Sustainability

21 pages, 580 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Capital Endowment and Environmental Literacy on Farmers’ Willingness to Pay and Level of Payment for Domestic Waste Management

by Dandan Fan and Lanzhen Tong

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5308; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125308 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2025

Abstract

China’s rural rejuvenation rationale reveals that domestic waste management (DWM), as a gateway to habitat enhancement, is a critical policy pathway for achieving sustainable rural development. This paper analyzes the influence of capital endowment (CE) and environmental literacy (EL) on farmers’ willingness to [...] Read more.

China’s rural rejuvenation rationale reveals that domestic waste management (DWM), as a gateway to habitat enhancement, is a critical policy pathway for achieving sustainable rural development. This paper analyzes the influence of capital endowment (CE) and environmental literacy (EL) on farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for DWM through a binary logistic model, focusing on the Yangtze River Delta region, with 571 farmers contributing validated responses. It also conducts a more in-depth exploration of the regulatory role of EL and the influence of CE on WTP for DWM. The findings are as follows: (1) CE and sub-dimensions of economic capital and psychological capital yield a substantial positive effect on WTP for DWM. (2) CE and sub-dimensions of economic capital, human capital, and psychological capital yield a substantial positive effect on LOP for DWM. (3) EL and sub-dimensions of ER, EP, and EKS exert a notably positive influence on WTP and LOP for DWM. (4) EL functions as a moderator in the effect of CE on WTP for DWM. Based on this, this paper puts forward some policy suggestions to improve farmers’ WTP for DWM from two aspects: optimize the structure of farmers’ capital endowment and foster a positive climate for the entire society to safeguard the environment and strengthen the environmental literacy education system. Full article

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

23 pages, 887 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives: The Role of Environmental Governance, Renewable Energy Transition, and Innovation in Achieving a Regional Green Future

by Osama Ali Mohamed Elkebti and Wagdi M. S. Khalifa

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5307; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125307 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2025

Abstract

The transition to sustainable, innovation-driven economies has become a global imperative, particularly for resource-dependent regions like the Middle East, where environmental challenges, fossil fuel reliance, and economic diversification pressures intersect. In this context, green innovation plays a pivotal role in mitigating environmental degradation [...] Read more.

The transition to sustainable, innovation-driven economies has become a global imperative, particularly for resource-dependent regions like the Middle East, where environmental challenges, fossil fuel reliance, and economic diversification pressures intersect. In this context, green innovation plays a pivotal role in mitigating environmental degradation while supporting long-term economic growth. This study examines the short-term and long-term drivers of green innovation across 13 Middle Eastern countries from 1990 to 2023, with a focus on environmental governance, environmental pollution, economic growth, and natural resource abundance. Using a balanced panel dataset, this study applies Frees, Friedman, and Pesaran CSD tests to address cross-sectional dependency and second-generation unit root tests for data stationarity. Both first- and second-generation cointegration tests confirm long-run relationships among variables. The empirical analysis employs the cross-sectional autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) model, alongside Pooled Mean Group (PMG-ARDL), Average Mean Group (AMG), and Common Correlated Effects CCEMG estimators, ensuring robustness. The findings indicate that, in the long term, environmental governance, economic growth, population size, and natural resource abundance significantly promote green innovation, with respective coefficients of 0.3, 0.01, 0.02, and 0.4. Conversely, human development and environmental pollution exert a negative influence on green innovation, particularly over the long term. These results suggest that, while economic and governance factors drive innovation, human capital development may prioritize immediate growth over sustainability, and pollution may hinder long-term innovation. Enhancing environmental governance, accelerating renewables, using strategic resource revenue for green projects, integrating green growth, and regional collaboration can position Middle Eastern economies as green innovation leaders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Economics in Sustainable Social Policy Development)

26 pages, 1059 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Future Climate Change Projections for the Hengduan Mountain Region Based on CMIP6 Models

by Cuihua Bian, Xinlan Liang, Bingchang Li, Zhiqiang Hu, Xiaofan Min and Zihao Yue

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5306; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125306 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2025

Abstract

Amid accelerating global climate change, research quantifying the uncertainty of mountain ecosystems in relation to CMIP6 multi-model ensemble (MME) simulations remains limited. This study addresses this gap by evaluating future temperature and precipitation trends in the Hengduan Mountains and quantifying the uncertainty associated [...] Read more.

