Sustainability

45 pages, 540 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Defense to Strategic Control: An Indicator Framework and DEMATEL–ISM Analysis of Sustainable Resilience in the NEV Industry Chain

by Changping Zhao, Xiaojiang Xu, Qiang Di and Bill Wang

Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6596; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136596 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2026

Abstract

Against the background of global green transition and industrial chain restructuring, the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry chain faces systemic challenges, including high resource dependence, technological constraints, and geopolitical risks. It is therefore necessary to build a sustainable resilience framework that reflects security, [...] Read more.

Against the background of global green transition and industrial chain restructuring, the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry chain faces systemic challenges, including high resource dependence, technological constraints, and geopolitical risks. It is therefore necessary to build a sustainable resilience framework that reflects security, controllability, green development, and long-term transformation. Drawing on the resource-based view, dynamic capability theory, institutional theory, and national innovation system theory, this study constructs an integrated indicator framework based on four-dimensional capabilities and a three-level structure. The framework includes four dimensions, namely resistance, adaptive recovery, autonomous controllability, and sustainable innovation, and three structural levels, namely the node, chain, and network levels. A total of 23 secondary indicators are developed. Using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory–Interpretive Structural Modeling (DEMATEL–ISM) method and scoring data from 15 industry experts, this study systematically examines the influence relationships and hierarchical structural relationships among the indicators. The results show that sustainable resilience in the NEV industry chain is not shaped by a single capability, but by the structural coordination among basic protection, adaptive recovery, autonomous controllability, and sustainable innovation. Autonomous controllability occupies a core linkage position in the framework, while network-level indicators provide important foundational support across different dimensions. This study further suggests that resilience improvement should move beyond short-term emergency response and place greater emphasis on long-term capability building, including supply security, coordinated recovery, technological autonomy, and green innovation governance. The findings provide theoretical insights and practical references for strengthening the security, controllability, and sustainability of the NEV industry chain. Full article

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24 pages, 26040 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Non-Linear Drivers of Carbon Storage in the Pisha Sandstone Area: A Coupled PLUS–InVEST and XGBoost–SHAP Framework

by Lu Zhang, Jiayi Xu, Bin Peng, Jiaqi Han and Wenjie Yang

Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6595; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136595 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2026

Abstract

While terrestrial carbon storage is vital for achieving global carbon neutrality, its spatiotemporal evolution in ecologically fragile regions—such as the Pisha sandstone area—is complicated by intense erosion and complex environmental drivers. Widely known as the Pisha sandstone area, often referred to as the [...] Read more.

While terrestrial carbon storage is vital for achieving global carbon neutrality, its spatiotemporal evolution in ecologically fragile regions—such as the Pisha sandstone area—is complicated by intense erosion and complex environmental drivers. Widely known as the Pisha sandstone area, often referred to as the “Earth’s ecological cancer” due to its unique geological instability (“hard as rock when dry, soft as mud when wet”), this area is a critical but vulnerable carbon sink in the Yellow River Basin. This study aims to clarify these dynamics and identify their non-linear driving mechanisms by integrating a coupled PLUS–InVEST model with an XGBoost–SHAP framework to simulate land-use cover change and quantify carbon sequestration potential from 1990 to 2040. Our results reveal: (1) a robust path dependence in land use, where grassland remained the dominant landscape matrix (>75%), which partly explains the stable regional carbon-stock structure and the moderate FoM value of the PLUS validation; (2) carbon storage followed a fluctuating but overall increasing trajectory, projected to reach a peak of 3.19 × 10⁵ tC by 2040 under the Ecological Conservation Scenario (ECS), which significantly outperforms the economic-driven and natural growth modes; (3) hot spot analysis showed that statistically notable low-carbon cold spots were concentrated mainly along valley corridors, marginal transition zones, and locally disturbed patches, whereas high-carbon hot spots were spatially limited; and, (4) crucially, XGBoost–SHAP results should be interpreted as model-based associations rather than direct causal proof; the whole-region model and the regional models jointly suggest that topography, water availability, socioeconomic pressure, and erosion-related factors contribute differently across bare, loess-covered, and sand-covered Pisha sandstone units. These findings support differentiated land-use and restoration strategies rather than uniform regional management. The findings suggest that future management in the Pisha sandstone area should transition from general restoration toward targeted and differentiated regulation to improve regional ecosystem services. Full article

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28 pages, 682 KB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond the Techno-Managerial Dashboard: Operationalizing ESG and Digital Equity in Smart City Governance

by Antonio Pesqueira

Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6594; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136594 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2026

Abstract

The rapid transformation of urban centers into smart environments introduces complex challenges at the intersection of technological advancement, environmental stewardship, and social justice. This study evaluates Lisbon’s smart city transition by establishing an integrated framework that links digital equity with Environmental, Social, and [...] Read more.

