Sustainability

26 pages, 3786 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of an Integrated DEMATEL-ISM-BN and Gray Clustering Model to Budget Quota Consumption Analysis in High-Standard Farmland Projects

by Jiaze Li, Xuenan Li, Kun Han and Chunsheng Li

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7204; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167204 - 8 Aug 2025

Abstract

To overcome the absence of a standardized budget quota system for high-standard farmland projects and the resultant extended compilation cycles and high workloads, this study systematically analyzes quota consumption and innovatively proposes an integrated DEMATEL-ISM-BN and gray clustering analytical model. Through a literature [...] Read more.

To overcome the absence of a standardized budget quota system for high-standard farmland projects and the resultant extended compilation cycles and high workloads, this study systematically analyzes quota consumption and innovatively proposes an integrated DEMATEL-ISM-BN and gray clustering analytical model. Through a literature review and engineering feature analysis, a hierarchical factor system was established, encompassing six dimensions (environmental, technical, labor, machinery, material, and management) and 24 indicators. The DEMATEL-ISM method quantified factor weights and structured them into a five-level hierarchy, while Bayesian networks (BNs) enabled probabilistic productivity predictions (29% conservative, 45% moderate, and 26% advanced). Gray clustering was integrated to derive a comprehensive representative consumption value, and validation across six regions demonstrated a comprehensive productivity index of 0.986 (CV = 2.6%) for 17 earthwork projects, confirming model robustness. This research constructs a standardized “factor structure analysis–probabilistic deduction–regional clustering” framework, providing a theoretical foundation for precise budget compilation in high-standard farmland and proposing a novel methodological paradigm for quota consumption research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction Management Practices and Productivity (2nd Edition))

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18 pages, 7166 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contrasting Reaction of Dissolved Organic Matter with Birnessite Induced by Humic and Fulvic Acids in Flooded Paddy Soil

by Xiangbiao Zhang, Xin Zhou, Yanyue Ma, Wenjin Zhang, Ruihua Zhang and Weiwei Zhai

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7203; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167203 - 8 Aug 2025

Abstract

Manganese (Mn) oxides exhibit significant potential to either stabilize or destabilize soil organic carbon (SOC) through the polymerization and/or oxidation of organic molecules via organo-mineral interactions. Birnessite (MnO₂) is known to strongly interact with soil dissolved organic matter (DOM), which is [...] Read more.

Manganese (Mn) oxides exhibit significant potential to either stabilize or destabilize soil organic carbon (SOC) through the polymerization and/or oxidation of organic molecules via organo-mineral interactions. Birnessite (MnO₂) is known to strongly interact with soil dissolved organic matter (DOM), which is DOM composition-dependent. Humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) are commonly used as organic fertilizers in soils. In this study, the contrasting reaction of DOM with birnessite in flooded paddy soil with HA and FA amendment was investigated at a molecular level. The results demonstrated that HA amendment enhanced the reaction of phenolic compounds in soil DOM with birnessite, leading to the formation of condensed aromatic compounds and polymeric products (PP) with higher molecular weights and aromaticity. This suggests that HA amendment enhances the birnessite-induced polymerization of soil DOM. In contrast, FA facilitated the birnessite-induced oxidation of soil DOM, yielding dicarboxylic acids (DA), monocarboxylic acids (MA), and quinones products (QP). These findings demonstrate that the reactivity of soil DOM with birnessite is significantly influenced by the composition of DOM exogenously added. This study provides comprehensive understandings of the interactions among Mn and C and helps to predict behaviors of DOM molecules in flooded paddy soil, which is critical for optimizing sustainable soil management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil Conservation and Sustainability)

27 pages, 17291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of a Modeling Framework to Mitigate Ozone Pollution in Changzhou, Yangtze River Delta Region

by Zhihui Kong, Chuchu Chen, Jiong Fang, Ling Huang, Hui Chen, Jiani Tan, Yangjun Wang, Li Li and Miao Ning

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7202; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167202 - 8 Aug 2025

Abstract

Ozone pollution in densely populated urban regions poses a great threat to public health, due to the intensive anthropogenic emissions of ozone precursors and is further aggravated by global warming and the urban heat island phenomenon. Air quality models have been utilized to [...] Read more.

