Journal Description
Sustainability
Sustainability
is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal on environmental, cultural, economic, and social sustainability of human beings, published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) and Urban Land Institute (ULI) are affiliated with Sustainability and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE and SSCI (Web of Science), GEOBASE, GeoRef, Inspec, AGRIS, RePEc, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Environmental Studies) / CiteScore - Q1 (Geography, Planning and Development)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 19.3 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.4 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2025).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Sustainability.
- Companion journals for Sustainability include: World, Sustainable Chemistry, Conservation, Future Transportation, Architecture, Standards, Merits, Bioresources and Bioproducts and Accounting and Auditing.
Impact Factor:
3.3 (2024);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.6 (2024)
Latest Articles
Carbon Risk and Capital Mismatch: Evidence from Carbon-Intensive Firms in China
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6477; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146477 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2025
Abstract
Emerging economies such as China have benefited from rapid growth but now face acute carbon risk amid worsening environmental conditions. Carbon-intensive firms—major emitters—face rising carbon risk that pervades operations and threatens efficient capital allocation. To advance global climate-change mitigation, help China meet its
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Emerging economies such as China have benefited from rapid growth but now face acute carbon risk amid worsening environmental conditions. Carbon-intensive firms—major emitters—face rising carbon risk that pervades operations and threatens efficient capital allocation. To advance global climate-change mitigation, help China meet its dual-carbon goals, and enhance corporate financial sustainability, we analyze panel data on 575 Chinese carbon-intensive companies from 2012 to 2022 and estimate OLS models to assess how carbon risk influences capital mismatch. Results show that higher carbon risk significantly widens capital mismatch, whereas higher media attention and better corporate governance each weaken this effect. These findings suggest that regulators and the media should monitor carbon-intensive firms more closely to improve information transparency and guide capital to its most productive uses, while firms themselves need to strengthen governance to limit the damage carbon risk inflicts on capital allocation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Low-Carbon Economy Towards Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
Enhanced Parallel Convolution Architecture YOLO Photovoltaic Panel Detection Model for Remote Sensing Images
by
Jinsong Li, Xiaokai Meng, Shuai Wang, Zhumao Lu, Hua Yu, Zeng Qu and Jiayun Wang
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6476; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146476 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2025
Abstract
Object detection technology enables the automatic identification of photovoltaic (PV) panel locations and conditions, significantly enhancing operational efficiency for maintenance teams while reducing the time and cost associated with manual inspections. Challenges arise due to the low resolution of remote sensing images combined
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Object detection technology enables the automatic identification of photovoltaic (PV) panel locations and conditions, significantly enhancing operational efficiency for maintenance teams while reducing the time and cost associated with manual inspections. Challenges arise due to the low resolution of remote sensing images combined with small-sized targets—PV panels intertwined with complex urban or natural backgrounds. To address this, a parallel architecture model based on YOLOv5 was designed, substituting traditional residual connections with parallel convolution structures to enhance feature extraction capabilities and information transmission efficiency. Drawing inspiration from the bottleneck design concept, a primary feature extraction module framework was constructed to optimize the model’s deep learning capacity. The improved model achieved a 4.3% increase in mAP, a 0.07 rise in F1 score, a 6.55% enhancement in recall rate, and a 6.2% improvement in precision. Additionally, the study validated the model’s performance and examined the impact of different loss functions on it, explored learning rate adjustment strategies under various scenarios, and analyzed how individual factors affect learning rate decay during its initial stages. This research notably optimizes detection accuracy and efficiency, holding promise for application in large-scale intelligent PV power station maintenance systems and providing reliable technical support for clean energy infrastructure management.
Full article
Open AccessSystematic Review
Exploring Sustainability in Startups: A Systematic PRISMA Review
by
Munyaradzi Duve and Benjamin Marx
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6475; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146475 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2025
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Startups are essential to solving contemporary global financial and social challenges. The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic review of the literature on the economic, environmental, and social values of sustainability in startups. Research papers that included the terms “sustainability
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Startups are essential to solving contemporary global financial and social challenges. The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic review of the literature on the economic, environmental, and social values of sustainability in startups. Research papers that included the terms “sustainability in startups”, “sustainability of entrepreneurship”, “environmentally friendly new businesses”, “startups”, “entrepreneur”, “sustainable development”, “green economy”, “green investment”, “green development”, “financial sustainability”, “entrepreneurship performance”, and “agriculture entrepreneurship” were considered for analysis. The PRISMA 2020 protocol was used for the screening of relevant articles addressing economic, environmental, and social sustainability in startups. This study is limited to 42 research papers extracted from SCOPUS and DOAJ databases covering the period 2010 to 2024. Most of these provide literature on European, American, and Asian countries, indicating that startups prioritise the economic value of sustainability. However, the review of the literature demonstrates that startups are beginning to adopt a more balanced approach to sustainability as all three pillars addressing economic, environmental, and social values are represented. Sustainable practices improve startups’ performance. There is a need for active research in startup sustainability in the African context to address the research gap identified in the analysis of the literature.