Amid accelerating global climate change, research quantifying the uncertainty of mountain ecosystems in relation to CMIP6 multi-model ensemble (MME) simulations remains limited. This study addresses this gap by evaluating future temperature and precipitation trends in the Hengduan Mountains and quantifying the uncertainty associated with CMIP6 MME outputs. Utilizing data from 11 CMIP6 climate models, bilinear interpolation was employed to standardize model resolution, while inverse distance weighting (IDW) interpolation was applied to assess spatial distribution patterns. To mitigate systematic biases, the multi-model ensemble mean approach was adopted. Through an equal-weight model selection strategy, EC-Earth3-Veg and MPI-ESM1-2-HR were identified as the optimal model combination for the region. Key findings include the following: (1) During the reference period (1985–2014), model simulations exhibited systematic biases, with temperatures underestimated by 0.46 ± 0.08 °C/month and precipitation overestimated by 2.07 ± 0.32 mm/month relative to observations. (2) In the future period (2031–2070), projected regional warming rates in typical years under SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5 scenarios are −0.294 ± 0.021 °C/decade, 0.081 ± 0.009 °C/decade, and 0.171 ± 0.012 °C/decade, respectively. (3) Precipitation is projected to decline overall, with the most pronounced decrease under the SSP5-8.5 scenario (−0.68 ± 0.07%). This study is the first to systematically quantify CMIP6 model uncertainty in the Hengduan Mountains, revealing regional climate change trajectories, providing a scientific basis for formulating adaptive strategies, and identifying critical pathways for enhancing regional climate modeling efforts. Full article

20 pages, 1745 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment and Simulation of Urban Ecosystem Resilience by Coupling the RAR and Markov–FLUS Models: A Case Study of the Jinan Metropolitan Area

by Chenglong Li, Jingyi Shi, Yihong Chen, Wenwen Zou, Anna Chen and Yue Pan

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5305; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125305 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2025

Abstract

Confronting escalating urban ecological risks, this study investigates ecosystem resilience evolution in the Jinan metropolitan area’s mountain–plain structure. We establish a Resistance–Adaptability–Resilience (RAR) framework integrating ecosystem service value and landscape patterns. Using Optimal Multi-layered Geo-Detector and Markov–FLUS modeling, we quantify natural–socio-economic interactions and [...] Read more.

Confronting escalating urban ecological risks, this study investigates ecosystem resilience evolution in the Jinan metropolitan area’s mountain–plain structure. We establish a Resistance–Adaptability–Resilience (RAR) framework integrating ecosystem service value and landscape patterns. Using Optimal Multi-layered Geo-Detector and Markov–FLUS modeling, we quantify natural–socio-economic interactions and simulate resilience under three scenarios: inertial development, cultivated land protection, and ecological priority. The results show fluctuating resilience (0.1863→0.1876→0.1863) with functional intensification in high-value areas and escalating vulnerability in low-value regions, alongside the spatial dichotomy between the resilient southern mountains and northern plains, dominated by natural factors. Cultivated land protection degrades mountain resilience via slope farming, while ecological priority stabilizes it through transitional controls. The proposed “resilience red line–development permit” mechanism demonstrates terrain and policy integration optimizing resilience allocation. This framework offers strategies to reconcile ecological conservation and farmland security in urbanizing regions. Full article

21 pages, 528 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Impact of Corporate ESG Performance on Sustained Innovation in the VUCA Context: Evidence from China

by Huicong Li, Jie Wang, Ruzhen Zhang and Mengran Duan

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5304; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125304 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2025

Abstract

In recent years, corporate innovation has faced growing pressures from macroeconomic fluctuations and intensifying industry competition, making the maintenance of uninterrupted innovation increasingly crucial. This study selected Chinese listed firms from 2015 to 2022 as samples and adopted a panel fixed-effect model to [...] Read more.