Ozone pollution in densely populated urban regions poses a great threat to public health, due to the intensive anthropogenic emissions of ozone precursors and is further aggravated by global warming and the urban heat island phenomenon. Air quality models have been utilized to formulate and evaluate air pollution control strategies. This study presents a comprehensive modeling assessment of ozone mitigation strategies during an ozone pollution episode in Changzhou, an industrial city in the Yangtze River Delta region. Utilizing the Community Multiscale Air Quality Modeling System (CMAQ), we quantified the contribution of ozone from different emission sectors and counties within Changzhou using the integrated source apportionment method (ISAM). During the pollution period, local emissions within Changzhou account for an average of 41.5% of MDA8 ozone, with particularly notable contributions from Jingkai (11.2%), Wujin (9.5%), and Liyang (7.8%). Upon these findings, we evaluated three sets of emission reduction scenarios: uniform, sector-specific, and county-specific reductions. Results show that industry and transportation are responsible for over 20% of ozone concentrations, and targeted reductions in these sources yielded the most significant decreases in ozone levels. Notably, reducing industrial emissions alone decreased ozone concentrations by 3.2 μg m⁻³ during the pollution episode. County-specific reductions revealed the importance of targeted strategies, with certain counties showing more pronounced responses to emission controls. On a daily basis, emission reductions in Xinbei contributed to a maximum ozone decrease of 4.4 μg m⁻³. This study provides valuable insights into the efficacy of different mitigation measures in Changzhou and offers a practical and useful framework for policymakers to implement strategies while addressing the complexities of urban air quality management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pollution Prevention, Mitigation and Sustainability)

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25 pages, 3399 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Extraction of Aquaculture Ponds Under Complex Surface Conditions Based on Deep Learning and Remote Sensing Indices

by Weirong Qin, Mohd Hasmadi Ismail, Mohammad Firuz Ramli, Junlin Deng and Ning Wu

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7201; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167201 - 8 Aug 2025

Abstract

The extraction of water surfaces and aquaculture targets from remote sensing imagery has been challenging for operations under different regions and conditions, especially since the model parameters must be optimized manually. This study addresses the requirement for large-scale monitoring of global aquaculture using [...] Read more.

The extraction of water surfaces and aquaculture targets from remote sensing imagery has been challenging for operations under different regions and conditions, especially since the model parameters must be optimized manually. This study addresses the requirement for large-scale monitoring of global aquaculture using the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform to extract high-accuracy, long-term data series of water surfaces such as aquaculture ponds. A Composite Water Index (CWI) method is proposed to distinguish water surfaces from non-water surfaces with remote sensing data recorded with Sentinel-2 satellite, thereby minimizing manual intervention in aquaculture management. The CWI approach is implemented based on three index algorithms of remote sensing analysis such as the Water Index (WI), the Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) and the Automated Water Extraction Index with Shadow (AWEIsh). The values of the three index methods are obtained from 1000 grid points extracted with an overlaid map with three layers. A ternary regression method is then introduced to generate the coefficients of CWI. Experimental results show that the classification accuracy of the WI is higher than that of the MNDWI and the AWEIsh, leading to a more significant coefficient weight in the ternary regression. When different numbers of mean distribution points are used to calculate the indices, it is found that the highest R² value can be achieved when using the coefficient value corresponding to 600 points, and an accuracy of 94% can be achieved by the CWI method for water surface classification. The CWI algorithm can also be used to monitor the change in aquaculture ponds in Johor, Malaysia; it was discovered that the total aquaculture area has expanded by 23.27 km from 2016 to 2023. This study provides a potential means for long-term observation and tracking of changes in aquaculture ponds and water surfaces, as well as water management and water protection. Specifically, the proposed Composite Water Index (CWI) model achieved a mean mIoU of 0.84 and an overall pixel accuracy (oPA) of 0.94, which significantly outperformed WI (mIoU = 0.79), MNDWI (mIoU = 0.75), and AWEIsh (mIoU = 0.77), with p-values < 0.01. These improvements demonstrate the robustness and statistical superiority of the proposed approach in aquaculture pond extraction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of GIS and Remote Sensing in the Sustainable Development of Environmental, Ecological and Hydrological Monitoring)

22 pages, 3003 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Multiscale Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity of Ecosystem Service Trade-Offs/Synergies and Bundles and Socioecological Drivers in the Yangtze River Delta Region of China

by Zhimin Zhang, Yachao Chang and Chongchong Yao

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7200; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167200 - 8 Aug 2025

Abstract

A comprehensive exploration of the trade-offs/synergies and drivers of ecosystem services (ESs) is essential for formulating ecological plans. However, owing to the limited attention given to multiple scales, the relationship of ESs still needs to be further explored. Taking the Yangtze River Delta [...] Read more.