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Open AccessArticle
From Data Scarcity to Strategic Action: A Managerial Framework for Circular Economy Implementation in Mediterranean Small Towns
by
Antonio Licastro, Carlotta D’Alessandro, Katarzyna Szopik-Depczyńska, Roberta Arbolino and Giuseppe Ioppolo
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6474; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146474 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2025
Abstract
Data scarcity hampers the implementation of circular economy (CE) in rural historical small towns (HSTs) where traditional agricultural practices persist outside formal monitoring systems. In this regard, this study proposes and tests an estimation framework to quantify agricultural waste flows and energy recovery
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Data scarcity hampers the implementation of circular economy (CE) in rural historical small towns (HSTs) where traditional agricultural practices persist outside formal monitoring systems. In this regard, this study proposes and tests an estimation framework to quantify agricultural waste flows and energy recovery potential. The methodology combines waste generation coefficients from peer-reviewed literature with administrative data to generate actionable CE assessments. Application to four Sicilian HSTs within the Local Action Group (LAG) “Terre dell’Etna e dell’Alcantara” exhibits substantial waste generation potential despite their small size. The agricultural enterprises generate an estimated 6930–7130 tons of annual agricultural waste under moderate production scenarios, comprising grape pomace (3250 tons), pruning residues (3030 tons), and mixed processing wastes (650–850 tons). The energy recovery potential ranges from 20–30 TJ through direct combustion to 4.9–8.1 TJ via anaerobic digestion. Sensitivity analysis indicates balanced contributions from all three key parameters (enterprise density, yields, and waste coefficients), each accounting for 31–35% of output variance. The framework provides resource-constrained municipalities with a cost-effective tool for preliminary CE assessment, enabling identification of priority interventions without expensive primary data collection. From a managerial perspective, local administrators can leverage this tool to transform routine administrative data into actionable CE strategies.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)
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Open AccessArticle
Effect of Farming System and Irrigation on Physicochemical and Biological Properties of Soil Under Spring Wheat Crops
by
Elżbieta Harasim and Cezary A. Kwiatkowski
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6473; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146473 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2025
Abstract
A field experiment in growing spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.—cv. ‘Monsun’) under organic, integrated and conventional farming systems was conducted over the period of 2020–2022 at the Czesławice Experimental Farm (Lubelskie Voivodeship, Poland). The first experimental factor analyzed was the farming system:
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A field experiment in growing spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.—cv. ‘Monsun’) under organic, integrated and conventional farming systems was conducted over the period of 2020–2022 at the Czesławice Experimental Farm (Lubelskie Voivodeship, Poland). The first experimental factor analyzed was the farming system: A. organic system (control)—without the use of chemical plant protection products and NPK mineral fertilization; B. conventional system—the use of plant protection products and NPK fertilization in the range and doses recommended for spring wheat; C. integrated system—use of plant protection products and NPK fertilization in an “economical” way—doses reduced by 50%. The second experimental factor was irrigation strategy: 1. no irrigation—control; 2. double irrigation; 3. multiple irrigation The aim of the research was to determine the physical, chemical, and enzymatic properties of loess soil under spring wheat crops as influenced by the factors listed above. The highest organic C content of the soil (1.11%) was determined in the integrated system with multiple irrigation of spring wheat, whereas the lowest one (0.77%)—in the conventional system without irrigation. In the conventional system, the highest contents of total N (0.15%), P (131.4 mg kg−1), and K (269.6 mg kg−1) in the soil were determined under conditions of multiple irrigation. In turn, the organic system facilitated the highest contents of Mg, B, Cu, Mn, and Zn in the soil, especially upon multiple irrigation of crops. It also had the most beneficial effect on the evaluated physical parameters of the soil. In each farming system, the multiple irrigation of spring wheat significantly increased moisture content, density, and compaction of the soil and also improved its total sorption capacity (particularly in the integrated system). The highest count of beneficial fungi, the lowest population number of pathogenic fungi, and the highest count of actinobacteria were recorded in the soil from the organic system. Activity of soil enzymes was the highest in the integrated system, followed by the organic system—particularly upon multiple irrigation of crops. Summing up, the present study results demonstrate varied effects of the farming systems on the quality and health of loess soil. From a scientific point of view, the integrated farming system ensures the most stable and balanced physicochemical and biological parameters of the soil due to the sufficient amount of nutrients supplied to the soil and the minimized impact of chemical plant protection products on the soil. The multiple irrigation of crops resulting from indications of soil moisture sensors mounted on plots (indicating the real need for irrigation) contributed to the improvement of almost all analyzed soil quality indices. Multiple irrigation generated high costs, but in combination with fertilization and chemical crop protection (conventional and integrated system), it influenced the high productivity of spring wheat and compensated for the incurred costs (the greatest profit).