In recent years, corporate innovation has faced growing pressures from macroeconomic fluctuations and intensifying industry competition, making the maintenance of uninterrupted innovation increasingly crucial. This study selected Chinese listed firms from 2015 to 2022 as samples and adopted a panel fixed-effect model to examine the impact of corporate ESG performance on sustained innovation, with particular attention to external environmental pressures, including macroeconomic uncertainty, industry competition, and market attention. The results demonstrate that corporate ESG performance significantly promotes corporate sustained innovation. Mechanism analyses indicate that from the dual perspectives of resource effects and governance effects, ESG performance primarily enhances sustained innovation by increasing investment in R&D funding and personnel, as well as avoiding managerial myopia. Specifically, macroeconomic uncertainty dampens the positive effect of ESG performance, whereas, under industry competitive and market scrutiny pressures, the beneficial impact of ESG performance on sustained innovation becomes more evident. The research findings expand the internal drivers for sustained innovation, enrich the study of economic consequences of ESG performance, and clarify the differentiated moderating effects of various external pressures under VUCA scenarios. By integrating internal drivers and external complex environments, the paper offers practical insights for firms to leverage ESG practices for innovation resilience and long-term growth, particularly under dynamic market conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Business Practices in Emerging Markets: Innovation, Governance, and Environmental Impact)

31 pages, 1842 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interruption Risk Propagation and Resilience Evaluation of Supply Chain of Emergency Medical Supplies Under Information Sharing Mechanism

by Jing Bai, Jiahui Wang and Xingyuan Li

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5303; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125303 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2025

Abstract

In the new context of information sharing to reshape the supply chain’s interruption risk propagation mechanism, this paper focuses on the interruption risk propagation and resilience of the supply chain of emergency medical supplies in the background of emergencies. Firstly, an emergency supply [...] Read more.

In the new context of information sharing to reshape the supply chain’s interruption risk propagation mechanism, this paper focuses on the interruption risk propagation and resilience of the supply chain of emergency medical supplies in the background of emergencies. Firstly, an emergency supply chain’s risk propagation model under information sharing is proposed by combining the information sharing mechanism with the supply chain’s risk propagation theory. Secondly, an interruption risk propagation model for the supply chain of emergency medical supplies based on a Bayesian Network is constructed, and the do-calculus technique is introduced to transform the intervention effect of information sharing into the quantification of the supply chain’s risk probability. Thirdly, a system dynamics method is used to construct a supply chain model for emergency medical supplies, which takes into account different interruption scenarios caused by emergencies and evaluates the supply chain’s resilience through the key variable “demand fulfillment rate” in the model. The results of the study indicate that the impact of different types of interruption scenarios on supply chain resilience varies significantly. Information sharing can effectively reduce the negative impact of interruption risk. This study provides theoretical basis and practical guidance for improving the resilience of the supply chain of emergency medical supplies, which is of great significance for maintaining social stability and promoting the sustainable development of the public health system. Full article

26 pages, 10039 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Community Engagement and Heritage Awareness for the Sustainable Management of Rural and Coastal Archaeological Heritage Sites: The Case of Magarsus (Karataş, Turkey)

by Fatma Seda Çardak

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5302; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125302 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2025

Abstract

The sustainable preservation of archeological heritage located in rural and coastal regions requires more than technical interventions; it necessitates the awareness and active participation of local communities. However, community involvement in heritage management in such areas remains limited. This study aims to analyze [...] Read more.

The sustainable preservation of archeological heritage located in rural and coastal regions requires more than technical interventions; it necessitates the awareness and active participation of local communities. However, community involvement in heritage management in such areas remains limited. This study aims to analyze the levels of cultural heritage awareness, conservation tendencies, and tourism-related expectations among local residents and visitors in the Magarsus Archeological Area, located in the Karataş district on the eastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The study was conducted in three phases: a literature review, field observations, and a structured survey conducted between June and August 2022 with 510 participants (280 local residents and 230 domestic visitors from surrounding provinces). The data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 through descriptive statistical methods, complemented by cross-tabulation and chi-square analysis to identify patterns across demographic variables. The survey results not only reflect general perceptions about heritage and tourism but also offer critical insights into how the rural and coastal character of the site shapes conservation attitudes and tourism behavior. The findings reveal nuanced perceptions, including strong symbolic appreciation for heritage and general openness to tourism, alongside concerns about cultural and environmental risks. While the local community prioritizes the potential for economic benefit, many participants also emphasized the importance of safeguarding local traditions, crafts, and culinary heritage. Nevertheless, concerns were expressed regarding the risks posed by uncontrolled tourism, including environmental degradation, erosion of cultural identity, and the commodification of heritage values. Based on these insights, the study introduces a governance approach built upon three interlinked pillars: community-based participation, environmental sustainability, and tourism practices aligned with cultural values. The proposed approach aims to support the inclusive and sustainable management of Magarsus and other rural and coastal archeological landscapes with similar characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural Heritage Conservation and Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4129 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quaternary Amine-Functionalized Reed Straw Bioadsorbent: Synergistic Phosphate Recovery and Sustainable Nutrient Recycling in Circular Economy Systems