A comprehensive exploration of the trade-offs/synergies and drivers of ecosystem services (ESs) is essential for formulating ecological plans. However, owing to the limited attention given to multiple scales, the relationship of ESs still needs to be further explored. Taking the Yangtze River Delta region of China as the study area, a multiscale data framework with a 1 km grid and 10 km grid and county was established, and six ESs were evaluated for 2000, 2010, and 2020. Then, the trade-offs and synergies between ESs were explored by Spearman’s correlation analysis and geographically weighted regression (GWR), and the ecosystem service bundles (ESBs) were identified by self-organizing maps (SOMs). Finally, the socioecological drivers of ESs were further analyzed via GeoDetector. The results showed that (1) the distribution of ESs exhibited spatial heterogeneity. (2) At the grid scale, there were very strong trade-off effects between crop production and the other ESs. The synergistic effects between ESs at the county level were further strengthened. (3) The ESBs identified at different temporal and spatial scales were different. (4) Land use had the strongest explanatory power for all the ESs. At the grid scale, climatic and biophysical factors had great impacts on ESs, whereas population density and night light remote sensing had significant impacts on crop production, carbon storage, and water yield at the county scale. Full article

20 pages, 622 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Corporate Environmental Responsibility in Driving Sustainability-Oriented Employee Engagement: A Moderated Mediation Model

by Xin Wang, Wenxiu Hu, Mudan Ren, Yazhou Liu and Xinli Yu

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7199; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167199 - 8 Aug 2025

Abstract

With growing public concern over environmental issues, organizations are facing increasing pressure to demonstrate a genuine and measurable commitment to environmental sustainability. In this context, understanding how corporate environmental responsibility (CER) shapes employee engagement (EE) is essential. This understanding helps align organizational behavior [...] Read more.

With growing public concern over environmental issues, organizations are facing increasing pressure to demonstrate a genuine and measurable commitment to environmental sustainability. In this context, understanding how corporate environmental responsibility (CER) shapes employee engagement (EE) is essential. This understanding helps align organizational behavior with both internal goals and broader societal expectations. Although the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on EE has been widely studied, the specific role of CER—a key subdimension of CSR—remains underexplored. To address this gap, we developed a moderated mediation model grounded in social exchange theory, social identity theory, and signaling theory. This model aims to reveal how CER influences EE and through which mechanisms. Based on survey data from 418 employees in large Chinese manufacturing firms, our results show that perceived CER significantly enhances EE. This effect occurs primarily through the strengthening of organizational pride. Furthermore, online media coverage reinforces the relationship between perceived CER and organizational pride. It also amplifies the indirect impact of perceived CER on EE via this pride. These findings contribute to the corporate sustainability literature by showing how credible and visible environmental actions can enhance employee alignment and engagement. Practical implications are discussed for organizations seeking to connect managerial priorities with society’s call for transparent and authentic environmental initiatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Sustainability, Society, and Businesses: Public and Managerial Opinions on Environmental Issues)

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19 pages, 4568 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Carbon Dioxide Fertilization Effects Offset the Vegetation GPP Losses of Woodland Ecosystems Due to Surface Ozone Damage in China

by Qinyi Wang, Leigang Sun, Shaoqiang Wang, Bin Chen, Zhenhai Liu, Shiliang Chen, Tingyu Li, Yuelin Li and Mei Huang

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7198; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167198 - 8 Aug 2025

Abstract

Air pollution and climate change pose an increasingly serious threat to the sustainable development of terrestrial forest ecosystems. Extensive research in China has focused on single environmental factors, such as ozone, carbon dioxide, and climate change, but the multifactor interactions remain poorly understood. [...] Read more.

Air pollution and climate change pose an increasingly serious threat to the sustainable development of terrestrial forest ecosystems. Extensive research in China has focused on single environmental factors, such as ozone, carbon dioxide, and climate change, but the multifactor interactions remain poorly understood. Here, we coupled the interactions of climate change, elevated CO₂ concentration, and increasing O₃ into the BEPS_O₃ model. The gross primary production (GPP) simulated by the BEPS_O₃ is verified at site scale by using the eddy covariance (EC) derived gross primary production data in China. We then investigated the impact of ozone and CO₂ fertilization on woodland ecosystem gross primary production in the context of climate change during 2001–2020 over China. The results of multi-scenario simulations indicate that the gross primary production of woodland ecosystems will increase by 1–5% due to elevated CO₂. However, increased ozone pollution will result in a gross primary production loss of approximately 8–9%. In the historical climate, under the combined effects of CO₂ and O₃, the effect of ozone on gross primary production will be mitigated by CO₂ to 4–7%. In most areas, the effect of ozone on woodland ecosystems is higher than that of CO₂ on vegetation photosynthesis, but CO₂ gradually counteracts the effect of ozone on the ecosystem. Our simulation study provides a reference for assessing the interactive responses to climate change, and advances our understanding of the interactions of global change agents over time. In addition, the comparison of individual and combined models will provide an important basis for national emission reduction strategies as well as O₃ regulation and climate adaptation in different regions. This also provides a data reference for China’s sustainable development policies. Full article