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition for Sustainable Cropping Systems)
Open AccessArticle
Countering Climate Fear with Mindfulness: A Framework for Sustainable Behavioral Change
by
Latha Poonamallee
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6472; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146472 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2025
Abstract
The accelerating climate crisis demands innovative approaches that address both systemic drivers of environmental degradation and the psychological barriers to sustained pro-environmental action. Traditional climate communication often relies on fear-based messaging, which risks triggering eco-anxiety, disengagement, or paralysis, ultimately underlying long-term behavioral change.
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The accelerating climate crisis demands innovative approaches that address both systemic drivers of environmental degradation and the psychological barriers to sustained pro-environmental action. Traditional climate communication often relies on fear-based messaging, which risks triggering eco-anxiety, disengagement, or paralysis, ultimately underlying long-term behavioral change. This paper proposes mindfulness as an evidence-based alternative to foster sustained pro-environmental behavior (PEB) by integrating insights from neurocognitive science, self-determination theory (SDT), and social diffusion theory. We present a novel framework outlining five pathways through which mindfulness cultivates PEB: (1) enhanced emotional regulation, (2) intrinsic motivation and value-behavior alignment, (3) nature connectedness, (4) collective action, and (5) cognitive flexibility. Critically, we examine structural barriers to scaling mindfulness interventions—including inequities, commercialization risks, and the individualism paradox—and propose mitigation strategies grounded in empirical research. By bridging contemplative science with sustainability praxis, this work advances SDG-aligned strategies (SDG 12, 13) that prioritize both inner resilience and systemic change. It offers a roadmap for research and practice beyond fear-based approaches.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Psychology of Sustainability and Sustainable Development)
Open AccessArticle
Sustainable Strategies to Reduce Logistics Costs Based on Cross-Docking—The Case of Emerging European Markets
by
Mircea Boșcoianu, Zsolt Toth and Alexandru-Silviu Goga
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6471; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146471 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2025
Abstract
Cross-docking operations in Eastern and Central European markets face increasing complexity amid persistent uncertainty and inflationary pressures. This study provides the first comprehensive comparative analysis integrating economic efficiency with sustainability indicators across strategic locations. Using mixed-methods analysis of 40 bibliographical sources and quantitative
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Cross-docking operations in Eastern and Central European markets face increasing complexity amid persistent uncertainty and inflationary pressures. This study provides the first comprehensive comparative analysis integrating economic efficiency with sustainability indicators across strategic locations. Using mixed-methods analysis of 40 bibliographical sources and quantitative modeling of cross-docking scenarios in Bratislava, Prague, and Budapest, we integrate environmental, social, and governance frameworks with activity-based costing and artificial intelligence analysis. Optimized cross-docking achieves statistically significant cost reductions of 10.61% for Eastern and Central European inbound logistics and 3.84% for Western European outbound logistics when utilizing Budapest location (p < 0.01). Activity-based costing reveals labor (35–40%), equipment utilization (25–30%), and facility operations (20–25%) as primary cost drivers. Budapest demonstrates superior integrated performance index incorporating operational efficiency (94.2% loading efficiency), economic impact (EUR 925,000 annual savings), and environmental performance (486 tons CO2 reduction annually). This is the first empirically validated framework integrating activity-based costing–corporate social responsibility methodologies for an emerging market cross-docking, multi-dimensional performance assessment model transcending operational-sustainability dichotomy and location-specific contingency identification for emerging market implementation. Findings support targeted infrastructure investments, harmonized regulatory frameworks, and public–private partnerships for sustainable logistics development in emerging European markets, providing actionable roadmap for EUR 142,000–EUR 187,000 artificial intelligence implementation investments achieving a 14.6-month return on investment.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations and Sustainable Practices to Ensure Project Safety and Improve Risk Management Capabilities)