The rapid transformation of urban centers into smart environments introduces complex challenges at the intersection of technological advancement, environmental stewardship, and social justice. This study evaluates Lisbon’s smart city transition by establishing an integrated framework that links digital equity with Environmental, Social, and Governance principles. Employing a convergent qualitative research design, this paper triangulates a comprehensive regulatory policy analysis with primary empirical data gathered from twenty-five semi-structured interviews with municipal officials, academic experts, and residents of marginalized communities. The findings expose critical systemic disparities in digital infrastructure deployment, device affordability, and platform literacy across socio-economic strata, demonstrating how localized digital divides directly impede the execution of urban ESG objectives. While green financing mechanisms offer robust pathways for sustainable energy and transit infrastructure, their equity outcomes remain constrained without mandatory, transparent information disclosure systems that mitigate agency costs. Cultivating urban resilience requires shifting from tokenistic e-governance to genuine citizen empowerment. This study offers a novel theoretical contribution by operationalizing corporate ESG metrics within public urban governance frameworks, providing an empirical roadmap for municipal policymakers globally to balance digital innovation with structural inclusion and environmental accountability in smart city agendas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Triple Nexus: Sustainable Management, Responsible Practices and Digital Transformation)

33 pages, 1566 KB

Open AccessArticle

UAV-Based Observation and Big Data Analytics for Traffic Flow Estimation: A Comparative and Complementary Approach

by Giuseppe Salvo, Vito Frangiamore, Luigi Sanfilippo, Tiziana Campisi, Laura Marshall and Alberto Brignone

Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6593; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136593 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2026

Abstract

In recent years, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and Big Data analytics have both emerged as increasingly important approaches in advanced traffic monitoring. UAVs provide high-resolution spatial data and operational flexibility, supporting automated vehicle detection and the construction of origin–destination (O/D) matrices through video [...] Read more.

In recent years, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and Big Data analytics have both emerged as increasingly important approaches in advanced traffic monitoring. UAVs provide high-resolution spatial data and operational flexibility, supporting automated vehicle detection and the construction of origin–destination (O/D) matrices through video processing. Conversely, Big Data offers a passive and non-invasive approach based on heterogeneous sources such as mobile devices, satellite navigation systems, and digital applications, ensuring continuous temporal coverage for mobility pattern analysis. This study evaluates the combined use of UAVs and Big Data for traffic flow monitoring as an alternative to traditional manual methods. Focusing on two case studies in Trapani (Italy), the research assesses the advantages and limitations of each technology and their complementary use. Results show that Big Data effectively captures large-scale temporal dynamics but lacks accuracy for detailed O/D estimation, while UAVs provide precise spatial and behavioural information despite operational constraints. A key objective of this study is to investigate the potential complementarity between UAV observations and Big Data traffic monitoring technologies, highlighting the main strengths and limitations of each method under complex study sites and challenging operational conditions for traffic data acquisition using UAVs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Transportation)

16 pages, 452 KB

Open AccessArticle

Teacher Educators’ Digital Proficiency and Sustainable Pedagogical Technology Use: An Integrated Model of Competence and Implementation

by Ester Aflalo and Moriya Vaknin

Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6592; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136592 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study proposes an integrated model examining the relationship between teacher educators’ digital proficiency and the frequency of their pedagogical use of digital tools. By promoting long-term capacity-building in digital competence, the model contributes to sustainable development goals in education, particularly in ensuring [...] Read more.

This study proposes an integrated model examining the relationship between teacher educators’ digital proficiency and the frequency of their pedagogical use of digital tools. By promoting long-term capacity-building in digital competence, the model contributes to sustainable development goals in education, particularly in ensuring inclusive, equitable, and high-quality learning environments. The study involved 156 faculty members from five teacher-training colleges in Israel. Digital proficiency was measured using a validated self-assessment questionnaire adapted from the SELFIE framework (Self-Reflection on Effective Learning by Fostering the Use of Innovative Educational Technologies). The questionnaire assessed perceived competence across three dimensions: (1) filtering and enhancing digital resources, (2) assessment, feedback, communication, and active learning, and (3) adaptive and creative learning. A second questionnaire examined how frequently educators used specific digital tools across four categories: collaboration, diversity and special needs, active and creative learning, and distance and hybrid learning. Data were analyzed using Item Response Theory (IRT) to generate proficiency scores and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test associations. Results indicated moderate overall digital proficiency, with stronger competence in collaboration and communication and lower use of tools related to personalization and creativity. Significant positive associations were found between digital proficiency and all categories of tool use, especially creative and student-centered learning. Use also varied by gender, seniority, and professional role. The study underscores the importance of pedagogically informed professional development to support meaningful and inclusive digital integration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Educational Technologies and Improved Learning)

24 pages, 4387 KB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Water Security and Hydro-Climatic Trends: The Case of Krakow (Poland)

by Mariola Kędra

Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6591; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136591 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2026

Abstract

In 2018, over half of the world’s population lived in urban areas, and this figure is expected to continue to increase over the next 25 years. Water security in growing urban areas is becoming increasingly important. Current global warming can pose additional challenges [...] Read more.