25 pages, 1449 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Co-Creating Sustainability Interventions in Practice—Coping with Constitutive Challenges of Transdisciplinary Collaboration in Living Labs

by Werner König, Lisa Schwarz and Sabine Löbbe

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7197; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167197 - 8 Aug 2025

Abstract

Sustainability research in Living Labs promises innovation through real-world experimentation. These settings require the integration of key design principles—such as participation, co-creation, and real-life application—into everyday research. Yet collaboration among diverse actors is often accompanied by persistent tensions and conflicts. This study examines [...] Read more.

Sustainability research in Living Labs promises innovation through real-world experimentation. These settings require the integration of key design principles—such as participation, co-creation, and real-life application—into everyday research. Yet collaboration among diverse actors is often accompanied by persistent tensions and conflicts. This study examines a Living Lab project embedded in the net-zero transformation of a corporate city. It focuses on identifying and explaining key challenges in the daily collaboration between academic and non-academic actors, as well as the strategies used to cope with them. Following a qualitative approach, data were generated through twenty in-depth interviews and participant observations. We identify uncertainties, frustrations, overload, tensions, conflicts, and disengagement as recurring reactions in transdisciplinary collaboration. These are traced back to the following five underlying proto-challenges: (1) divergent interpretations of Living Lab concepts, (2) conflicting views on sustainability interventions, (3) difficulties in role positioning, (4) processes of instrumentalisation and over-identification, and (5) the embedded complexities of Living Lab governance. By linking these findings to Institutional Theory and Paradox Theory, we argue that the proto-challenges are not merely contingent barriers but constitutive tensions—implicitly inscribed into the normative design of Living Lab research and essential to engage with for advancing collaborative sustainability efforts. Full article

17 pages, 1876 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermography and Lighting Systems Methodology to Promote Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Awareness

by Estefanía García-Peralo, Manuel Rodríguez-Martín and Pablo Rodríguez-Gonzálvez

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7196; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167196 - 8 Aug 2025

Abstract

This work presents a system that integrates infrared thermography with two specially designed devices to enhance learning and promote sustainability awareness among 14-year-old secondary school students in Spain. An experimental and a control group were included in an experimental research design. While the [...] Read more.

This work presents a system that integrates infrared thermography with two specially designed devices to enhance learning and promote sustainability awareness among 14-year-old secondary school students in Spain. An experimental and a control group were included in an experimental research design. While the control group attended conventional problem-solving classes, the experimental group participated in practical exercises utilizing thermographic cameras and two custom-built devices. Pretests and post-tests were administered to evaluate students’ theoretical and practical understanding of infrared radiation, physics, sustainability, and energy efficiency. A gender-based stratified analysis was conducted to investigate the possible impact of gender on learning outcomes and to obtain information for encouraging female participation in STEM professions to guarantee objective results. The results revealed statistically significant improvements in post-test scores compared to pretest results, demonstrating enhanced learning outcomes. The experimental group outperformed the control group, confirming the effectiveness of the innovative proposed methodology for learning complex scientific concepts. Additionally, students in the experimental group displayed high levels of curiosity, intrinsic motivation, and satisfaction, as observed through participant observation and a perception survey. While the survey indicated favorable responses regarding satisfaction, self-confidence, and learning, scalability received mixed opinions, potentially due to limited student familiarity with thermography’s broader applications. Overall, these findings underscore the potential of thermography as a powerful educational tool to improve scientific literacy and sustainability awareness. Future research should expand on this approach, exploring applications emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills while leveraging thermographic technology to promote interdisciplinary learning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Education and Approaches)

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23 pages, 469 KiB

Open AccessReview

Enhancing the Emissions Trading System for Kazakhstan’s Decarbonization

by Bolatbek Khussain, Nursultan Zhumatay, Abzal Kenessary and Ramazan Mussin

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7195; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167195 - 8 Aug 2025

Abstract

Kazakhstan, a fossil-fuel-dependent economy, faces growing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining industrial competitiveness. Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCS/CCUS) technologies offer a viable pathway for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors, particularly in power generation, metallurgy, and oil and gas processing. This paper [...] Read more.