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Open AccessArticle
Challenges and Opportunities of Oxalis tuberosa Molina Cultivation, from an Andean Agroecological and Biocultural Perspective
by
Andrés Campoverde Caicedo and Orlando Meneses Quelal
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6470; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146470 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2025
Abstract
This study examines the agroecology and bioculturality of Oxalis tuberosa Molina, in the Montúfar canton, Carchi province, Ecuador, an area where this Andean tuber is cultivated at altitudes above 3000 m and in soils with a pH between 5.3 and 7.8. The research
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This study examines the agroecology and bioculturality of Oxalis tuberosa Molina, in the Montúfar canton, Carchi province, Ecuador, an area where this Andean tuber is cultivated at altitudes above 3000 m and in soils with a pH between 5.3 and 7.8. The research was conducted in the Producampo Producers Association, composed of 33 active members, of which 87.5% are women, with an average age of 51.25 years. Oxalis tuberosa constitutes an important crop in their integrated agroecological production systems (IAPSs): the production of bio-inputs in SIPA systems is predominantly self-sufficient, with 75% of producers using exclusively their own organic fertilizers, mainly compost and vermicompost, and showing low dependence on external inputs, whether organic (12.5%) or chemical (25%); the latter are applied in small doses of about 5 kg every six months in secondary crops. The research adopted a mixed methodological approach, integrating semi-structured interviews for qualitative analysis using Atlas.ti and descriptive statistical analysis with specialized software. Of the total Oxalis tuberosa production, 80% is intended for personal consumption and 20% is sold at local markets. Cultivated ecotypes include “blanca” (70%) and “chaucha” (30%), both of which are resistant to pests but susceptible to frost. Families dedicate between 32 and 80 h per week to production, with an average of 56 h. The findings highlight the potential of Oxalis tuberosa to improve the food resilience of Andean communities and suggest that revaluing this crop and its traditional practices can improve agricultural sustainability in the region.
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(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)
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Open AccessArticle
Multidimensional Significance Analysis of Factors Influencing College Students’ Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the New Era
by
Peng Liu and Xi Liu
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6467; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146467 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2025
Abstract
Against the backdrop of evolving innovation and entrepreneurship education, this study investigates the multifaceted factors influencing college students’ innovation and entrepreneurship in China. By analyzing 98 cases of student-led ventures and applying principal component analysis (PCA) via SPSS 19.0, the research identifies key
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Against the backdrop of evolving innovation and entrepreneurship education, this study investigates the multifaceted factors influencing college students’ innovation and entrepreneurship in China. By analyzing 98 cases of student-led ventures and applying principal component analysis (PCA) via SPSS 19.0, the research identifies key determinants across individual, institutional, and societal dimensions. The empirical results reveal strong correlations between entrepreneurial risk levels and practical experience (r = 0.82), pre-market research (r = 0.84), participation in entrepreneurship courses (r = 0.72), university innovation platform utilization (r = 0.75), social financing intensity (r = 0.68), and regional economic development (r = 0.53). Individual-level factors demonstrate the most profound influence, with institutional and societal resources providing complementary support. Based on these findings, the study proposes targeted recommendations to enhance student engagement in practical training, optimize university–platform integration, and improve policy-backed financing ecosystems, thereby fostering the sustainable development of college students’ innovation and entrepreneurship capabilities.