by Zhan Yang, Qi Zhang, Changyi Liu, Haodong Zhang and Zhe Qin

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5301; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125301 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2025

Abstract

The scarcity of phosphorus resources and the excessive accumulation of phosphates in aquatic environments pose significant threats to ecological systems and human health, while traditional treatment methods often fail to achieve effective resource recovery and reuse. This study aims to develop an efficient [...] Read more.

The scarcity of phosphorus resources and the excessive accumulation of phosphates in aquatic environments pose significant threats to ecological systems and human health, while traditional treatment methods often fail to achieve effective resource recovery and reuse. This study aims to develop an efficient method for phosphate removal and resource recycling through the modification of reed straw (MRS) by introducing amine groups. Key operational parameters such as packed bed height, flow velocity, and initial solute concentration were systematically investigated to optimize MRS’s adsorption efficiency. Experimental results demonstrated that under optimized conditions, MRS achieved a maximum phosphate adsorption capacity of 8.337 mg/g and maintained over 80% efficiency after nine adsorption–desorption cycles. Utilizing the desorbed solution as a nutrient solution significantly enhanced maize seedling growth, increasing stem height by 23.8%, fresh weight by 51.3%, and phosphorus content by 80.7%. These findings highlight MRS’s potential, not only as an effective phosphate adsorbent, but also as a means of successful phosphorus resource recovery and recycling, indicating promising applications in environmental remediation and resource management. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1169 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Does Carbon Emissions Trading Impact Energy Transition? A Perspective Based on Local Government Behavior

by Yue Tang, Shixiang Li and Feng Wu

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5300; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125300 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2025

Abstract

Assessing the environmental and economic impacts of the carbon emissions trading scheme (ETS) is both timely and essential. This study investigates the effects of the ETS on energy transition by analyzing panel data from 30 provinces and municipalities across mainland China. The findings [...] Read more.

Assessing the environmental and economic impacts of the carbon emissions trading scheme (ETS) is both timely and essential. This study investigates the effects of the ETS on energy transition by analyzing panel data from 30 provinces and municipalities across mainland China. The findings highlight three key points. First, the ETS significantly promotes energy transition. Robustness tests confirm the validity of this conclusion. Compared with non-pilot provinces, pilot provinces achieve a 4.83% increase in energy transition levels. Second, the energy transition effect of the ETS is mainly achieved by changing the incentive and constraint behavior of local governments. Third, the ETS exerts a more pronounced impact on energy transition in regions with higher levels of marketization and stronger innovation capabilities. Furthermore, the effects of the ETS vary across different quantiles of energy transition levels. This study provides a novel perspective on achieving the synergistic development of economic growth and environmental sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)

31 pages, 3767 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Curing Sustainability Assessment in Concrete Pavements: A 20-Year Simulation-Based Analysis in Urban Road Contexts

by Julián Pulecio-Díaz

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5299; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125299 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2025

Abstract

In urban areas with warm climates, a lack of proper curing during concrete pavement construction can significantly reduce service life, increase maintenance needs, and compromise sustainability goals. Despite its relevance, the comprehensive impact of curing has been poorly quantified from a multidimensional perspective. [...] Read more.