Kazakhstan, a fossil-fuel-dependent economy, faces growing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining industrial competitiveness. Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCS/CCUS) technologies offer a viable pathway for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors, particularly in power generation, metallurgy, and oil and gas processing. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the state of CCS/CCUS technologies globally and examines their applicability within Kazakhstan. The study also explores long-term CO₂ storage mechanisms and monitoring frameworks, with attention to carbon leakage risks and the importance of addressing methane emissions. A critical part of the analysis is dedicated to Kazakhstan’s Emissions Trading System, identifying its current limitations such as low carbon prices, and limited sectoral coverage, and outlining practical reforms to enhance its role in supporting CCS/CCUS and broader decarbonization efforts. The integration of CCS/CCUS with a strengthened ETS, combined with access to international climate finance instruments and voluntary carbon markets, is proposed as a key strategy for Kazakhstan’s transition to a low-carbon economy. By linking engineering innovation with targeted policy interventions, this study offers a dual-perspective contribution. It not only provides technical insights into CCS/CCUS technologies but also presents policy recommendations that are specifically tailored to Kazakhstan’s context. The findings reinforce the role of CCS/CCUS as a crucial component of national climate strategy and industrial transformation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimising Air Quality and Health Benefits of Transport Decarbonisation)

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29 pages, 1979 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Evolutionary Game Study of Multi-Agent Collaborative Disaster Relief Mechanisms for Agricultural Natural Disasters in China

by Panke Zhang, Nan Li and Hong Han

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7194; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167194 - 8 Aug 2025

Abstract

Natural disasters in agriculture considerably threaten food security and the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy. With the rapid development of new approaches in organizing agricultural production, traditional disaster relief mechanisms are encountering new adaptive dilemmas. Particularly, the active participation of farmers in [...] Read more.

Natural disasters in agriculture considerably threaten food security and the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy. With the rapid development of new approaches in organizing agricultural production, traditional disaster relief mechanisms are encountering new adaptive dilemmas. Particularly, the active participation of farmers in disaster relief is remarkably insufficient in the context of the reduction in the proportion of agricultural production income. Thus, it is urgent to establish a modernized agricultural disaster relief synergy mechanism. In this study, an agricultural disaster relief synergistic model was constructed with the participation of the government, agricultural service enterprises, and farmers based on the evolutionary game theory, and the strategy interaction law of each subject and its evolution path was systematically analyzed. The following results were revealed: First, the government, agricultural service enterprises, and farmers tended toward an equilibrium state under three different modes. Second, the cost of farmers’ concern and complaint behavior was the crucial driving factor of the three-party synergy. Third, the increasing cost of agricultural service enterprises’ participation in disaster relief significantly affected the evolution path of the system. Additionally, a three-dimensional synergistic optimization path of “incentive-constraint-information” was proposed, laying a quantitative foundation for improving the agricultural disaster relief mechanism and promoting the transition from “passive emergency response” to “active synergy”. This research is of great practical significance to improve the resilience of agricultural disaster response and resource allocation efficiency. Full article

26 pages, 11751 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Spatiotemporal Pattern Evolution Characteristics and Affecting Factors for Collaborative Agglomeration of the Yellow River Basin’s Tourism and Cultural Industries

by Yihan Chi and Yongheng Fang

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7193; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167193 - 8 Aug 2025

Abstract

Seeking to advance mutual clustering of the tourism economy and cultural industries while safeguarding cultural sustainability in tourism, this paper delves into the patterns of co-development and the contributing forces across spatial and temporal dimensions in the Yellow River Basin. Using a combined [...] Read more.