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(This article belongs to the Section Social Ecology and Sustainability)
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Open AccessArticle
Sustainability Transitions Through Fossil Infrastructure Deactivation
by
Marco Grasso and Daniel Delatin Rodrigues
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6465; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146465 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2025
Abstract
This article reframes sustainability transitions by positioning the deliberate deactivation of fossil fuel infrastructures—such as coal plants, oil fields, and pipelines—as a central mechanism of systemic change. While prevailing approaches often emphasize renewable energy and innovation, they tend to neglect how existing fossil
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This article reframes sustainability transitions by positioning the deliberate deactivation of fossil fuel infrastructures—such as coal plants, oil fields, and pipelines—as a central mechanism of systemic change. While prevailing approaches often emphasize renewable energy and innovation, they tend to neglect how existing fossil systems are actively maintained by powerful networks. We argue that sustainability transitions require not only building alternatives but also deactivating entrenched fossil infrastructures. To address this gap, we propose an analytical framework that conceptualizes deactivation as a contested socio-political process shaped by antagonistic interactions between fossil blocs—coalitions of incumbent agents defending fossil infrastructures—and emerging deactivation networks working to disable and dismantle them. Drawing on six illustrative cases from diverse contexts, we examine the legal, institutional, narrative, and spatial mechanisms through which deactivation is either enabled or obstructed. We also introduce an interdisciplinary methodology that combines path tracing, social network analysis, and qualitative comparison to analyze how these dynamics between fossil blocs and deactivation networks evolve over time. This article contributes to the sustainability transition literature by demonstrating that the deactivation of fossil infrastructures is a political, material, and justice-oriented process, one that is essential to ending fossil fuel dependency and enabling sustainable futures.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decarbonization of Energy and Materials for Sustainable Development)
Open AccessArticle
The Role of Remittances in Shaping Income Inequality in Lebanon Before and After the Crisis: An Empirical Analysis Using Macroeconomic and Financial Perspectives
by
Malak Mohammad Ghandour, Nour Mohamad Fayad, Jinan Kassem and Bassam Hamdar
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6464; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146464 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2025
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This study investigates the impact of remittances on income inequality in Lebanon using annual time-series data for the years 2000–2023. Applying Johansen’s cointegration test, with financial development (FD), GDP, and household consumption expenditure (HCE) as the control variables, the study examines the long-run
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This study investigates the impact of remittances on income inequality in Lebanon using annual time-series data for the years 2000–2023. Applying Johansen’s cointegration test, with financial development (FD), GDP, and household consumption expenditure (HCE) as the control variables, the study examines the long-run and short-run relationship between remittances and inequality. The study also considers the moderating impacts of FD and HCE to account for their indirect role in the remittance–inequality relationship. Dynamic relations are also examined by using impulse response functions (IRFs) and Forecast Error Variance Decomposition (FEVD) analyses. The long-run model estimates validate that remittances and income inequality are significantly and negatively related, i.e., increased remittance receipts serve to reduce income inequality in Lebanon. Remittance effects, however, are statistically insignificant in the short run. Interestingly, the results reveal that financial development weakens the remittances’ inequality-reducing effect, dampening their impact. Contrarily, a higher household consumption expenditure slightly strengthens the inequality-reducing effect of remittances. A comparison between the pre- and post-2019 periods reveals that the explanatory strength of remittances weakened during times of economic crisis, since the function of remittances was different during times of economic distress. Based on these findings, this study recommends that Lebanon not only promote financial development but also focus on financial inclusion, improve social safety nets, and provide inclusive economic growth to maximize remittance inflow benefits and efficiently reduce inequality.
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Open AccessArticle
Artificial Intelligence Technology Applications and Energy Utilization Efficiency: Empirical Evidence from China
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Hanjin Xie, Jiahui Cheng, Xi Tan and Jun Li
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6463; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146463 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2025
Abstract
Although artificial intelligence (AI) serves as a core driver of the new round of technological transformation, its crucial role in improving energy utilization efficiency has not yet received sufficient attention. This analysis empirically explores how the application of AI technology influences energy utilization
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Although artificial intelligence (AI) serves as a core driver of the new round of technological transformation, its crucial role in improving energy utilization efficiency has not yet received sufficient attention. This analysis empirically explores how the application of AI technology influences energy utilization efficiency using panel data from Chinese cities over the period from 2008 to 2021. The following are the primary conclusions: (1) AI technology applications are able to enhance energy utilization efficiency, and the outcomes remain valid after extensive reliability tests have been conducted; (2) the investigation of the mechanism demonstrates that AI technology applications can optimize energy utilization efficiency through technological and scale effects; (3) environmental regulation and digital infrastructure serve as positive moderators of the impact of AI technology applications on energy utilization efficiency; and (4) a heterogeneity analysis shows that the positive impact of AI technology applications on energy utilization efficiency is more significant within resource-dependent cities, cities with non-traditional industrial foundations, and those with a strong emphasis on environmental protection. The application of AI technology significantly enhances energy efficiency, which is a finding that remains robust across multiple reliability tests.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy and Cooling Systems: Technologies, Market and Sustainable Development)
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Open AccessArticle
Adaptive Traffic Light Management for Mobility and Accessibility in Smart Cities
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Malik Almaliki, Amna Bamaqa, Mahmoud Badawy, Tamer Ahmed Farrag, Hossam Magdy Balaha and Mostafa A. Elhosseini
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6462; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146462 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2025
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Urban road traffic congestion poses significant challenges to sustainable mobility in smart cities. Traditional traffic light systems, reliant on static or semi-fixed timers, fail to adapt to dynamic traffic conditions, exacerbating congestion and limiting inclusivity. To address these limitations, this paper proposes H-ATLM
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Urban road traffic congestion poses significant challenges to sustainable mobility in smart cities. Traditional traffic light systems, reliant on static or semi-fixed timers, fail to adapt to dynamic traffic conditions, exacerbating congestion and limiting inclusivity. To address these limitations, this paper proposes H-ATLM (a hybrid adaptive traffic lights management), a system utilizing the deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) reinforcement learning algorithm to optimize traffic light timings dynamically based on real-time data. The system integrates advanced sensing technologies, such as cameras and inductive loops, to monitor traffic conditions and adaptively adjust signal phases. Experimental results demonstrate significant improvements, including reductions in congestion (up to 50%), increases in throughput (up to 149%), and decreases in clearance times (up to 84%). These findings open the door for integrating accessibility-focused features such as adaptive signaling for accessible vehicles, dedicated lanes for paratransit services, and prioritized traffic flows for inclusive mobility.