In 2018, over half of the world’s population lived in urban areas, and this figure is expected to continue to increase over the next 25 years. Water security in growing urban areas is becoming increasingly important. Current global warming can pose additional challenges for sustainable water resource management. In this study, the city of Krakow (Poland) and its water supply system were considered. The MK and Spearman tests were used to detect trends in the studied data and the residuals from the Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) method. The analyses indicate that for 1971–2020, significant increasing trends (p < 0.05) in annual air temperature (0.36–0.46 °C/decade) were accompanied by significant trends in annual precipitation, with differences in direction and intensity (approx. −8 and 30 mm/decade). Similarly, significant trends in annual river flow for the two main sources of drinking water for Krakow (the Raba and Rudawa rivers) differed in both direction and intensity (0.51 m∙s⁻¹ and −0.05 m∙s⁻¹, respectively). The study also examined trends for individual months of the year, which largely explained the observed annual trends. Furthermore, the results of cross-correlation and autocorrelation analyses suggest that the identified decreasing trend in the Rudawa flow may be partly related to the significantly reduced underground recharge in the Rudawa catchment. The information obtained in this work can be used for more realistic and sustainable water resource management and urban-water-security planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Open) Innovation Paths towards Society 5.0: the Role of Sustainability in Business Strategy and Management)

42 pages, 2638 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Practical Framework for Cradle-to-Site Embodied Carbon Assessment: Application to a Multifamily Residential Building in Faro, Portugal

by Miguel José Oliveira, Manuel Duarte Pinheiro and Mateo Vergara

Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6590; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136590 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2026

Abstract

The growing importance of embodied carbon (EC) in building decarbonisation requires transparent, context-specific Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approaches. This study develops a practical framework for quantifying cradle-to-site EC (A1–A4), combining detailed post-construction material quantification with a structured data selection methodology. Carbon factors (CFs) [...] Read more.

The growing importance of embodied carbon (EC) in building decarbonisation requires transparent, context-specific Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approaches. This study develops a practical framework for quantifying cradle-to-site EC (A1–A4), combining detailed post-construction material quantification with a structured data selection methodology. Carbon factors (CFs) are primarily sourced from geographically representative Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and evaluated through a reliability framework that incorporates material similarity, geographical proximity, and data completeness. An Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is further applied to select representative values for key materials such as ready-mix concrete. The application of this framework highlights the critical influence of data representativeness on EC results and demonstrates a transparent and reproducible approach for reducing uncertainty in early-stage assessments. The case study yields a total EC of 228 kg CO₂e/m², with structural materials identified as the main carbon hotspots: ready-mix concrete accounts for approximately 40% of total impacts, reinforcing steel for around 11%, while masonry systems, infill, and levelling layers contribute a significant additional share. Together, these materials represent slightly more than 75% of total embodied emissions. Beyond the numerical results, the study shows that a limited number of material categories dominate the carbon footprint, enabling targeted decarbonisation strategies. The proposed framework is designed to be transferable to similar building contexts and supports more robust, data-driven decision-making in the Portuguese construction sector and beyond. It is particularly relevant in regions where locally representative environmental data are not necessarily sufficient, as it provides a structured approach for developing embodied carbon assessments under such condition. Full article

25 pages, 2212 KB

Open AccessArticle

Designing a Sustainable Home Service System: An “Internet+” O2O Approach for Balancing Supply, Demand, and Social Trust

by Cheng Sheng, Yanru Lyu, Shuozhi Pei, Zhijian Lv and Weiying Feng

Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6589; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136589 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2026

Abstract

As modern life accelerates, demand for housekeeping services is rising. However, safety concerns deter potential users, causing a persistent imbalance that poses significant challenges to social sustainability. This research aims to design a home service system that is not only operationally efficient but [...] Read more.