Seeking to advance mutual clustering of the tourism economy and cultural industries while safeguarding cultural sustainability in tourism, this paper delves into the patterns of co-development and the contributing forces across spatial and temporal dimensions in the Yellow River Basin. Using a combined spatial and temporal analytical lens, along with spatial autocorrelation testing and a spatial Durbin model embedded in a synergetic systems approach, the present study analyzes the evolutionary characteristics of the spatiotemporal pattern of the collaborative agglomeration of the Yellow River Basin’s tourism and cultural industries in 2011 and 2021 and the internal mechanism of its influencing factors. We then propose countermeasures and suggestions to boost the quality–efficiency synergy agglomeration of the basin’s tourism and cultural industries. The results showed the following: ① From 2011 to 2021, a positive overall spatial autocorrelation was noted in the basin’s tourism and cultural industries. Temporally, it presented a variation trend of “rise–fall–rise”, and spatially, it presented a distribution characteristic of “higher in the central and eastern regions versus in its western parts”. ② From 2011 to 2021, the local spatial autocorrelation (LSA) of the basin’s tourism and cultural industries remained at a low level. Moreover, significant differences were noted in the LSA among different regions. In spatial terms, the clustering intensity of tourism and cultural industries was stronger in the central and eastern parts of the basin versus in its western parts. ③ Influencing variables for tourism–culture collaborative agglomeration across the basin involve both temporal superposition effects and spatial radiation driving effects. The industrial economy, policies, and innovation exert enduring effects on the development and cross-regional spillover outcomes of the two collaborative agglomerations. Serving as a theoretical reference and policy resource, this study addresses how to promote the quality–efficiency synergy in the Yellow River Basin’s tourism and cultural industries while enhancing cultural sustainability in the tourism industry. Moreover, it can also provide experiences and references for other similar regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural Sustainability in Tourism: Preserving Local Traditions and Heritage While Encouraging Responsible Travel for Sustainable Local Development)

22 pages, 3082 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hybrid Forecasting for Sustainable Electricity Demand in The Netherlands Using SARIMAX, SARIMAX-LSTM, and Sequence-to-Sequence Deep Learning Models

by Duaa Ashtar, Seyed Sahand Mohammadi Ziabari and Ali Mohammed Mansoor Alsahag

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7192; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167192 - 8 Aug 2025

Abstract

Accurate forecasting is essential for effective energy management, particularly in evolving and data-driven electricity markets. To address the increasing complexity of national energy planning in The Netherlands, this study proposes a hybrid multi-stage forecasting framework to improve both short- and long-term electricity demand [...] Read more.

Accurate forecasting is essential for effective energy management, particularly in evolving and data-driven electricity markets. To address the increasing complexity of national energy planning in The Netherlands, this study proposes a hybrid multi-stage forecasting framework to improve both short- and long-term electricity demand predictions. We compare three model types, classical statistical (SARIMAX), hybrid statistical–deep learning (SARIMAX–LSTM), and deep learning (sequence-to-sequence), across forecasting horizons from 1 to 180 days. The models are trained on daily load data from ENTSO-E (2009–2023), incorporating exogenous variables such as weather conditions, energy prices, and socioeconomic indicators, as well as engineered temporal features such as calendar effects, seasonal patterns, and rolling demand statistics. Three feature configurations were tested: exogenous-only, generated-only, and a combined set. Internally generated features consistently outperformed exogenous inputs, especially for long-term forecasts. The sequence-to-sequence model achieved the highest accuracy at the 180-day horizon, with a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of approximately 1.88%, outperforming both SARIMAX and the SARIMAX–LSTM hybrid models. An additional SARIMAX-based analysis assessed the individual effects of renewable and socioeconomic indicators. Renewable energy production improved short-term accuracy (MAPE reduced from 2.13% to 1.09%) but contributed little to long-term forecasting. Socioeconomic variables had limited predictive value and, in some cases, slightly reduced accuracy, particularly over long-term horizons. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Strategies for Net-Zero Carbon Cities Integrating Renewable Energy, Smart Infrastructure and Circular Economy Models)

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22 pages, 974 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Demand Information Sharing in Building Material Supply Chain Considering Competing Manufacturers’ Greening Efforts

by Tao Sui, Hengyi Zhang and Qilong He

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7191; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167191 - 8 Aug 2025

Abstract

The environmental pollution problem caused by the construction industry has been paid attention to by scholars. However, few existing studies on supply chain management explore the interplay between information-sharing strategies and green-effort strategies in a green building materials supply chain. This study explores [...] Read more.