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Open AccessArticle
Proposal of a Socio-Ecological Resilience Integrated Index (SERII) for Colombia, South America (1985–2022)
by
Cesar Augusto Ruiz-Agudelo
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6461; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146461 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2025
Abstract
Colombia is a megadiverse, multiethnic, and multicultural country with a tremendous socio-ecological systems (SESs) diversity, which faces essential challenges arising from human activities, low levels of sustainable economic development, poverty, and social inequality rates, and the persistence of multiple forms of military, political,
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Colombia is a megadiverse, multiethnic, and multicultural country with a tremendous socio-ecological systems (SESs) diversity, which faces essential challenges arising from human activities, low levels of sustainable economic development, poverty, and social inequality rates, and the persistence of multiple forms of military, political, and social violence. Understanding the resilience of this complex system is both fundamental and challenging due to the contradictory effects of economic development and regional ecosystem degradation. This research proposes the Socio-Ecological Resilience Integrated Index (SERII) to assess historical changes in socio-ecological resilience in Colombia’s departments (political-administrative units) between 1985–2022. The SERII considers the trade-offs between ecosystems, social systems, and production systems, providing a complete perspective of integrated management with a geographic resolution at the level of general political-administrative units. The results reveal a spatial variation in the SERII, with worse conditions in the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the Colombian Amazon (on the country periphery) and better conditions in departments of the country center. From 1985 to 2022, the SERII experienced a decrease (51.5%), driven by ecosystem degradation, increased extractive activities (illegal and illegal), and the persistence of military, political, and social violence. While the limitations of the proposed indicator are described, the SERII effectively replicates the overall resilience of Colombia’s departments to external shocks and allows for suggesting regional management priorities for the targeted promotion of sustainable development.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Services and Sustainable Development of Human Health)
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Open AccessReview
Overview of Sustainable Maritime Transport Optimization and Operations
by
Lang Xu and Yalan Chen
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6460; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146460 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2025
Abstract
With the continuous expansion of global trade, achieving sustainable maritime transport optimization and operations has become a key strategic direction for transforming maritime transport companies. To summarize the current state of research and identify emerging trends in sustainable maritime transport optimization and operations,
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With the continuous expansion of global trade, achieving sustainable maritime transport optimization and operations has become a key strategic direction for transforming maritime transport companies. To summarize the current state of research and identify emerging trends in sustainable maritime transport optimization and operations, this study systematically examines representative studies from the past decade, focusing on three dimensions, technology, management, and policy, using data sourced from the Web of Science (WOS) database. Building on this analysis, potential avenues for future research are suggested. Research indicates that the technological field centers on the integrated application of alternative fuels, improvements in energy efficiency, and low-carbon technologies in the shipping and port sectors. At the management level, green investment decisions, speed optimization, and berth scheduling are emphasized as core strategies for enhancing corporate sustainable performance. From a policy perspective, attention is placed on the synergistic effects between market-based measures (MBMs) and governmental incentive policies. Existing studies primarily rely on multi-objective optimization models to achieve a balance between emission reductions and economic benefits. Technological innovation is considered a key pathway to decarbonization, while support from governments and organizations is recognized as crucial for ensuring sustainable development. Future research trends involve leveraging blockchain, big data, and artificial intelligence to optimize and streamline sustainable maritime transport operations, as well as establishing a collaborative governance framework guided by environmental objectives. This study contributes to refining the existing theoretical framework and offers several promising research directions for both academia and industry practitioners.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Optimization of Sustainable Maritime Transportation System)
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Open AccessArticle
Prospective LCA for 3D-Printed Foamed Geopolymer Composites Using Construction Waste as Additives
by
Karina Balina, Rihards Gailitis, Maris Sinka, Pauls Pavils Argalis, Liga Radina and Andina Sprince
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6459; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146459 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2025
Abstract
Additive manufacturing has recently become popular and more cost-effective for building construction. This study presents a prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) of 3D-printed foamed geopolymer composites (3D-FOAM materials) incorporating construction and demolition waste. The materials were developed using fly ash, slag, sand, and