As modern life accelerates, demand for housekeeping services is rising. However, safety concerns deter potential users, causing a persistent imbalance that poses significant challenges to social sustainability. This research aims to design a home service system that is not only operationally efficient but also socially and economically sustainable. Using a user behavior analysis method, this study investigated the safety and hygiene needs of potential users. From a user-centered design perspective, an innovative housekeeping service system, along with its key service touchpoints: a mobile application and smart products. The system’s design is underpinned by the “Internet+” and Online-to-Offline (O2O) business models, integrating service design and sustainability principles. We present key system architecture and technologies, along with an analysis of implementation challenges. The findings suggest that the proposed system can enhance resource efficiency and economic viability (e.g., reduce operational costs by an estimated 15–25% compared with traditional models); improve user well-being and social equity (e.g., increase user trust by 15–20% through integrated credibility mechanisms and reduce household labor hours by approximately 4–6 h per week through optimized scheduling); and offer a replicable design framework for promoting sustainable service-sector development. Provide a scalable platform for the housekeeping industry’s sustainable transition. This research contributes a design paradigm for service systems that aligns business viability with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), by fostering trust, efficiency, and responsible consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Products and Services)

23 pages, 2461 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Assessment of Temporal Deep Learning Architectures for Photovoltaic–Thermal System Thermal Efficiency Forecasting with Sequence Length Sensitivity Analysis

by Zineb Tadlaoui, Salima Handa, Badr Elkari, Maria Malvoni, Yassine Chaibi and Zakaria Chalh

Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6588; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136588 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2026

Abstract

The ongoing global energy transition has intensified the need for precise modeling of renewable energy systems, especially photovoltaic–thermal (PV/T) systems that have the ability to produce both electrical and thermal energy. Improving the efficiency and reliability of PV/T systems is a key enabler [...] Read more.

The ongoing global energy transition has intensified the need for precise modeling of renewable energy systems, especially photovoltaic–thermal (PV/T) systems that have the ability to produce both electrical and thermal energy. Improving the efficiency and reliability of PV/T systems is a key enabler of the transition toward sustainable energy. Accurate forecasting of their thermal performance is therefore essential to maximize renewable energy use and reduce energy losses. A deep learning-based method is proposed in this study for the prediction of the thermal efficiency of an air-based PV/T system. More specifically, temporal deep learning architectures are investigated to exploit the complex nonlinear relationships and temporal dependencies governing the thermal behavior of the PV/T collector. A comprehensive comparative analysis is conducted using four state-of-the-art architectures, namely Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), and Transformer. Furthermore, the influence of sequence length is examined through a sensitivity analysis considering forecasting horizons of 1 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h. The models are evaluated using the Coefficient of Determination (R²), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). The results demonstrate that forecasting performance is strongly influenced by the selected temporal horizon. Among the investigated configurations, the 24-h horizon provided the most informative temporal context for thermal efficiency prediction. Under this common forecasting horizon, the LSTM model achieved the highest predictive accuracy, reaching an R² of 0.9952, an RMSE of 0.5975, and an MAE of 0.2364, outperforming the TCN, GRU, and Transformer architectures. The residual error and convergence analyses further highlighted the effectiveness of recurrent neural networks in capturing the thermal dynamics of the investigated PV/T system. By enabling accurate and reliable thermal efficiency forecasting, the proposed framework supports improved energy management, higher energy efficiency, and a stronger integration of renewable energy systems, thus contributing to more sustainable operation of hybrid solar energy technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)

31 pages, 760 KB

Open AccessArticle

Toward a Sustainable Society: The Role of Environmental Knowledge, Knowledge Capability, Sustainable Innovation, and Innovation Orientation in Product Innovation

by Gabriel Odili Olise and Tarik Atan

Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6587; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136587 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2026

Abstract

Contemporary stakeholders persist in pressuring firms toward environmental stewardship, while dynamic organizations demonstrate high-level capability and strategically respond to market evolution and align operations toward sustainability. This study aimed at investigating the connection between environmental knowledge and awareness and product/service innovation, as well [...] Read more.

Contemporary stakeholders persist in pressuring firms toward environmental stewardship, while dynamic organizations demonstrate high-level capability and strategically respond to market evolution and align operations toward sustainability. This study aimed at investigating the connection between environmental knowledge and awareness and product/service innovation, as well as the mediating roles of knowledge process capability-application dimensions and sustainable innovation, and the moderating effects of innovation orientation. Through a questionnaire, empirical data were collected from 354 bank employees operating in western Nigeria, whose bank ranked on the list as being the most sustainable bank in Nigeria in the 2024 sustainability ranking. SPSS and SmartPLS were used for data analysis and the testing of hypotheses. The findings showed a significant positive association between environmental knowledge and awareness and product/service innovation, and additionally, knowledge process capability-application and sustainable innovation significantly mediate the relationship between environmental knowledge and awareness and product/service innovation. Meanwhile, innovation orientation negatively moderates the relationship between environmental knowledge and awareness and knowledge process capability-application. However, innovation orientation did not moderate the relationship between sustainable innovation and product/service innovation. This study underscores the importance of knowledge management strategy and firm innovation orientation toward sustainability stewardship in service organizations and provides valuable theoretical insights for management scholars. An integrated dynamic capability, as well as absorptive capacity theories, underpinned this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management and Organizational Performance for Sustainable Future—2nd Edition)