In urban areas with warm climates, a lack of proper curing during concrete pavement construction can significantly reduce service life, increase maintenance needs, and compromise sustainability goals. Despite its relevance, the comprehensive impact of curing has been poorly quantified from a multidimensional perspective. This study aims to evaluate the effect of applying a liquid curing compound on the sustainability of concrete slab pavements over a 20-year horizon using a simulation-based approach. Two scenarios, cured and uncured, were modeled with HIPERPAV^®, incorporating site-specific climatic, structural, and material parameters. Based on projected maintenance cycles, nine sustainability indicators were calculated and grouped into environmental (CO₂ emissions, energy, water, and waste), social (accidents, travel time, satisfaction, and jobs), and economic (life-cycle maintenance cost) dimensions. Statistical tests (ANOVA, Welch ANOVA, and Kruskal–Wallis) were applied to assess significance. Results showed that curing reduced CO₂ emissions (−13.7%), energy consumption (−12.5%), and waste (−20.7%), while improving accident rates (−40.3%), user satisfaction (+17.8%), and maintenance cost savings (−9.5%). The findings support curing as a cost-effective and sustainability-enhancing strategy for urban pavement design and management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Assessments and Implementations in Transport Pavement Infrastructure)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Water Footprint Assessment of Beef and Dairy Cattle Production in the Regional Unit of Karditsa, Greece

by Anthoula Dota, Vassilios Dotas, Dimitrios Gourdouvelis, Lampros Hatzizisis, George Symeon, Dimitrios Galamatis and Nicolaos Theodossiou

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5298; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125298 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2025

Abstract

One of the most important factors affecting water resources is livestock development. This study focuses on estimating the water demands of beef and dairy cattle breeding, as well as the corresponding products, in the Regional Unit of Karditsa (Greece), while simultaneously assessing the [...] Read more.

One of the most important factors affecting water resources is livestock development. This study focuses on estimating the water demands of beef and dairy cattle breeding, as well as the corresponding products, in the Regional Unit of Karditsa (Greece), while simultaneously assessing the pollution caused by this activity in water bodies. The impacts are measured using the water footprint (WF) approach across its three dimensions (green, blue, and gray), considering the quantity of feed and water utilized by each animal type and the production system applied in the research area. For beef production, the intensive system shows a total WF of 90,535 m³/ton (gray 88%, green 9%, blue 3%), while the semi-intensive system totals 82,027 m³/ton (gray 84%, green 12%, blue 4%). For dairy cows, the total WF reaches 2750 m³/year/ton of milk (gray 81%, green 14%, blue 5%). Gray WF was estimated based on pollutant loads from livestock waste using concentration thresholds for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P), providing a clearer view of water quality degradation linked to livestock activities. These findings can guide regional directorates in addressing key water-related pressures from livestock production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Ruminant Nutrition for Sustainable Agriculture: Current Challenges and Future Perspectives)

28 pages, 6174 KiB

Open AccessReview

Research Status and Prospects of Automatic Leveling Technology for Orchard Machinery

by Guangyu Xue, Jiwen Peng, Haiyang Shen, Gongpu Wang, Wenhao Zheng, Sen Huang, Zihan Huan, Lianglong Hu and Wenqin Ding

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5297; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125297 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2025

Abstract

China’s orchards cover vast areas, predominantly located in hilly regions where the terrain is complex, making mechanized operations difficult to implement effectively. This results in a low comprehensive mechanization rate in the fruit planting industry, severely restricting the development of agricultural mechanization in [...] Read more.

China’s orchards cover vast areas, predominantly located in hilly regions where the terrain is complex, making mechanized operations difficult to implement effectively. This results in a low comprehensive mechanization rate in the fruit planting industry, severely restricting the development of agricultural mechanization in China’s hilly areas. This article first explains the principles of automatic leveling technology, summarizing the characteristics and suitable application scenarios of different leveling technologies in the context of actual work in hilly orchards. It then provides an overview of the research progress in automatic leveling machinery for orchards from the perspectives of power machinery, operation platforms, and operating tools, analyzing the leveling control schemes of various orchard operation machinery equipped with automatic leveling features tailored for hilly orchard work. This article explores key technologies for chassis leveling, summarizes universal leveling mechanisms and control algorithms, analyzes the numerous challenges faced by the current development of automatic leveling technology for orchard machinery, and offers targeted development suggestions. Full article

28 pages, 1207 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Technologies and Business Model Innovation in Turbulent Markets: Unlocking the Power of Agility and Absorptive Capacity

by Hatem Abuseta, Kolawole Iyiola and Hasan Yousef Aljuhmani

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5296; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125296 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2025

Abstract

This study explores how digital technologies (DTs) drive business model innovation (BMI) in the traditional manufacturing sector of an emerging economy, focusing on the mediating roles of firm agility (FA), absorptive capacity (AC), and the moderating role of market turbulence (MT). Drawing on [...] Read more.