The environmental pollution problem caused by the construction industry has been paid attention to by scholars. However, few existing studies on supply chain management explore the interplay between information-sharing strategies and green-effort strategies in a green building materials supply chain. This study explores green building materials design and information-sharing dynamics in a supply chain consisting of a common building enterprise and two competing building materials manufacturers. The building enterprise decides whether to share demand information with manufacturers, who then determine product greenness, while the building enterprise determines the retail price. The findings reveal that information sharing has dual effects on manufacturers’ profitability, depending on competitive dynamics and demand sensitivity to building materials greenness. Additionally, the interplay between information sharing and green design strategies highlights the importance of aligning product design decisions with optimal information-sharing practices. While information sharing consistently improves environmental performance in a bilateral monopoly system where a single manufacturer provides building materials to a single building enterprise, it can induce adverse environmental outcomes in competitive scenarios. These results provide actionable guidance for developing green supply chain strategies that balance economic and environmental goals. Full article

20 pages, 6061 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bridging the Gap: Forecasting China’s Dual-Carbon Talent Crisis and Strategic Pathways for Higher Education

by Shanshan Li, Shoubin Li, Jing Li, Liang Yuan and Jichao Geng

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7190; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167190 - 8 Aug 2025

Abstract

China’s carbon peak and neutrality transition is critically constrained by the severe talent shortage and structural inefficiencies in higher education. This study systematically investigates the current status of “dual-carbon” talent cultivation and demand in China, leveraging annual “dual-carbon” talent cultivation data from universities [...] Read more.

China’s carbon peak and neutrality transition is critically constrained by the severe talent shortage and structural inefficiencies in higher education. This study systematically investigates the current status of “dual-carbon” talent cultivation and demand in China, leveraging annual “dual-carbon” talent cultivation data from universities nationwide. By applying the GM(1,1)-ARIMA hybrid forecasting model, it projects future national “dual-carbon” talent demand. Key findings reveal significant regional disparities in talent cultivation, with a pronounced mismatch between industrial demands and academic supply, particularly in interdisciplinary roles pivotal to decarbonization processes. Forecast results indicate an exponential growth in postgraduate talent demand, outpacing undergraduate demand, thereby underscoring the urgency of advancing high-end technological research and development. Through empirical analysis and innovative modeling, this study uncovers the structural contradictions between “dual-carbon” talent cultivation and market demands in China, providing critical decision-making insights to address the bottleneck of carbon-neutral talent development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Education for Sustainable Development and Science Teaching)

21 pages, 10891 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Ecosystem Services Production Efficiency by Optimizing Resource Allocation in 130 Cities of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, China

by Wenyue Hou, Xiangyu Zheng, Tao Liang, Xincong Liu and Hengyu Pan

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7189; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167189 - 8 Aug 2025

Abstract

China has adopted extensive restoration practices to improve ecosystem function. The efficiency of these restoration efforts remains unclear, which may hinder the supply of ecosystem services (ESs). In this context, this study first employed InVEST models to clarify spatio-temporal changes in five key [...] Read more.

China has adopted extensive restoration practices to improve ecosystem function. The efficiency of these restoration efforts remains unclear, which may hinder the supply of ecosystem services (ESs). In this context, this study first employed InVEST models to clarify spatio-temporal changes in five key ESs. The static and dynamic efficiencies of ecosystem service production in 130 cities from 2015 to 2021 in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) were then measured using the Super-SBM-Malmquist model, with ESs considered as outputs. The results indicated that water conservation (WC), water purification (WP), and soil retention (SR) exhibited overall declining trends, decreasing by 28.32%, 3.22%, and 10.00%, respectively, while carbon storage (CS) and habitat quality (HQ) remained steady. More than 70% of studied cities exhibited static efficiency levels below 50%, which were attributed to inefficient utilization of labor, capital, and technology. Significant spatial heterogeneity was observed, with high-efficiency cities mainly located in mountainous areas and low-efficiency cities concentrated in flat regions. The downward trend in dynamic efficiency has been reversed from a 39.02% decline in 2015–2018 to a 38.31% increase in 2018–2021, despite being adversely affected by technological regression. Finally, several policy implications are proposed, including optimizing resource allocation, introducing advanced technology and setting the intercity cooperation and complementarity mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Impact Assessment and Sustainable Conservation of Urban Ecology)

22 pages, 2060 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Treatment of Crude Oil-in-Saline Water Emulsion with Licuri (Syagrus coronata) Leaf Fiber

by Pedro Victor Bomfim Bahia, Guilherme Augusto Ferreira, Artur José Santos Mascarenhas, Fabiana da Silva Castro, Roger Thomas François Fréty and Rosangela Regia Lima Vidal

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7188; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167188 - 8 Aug 2025

Abstract

Due to the toxicity of produced water, which is characterized as crude oil-in-water emulsions, strategies are required to decrease its potential hazard before its disposal into the environment. This work employs a raw biosorbent, licuri leaf fiber (LLF), to enable the discharge of [...] Read more.