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41 pages, 1408 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Enhancing Plant Biodiversity, Soil Health and Agroecosystem Resilience: The Role of Cereal-Legume Crop Rotations

by Aikaterini Molla, Maria Bebie, Alexandra D. Solomou and Elpiniki Skoufogianni

Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6586; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136586 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2026

Abstract

Agroecosystems must maintain high productivity over time and contribute to restoring the biodiversity and functionality of soils while agroecosystems yield the food we eat; however, the diversity related to food and agriculture has been shrinking. With this systematic review, the narrative and evidence [...] Read more.

Agroecosystems must maintain high productivity over time and contribute to restoring the biodiversity and functionality of soils while agroecosystems yield the food we eat; however, the diversity related to food and agriculture has been shrinking. With this systematic review, the narrative and evidence map synthesized existing evidence about how cereal-legume rotations (as a form of diversifying crop diversity) could improve the diversity and function of the plant and functional aspects of biodiversity while restoring the soil health and agroecosystem resilience. A PRISMA 2020 report has been created alongside this work. This evidence will be used to understand improvements in soil physical and biological traits, nutrient cycles, and biologically fixed N, regulated pests/diseases/weeds, productivity and yield stability, environmental efficiency, and outcomes. In addition, several pieces of evidence were included and explained concerning the N cycle in cereal-legume rotations. When used compared to monoculture cereal systems, cereal-legume rotations lead to improved soil structure, activity, and nutritional status (N fixing) and may decrease pests and disease; these conditions often promote a better harvest or lead to higher and/or more stable productivity. Crop residue-based SOC increases are generally moderate in duration and degree. The increase in microbial biomass occurred more quickly over the years. For the environment, cereal-legume rotations generally achieve a lower total environmental efficiency due to lower N fertilizer inputs (N fixing), which means a lower C footprint per ton of production of crops, yet this strategy can also cause some environmental consequences, such as increasing N₂O emissions (due to over N fixing), which cause global warming and nitrate leaching when N is fixed in excess, not coupled with crop requirements, creating pollution. The rotation is context-dependent, so each site-specific system needs to be analyzed to improve trade-offs to yield, productivity, and environmental conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Management and Sustainable Agriculture)

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34 pages, 38627 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Traditional Rural Finance, Digital Finance, and Agricultural Economic Resilience: Causal Inference Based on Double Machine Learning

by Su Li, Changjun Yang and Kexin Li

Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6585; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136585 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2026

Abstract

Agricultural economic resilience (AER) is not only a key pathway for promoting rural revitalization and ensuring food security, but also an important guarantee for sustainable agricultural development. Based on panel data for 1410 counties in China from 2014 to 2023, this study employs [...] Read more.

Agricultural economic resilience (AER) is not only a key pathway for promoting rural revitalization and ensuring food security, but also an important guarantee for sustainable agricultural development. Based on panel data for 1410 counties in China from 2014 to 2023, this study employs the entropy weight method, a double machine learning model (DML), an instrumental variable model, and a panel threshold model to systematically analyze the impact of traditional rural finance (TRF) on AER and its underlying mechanisms. It also examines the threshold effect of digital finance (DF) in the process through which TRF influences AER, and further explores the roles of DF and TRF in narrowing agricultural development disparities, with the aim of providing scientific evidence for rural revitalization and food security in China and other developing countries, and contributing to the sustainable development of agriculture. The results show that (1) TRF can significantly improve AER, with agricultural technological innovation (ATI) and agricultural socialized services (ASS) playing mediating roles; (2) DF and its dimensions, including coverage breadth, usage depth, and degree of digitalization, exhibit threshold effects in the impact of TRF on AER, and as the levels of DF and its dimensions increase, the positive effect of TRF shows a diminishing marginal trend, indicating a competitive crowding-out effect between the two; (3) the promoting effect of TRF on AER exhibits significant heterogeneity, being stronger in agricultural counties and in the eastern, central, and western regions, following a “Central > Eastern > Western” pattern, while it is not significant in the northeastern region; (4) TRF significantly reduces agricultural development disparities, whereas DF overall significantly exacerbates such disparities, although its different dimensions exhibit clear heterogeneity in their effects, with coverage breadth consistently and significantly widening regional agricultural development gaps. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revitalizing Rural Communities: Pathways to Social, Economic, and Environmental Sustainability)

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22 pages, 1306 KB

Open AccessArticle

Perceived Policy Effectiveness and Bamboo Product Consumption: Evidence from a Field Investigation with Urban Residents

by Qianqian Pan and Ruizhi Zhi

Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6584; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136584 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2026

Abstract

Advancing urban sustainability transitions through effective environmental policies requires understanding how residents perceive and respond to policies. While perceived policy effectiveness (PPE) has been studied in waste management and recycling programs, its role in shaping demand for bio-based materials remains underexplored. This study [...] Read more.