This study explores how digital technologies (DTs) drive business model innovation (BMI) in the traditional manufacturing sector of an emerging economy, focusing on the mediating roles of firm agility (FA), absorptive capacity (AC), and the moderating role of market turbulence (MT). Drawing on organizational adaptation theory and the dynamic capability view, the study develops a conceptual model tested through a survey of 479 senior managers from small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) in three major industrial cities in Turkey. The results confirm that DTs have a significant positive effect on BMI, with both FA and AC partially mediating this relationship. Additionally, MT strengthens the impact of DTs on FA but does not significantly moderate its effect on AC or BMI. These findings reveal that the effectiveness of digital transformation depends not only on technological investments but also on internal organizational capabilities and external environmental conditions. The study contributes to the digital transformation literature by offering empirical evidence from an underexplored emerging market context and by demonstrating the conditional pathways through which DTs influence innovation. Practical implications highlight the importance of enhancing agility and knowledge integration to translate digital investments into strategic value under turbulent market conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Business Model Innovation and Corporate Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 1242 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implications of Battery and Gas Storage for Germany’s National Energy Management with Increasing Volatile Energy Sources

by Joachim Dengler and Björn Peters

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5295; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125295 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2025

Abstract

Weather-dependent, volatile energy sources, such as wind power and solar photovoltaics (PV), contribute considerably to the German electric energy supply. The current German government aims to substantially increase their market share. Using high-resolution time-series data from energy production and demand measurements, we replicate [...] Read more.

Weather-dependent, volatile energy sources, such as wind power and solar photovoltaics (PV), contribute considerably to the German electric energy supply. The current German government aims to substantially increase their market share. Using high-resolution time-series data from energy production and demand measurements, we replicate and analyze scenarios from the “Klimaneutrales Deutschland 2045” (KND2045) study. KND2045 was the basis for the German Government’s 2021 decision to move the abolition of CO

_{2}

emissions from 2050 to 2045. The primary question in KND2045 is whether security of supply can be maintained by relying primarily on an effective duopoly of wind and solar power. We simulate scenarios for 2023, 2030, and 2045 using 15-minute time-resolved measurements of wind and solar energy production and demand from 2023 and 2024, incorporating battery and gas storage systems into our model. We assess the overall economic costs for these scenarios. Our calculations demonstrate that the KND2045 scenarios are infeasible, as significant supply gaps persist during dark wind lulls, compromising security of supply. Instead, we propose improvements to these scenarios by incorporating nuclear energy as a backup to address KND2045’s shortcomings. Full article

26 pages, 969 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance Optimization of Building Envelope Through BIM and Multi-Criteria Analysis

by Stefano Cascone, Valeria Anastasi and Rosa Caponetto

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5294; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125294 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2025

Abstract

In response to the growing demand for sustainable and performance-driven building design, this study proposes an integrated digital methodology that combines Building Information Modeling (BIM), parametric scripting, and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) to optimize external wall assemblies. The approach leverages Autodesk Revit and Dynamo [...] Read more.