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Additive manufacturing has recently become popular and more cost-effective for building construction. This study presents a prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) of 3D-printed foamed geopolymer composites (3D-FOAM materials) incorporating construction and demolition waste. The materials were developed using fly ash, slag, sand, and a foaming agent, with recycled clay brick waste (CBW) and autoclaved aerated concrete waste (AACW) added as alternative raw materials. The material formulations were evaluated for their compressive strength and thermal conductivity to define two functional units that reflect structural and thermal performance. A prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted under laboratory-scale conditions using the ReCiPe 2016 method. Results show that adding CBW and AACW reduces environmental impacts across several categories, including global warming potential and ecotoxicity, without compromising material performance. Compared to conventional wall systems, the 3D-FOAM materials offer a viable low-impact alternative when assessed on a functional basis. These findings highlight the potential of integrating recycled materials into additive manufacturing to support circular economy goals in the construction sector.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Construction Materials and Sustainability)
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Open AccessReview
Integrating Technological Innovations and Sustainable Practices to Abate Methane Emissions from Livestock: A Comprehensive Review
by
Amr S. Morsy, Yosra A. Soltan, Waleed Al-Marzooqi and Hani M. El-Zaiat
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6458; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146458 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2025
Abstract
Livestock farming is a vital component of global food security, yet it remains a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly methane (CH4), which has a global warming potential 28 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2). This review
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Livestock farming is a vital component of global food security, yet it remains a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly methane (CH4), which has a global warming potential 28 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2). This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge surrounding the sources, biological mechanisms, and mitigation strategies related to CH4 emissions from ruminant livestock. We first explore the process of methanogenesis within the rumen, detailing the role of methanogenic archaea and the environmental factors influencing CH4 production. A thorough assessment of both direct and indirect methods used to quantify CH4 emissions is presented, including in vitro techniques (e.g., syringe method, batch culture, RUSITEC), in vivo techniques (e.g., respiration chambers, Greenfeed, laser CH4 detectors), and statistical modeling approaches. The advantages and limitations of each method are critically analyzed in terms of accuracy, cost, feasibility, and applicability to different farming systems. We then examine a wide range of mitigation strategies, organized into four core pillars: (1) animal and feed management (e.g., genetic selection, pasture quality improvement), (2) diet formulation (e.g., feed additives such as oils, tannins, saponins, and seaweed), (3) rumen manipulation (e.g., probiotics, ionophores, defaunation, vaccination), and (4) manure management practices and policy-level interventions. These strategies are evaluated not only for their environmental impact but also for their economic and practical viability in diverse livestock systems. By integrating technological innovations with sustainable agricultural practices, this review highlights pathways to reduce CH4 emissions while maintaining animal productivity. It aims to support decision-makers, researchers, and livestock producers in the global effort to transition toward climate-smart, low-emission livestock farming.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Innovative Approaches and Advanced Practices to Sustainable Agriculture and Animal Husbandry)
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Open AccessArticle
Sustainability in Allied Health Education and Practice: An Exploratory Survey of Student Perspectives, Knowledge, and Attitudes
by
Carlos Carvalhais, Inês Ribeiro, Ana Xavier and Miguel Saúde
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6457; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146457 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2025
Abstract
The growing urgency of the climate crisis has heightened the importance of integrating sustainability into health education. Allied health professionals are well positioned to lead sustainable healthcare efforts, yet evidence suggests a persistent gap between student awareness and formal training. This study explored
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The growing urgency of the climate crisis has heightened the importance of integrating sustainability into health education. Allied health professionals are well positioned to lead sustainable healthcare efforts, yet evidence suggests a persistent gap between student awareness and formal training. This study explored the perspectives, knowledge, and attitudes of Portuguese allied health students regarding sustainability. An online and anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate and graduate students across multiple allied health disciplines. The questionnaire assessed general knowledge, perceptions of curricular integration, and attitudes toward sustainable clinical practice. A total of 247 (response rate of 8.23%) students participated, with the majority expressing high concern about climate change and strong support for environmentally responsible healthcare. However, the results revealed inconsistent awareness of healthcare’s environmental footprint and a limited exposure to structured sustainability education. Friedman tests indicated significant variability in students’ knowledge, perceived responsibility, and curricular experiences. Students identified priority themes for curricular inclusion—such as the environmental impact of the health system—and recognized their alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The findings highlight the need for the systematic, competency-based integration of sustainability into allied health curricula to support a climate-resilient and ecologically responsible future healthcare workforce.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Innovative Practices in Education for Sustainability and Their Relation to Evaluation)