Advancing urban sustainability transitions through effective environmental policies requires understanding how residents perceive and respond to policies. While perceived policy effectiveness (PPE) has been studied in waste management and recycling programs, its role in shaping demand for bio-based materials remains underexplored. This study investigates whether and how PPE is associated with bamboo product consumption among 1121 urban residents in Zhejiang Province, China. Drawing on an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework, we use ordinary least squares estimators to examine the direct and interactive associations between PPE and actual bamboo consumption behavior. Results show that PPE is significantly and positively associated with bamboo product consumption. Interaction analysis reveals heterogeneous effects: PPE shows a weak positive interaction with environmental knowledge, but a negative interaction with environmental values. This suggests that policy signals may complement cognitive preparedness while partly compensating for low value-based motivation. A supplementary analysis indicates that this conditioning extends to economic resources, with the association concentrated among lower-income, more price-sensitive consumers. This study extends PPE research from post-consumption management to the purchasing stage of sustainable products. It highlights the role of policy perceptions in shaping demand-side adoption of lower-impact materials, with implications for urban sustainability transitions and city-level policies promoting bio-based alternatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)

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13 pages, 3759 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Continuous-Flow Wastewater Disinfection Using an Automated Electroporation-Based System

by Iosif Lingvay, Daniela Simina Ștefan, Attila Tókos, Camelia Ungureanu, Ana Iulia Ștefan and Csaba Bartha

Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6583; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136583 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2026

Abstract

The paper presents an automated, remotely controlled installation for the continuous-flow disinfection of treated wastewater. The proposed solution ensures the inactivation of microorganisms without heating the fluid and without the use of chemical disinfectants, thus reducing the environmental impact and resource consumption associated [...] Read more.

The paper presents an automated, remotely controlled installation for the continuous-flow disinfection of treated wastewater. The proposed solution ensures the inactivation of microorganisms without heating the fluid and without the use of chemical disinfectants, thus reducing the environmental impact and resource consumption associated with conventional disinfection methods. The destruction of microorganisms is achieved by applying high-intensity electrical pulses, which cause irreversible permeabilization of cell membranes through the phenomenon of electroporation. The installation is fully automated and based on a closed-loop control system, in which a programmable logic controller (PLC) acquires data from specialized sensors and automatically regulates the process variables according to the measured operating conditions. The system implements a closed-loop control strategy, optimizing the amplitude, duration and frequency of the electrical pulses depending on the characteristics of the treated fluid and the working flow rate. By eliminating chemical reagents and limiting thermal effects, the proposed technology contributes to reducing energy consumption and increasing the sustainability of the disinfection process. The integration of electroporation with modern automation and monitoring solutions supports the implementation of circular economy principles and the development of sustainable strategies for the management and reuse of treated wastewater. The proposed PLC-SCADA architecture enables adaptive real-time control of the disinfection process by continuously adjusting pulse amplitude, duration, and repetition frequency according to wastewater characteristics and flow conditions. Compared with conventional chemical disinfection methods, the system eliminates the need for chemical reagents and minimizes the formation of secondary pollutants. In addition, the continuous-flow configuration facilitates integration into existing wastewater treatment infrastructures while supporting sustainable and energy-efficient operation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clean Technologies and Innovative Approaches for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment)

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21 pages, 564 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Temporal Paradox of Mandatory Sustainability Disclosure: Evidence from Saudi Arabia’s 2021 Tadawul ESG Guidelines on Reporting Quality

by Iman Babiker, Fawwaz Alrwabdah, Ahmad Alomari, Mashael Bakhit, Amal Alharthi and Mansour Elfaki

Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6582; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136582 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2026

Abstract

Does mandatory sustainability disclosure improve the quality of corporate financial reporting immediately, gradually, or with delay? We address this question using Saudi Arabia’s January 2021 Tadawul ESG Disclosure Guidelines—the first comprehensive sustainability disclosure framework in the Gulf Cooperation Council and a uniform, accurately [...] Read more.

