and directing actions for enhancing vitality. In addition to serving as a supplement to existing research, it provides a flexible, scalable evaluation framework for a variety of waterfront contexts, supports the implementation of human-centered urban design, and offers theoretical and practical support for the sustainable development of waterfront areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Contemporary Waterfronts, What, Why and How?)

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39 pages, 6659 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multistation VAR-Based Analysis of Precipitation, Temperature, and Lake Level Interactions in the Lake Van Basin, Türkiye

by Murat Pınarlık and Ebru Burcu Yardımcı Bozdoğan

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2130; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042130 - 21 Feb 2026

Viewed by 558

Abstract

Closed-basin lakes are highly sensitive to climatic variability, yet for the Lake Van Basin (Türkiye), the dynamic and spatially heterogeneous linkages among atmospheric drivers and lake-level changes (particularly their lag structure and predictive directionality) remain insufficiently quantified in a unified multivariate setting. This [...] Read more.

Closed-basin lakes are highly sensitive to climatic variability, yet for the Lake Van Basin (Türkiye), the dynamic and spatially heterogeneous linkages among atmospheric drivers and lake-level changes (particularly their lag structure and predictive directionality) remain insufficiently quantified in a unified multivariate setting. This study examines how temperature and precipitation jointly influence hydrological behavior in the Lake Van Basin using a multi-station Vector Autoregression (VAR) framework. By integrating long-term observations from multiple meteorological stations, the analysis explicitly captures the spatial heterogeneity that characterizes this complex endorheic system and provides a consistent basis for comparing station-specific dynamics. The results show strong persistence in lake-level dynamics across specifications, with lagged lake-level coefficients of 0.2595 to 0.3685 (p < 0.01), indicating a buffered endorheic response. Temperature exhibits a highly consistent seasonal dependence across stations, reflected by a uniformly negative and significant four-month temperature lag in the temperature equations (−0.34 to −0.42, p < 0.01). Granger-causality tests further indicate robust bidirectional coupling between temperature and precipitation in all station specifications (p < 0.01 and typically p ≤ 0.05), while climate-to-lake-level linkages remain spatially heterogeneous but are statistically supported across both Tatvan-based and Gevas-based specifications (Tatvan-Tatvan: p < 0.01 for both climate variables; Tatvan-Ahlat: temperature p = 0.000; Gevas-Van, Gevas-Ercis, and Gevas-Muradiye: temperature p = 0.000 and precipitation p = 0.013, 0.008, and 0.015, respectively). Distinct station-level patterns further demonstrate that topographical differences modulate the strength and direction of climate–hydrology linkages across the basin. By providing a coherent, causally consistent understanding of these interactions and explicitly incorporating season-specific VAR and Granger-causality evidence, this study offers a transferable methodological framework for analyzing climate-sensitive lake systems and highlights the need to incorporate temperature-driven processes into water-management and climate-adaptation strategies in endorheic basins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Climate Change and Human Impact on Freshwater Water Resources: Rivers and Lakes, 2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 299 KB

Open AccessArticle

Normative Anchor or an Operational System: Where Does Palestine Stand in CEDAW Ratification with Regard to Employment?

by Asma Mohammad Hannoon and Feyza Bhatti

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2129; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042129 - 21 Feb 2026

Viewed by 1216

Abstract

Although Palestine ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 2014 without reservations, women’s labour-force participation has remained largely stagnant over the past fifteen years, fluctuating between 16% and 20%, raising critical questions about the operational [...] Read more.

Although Palestine ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 2014 without reservations, women’s labour-force participation has remained largely stagnant over the past fifteen years, fluctuating between 16% and 20%, raising critical questions about the operational effectiveness of international gender-equality commitments. Focusing on Article 11 of CEDAW, this study adopts a mixed-methods design that integrates administrative labour-force statistics, a survey of 529 economically active women, and qualitative evidence from key-informant interviews, legal texts, and policy documents. Quantitative findings reveal a systematic divergence between symbolic awareness of CEDAW and actionable knowledge of Article 11, with substantially higher levels of informed awareness among respondents engaged through authoritative institutional or civil-society channels. Qualitative evidence further demonstrates that labour-market reforms associated with Article 11 have been uneven and selective, constrained by weak enforcement capacity, fragmented institutional coordination, and employer cost-avoidance practices, particularly in the private sector. Taken together, the findings indicate that CEDAW ratification in Palestine has functioned primarily as a normative anchor rather than as an operational driver of labour-market transformation. By situating these findings within the Sustainable Development Goals framework, the study contributes to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work) by demonstrating how rights awareness and enforcement credibility condition women’s employment outcomes, while highlighting the central role of institutional coordination and civil-society mediation in line with SDG 17. The study advances debates on treaty implementation by showing that, in fragile governance contexts, progress toward gender-equality targets depends less on formal legal adoption and more on the institutional pathways through which rights are translated into practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Development Goals towards Sustainability)

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