In response to the growing demand for sustainable and performance-driven building design, this study proposes an integrated digital methodology that combines Building Information Modeling (BIM), parametric scripting, and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) to optimize external wall assemblies. The approach leverages Autodesk Revit and Dynamo to automate the parametrization of insulation thickness while ensuring compliance with regulatory thresholds for thermal transmittance and surface mass. Acoustic performance is estimated using ECHO software, and a Weighted Sum Model (WSM) is applied to evaluate and rank configurations based on four criteria: economic cost, Global Warming Potential (GWP), embodied energy, and acoustic insulation. A case study involving 24 wall assemblies—generated from eight base stratigraphies and three insulation materials—demonstrates the method’s ability to balance environmental impact, occupant comfort, and construction feasibility. The results indicate that natural and bio-based materials, such as rammed earth and cork, offer the best overall performance, while conventional systems remain competitive in terms of cost. The proposed workflow reduces design time, increases transparency, and supports informed decision-making during early design stages. This research contributes to the digitalization of sustainability assessment in architecture by promoting integrative, replicable, and regulation-aligned practices for low-impact building envelopes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Research in the Building Information Modelling (BIM) Application for Sustainable Construction)

17 pages, 4325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geochemical Characteristics of the Minghuazhen Formation in the Cangdong Sag, Bohai Bay Basin: Implications for Provenance, Paleoclimate, and Hydrocarbon Exploration

by Jianzhou Yang, Yong Li, Jingjing Gong, Zhuang Duan, Shuqi Hu, Liling Tang, Wenli Su, Jianweng Gao, Zhenliang Wang, Lujun Lin, Keqiang Zhao and Shengping Gong

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5293; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125293 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2025

Abstract

The Minghuazhen Formation in the Cangdong Sag of the Bohai Bay Basin is a key sedimentary unit for investigating regional provenance evolution, paleoclimate variations, and hydrocarbon potential in Eastern China. This study integrates mineralogical and geochemical analyses to explore sedimentary characteristics. Techniques include [...] Read more.

The Minghuazhen Formation in the Cangdong Sag of the Bohai Bay Basin is a key sedimentary unit for investigating regional provenance evolution, paleoclimate variations, and hydrocarbon potential in Eastern China. This study integrates mineralogical and geochemical analyses to explore sedimentary characteristics. Techniques include X-ray diffraction (XRD), major/trace element compositions, rare earth element (REE) distributions, and organic carbon content. XRD data and elemental ratios (e.g., Al/Ti, Zr/Sc) suggest a predominant felsic provenance, sourced from acidic magmatic rocks. The enrichment with light rare earth elements (LREE: La–Eu) and notable negative Eu anomalies in the REE patterns support the interpretation of a provenance from the Taihangshan and Yanshan Orogenic Belts. Geochemical proxies, such as the Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) and trace element ratios (e.g., U/Th, V/Cr, Ni/Co), indicate a warm and humid depositional environment, characterized by predominantly oxic freshwater conditions. Organic geochemical parameters, including total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), and C/N ratios, suggest that organic matter primarily originates from aquatic algae and plankton, with C/N values predominantly below 10 and a strong correlation between TOC and TN. The weak correlation between TOC and total carbon (TC) indicates that the organic carbon is mainly biological in origin rather than carbonate-derived. Although the warm and humid climate promoted the production of organic matter, the prevailing oxic conditions hindered its preservation, resulting in a relatively low hydrocarbon generation potential within the Minghuazhen Formation of the Cangdong Sag. These findings provide new insights into the sedimentary evolution and hydrocarbon potential of the Bohai Bay Basin. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Student Engagement and Motivation for Sustainable Education: The Role of Internship and Institutional Support

by Redhwan Qasem Ghaleb Rashed, Aliyu Alhaji Abubakar, Osman Madani and Yaser Hasan Al-Mamary

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5291; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125291 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2025

Abstract

This research aims to study the impact of experiential learning and skill empowerment and community engagement and institutional support systems on student engagement and motivation and sustainable education in Saudi Arabian higher education institutions. The research uses Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Partial [...] Read more.