Does mandatory sustainability disclosure improve the quality of corporate financial reporting immediately, gradually, or with delay? We address this question using Saudi Arabia’s January 2021 Tadawul ESG Disclosure Guidelines—the first comprehensive sustainability disclosure framework in the Gulf Cooperation Council and a uniform, accurately dated regulatory shock affecting all listed firms. Using a balanced panel of 135 non-financial firms over 2017–2024 (1080 firm-year observations), we estimate absolute discretionary accruals from the Modified Jones Model and employ event-time fixed-effects regressions with Driscoll–Kraay standard errors robust to heteroskedasticity, autocorrelation, and cross-sectional dependence. We document a temporal paradox: reporting quality did not change in the announcement year (2021), deteriorated significantly in 2022 (+28%) and 2023 (+38%) relative to the pre-reform baseline, and then improved significantly in 2024 (−17%). The pattern survives performance-matched discretionary accruals, exclusion of the 2020 COVID-19 year, a placebo test, sectoral disaggregation across nine Tadawul-aligned industry groups, and a battery of pre-reform firm characteristics. Heterogeneity analysis identifies the underlying mechanism: voluntary pre-2021 ESG disclosers and firms with stronger pre-reform governance exhibit amplified short-run deterioration, while larger firms with pre-existing reporting infrastructure show a substantially attenuated paradox. These patterns are jointly consistent with the adjustment-cost mechanism we develop: the reform redirected scarce reporting governance toward the new disclosure margin during a three-year compliance buildout, after which the constraining effect on accrual-based earnings management emerged. The findings carry direct implications for the design and evaluation of mandatory sustainability disclosure reforms currently advancing across emerging and developed markets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Environmental Performance and Disclosure: Implications for Sustainability—Second Edition)

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31 pages, 5847 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Composite Index and Integrated Multi-Criteria Evaluation Model for Evaluating Urban Infrastructure Resilience Against Flood: A Case Study of Fujian Province, China

by Zhen Huang, Leonard Lik Pueh Lim, Ahmad Beng Hong Kueh and Sim Nee Ting

Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6581; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136581 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2026

Abstract

Infrastructure is critical for mitigating flood impacts and supporting post-disaster recovery. However, comprehensive and validated approaches for evaluating urban infrastructure resilience (UIR) remain limited. A novel composite index system is developed based on the resilience dimensions of resistance, recovery capability, and adaptability, with [...] Read more.

Infrastructure is critical for mitigating flood impacts and supporting post-disaster recovery. However, comprehensive and validated approaches for evaluating urban infrastructure resilience (UIR) remain limited. A novel composite index system is developed based on the resilience dimensions of resistance, recovery capability, and adaptability, with both engineering and social infrastructure incorporated into the evaluation framework. An integrated AHP&EWM&KL-TOPSIS model is proposed to evaluate the UIR levels of nine cities in Fujian Province, China, over the period 2012–2021. The effectiveness and reliability of the integrated evaluation model were validated through cross-validation and comparative sensitivity analysis. Key findings reveal that the Environmental Protection System consistently exhibits the highest resilience with minimal inter-city variation across Fujian Province, whereas other infrastructure systems show significant disparities, suggesting effective province-wide environmental policies. In 2021, Fuzhou had the highest UIR, while Putian and Nanping showed the lowest. The UIR of Fujian exhibited a “higher in the south, lower in the north” spatial pattern, with enhanced regional coordination in Southern Fujian, and widening disparities within Eastern Fujian. This study provides practical guidance for policymakers and urban planners for identifying critical system-level vulnerabilities and spatial disparities, thereby supporting targeted resilience enhancement, balanced regional development, and improved flood preparedness. Full article

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19 pages, 579 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Mediating Role of Environmental Attitudes in Shaping Pro-Environmental Behavior

by Shruthi V. Shetty, Smitha Nayak, Giridhar B. Kamath, Sheryl V. I. De Araujo and Raveendra K. Rao

Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6580; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136580 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2026

Abstract

Drawing on the Value–Attitude–Behavior framework, this study aims to investigate the relationship between environmental values and pro-environmental behavior and the mediating role of environmental attitudes in this relationship among Generation Z in India. Survey data were gathered using a structured questionnaire from 281 [...] Read more.

Drawing on the Value–Attitude–Behavior framework, this study aims to investigate the relationship between environmental values and pro-environmental behavior and the mediating role of environmental attitudes in this relationship among Generation Z in India. Survey data were gathered using a structured questionnaire from 281 respondents, and statistical analysis for this study was conducted using SmartPLS 4.0 software. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) algorithm and bootstrapping technique were employed to analyze both the direct and mediation relationships. Path coefficients and t-values were thoroughly examined to validate and support the proposed hypotheses, ensuring robust testing of the model’s structure and relationships. The study establishes a significant association between environmental attitudes and values, highlighting their positive role in promoting pro-environmental behavior, supporting the VAB theory. A partial mediation paradigm, in which environmental behavior is related to both cognitive (attitude) and motivational (value) factors, is supported by the significance of both direct and indirect effects. Multiple variables are highlighted by research on pro-environmental behavior (PEB), ranging from social and contextual factors to individual values and attitudes. While prior studies have sought to address this multiplicity, such efforts have often led to increased complexity rather than conceptual clarity. By isolating the variables, this research furthers the understanding of how environmental values and attitudes is related to pro-environmental actions in the context of the Indian Gen Z audience. The outcome of the study has important implications for green communication targeting this specific cohort. Full article

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32 pages, 1033 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Resource Infrastructure Economy: A Systematic Review on Regime Coupling and Infrastructural Integration in European Sustainability Transitions

by Eleonora Santos

Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6579; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136579 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2026

Abstract

European sustainability transitions are increasingly defined by the convergence of blue, green, and circular economy agendas. Traditionally analysed and governed in isolation, these domains generate important interdependencies, trade-offs, and coordination challenges that remain insufficiently understood. Drawing on the multi-level perspective (MLP) and recent [...] Read more.

European sustainability transitions are increasingly defined by the convergence of blue, green, and circular economy agendas. Traditionally analysed and governed in isolation, these domains generate important interdependencies, trade-offs, and coordination challenges that remain insufficiently understood. Drawing on the multi-level perspective (MLP) and recent advances in multi-system dynamics, this article introduces the Resource Infrastructure Economy (RIE) as a novel integrative framework. The RIE differs from existing multi-system frameworks by explicitly integrating marine governance as a full socio-technical regime, theorising regulatory-driven regime coupling as a distinct transition pathway, and foregrounding the constitutive role of shared physical and digital infrastructures in shaping value creation, path dependencies, and distributional outcomes. The RIE conceptualises contemporary European transitions as processes of deep regime coupling and infrastructural integration, whereby energy, marine, and material regimes become tightly coordinated through shared physical and digital infrastructures and assertive regulatory steering. Through a systematic integrative literature review (58 core publications selected from over 450 records following PRISMA guidelines, analysed using abductive thematic analysis with MAXQDA 26 software) and comparative analysis of six countries—Portugal, Spain, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway—the study reveals persistent structural gaps between the three agendas alongside emerging patterns of pairwise and triadic regime coupling. While Northern and Central European frontrunners demonstrate more advanced infrastructural coordination, Southern peripheral regions face greater difficulties in governance integration and just transition outcomes. The RIE framework advances sustainability transitions theory in three ways: (1) systematically integrating blue economy scholarship into multi-system analysis; (2) theorising regulatory-driven regime coupling as a distinct transition pathway; and (3) foregrounding the constitutive role of physical and digital infrastructures and environmental data systems in shaping value creation, path dependencies, and distributional outcomes. By reframing European sustainability transitions through the lens of the Resource Infrastructure Economy, this article provides a new conceptual lens to understand uneven transition geographies and offers actionable insights for more integrated and just policy coordination across the European Green Deal. Full article

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23 pages, 639 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of ESG Performance on Sustained Green Innovation of Enterprises

by Li Li, Xin Zhong and Zhiyou Wei

Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6578; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136578 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2026

Abstract

Amid the ongoing global green transformation and the deepening implementation of the “dual carbon” goals, the sustained enhancement of firms’ green innovation capabilities is crucial for driving high-quality development. This study utilizes panel data from A-share listed companies spanning the period from 2013 [...] Read more.

Amid the ongoing global green transformation and the deepening implementation of the “dual carbon” goals, the sustained enhancement of firms’ green innovation capabilities is crucial for driving high-quality development. This study utilizes panel data from A-share listed companies spanning the period from 2013 to 2023, and conducts an empirical analysis to examine how ESG performance influences firms’ sustained green innovation and its underlying effects and mechanisms. The results reveal that ESG performance exert a statistically significant positive effect on firms’ sustained green innovation. This finding remains robust across a range of robustness checks, including Heckman’s two-step method, propensity score matching (PSM), alternative ESG measures, models incorporating lagged variables, and other checks. The mechanism analysis reveals that ESG performance improves firms’ capacity to maintain green innovation and continuously accumulate its outcomes by alleviating financing constraints and reducing operational risks. Government subsidies and digitalization positively moderate the effect of ESG performance on firms’ sustained green innovation. Furthermore, the heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that the promoting effect of ESG performance on sustained green innovation is more pronounced among non-heavy-polluting firms, large-scale firms, and state-owned firms. The findings of this study provide a theoretical foundation for firms to effectively integrate ESG resources and further enhance sustained green innovation, and they also offer valuable insights into how firms can build a sustainable innovation ecosystem. Full article

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