Due to the toxicity of produced water, which is characterized as crude oil-in-water emulsions, strategies are required to decrease its potential hazard before its disposal into the environment. This work employs a raw biosorbent, licuri leaf fiber (LLF), to enable the discharge of produced water emulsions into the sea, following a reduction in oil concentration by sorption to levels below current regulatory limits. LLF with a BET area of 0.07 m² g⁻¹ was characterized by SEM/EDS, FTIR, and TGA before and after crude oil sorption. The results obtained from batch experiments showed that the sorption capacity increased when oil concentration in the emulsion varied from 20 to 100 mg L⁻¹ and decreased when temperature increased from 300 to 320 K. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model fitted the experimental data for the emulsions with higher oil concentration. The Freundlich model gave the best fit for the sorption isotherm data. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that oil sorption is exothermic, spontaneous, and less random, controlled by physisorption. At 300 K, raw LLF can remove crude oil from emulsions with an oil concentration less than or equal to 100 mg L⁻¹ below the current environmental standards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials and Processes for Wastewater Treatment)

23 pages, 2740 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Bitumen Modification Using Bio-Based Adhesion Promoters

by Volodymyr Gunka, Olha Poliak, Yurii Hrynchuk, Vitalii Stadnik, Yuriy Demchuk, Khrystyna Besaha, Andrii Galkin and Yan Pyrig

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7187; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167187 - 8 Aug 2025

Abstract

The growing emphasis on sustainable road construction has stimulated interest in environmentally friendly bitumen modifiers. This study presents the development of biodegradable adhesion promoters synthesized via the amidation of renewable raw materials (rapeseed oil and higher fatty acids) with polyethylene polyamine. The main [...] Read more.

The growing emphasis on sustainable road construction has stimulated interest in environmentally friendly bitumen modifiers. This study presents the development of biodegradable adhesion promoters synthesized via the amidation of renewable raw materials (rapeseed oil and higher fatty acids) with polyethylene polyamine. The main objective was to improve bitumen–aggregate adhesion while maintaining the essential physico-mechanical and rheological properties of the bitumen. The synthesized bio-based adhesion promoters were incorporated into penetration-grade bitumen at a dosage of 0.4 wt.%. Physico-mechanical testing confirmed that their inclusion does not significantly affect the fundamental properties of the bitumen, while substantially enhancing adhesion to both glass and mineral aggregates. Rheological analysis showed that the rapeseed oil-based adhesion promoter had minimal influence on viscoelastic behavior. In contrast, the fatty acid-based promoter increased the rutting resistance parameter (|G*|/sinδ) and decreased the phase angle (δ), indicating improved resistance to permanent deformation. FTIR spectroscopy further revealed that the fatty acid-based adhesion promoter significantly reduced the formation of carbonyl groups during short-term aging, suggesting a retardation in oxidative aging and potential rejuvenating effects. In conclusion, the proposed bio-based adhesion promoters, derived from renewable sources and fully biodegradable, represent a promising solution for enhancing bitumen performance and supporting the durability and sustainability of asphalt pavements. Full article

20 pages, 10013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Security-by-Design into Sustainable Urban Planning for Safer, More Accessible, and Livable Public Spaces

by Serena Orlandi, Danila Longo and Beatrice Turillazzi

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7186; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167186 - 8 Aug 2025

Abstract

This paper investigates how security-by-design principles can be integrated into urban planning to achieve a balance between protective measures and the openness, accessibility, and aesthetic quality of public spaces. Addressing a current gap in urban design practice, we introduce a new evaluative framework—the [...] Read more.

This paper investigates how security-by-design principles can be integrated into urban planning to achieve a balance between protective measures and the openness, accessibility, and aesthetic quality of public spaces. Addressing a current gap in urban design practice, we introduce a new evaluative framework—the SAFE-CITIES “Atlas 4 Safe Public Spaces”—that embeds European policy guidelines, CPTED concepts, and New European Bauhaus values into an integrated security-by-design assessing tool. Drawing on the Horizon Europe SAFE-CITIES project (Grant Agreement No. 101073945), the research combines theoretical insights from EU policy documents and design principles with a comparative analysis of two case studies (Barcelona and Copenhagen) to inform practical strategies for integrating safety considerations into the design process. This approach identifies key operational principles that illustrate how safety measures—if considered from the early-stage planning—can be integrated without compromising openness and livability of public, illustrating how early-stage planning can incorporate security measures while sustaining social interaction and community life. Overall, the findings show that safety can be built into public space design from the outset, reinforcing community engagement and resilience, and the proposed Atlas framework offers planners a concrete tool to align security objectives with on-the-ground urban design practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)

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