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Open AccessArticle
Tourist Health Responses to Therapeutic Landscapes in Urbanizing Contexts
by
Qing Feng, Ruwen Tan, Han Yang and Bingqian Wei
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6456; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146456 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2025
Abstract
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Urbanization drives spatial restructuring that transforms landscapes to prioritize human health. Grounded in therapeutic landscape theory and tourism involvement theory, this study employs PLS-SEM and CMV to examine how landscapes affect individual health amid urbanization. Key findings reveal the following: (1) A model
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Urbanization drives spatial restructuring that transforms landscapes to prioritize human health. Grounded in therapeutic landscape theory and tourism involvement theory, this study employs PLS-SEM and CMV to examine how landscapes affect individual health amid urbanization. Key findings reveal the following: (1) A model of urbanization for tourists’ perceived health confirms urbanization enhances health perceptions via therapeutic landscapes. (2) Therapeutic landscape perceptions exert an indirect effect on health perception through the mediating variable of tourism involvement, where tourism psychological involvement demonstrates a complete mediating effect, while tourism behavioral involvement exhibits a partial mediating role. (3) High urbanization exerts a more pronounced positive influence on natural and social landscapes compared to symbolic landscapes. Notably, elevated urbanization levels significantly strengthen the positive association between natural/social landscapes and perceived health benefits. Under low urbanization, health perception does not demonstrate significant enhancement with elevated landscape perception. This study fills a critical research gap by quantitatively investigating, from a micro-scale perspective, how therapeutic landscapes enhance tourists’ health within urbanization contexts in Eastern settings. Furthermore, it extends the theoretical framework of tourism involvement in health tourism contexts, advances tourism and leisure research, and provides scientific support for sustainable tourism development and tourists’ well-being enhancement.
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Open AccessArticle
Developing a Competency-Based Transition Education Framework for Marine Superintendents: A DACUM-Integrated Approach in the Context of Eco-Digital Maritime Transformation
by
Yung-Ung Yu, Chang-Hee Lee and Young-Joong Ahn
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6455; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146455 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2025
Abstract
Amid structural changes driven by the greening and digital transformation of the maritime industry, the demand for career transitions of seafarers with onboard experience to shore-based positions—particularly ship superintendents—is steadily increasing. However, the current lack of a systematic education and career development framework
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Amid structural changes driven by the greening and digital transformation of the maritime industry, the demand for career transitions of seafarers with onboard experience to shore-based positions—particularly ship superintendents—is steadily increasing. However, the current lack of a systematic education and career development framework to support such transitions poses a critical challenge for shipping companies seeking to secure sustainable human resources. The aim of this study was to develop a competency-based training program that facilitates the effective transition of seafarers to shore-based ship superintendent roles. We integrated a developing a curriculum (DACUM) analysis with competency-based job analysis to achieve this aim. The core competencies required for ship superintendent duties were identified through three expert consultations. In addition, social network analysis (SNA) was used to quantitatively assess the structure and priority of the training content. The analysis revealed that convergent competencies, such as digital technology literacy, responsiveness to environmental regulations, multicultural organizational management, and interpretation of global maritime regulations, are essential for a successful career shift. Based on these findings, a modular training curriculum comprising both common foundational courses and specialized advanced modules tailored to job categories was designed. The proposed curriculum integrated theoretical instruction, practical training, and reflective learning to enhance both applied understanding and onsite implementation capabilities. Furthermore, the concept of a Seafarer Success Support Platform was proposed to support a lifecycle-based career development pathway that enables rotational mobility between sea and shore positions. This digital learning platform was designed to offer personalized success pathways aligned with the career stages and competency needs of maritime personnel. Its cyclical structure, comprising career transition, competency development, field application, and performance evaluation, enables seamless career integration between shipboard- and shore-based roles. Therefore, the platform has the potential to evolve into a practical educational model that integrates training, career development, and policies. This study contributes to maritime human resource development by integrating the DACUM method with a competency-based framework and applying social network analysis (SNA) to quantitatively prioritize training content. It further proposes the Seafarer Success Support Platform as an innovative model to support structured career transitions from shipboard roles to shore-based supervisory positions.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Technologies in Education: Empowering Teachers and Learners for Collective Well-Being)
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