This research aims to study the impact of experiential learning and skill empowerment and community engagement and institutional support systems on student engagement and motivation and sustainable education in Saudi Arabian higher education institutions. The research uses Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Partial Least Squares (PLS) as its quantitative methodology to study the relationships between experiential learning, skill empowerment, institutional support systems, and sustainable education. The proposed theoretical model was evaluated through a survey distributed to participants who were conveniently sampled from Saudi Arabian higher education institutions. The research shows that experiential learning together with skill development and community engagement boosts student motivation and supports sustainable education in Saudi Arabia. The study further reveals that institutional support systems have a weak moderating effect because their implementation and perception require improvement to effectively support sustainability. The main limitations are the use of self-reported data which may be influenced by response biases and the focus on higher education only which limits the generalizability of the findings to other educational levels. The research indicates that experiential learning activities including internships, community projects, and skill empowerment programs should be integrated into education to boost student involvement and motivation toward sustainability. The research applies the established theories of Kolb’s Experiential Learning, Human Capital, and Social Learning to Saudi Arabia’s educational context to show how they can be adapted to promote sustainable education through experiential learning, skill development, and community engagement. This study bridges critical research gaps by elucidating the nuanced moderating role of institutional support systems—an underexplored factor—and addressing the methodological limitations associated with a reliance on self-reported data, thereby significantly advancing the understanding of their influence on student engagement and sustainable education within diverse academic and cultural contexts. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 485 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Place-Based Impact: Accelerating Agri-Technology Adoption in an Evolving ‘Place’

by Louise Manning and Jack H. Grant

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5292; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125292 (registering DOI) - 7 Jun 2025

Abstract

Location-sensitive policies are tailored to the specific characteristics and needs of a place, supporting both local priorities and wider national objectives within a particular time frame. They are developed to deliver key strategic outcomes such as energy security, food security or the implementation [...] Read more.

Location-sensitive policies are tailored to the specific characteristics and needs of a place, supporting both local priorities and wider national objectives within a particular time frame. They are developed to deliver key strategic outcomes such as energy security, food security or the implementation of national policies at a local scale. Place reflects the perceptions and physical realities of a space and the sense of what it is to be a person living there. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to determine what policy interventions are of influence in accelerating agri-technology adoption in an evolving ‘place’. The example of accelerating agri-technology adoption in Lincolnshire, United Kingdom (UK) is used as an explanatory case. Spatial consciousness, the ordering and management of space, can conflict with spatial connectedness, the socially constructed relationships that shape place, especially at the interface where national development priorities meet local plans. Distinctions between location-sensitive and place-based policies lie in their strategic intent, the intervention processes used, and the meanings then attributed to outcomes by affected communities. Agri-technology adoption can deliver economic and social impact, but place-specific policy interventions are required to deliver just, inclusive and win–win outcomes. Full article

20 pages, 2062 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Climate Change on the Tourism Potential of Northeastern Brazil: Trend Analysis and Future Perspectives

by Ayobami Badiru, Lívia Humaire, Lucas Suassuna de Albuquerque Wanderley and Andreas Matzarakis

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5290; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125290 (registering DOI) - 7 Jun 2025

Abstract

This study aims to assess the impacts of climate change on the tourism potential of Northeastern Brazil by analyzing historical trends and future climate projections, identifying climate risks, and proposing spatially targeted adaptation strategies. Historical daily climate data from the BR-DWGD and future [...] Read more.

This study aims to assess the impacts of climate change on the tourism potential of Northeastern Brazil by analyzing historical trends and future climate projections, identifying climate risks, and proposing spatially targeted adaptation strategies. Historical daily climate data from the BR-DWGD and future projections from the MPI-ESM1-2-LR model under the SSP2 4.5 scenario were used to evaluate extremes in temperature and precipitation. Principal component analysis and spatial cluster analysis were applied to identify five climatically homogeneous zones across the region. Results indicate generalized warming trends and intensifying rainfall extremes, particularly in coastal clusters where tourism infrastructure is concentrated. Inland zones, especially those with semi-arid climates, exhibit rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and increasing water scarcity. These differentiated climatic patterns pose risks to infrastructure, ecosystem services, and the overall sustainability of tourism. In response, the study proposes adaptation measures tailored to each zone, including improved drainage systems, sustainable cooling technologies, rainwater harvesting, and diversification of tourism activities. Emphasis is placed on community-based governance to enhance social equity and resilience. The findings highlight the relevance of spatialized climate analysis for guiding adaptation planning and supporting a more inclusive and climate-resilient tourism sector in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resident Well-Being and Sustainable Tourism Development)

Journal Description

Sustainability

Latest Articles

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Highly Accessed Articles

Latest Books

E-Mail Alert

News

Topics

Conferences

Special Issues

Topical Collections

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI