Sustainability

18 pages, 583 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

An Assessment of the Energy Efficiency of Diesel and Electric Cars for Sustainable Urban Logistics

by Rytis Engelaitis, Aldona Jarašūnienė and Margarita Išoraitė

Sustainability 2026, 18(7), 3212; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18073212 - 25 Mar 2026

Viewed by 1079

Transport decarbonization and electrification are the current concepts of sustainable logistics. The European Green Deal aims to remove internal combustion engine vehicles from the roads and make the continent climate neutral by 2050. However, there is much debate about the means to achieve [...] Read more.

Transport decarbonization and electrification are the current concepts of sustainable logistics. The European Green Deal aims to remove internal combustion engine vehicles from the roads and make the continent climate neutral by 2050. However, there is much debate about the means to achieve this goal and the rivalry between diesel and electric vehicles. This article aims to analyze the impact of the energy efficiency of diesel and electric vehicles on the sustainability of urban logistics and the benefits for the average transport user—the driver. The study uses scientific literature, statistical, comparative, SWOT analysis methods, and experimental research methods. In addition, a qualitative study was conducted with the help of experts, and the problematic relationships between diesel and electric vehicles were analyzed. The results of the study showed that even an old diesel vehicle is not inferior to a new electric vehicle in terms of energy efficiency and operation for the average user but does not meet the theoretical sustainability standards for urban logistics. Therefore, broader apolitical discussion and practical experiments are needed to ensure that the results of future research are unbiased. Full article

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21 pages, 1006 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Microplastics in Aquatic Ecosystems: Implications for Ecosystem Services and the Sustainability of Fisheries

by Doaa M. Mokhtar

Sustainability 2026, 18(6), 3021; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18063021 - 19 Mar 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1145

Abstract

Microplastic pollution has become widespread in aquatic ecosystems worldwide; however, its consequences for ecosystem service provision and fisheries’ long-term sustainability remain poorly integrated across scientific disciplines. While previous reviews have primarily focused on sources, distribution patterns, and toxicological responses, this review advances the [...] Read more.

Microplastic pollution has become widespread in aquatic ecosystems worldwide; however, its consequences for ecosystem service provision and fisheries’ long-term sustainability remain poorly integrated across scientific disciplines. While previous reviews have primarily focused on sources, distribution patterns, and toxicological responses, this review advances the field by synthesizing existing evidence through an ecosystem-service framework. Specifically, it integrates organism-level biological responses with population dynamics and fishery productivity to evaluate how microplastic exposure may influence provisioning, regulating, and supporting services. It also critically provides patterns of sublethal effects, trophic transfer dynamics, and interactions with co-stressors. Particular attention is given to the challenge of scaling from physiological responses to measurable impacts on biomass production, recruitment stability, and habitat functionality. To clarify these linkages, the review provides a structured synthesis of service pathways connecting microplastic exposure to fishery-relevant outcomes and highlights priority research gaps necessary for quantitative risk assessment. In conclusion, advancing sustainability assessments requires long-term, field-based integration of ecotoxicology, population modeling, and ecosystem process metrics. By reframing microplastic pollution within a service-delivery context, this review offers a focused analytical foundation for evaluating its significance to sustainable fisheries and aquatic resource governance. Full article

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27 pages, 2643 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Common Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Mill.) as a Support for Sustainable Agriculture

by Piotr Jarosław Żarczyński, Ewa Mackiewicz-Walec, Sławomir Józef Krzebietke, Stanisław Sienkiewicz, Soňa Hlinková and Katarzyna Żarczyńska

Sustainability 2026, 18(6), 2823; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18062823 - 13 Mar 2026

Viewed by 1069

Abstract

Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Mill.) is a pseudocereal that has recently gained increasing interest among both farmers and scientists. Its low soil requirements, high adaptability, and high resistance to diseases and pests allow it to be cultivated in many regions of the [...] Read more.

Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Mill.) is a pseudocereal that has recently gained increasing interest among both farmers and scientists. Its low soil requirements, high adaptability, and high resistance to diseases and pests allow it to be cultivated in many regions of the world. It is recommended for various cultivation systems, especially for low-input and organic farming. Currently, buckwheat is grown mainly for seeds and less often for green fodder. Thanks to its above-average nutritional value and many benefits that support human health, it is considered one of the leaders in functional food. It can be a basic raw material for many food products such as flour, groats, and flakes, but can also be used as a valuable addition to crisps, bars and drinks. Recently, buckwheat’s usefulness in the energy industry, construction, medicine, and pharmacology has been confirmed. Buckwheat, as a plant species distinct from the dominant global crops, fits very well into the current standards and assumptions of sustainable development. Its cultivation and consumption are associated with a number of benefits not only for human health but also for the whole environment. It is considered a species that counteracts climate change. Buckwheat’s valuable properties include its positive impact on soil physicochemical properties, its enhancement of biodiversity, and its support for pollinators. It is considered a species that can be cultivated in a changing climate, generating a very low carbon footprint. The aim of this study was to determine the contemporary economic importance of buckwheat, its place among species supporting sustainable development, and to identify potential research areas that will contribute to strengthening buckwheat’s role in sustainable agriculture. Full article

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45 pages, 6030 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

An Open-Source Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) Model to Assess the Environmental Impacts of IGBT Power Semiconductor Manufacturing

by Thomas Guillemet, Pierre-Yves Pichon and Nicolas Degrenne

Sustainability 2026, 18(5), 2663; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18052663 - 9 Mar 2026

Viewed by 1323

Abstract

While sustainability is set as a goal by a broad range of international organizations, its definition varies, and there is still a lack of practical criteria for product designers to evaluate the degree of (un)sustainability in the design phase. Life cycle assessment (LCA) [...] Read more.

While sustainability is set as a goal by a broad range of international organizations, its definition varies, and there is still a lack of practical criteria for product designers to evaluate the degree of (un)sustainability in the design phase. Life cycle assessment (LCA) can allow quantification of the environmental impacts of a product but is often carried out post-design, when the manufacturing process is already settled. Finally, while significant advances have been made towards standardizing LCA calculations by providing product category rules, large uncertainties remain in the calculation results due to a lack of transparency regarding the choices of databases, system boundaries, allocation, cut-off rules, and level of data granularity. A practical way to improve in those areas is to share with the semiconductor community a parametrizable life cycle inventory (LCI) model based on a target device to (1) identify knowledge gaps in LCA methods for such products, (2) identify the main process variables, and (3) provide a starting point for LCA calculations by the designers themselves. With this aim, a parametrizable cradle-to-gate manufacturing LCI model was developed based on the peer-reviewed process flow of a trench field-stop silicon insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) semiconductor power device. The model allows computation of the environmental impacts of the IGBT manufacturing process based on different tunable parameters such as die size, wafer diameter, manufacturing yield, abatement efficiency, wafer fab throughput, wafer fab location, and associated electricity mix. Embedding a high level of data granularity, it helps identify, at elementary process levels, key environmental hotspots and associated technical levers for their reduction. Analysis of the IGBT manufacturing process tends to demonstrate the importance of an impact assessment approach considering multiple environmental categories, going beyond the sole focus on greenhouse gas emissions and accounting for potential transfers of impact. With an open-source mindset and in a continuous improvement prospective, the manufacturing inventory model and its associated tools are freely available from a public GitHub repository and open for comments and consolidation from users. Full article

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37 pages, 3912 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Sweetener Innovation 4.0 Manifesto: How AI Is Architecting the Future of Functional Sweetness

by Ali Ayoub

Sustainability 2026, 18(5), 2488; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18052488 - 4 Mar 2026

Viewed by 1300

Abstract

Sweeteners occupy a pivotal role in the global transition toward sustainable, health-aligned, and resource-efficient food systems. Conventional sucrose production carries significant environmental burdens, while escalating metabolic health concerns intensify demand for viable alternatives. This paper reframes sweeteners not as commodity ingredients, but as [...] Read more.

Sweeteners occupy a pivotal role in the global transition toward sustainable, health-aligned, and resource-efficient food systems. Conventional sucrose production carries significant environmental burdens, while escalating metabolic health concerns intensify demand for viable alternatives. This paper reframes sweeteners not as commodity ingredients, but as digitally engineered, biologically manufactured, and circularity-optimized materials within the emerging bioeconomy. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), metabolic engineering, precision fermentation, and lignocellulosic valorization are fundamentally reshaping sweetener innovation. We introduce the Sweetener Innovation 4.0 framework, in which AI functions as the integrative engine linking molecular design, bioprocess optimization, and system-level sustainability. Across diverse sweetener classes, including steviol glycosides, mogrosides, rare sugars, sweet proteins, and forestry-derived polyols, AI accelerates discovery, improves metabolic flux control, optimizes downstream processing and enables more adaptive manufacturing systems. This digital–biological convergence is progressively decoupling sweetness production from land-intensive agriculture, reducing dependence on geographically constrained crops, and enabling resilient, low-carbon manufacturing pathways. Comparative life-cycle assessments highlight substantial sustainability gains, but also reveal persistent methodological gaps, particularly in accounting for downstream-processing energy and digital infrastructure emissions. Socioeconomic analysis further underscores the importance of equitable transitions, transparent labeling, and effective consumer communication as fermentation-derived sweeteners enter global markets. Looking forward, we identify key frontiers for Sweetener Innovation 4.0, including de novo AI-designed sweeteners, autonomous fermentation systems, carbon-negative feedstocks, personalized sweetness modulation, and integrated circular biorefineries. Together, these developments position sweeteners as a top domain for demonstrating how AI, biotechnology, and sustainability principles can jointly reshape ingredient development and industrial systems within the 21st-century circular-economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Food)

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10 pages, 677 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

AI, Maritime Decarbonization, and Ocean Conservation

by Mark J. Spalding

Sustainability 2026, 18(5), 2337; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18052337 - 28 Feb 2026

Viewed by 6998

Abstract

International shipping contributes approximately 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions while serving as the circulatory system of global commerce. The International Maritime Organization’s 2023 GHG Strategy mandates net-zero emissions by or around 2050, with indicative targets requiring a 20–30% reduction by 2030 and [...] Read more.

International shipping contributes approximately 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions while serving as the circulatory system of global commerce. The International Maritime Organization’s 2023 GHG Strategy mandates net-zero emissions by or around 2050, with indicative targets requiring a 20–30% reduction by 2030 and a 70–80% reduction by 2040. From a coastal and ocean conservation perspective, these targets represent more than climate mitigation—they offer an opportunity to reduce the maritime sector’s broader ecological footprint, including underwater noise pollution, chemical contamination from antifouling coatings, and the transfer of invasive species through biofouling. This article examines the role of artificial intelligence in supporting maritime decarbonization across multiple domains: voyage optimization, wind-assisted propulsion management, vessel automation, port coordination, predictive maintenance, ship design optimization, and hull maintenance robotics. Critically, the analysis also addresses AI’s own environmental footprint—the substantial energy demands of data centers that power these technologies—and emphasizes the importance of transparent accounting of AI-related emissions. The article proposes research directions that advance both climate objectives and marine ecosystem protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transdisciplinary Approach in Sustainable Shipping: Transition to a Zero-Emission Maritime Industry)

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41 pages, 2268 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceSystematic Review

Can Digital Twin Technology Enhance Supply-Chain Resilience? A Systematic Literature Review

by Congyang Liu, Yingli Wang, Laura Purvis and Andrew Potter

Sustainability 2026, 18(5), 2361; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18052361 - 28 Feb 2026

Viewed by 2544

Abstract

Digital twin technology (DTT) creates a virtual replica of a physical object, system, or process and uses real-time data to support monitoring, analysis, and control. Although DTT is increasingly discussed as a means to enhance supply-chain resilience, prior evidence is fragmented and lacks [...] Read more.

Digital twin technology (DTT) creates a virtual replica of a physical object, system, or process and uses real-time data to support monitoring, analysis, and control. Although DTT is increasingly discussed as a means to enhance supply-chain resilience, prior evidence is fragmented and lacks an integrated view across disruption stages. This study conducts a systematic literature review of 89 peer-reviewed articles on DTT and supply-chain resilience, applying relevance-based screening to retain studies with substantive theoretical and practical implications. The review indicates that DTT applications for resilience are emergent but gaining momentum, and that their contribution differs by resilience stage. Specifically, DTT capabilities support preparedness through enhanced visibility, risk sensing, and scenario testing; resistance through real-time monitoring, early warning, and evaluation of mitigation options; rebound through response coordination, recovery planning, and adaptive reconfiguration; and growth through post-disruption learning and network redesign. The synthesis also identifies key barriers to adoption, including data quality limitations, high implementation costs, shortages of specialised skills, and governance challenges, and suggests that integration with complementary digital technologies often enables more advanced functionality. Overall, the study provides a stage-based consolidation of DTT capabilities, benefits, and barriers to guide research and managerial deployment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Management Strategies and Practices—2nd Edition)

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24 pages, 2558 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceSystematic Review

Urban Climate Governance and Urban Planning: A Systematic Review of Recent Literature (2020–2025)

by Beatrice Lorenz Fontolan, Sílvia Jorge and Jorge Gonçalves

Sustainability 2026, 18(5), 2362; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18052362 - 28 Feb 2026

Viewed by 1711

Abstract

Climate change poses increasing challenges to cities, requiring integrated governance and planning approaches to promote sustainable, resilient, and equitable urban development. In this context, this study aims to systematically review scientific literature on climate governance and urban planning, identifying dominant themes, conceptual frameworks, [...] Read more.

Climate change poses increasing challenges to cities, requiring integrated governance and planning approaches to promote sustainable, resilient, and equitable urban development. In this context, this study aims to systematically review scientific literature on climate governance and urban planning, identifying dominant themes, conceptual frameworks, and research gaps. A systematic literature review was conducted following established review protocols, including database searches, screening procedures, and bibliometric and qualitative content analyses. Keyword co-occurrence and thematic clustering were applied to map the intellectual structure of the field. The results reveal a highly interdisciplinary research landscape organized around four main thematic domains: urban governance and sustainable development, climate adaptation and nature-based solutions, risk, vulnerability and participatory approaches, and land-use planning, mitigation, and environmental policy. Urban planning emerges as a central integrative platform connecting governance arrangements, ecological strategies, and climate risk management. The findings also highlight a growing emphasis on participatory governance and adaptation-oriented planning, alongside persistent gaps related to climate justice, Global South perspectives, and the integration of social inequalities into planning frameworks. Overall, the study demonstrates that effective climate governance increasingly depends on coordinated urban planning strategies capable of integrating environmental, social, and institutional dimensions, contributing to more sustainable and resilient cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Built Environment, 2nd Volume)

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40 pages, 670 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceSystematic Review

AI Solutions for Improving Sustainability in Water Resource Management

by Jorge Alejandro Silva

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

Viewed by 1594

Abstract

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

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

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

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26 pages, 2846 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Electric Minibus Taxis in Cape Town: Energy Demand, Emissions, and Costs

by Joshua Tokollo Sello, Mienke Knipe, Maria Elizabeth Marais, Salma Abdelgadir, Christo Venter and Marthinus Johannes Booysen

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2122; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042122 - 21 Feb 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1222

Abstract

Minibus taxis are Cape Town’s ubiquitous public transport mode, carrying about 69% of public transport users. As electric mobility accelerates, the implications of electrifying this paratransit fleet must be quantified. We present a multi-perspective assessment of energy, environmental and operator impacts of electric [...] Read more.

Minibus taxis are Cape Town’s ubiquitous public transport mode, carrying about 69% of public transport users. As electric mobility accelerates, the implications of electrifying this paratransit fleet must be quantified. We present a multi-perspective assessment of energy, environmental and operator impacts of electric minibus taxis (eMBTs). Using a high-resolution tracking dataset representative of MBT operations in Cape Town, South Africa, we estimate daily charging energy demand, compare greenhouse gas and particulate matter emissions for electric and internal combustion operation under South Africa’s coal-dominated grid, and evaluate the operator’s total cost of ownership. Key results show that eMBTs require approximately 50.8 kWh of energy per day, based on the fleet’s median daily distance. Under current grid conditions, diesel minibus taxis emit 14.37% less CO₂e than eMBTs, but eMBTs drastically reduce noise pollution and particulate matter emissions when compared to diesel vehicles. Despite higher purchase prices, eMBTs can reduce operating costs and become financially attractive under favourable electricity prices and financing conditions. The study provides evidence to guide charging infrastructure planning, grid policy and incentive design for paratransit electrification in developing regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Sustainable Transportation and Urban Traffic—3rd Edition)

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43 pages, 3048 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceSystematic Review

Life Cycle Assessment of Power Plants: A Systematic Review of Environmental Impacts Across Electricity Generation Technologies

by Beatrice Marchi, Enrico Bertagna and Lucio E. Zavanella

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 1994; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18041994 - 14 Feb 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1312

Abstract

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is widely used to evaluate the environmental impact of power generation systems and inform energy and climate policy decisions. In recent years, numerous LCA studies have examined the life-cycle implications of power plants utilizing renewable, nuclear, and fossil fuel [...] Read more.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is widely used to evaluate the environmental impact of power generation systems and inform energy and climate policy decisions. In recent years, numerous LCA studies have examined the life-cycle implications of power plants utilizing renewable, nuclear, and fossil fuel technologies. Nevertheless, the resultant data is fragmented, exhibiting significant diversity among investigations attributable to disparities in system boundaries, technical assumptions, and methodological selections. This document offers a systematic overview of peer-reviewed LCA studies and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) evaluating the environmental implications of predominant power production technologies, such as solar photovoltaic, wind, hydropower, nuclear, and natural gas power plants. Various environmental effect categories are evaluated, with a specific focus on Global Warming Potential as the most frequently reported and policy-relevant metric. The review consolidates documented impact ranges, assesses the effects of plant size and technological design, and evaluates the contribution of several life cycle stages to overall environmental performance. The findings emphasize prevalent tendencies and significant variability among technologies and studies, illustrating the susceptibility of LCA results to modeling assumptions and data sources. Although current LCAs offer relevant insights into the environmental impact of electricity generation, the review highlights enduring methodological deficiencies, particularly the inadequate handling of uncertainty, the static portrayal of long-lasting infrastructures, and the lack of explicit attention to technological risk. This study consolidates and critically evaluates existing literature, providing a thorough reference on the life-cycle environmental consequences of power plants and facilitating a more educated interpretation of LCA results within energy system planning and policy analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Renewable Energy Supply and Sustainability Transitions: System Performance, Industrial Integration, and Risk-Aware Assessment)

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16 pages, 257 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Environmental Blind Spot of AI Policy: Energy, Infrastructure, and the Systematic Externalization of Sustainability

by Carlos García-Llorente and Ignacio Olmeda

Sustainability 2026, 18(3), 1633; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18031633 - 5 Feb 2026

Viewed by 1050

Abstract

Contemporary artificial intelligence policies systematically externalize environmental costs. Despite divergent governance models, the European Union, the United States, and China converge on the same outcome: none impose binding restrictions on the energy intensity, carbon footprint, or infrastructural expansion of AI systems. This article [...] Read more.

Contemporary artificial intelligence policies systematically externalize environmental costs. Despite divergent governance models, the European Union, the United States, and China converge on the same outcome: none impose binding restrictions on the energy intensity, carbon footprint, or infrastructural expansion of AI systems. This article demonstrates that sustainability is treated as an externality, rather than as a mandatory regulatory constraint, in all major jurisdictions. Focusing on energy consumption, computational infrastructure, and carbon budgets, the analysis shows that current AI policy choices generate predictable patterns of environmental omission and cost externalization. Policy measures aimed at strengthening rights protection and technological autonomy—such as tightening compliance requirements, developing large-scale models, and duplicating infrastructure—are adopted without corresponding limits on energy use or emissions, generating growing tensions with planetary constraints. This article makes three contributions to the literature on AI governance and sustainability. First, it conceptualizes sustainability as a binding material constraint, rather than as a normative objective or efficiency-based goal. Second, through a comparative policy analysis, it shows that despite divergent regulatory styles, the European Union, the United States, and China converge in the absence of enforceable environmental limits applicable to AI systems. Third, it identifies the policy mechanisms—compliance-driven computational expansion, infrastructure duplication, and scale-oriented incentives—that systematically generate environmental externalization across jurisdictions. The article concludes that effective AI policy requires recognizing sustainability as a hard material limit, translated into binding environmental restrictions that condition regulatory design, infrastructure planning, and the permissible scale of computational systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic AI for Sustainable Development: Innovations, Challenges, and Real-World Applications)

16 pages, 501 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Climate Change Distress (But Not Impairment) Mediates the Relationship Between Positive Traits and Pro-Environmental Behaviour

by Carolina Cabaços, António Macedo, Margarida Baptista and Ana Telma Pereira

Sustainability 2026, 18(3), 1501; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18031501 - 2 Feb 2026

Viewed by 1275

Abstract

Personality traits are essential to understanding individual differences in values, attitudes, behaviours, and cognitive-emotional reactions to climate change (CC). Prosocial traits (empathy and altruism) and nature relatedness (NR), that is, the subjective sense of connection with the natural world, have been linked both [...] Read more.

Personality traits are essential to understanding individual differences in values, attitudes, behaviours, and cognitive-emotional reactions to climate change (CC). Prosocial traits (empathy and altruism) and nature relatedness (NR), that is, the subjective sense of connection with the natural world, have been linked both to pro-environmental behaviours (PEB) and to CC-related psychological distress. As these reactions are increasingly common in the context of CC, it is crucial to distinguish their adaptive components from their maladaptive ones, namely, by identifying which psychological predictors most strongly promote PEB, in order to design targeted interventions and communication strategies that effectively foster sustainable action. This study examined whether CC-worry, CC-distress, and CC-impairment mediate the relationships between prosocial traits, NR, and PEB. A community sample of 577 adults (mean age = 32.62 ± 14.71 years; 64.6% women) completed self-report measures of the abovementioned study variables, and a multiple mediation model using structural equation modelling was tested. Prosocial traits and NR were positively associated with CC-related psychological distress and PEB, and CC-worry and CC-distress showed significant mediating roles, whereas CC-impairment did not. The model explained 40% of PEB’s variance. Overall, CC-worry and CC-distress appear to function as adaptive, motivational processes that link positive traits and nature connection to environmental action, while CC-impairment reflects a maladaptive, unconstructive response that may index the more pathological end of climate change-related psychological distress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Well-Being from the Perspective of Sustainable Development: Second Edition)

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40 pages, 13484 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Spatial and Economic Differentiation of Land Use for Organic Farming in the European Union

by Adam Pawlewicz and Katarzyna Pawlewicz

Sustainability 2026, 18(3), 1454; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18031454 - 1 Feb 2026

Viewed by 912

Abstract

This study investigates the spatial and economic differentiation of organic farming across the European Union by analyzing regional specialization patterns using Location Quotients (LQ). The results reveal a highly heterogeneous landscape shaped by the interaction of agro-ecological conditions, production traditions, market development, and [...] Read more.

This study investigates the spatial and economic differentiation of organic farming across the European Union by analyzing regional specialization patterns using Location Quotients (LQ). The results reveal a highly heterogeneous landscape shaped by the interaction of agro-ecological conditions, production traditions, market development, and structural characteristics of national agricultural systems. Six distinct regional models of organic farming are identified: the Nordic–Baltic cereal–forage model, the Alpine–Central European grassland model, the Mediterranean permanent-crop model, the Central–Eastern European raw-material model, the Western European intensive horticultural model, and the island-based niche-specialization model. Regression analyses show that overall organic specialization is strongly associated with market development, whereas the structure of organic crop production is primarily determined by agro-ecological and structural factors rather than consumer demand or purchasing power. These findings highlight the strong embeddedness of organic farming within long-term regional development pathways and underscore the need for regionally differentiated policy instruments within the Common Agricultural Policy. Effective support measures should be tailored to dominant crop types, production systems, and comparative advantages across Member States. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Crop Production: The Interaction on Soil Microorganisms and Soil Health in Arable Land)

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25 pages, 369 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

New Intelligent Technologies: Are They Making the Workplace Productive?

by Jacques Bughin

Sustainability 2026, 18(3), 1419; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18031419 - 31 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1018

Abstract

This paper investigates whether intelligent workplace technologies improve firm-level productivity and, if so, under what conditions, with particular attention to their implications for the economic and social sustainability of firms. This investigation occurs in a context where firms increasingly combine automation, artificial intelligence [...] Read more.

This paper investigates whether intelligent workplace technologies improve firm-level productivity and, if so, under what conditions, with particular attention to their implications for the economic and social sustainability of firms. This investigation occurs in a context where firms increasingly combine automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and work-from-home (WFH) practices to sustain performance under structural shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite evidence that firms adopt these technologies jointly and reorganize work accordingly, existing research typically examines them in isolation. We develop a micro-founded, task-based production model in which firms allocate tasks between on-site and remote labor and automated capital in an optimal manner. This model allows both automation technologies and remote work collaboration tools to affect productivity and coordination costs that are central to long-term organizational sustainability. Using firm-level survey data from nearly 4000 large firms across industries and countries (2018–2021), we show that working from home (WFH) exhibits diminishing productivity returns when scaled in isolation, reflecting rising coordination frictions. In contrast, firms that combine WFH with automation and digital collaboration tools experience significantly higher labor productivity growth. These integrated technology systems support sustainable productivity by enabling capital deepening, resilient task reallocation, and more efficient use of labor resources over time. Overall, the findings suggest that productivity gains—and by extension sustainable firm performance—stem from integrated workplace technology systems rather than isolated investments, highlighting the importance of coherent technology strategies for organizing work in the post-pandemic economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of AI on Business Sustainability and Efficiency)

16 pages, 1287 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Biochar and Compost as Sustainable Amendments for Soil Health and Water Functions in Semi-Arid Agroecosystems

by Sangam Panta, Prakriti Bista, Sangu Angadi and Rajan Ghimire

Sustainability 2026, 18(3), 1369; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18031369 - 30 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1571

Abstract

Organic amendments, including biochar and compost, are widely recognized for their potential to improve soil health, but their linkage to soil water functions (e.g., storage, infiltration, plant availability) is not clear. Over two years (2024–2025), we investigated soil water infiltration and associated soil [...] Read more.

Organic amendments, including biochar and compost, are widely recognized for their potential to improve soil health, but their linkage to soil water functions (e.g., storage, infiltration, plant availability) is not clear. Over two years (2024–2025), we investigated soil water infiltration and associated soil health properties in response to soil amendment application under no-tillage conditions in semi-arid agroecosystems of the southwestern USA. Soil water infiltration was measured in biochar, compost, biochar and compost, and control plots using the SATURO dual-head infiltrometer. Soil physical and chemical properties, including bulk density (BD), soil moisture content (SMC), water-filled pore space (WFPS), residue cover, mean weight diameter (MWD) of dry aggregates, water-stable aggregates (WSA), pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), and total nitrogen (TN), were assessed at 0–15 cm soil depth. The results show a 31.5% higher infiltration rate along with, a small but statistically significant (3.7% lower) bulk density, and 119% greater wet aggregate stability in the biochar-amended plots than in the control plots. Compost with biochar also improved soil health, but infiltration responses were variable. Infiltration was positively correlated with residue cover and soil pH, whereas it was negatively correlated or not correlated with other soil properties. This study demonstrates that biochar under no-tillage conditions can enhance soil health and resilience of semi-arid agroecosystems by improving soil water functions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Health Impacting Ecosystem Resilience)

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30 pages, 2381 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Circular Models for the Sustainable Regeneration of Italian Rural Villages: A Critical Analysis of Good Practices Toward the Definition of a Circular Rural Village

by Francesca Buglione, Piera Della Morte, Mariarosaria Angrisano, Antonia Gravagnuolo and Luigi Fusco Girard

Sustainability 2026, 18(3), 1405; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18031405 - 30 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1158

Abstract

In the context of the European Green Deal and the New European Bauhaus, circularity and sustainability have emerged as central paradigms for rethinking development models in both urban and rural areas. While most literature focuses on cities, rural villages are increasingly recognised as [...] Read more.

In the context of the European Green Deal and the New European Bauhaus, circularity and sustainability have emerged as central paradigms for rethinking development models in both urban and rural areas. While most literature focuses on cities, rural villages are increasingly recognised as living laboratories where cultural heritage, landscape values, and community-based practices can support sustainable and responsible tourism. This study applies the Circular Development framework to 54 European case studies of rural regeneration, examining the interrelations among cultural heritage enhancement, sustainable tourism, circular resource management, and community engagement. Through a mixed-methods approach combining frequency and cluster analysis, the research identifies strategic domains and recurring configurations of actions, contributing to the definition of a conceptual model for the Circular Rural Village. Three pillars (Circular Tourism, Circular Land, and Circular Living) articulate how cultural identity, experiential tourism, ecological regeneration, and participatory governance can foster integrated and sustainable development. The findings offer insights for policy-makers and practitioners aiming to activate regenerative tourism and heritage-led circular transitions aligned with sustainability goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Urban Tourism)

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15 pages, 1964 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessing an Agrivoltaic System Pilot in a Small-Scale Solar Farm: A Case Study in the Colombian Tropical Dry Forest

by Carlos M. Burgos-De La Cruz, Brayan J. Anaya, Diego C. Duran, Diego F. Tirado and Leonardo Velasco

Sustainability 2026, 18(3), 1197; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18031197 - 24 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1049

Abstract

Agrivoltaic systems, which integrate solar energy generation with agricultural production, offer a promising solution to optimize land use efficiency. This work presents a case study for the assessment of an agrivoltaic pilot project in a small-scale solar farm operated by SOLENIUM in San [...] Read more.

Agrivoltaic systems, which integrate solar energy generation with agricultural production, offer a promising solution to optimize land use efficiency. This work presents a case study for the assessment of an agrivoltaic pilot project in a small-scale solar farm operated by SOLENIUM in San Diego (Cesar, Colombia), located in the Colombian tropical dry forest. The project evaluated environmental conditions, selected melon and watermelon as shade-tolerant crops, and assessed technical challenges, including mechanization constraints. Preliminary results indicated that agrivoltaic systems can maintain agricultural productivity while generating renewable energy, with photosynthetically active radiation measurements averaging 1342 μmol/m²/s in cultivation areas. This case study demonstrates the viability of agrivoltaic systems as a scalable model for sustainable rural development in the Colombian tropical dry forest. Full article

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20 pages, 40210 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Transport Affordability vs. Housing Affordability: An Indicator to Highlight the Economic Efficiency of Sustainable Modes of Transport

by Maren Schnieder

Sustainability 2026, 18(3), 1208; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18031208 - 24 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1033

Abstract

Background: The rising costs in the metropolitan real estate market are compelling individuals to relocate outside of the city. The anticipated financial savings, however, may be undermined by long and costly commutes; raising the question of whether this trade-off is a worthwhile proposition. [...] Read more.

Background: The rising costs in the metropolitan real estate market are compelling individuals to relocate outside of the city. The anticipated financial savings, however, may be undermined by long and costly commutes; raising the question of whether this trade-off is a worthwhile proposition. This paper uses a digital model of workplace commutes, income levels and house prices in England as well as Wales, to evaluate the trade-off between (i) moving to the city centre and cycling to work versus (ii) continuing to commute by car from a residence on the periphery. Methods: An indicator has been introduced that unifies the transport and housing affordability by expanding the concept of the ‘effective speed’ to include housing costs. The effective speed itself is commonly defined as the travel distance divided by the time dedicated to the transport activity (i.e., travel duration and time given to earn the money to pay for the costs incurred). Results: If only the associated fuel and mortgage costs are considered, residing on the periphery can—for those already living there—be a cost-effective option specially in cities like Cambridge and Oxford. Yet, accounting for the total ownership costs of cars or external effects, this advantage shifts in favour of relocating to the city centre. Conclusion: This study does not negate the existence of an affordable housing crisis in urban environments, though it demonstrates that strategies to cut transport emissions can produce economic gains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Transportation)

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34 pages, 3678 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Systemic Carbon Lock-In Dynamics and Optimal Sustainable Reduction Pathways for a Just Industrial Transition in South Africa

by Oliver Ibor Inah, Prosper Zanu Sotenga and Udochukwu Bola Akuru

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020956 - 17 Jan 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1482

Abstract

South Africa’s manufacturing sector, a driving force for sustainable development, faces a profound challenge in decarbonizing without deindustrializing. This study provides an optimized, scenario-based assessment of the sector explicitly aligned with its Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) objectives. A novel framework is applied, [...] Read more.

South Africa’s manufacturing sector, a driving force for sustainable development, faces a profound challenge in decarbonizing without deindustrializing. This study provides an optimized, scenario-based assessment of the sector explicitly aligned with its Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) objectives. A novel framework is applied, integrating an extended Kaya–Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (Kaya–LMDI) decomposition with scenario forecasting and Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimization. The decomposition disaggregates a conventional carbon intensity (CI) driver to include Electrification Share (ELE), Renewable Share (REN), and a newly defined Residual Carbon Factor (RCF) that captures direct fossil fuel use for industrial process heat. Historical analysis (2002–2022) shows that emissions growth was primarily driven by the RCF (224.1 MtCO₂, 160%) and Economic Activity (187.5 MtCO₂, 134%), partly offset by gains in Energy Intensity (−141.8 MtCO₂, 101.35%) and REN (−202.2 MtCO₂, −144.53%). Carbon emissions projections to 2040 reveal a critical sustainability trilemma: the Just Transition accelerated scenario (JTAS), despite achieving rapid renewable deployment, increases emissions by 469% as economic growth overwhelms decarbonization efforts. Conversely, the mathematically optimal (GA) pathway achieves a 90.8% reduction but only through structural contraction that implies socially unsustainable deindustrialization. This tension exposes the systemic limits of incremental decarbonization and underscores that a truly sustainable pathway requires transcending this binary choice by directly addressing the fossil fuel substrate of industrial production. Full article

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22 pages, 3775 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

An Investigation into Electric School Bus Energy Consumption and Its V2G Opportunities

by Rupesh Dahal, Hailin Li, John J. Recktenwald, Bhaskaran Gopalakrishnan, Derek Johnson and Rong Luo

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 838; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020838 - 14 Jan 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1568

Abstract

This study presents the electrification plan of a school bus (SB) fleet and examines its potential in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications. The data collected includes the efficiency of a 120 kW EV charger, energy consumption of a 40-foot electric school bus (ESB), and a [...] Read more.

This study presents the electrification plan of a school bus (SB) fleet and examines its potential in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications. The data collected includes the efficiency of a 120 kW EV charger, energy consumption of a 40-foot electric school bus (ESB), and a diesel bus operating on the same route. The energy consumption data of the ESB and diesel school bus (DSB) were processed to derive the yearly average distance-specific energy consumption of 0.37 mile/kWh (0.60 km/kWh) grid electricity and 5.55 MPG (2.36 km/L), respectively. The energy consumption ratio of the ESB over the DSB is 14.92 kWh/gallon (3.94 kWh/L) diesel. Based on the CO₂ intensity, 1.956 lb/kWh (0.887 kg/kWh) of electricity produced in WV and that of diesel fuel, the distance-specific CO₂ emissions of the ESB were 5.38 lb/mile (1.52 kg/km), which are higher than the 4.08 lb/mile (1.15 kg/km) from the diesel bus operating on the same route. This study also presents the V2G potential of the proposed electrical school bus fleet. Based on the estimated grid-to-vehicle battery (G2VB) efficiency of 92% and vehicle battery-to-grid (VB2G) efficiency of 92%, the grid–vehicle battery–grid (G2VB2G) efficiency is 84.64%. The application of V2G technology is associated with a loss of electricity. Based on the 20% to 80% battery charge, and the estimated 92% VB2G efficiency, the proposed ESB fleet has the potential to provide 14,929 kWh electricity, 55.2% of the ESB fleet battery capacity. The increased cost associated with the implementation of the proposed V2G is about USD 7.5 million, a 400% increase compared to the charger satisfying the operation of ESBs when V2G is not used. The V2G application also is expected to increase the charging cycles, which raises concerns about battery degradation and its replacement during SB service lifetime. Accordingly, more research work is needed to address the increased cost and grid capacity demand, and battery degradation associated with V2G applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Economics and Sustainable Environment)

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14 pages, 632 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Mitigating Indoor Radon Exposure: The Effect of Air Purifiers on Radon Progeny

by Katarzyna Wołoszczuk, Zuzanna Pawłowska, Mirosław Szyłak-Szydłowski, Maciej Norenberg and Joanna Lemańska

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 823; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020823 - 14 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1181

Abstract

Radon is one of the leading causes of lung cancer worldwide. Following the implementation of the European Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM, regular measurements of radon concentrations in workplaces have been carried out in European countries for approximately ten years. This provides a basis for [...] Read more.

Radon is one of the leading causes of lung cancer worldwide. Following the implementation of the European Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM, regular measurements of radon concentrations in workplaces have been carried out in European countries for approximately ten years. This provides a basis for assessing the exposure of workers and the general population to radon, as well as for determining the need to implement measures aimed at reducing this exposure. In addition to commonly used methods that focus on eliminating radon sources or minimizing its ingress into buildings, there are also temporary measures available, such as using air purifiers to improve indoor air quality. Although they are not recommended as a standalone or definitive solution, they can be useful as an interim measure—until appropriate actions to reduce indoor radon concentrations are implemented. In this study, five commercially available air purifiers were tested under controlled laboratory conditions to assess their impact on radon and its decay products. The results show that none of the tested devices significantly reduced gaseous radon concentrations. However, the air purifiers were highly effective in removing radon progeny, achieving a 95–99% reduction in potential alpha energy concentration (PAEC) and reducing the equilibrium factor from 48 to 76% to 0–2%. From a sustainability perspective, these findings are relevant for public health protection, responsible consumer decision-making, and evidence-based indoor air quality management. By distinguishing between ineffective radon gas removal and effective reduction of dose-relevant decay products, this study supports sustainable risk mitigation strategies and helps prevent the misuse of energy- and resource-intensive technologies for purposes they cannot fulfill. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Ecology and Sustainability)

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23 pages, 5168 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Economic and Environmental Impacts of Floating Offshore Wind Power Generation in a Leading Emerging Market: The Case of Taiwan

by Yun-Hsun Huang and Yi-Shan Chan

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 804; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020804 - 13 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1259

Abstract

Taiwan has set an ambitious target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, relying heavily on offshore wind capacity of 13.1 GW by 2030 and 40–55 GW by 2050. Floating offshore wind (FOW) is expected to play a central role in meeting these targets, [...] Read more.

Taiwan has set an ambitious target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, relying heavily on offshore wind capacity of 13.1 GW by 2030 and 40–55 GW by 2050. Floating offshore wind (FOW) is expected to play a central role in meeting these targets, particularly in deep-water areas where fixed-bottom technology is technically constrained. This study combined S-curve modeling for capacity projections, learning curves for cost estimation, and input–output analysis to quantify economic and environmental impacts under three deployment scenarios. Our findings indicate that FOW development provides substantial economic benefits, particularly under the high-growth scenario. During the construction phase through 2040, total output is projected to exceed NTD 1.97 trillion, generating more than NTD 1 trillion in gross value added (GVA) and over 470,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs. By 2050, operations and maintenance (O&M) output is expected to reach approximately NTD 50 billion, supporting roughly 14,200 jobs and about NTD 13.8 billion in income. Annual CO₂ reduction could reach up to 10.4 Mt by 2050 under the high-growth scenario, or about 6.86 Mt under the low-growth case, demonstrating the potential of FOW to drive industrial development while advancing national decarbonization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Economics and Sustainability)

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25 pages, 7235 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sustainable Incorporation of Recycled Tire Steel and Textile Fibers as a Hybrid Mix in Concrete

by Zeeshan Tariq, Ali Bahadori-Jahromi and Shah Room

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 786; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020786 - 13 Jan 2026

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1197

Abstract

Sustainability concerns over the management and handling of the growing volume of waste tires have necessitated the exploration of potential applications for the reuse and recycling of this resource, as they are categorized as hazardous wastes and are typically incinerated through thermal processing [...] Read more.

Sustainability concerns over the management and handling of the growing volume of waste tires have necessitated the exploration of potential applications for the reuse and recycling of this resource, as they are categorized as hazardous wastes and are typically incinerated through thermal processing or dumped in landfills, resulting in significant environmental issues. The recycled steel and textile fibers from tires can be incorporated in concrete to assist in mitigating this impending environmental calamity, primarily by enhancing the efficacy of concrete. The present study aims to investigate the effect of using recycled tire steel fibers (RTSF) and recycled tire textile fibers (RTTF) in concrete, as economically viable and environmentally friendly alternatives to commercially available fibers. Although literature on the use of recycled fibers in concrete is available, the research is very limited in terms of their hybrid use and with minimal environmental analysis. Consequently, to address the gaps, this research concentrates on the use of RTSF and RTTF as a hybrid mix in concrete with life cycle assessment (LCA) to balance the mechanical performance and environmental sustainability. The experimental work is formulated to suggest an optimum dose of RTSF and RTTF, as a hybrid mix form, to be incorporated in concrete that imparts sufficient strength and workability. The fibers were integrated with dosages of 0.75%, 1%, and 1.25% for RTSF and 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75% for RTTF, respectively, by volume in non-hybrid form, while in hybrid form, they were reinforced as four different combinations (1%:0.5%, 0.75%, 0.75%, 0.5%, 0.5%:0.5%, and 0.75%:0.25%) by volume of RTSF and RTTF, respectively. Fresh and hardened properties of concrete were tested according to the ASTM standards. The results showed that concrete with hybrid fibers outperformed the concrete with normal individual fibers in both fresh and hardened states tests. The mechanical strength results showed that the synergistic use of RTSF and RTTF can enhance the strength, toughness, ductility, and crack resistance of the concrete. The hybrid mix H1 comprising 1% RTSF and 0.5% RTTF was ascertained as the optimal mix showing the highest mechanical performance with embodied CO₂ and energy values only slightly higher than the control mix, while offering the significant sustainability benefit of utilizing recycled fibers. Full article

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13 pages, 979 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Modeling Absolute CO₂–GDP Decoupling in the Context of the Global Energy Transition: Evidence from Econometrics and Explainable Machine Learning

by Ricardo Teruel-Gutiérrez, Pedro Fernandes da Anunciação and Ricardo Teruel-Sánchez

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020758 - 12 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1387

Abstract

This study investigates the feasibility of absolute decoupling—where economies expand while CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) emissions decline in absolute terms—by identifying its key macro–energy drivers across 79 countries (2000–2025). We construct a comprehensive panel of energy-system indicators and estimate the probability of decoupling [...] Read more.

This study investigates the feasibility of absolute decoupling—where economies expand while CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) emissions decline in absolute terms—by identifying its key macro–energy drivers across 79 countries (2000–2025). We construct a comprehensive panel of energy-system indicators and estimate the probability of decoupling using two complementary classifiers: a penalized logistic regression and a gradient-boosted decision tree model (GBM). The non-parametric GBM significantly outperforms the linear baseline (ROC–AUC ~0.80 vs. 0.67), revealing complex non-linearities in the transition process. Explainable AI analysis (SHAP) demonstrates that decoupling is not driven by GDP growth rates alone, but primarily by sharp reductions in energy intensity and the active displacement of fossil fuels. Crucially, our results indicate that increasing renewable capacity is insufficient for absolute decoupling if the fossil fuel share does not simultaneously decline. These findings challenge passive “green growth” narratives, suggesting that current policies are inadequate; achieving climate targets requires targeted mechanisms for active fossil fuel phase-out rather than merely relying on renewable additions or economic modernization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating the Triad: Carbon Neutrality, Circular Economy, and Energy Transition for the Sustainable Development)

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24 pages, 2412 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Life-Cycle Assessment of Wastewater Treatment: Enhancing Sustainability Through Process Optimization

by Hajar Laouane, Loubna El Joumri, Amine Halhaly, Yassine Arid, Najoua Labjar and Souad El Hajjaji

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020605 - 7 Jan 2026

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2309

Abstract

Rising quantities of a broad spectrum of contaminants due to high industrial and residential wastewater effluent loads have further raised the stakes with respect to environmental and health concerns. These demands, coupled with limitations in existing wastewater treatment solutions, have culminated in innovative [...] Read more.

Rising quantities of a broad spectrum of contaminants due to high industrial and residential wastewater effluent loads have further raised the stakes with respect to environmental and health concerns. These demands, coupled with limitations in existing wastewater treatment solutions, have culminated in innovative supplementary solutions in the form of alternative wastewater treatments that, in general, encompass physical, chemical, or biological methods. By quantifying the resource consumption, pollution emissions, and ecological effects across the life-cycle in wastewater treatments, Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) has proven valuable as a fundamental methodology for assessing and quantifying environment-related sustainability in wastewater treatments. Although valuable in its current applications, LCA is limited in its assessment of the relevant data related to the impacts of construction activities, novel contaminants emerging in wastewater treatment plants, and sludge disposal options. By considering pollutant type, wastewater treatment options, and important LCA methodological considerations, all encompassed within a structured framework including synthesis tables and comparative figures, our hope is that this study will prove valuable to rigorous decision-making processes based on related notions underpinning sustainability concerns in this domain. Full article

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37 pages, 927 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Circular Economy Pathways for Critical Raw Materials: European Union Policy Instruments, Secondary Supply, and Sustainable Development Outcomes

by Sergiusz Pimenow, Olena Pimenowa and Włodzimierz Rembisz

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020562 - 6 Jan 2026

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2653

Abstract

Achieving sustainable development in the low-carbon transition requires securing critical raw materials (CRMs) while reducing environmental burdens and strengthening industrial resilience (SDGs 7, 9, 12, 13). This review synthesizes 2016–2025 evidence on how the European Union’s policy package—the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), [...] Read more.

Achieving sustainable development in the low-carbon transition requires securing critical raw materials (CRMs) while reducing environmental burdens and strengthening industrial resilience (SDGs 7, 9, 12, 13). This review synthesizes 2016–2025 evidence on how the European Union’s policy package—the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), the Batteries Regulation, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) with Digital Product Passports (DPPs), and the recast Waste Shipments Regulation (WSR)—shapes markets for secondary supply in battery-relevant metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, aluminum, and rare earths. We apply a structured scoping review protocol to map the state of the art across policy instruments (EPR, ecodesign/DPP, recycled content mandates, recovery targets, shipment controls) and value chain stages (collection, preprocessing, refining, manufacturing). The analysis highlights benefits, including clearer investment signals, improved traceability, and emerging opportunities for industrial symbiosis, but also identifies drawbacks such as heterogeneous standards, compliance costs, and trade frictions. Evidence gaps remain, especially in causal ex post assessments, price pass-through, and interoperability of MRV/DPP systems. The paper contributes by (i) providing an integrative framework linking policy instruments, value chain stages, and investment signals for secondary CRM supply, and (ii) outlining a research agenda for rigorous ex post evaluation, improved MRV/DPP data architectures, and better alignment between EU trade rules, circularity, and a just energy transition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathway to an Environmental Economy: The Role of Sustainable Natural Resources)

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36 pages, 2500 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Driving Green: A Comprehensive Sustainability Analysis of Natural Gas-to-Methanol and Methanol-to-Gasoline Supply Chains

by Hussein Al-Yafei, Saleh Aseel, Ahmed AlNouss, Mohannad AlJarrah, Nagi Abdussamie, Ahmad Al-Kuwari, Alaa Kerret, Noman Abdul Ghafoor, Muhammad Rizki Winarno, Aisha Al-Bader, Talal Al Tamimi and Suhaila Sabbah

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 527; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010527 - 5 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1672

Abstract

This study presents an integrated Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) of the Natural gas-to-methanol (NGTM) and methanol-to-gasoline (MTG) pathways using Aspen HYSYS process modeling, Environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA), and Life Cycle Costing (LCC). The results reveal significant [...] Read more.

This study presents an integrated Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) of the Natural gas-to-methanol (NGTM) and methanol-to-gasoline (MTG) pathways using Aspen HYSYS process modeling, Environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA), and Life Cycle Costing (LCC). The results reveal significant variability in sustainability performance across process units. The DME and MTG Reactors Section generates the highest direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at 0.86 million tons CO₂-eq, representing 54.9% of total global warming potential, while the Compression Section consumes 2717.5 TJ/year of energy, making it the dominant source of electricity-related indirect emissions. Distillation and Purification withdraws 31,100 Mm³/year of water—approximately 99% of total demand—yet delivers 86.6% of the overall economic surplus despite high operating costs. Social impacts concentrate in the Methanol Reactor Looping and DME and MTG Reactors Sections, with human health burdens of 305.79 and 804.22 DALYs, respectively, due to catalyst handling and high-pressure operations. Sensitivity results show that methanol purity rises from 0.9993 to 0.9994 with increasing methane content, while gasoline output decreases from 3780 to 3520 kg/h as natural gas flow increases. The findings provide process-level evidence to support sustainable development of natural gas-based fuel conversion industries, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030 objectives for industrial diversification and lower-carbon energy systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)

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26 pages, 765 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

From Pixels to Plates: Exploring AI Stimuli and Digital Engagement in Reducing Food Waste Behavior in Lithuania Among Generation Z and Y

by Rafiq Mansoor, Ausra Rūtelione and Muhammad Yassen Bhutto

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 495; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010495 - 4 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1372

Abstract

The global issue of food waste is a significant concern due to its extensive social, economic, and environmental repercussions. To attain our sustainable future objectives, we must confront the food waste challenge directly. This study, grounded on the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S-O-R) theoretical framework, examines [...] Read more.

The global issue of food waste is a significant concern due to its extensive social, economic, and environmental repercussions. To attain our sustainable future objectives, we must confront the food waste challenge directly. This study, grounded on the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S-O-R) theoretical framework, examines the impact of AI-based stimuli—passion, usability, perceived personalization, and perceived interactivity—on users’ intentions of minimizing food waste. Social presence and psychological engagement signify internal organism (O) states, while self-efficacy acts as the moderating factor between these organism states and intention (R). Data were gathered via Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) in a stratified quota sample of 315 participants in Lithuania, concentrating on Generation Y and Millennial Generation Z consumers of the Samsung Food app, aimed at promoting food waste reduction. Participants were pre-screened and recruited via several means to guarantee an adequate sample. The results indicate that passion, usability, and perceived interactivity substantially influence social presence and psychological engagement. Nonetheless, these organism-level variables did not have an immediate impact on behavioral intention, and all indirect (mediated) effects from stimulus response were significantly rejected. Conversely, self-efficacy considerably influenced the association between social presence and psychological engagement with intention, indicating that enhanced user confidence enhances the possibility of turning engagement into behavioral responses. This study features generational differences between Y and Z and only found significant interaction between perceived personalization and social presence in Generation Y, as compared to Generation Z. This work extends the literature on AI-driven behavior modification by asserting that mere involvement is inadequate. Enabling consumers by enhancing self-efficacy is crucial for developing viable AI-based applications that encourage sustainable customer behavior. Full article

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29 pages, 1686 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Sector Coupling and Flexibility Measures in Distributed Renewable Energy Systems: A Comprehensive Review

by Lorenzo Mario Pastore

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 437; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010437 - 1 Jan 2026

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2207

Abstract

Distributed energy systems (DESs) are crucial for renewable deployment, but decentralised generation substantially increases flexibility requirements. Flexibility is framed as a system property that emerges from the coordinated operation of demand, storage and dispatchable generation across multi-energy carriers. Demand response schemes and demand-side [...] Read more.

Distributed energy systems (DESs) are crucial for renewable deployment, but decentralised generation substantially increases flexibility requirements. Flexibility is framed as a system property that emerges from the coordinated operation of demand, storage and dispatchable generation across multi-energy carriers. Demand response schemes and demand-side management can provide flexibility, but their effective potential is constrained by user participation. Sector-coupling strategies and energy storage systems enable temporal and cross-sector decoupling between renewable generation and demand. Electrochemical batteries are technically mature and well suited for short-term balancing, but costs and environmental impacts are significant. Power-to-Heat with heat pumps and thermal energy storage is a cost-effective solution, especially when combined with low-temperature district heating. Electric vehicles, when operated under smart-charging and vehicle-to-grid schemes, can shift large charging demands feeding energy into the grid, facing battery degradation and infrastructure costs. Power-to-Gas and Power-to-X use hydrogen and electrofuels as long-term storage but are penalised by low round-trip efficiencies and significant capital costs if power-to-power with fuel cells is applied. On the supply side, micro-CHP can provide dispatchable capacity when fuelled by renewable fuels and combined with seasonal storage. Costs and efficiencies are strongly scale-dependent, and markets, regulation, digital infrastructure and social acceptance are key enablers of flexibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Energy Planning and Thermal Energy Storage)

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26 pages, 3765 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Review of Mycelium-Based Composites in Architectural and Design Applications

by Anna Lewandowska, Maciej Sydor and Agata Bonenberg

Sustainability 2025, 17(24), 11350; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172411350 - 18 Dec 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 7287

Abstract

Mycelium-based composites are a promising sustainable material with inherent fire resistance and acoustic absorption properties, the extent of which depends on the fungal species, the substrate, and the growth technology. These materials exhibit superior fire performance compared to synthetic polymers, characterized by low [...] Read more.

Mycelium-based composites are a promising sustainable material with inherent fire resistance and acoustic absorption properties, the extent of which depends on the fungal species, the substrate, and the growth technology. These materials exhibit superior fire performance compared to synthetic polymers, characterized by low heat release, minimal smoke production, and a high char yield that inhibits flame spread. Some composites have even demonstrated self-extinguishing capabilities. Despite these advantageous properties, their application in the construction industry remains limited. To assess mycelium’s current trajectory, this study analyzes 90 real-world architectural and design projects. Our findings indicate that Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus are the most commonly used fungi, cultivated on substrates such as straw, wood, and sawdust. Architectural applications are dominated by building blocks, insulation, and facade panels, whereas design and art applications focus on packaging, furniture, and sculptures. A key distinction emerges: architectural projects prioritize function, while artistic projects emphasize esthetic experimentation. Although commercially successful in packaging, the use of mycelium in construction is currently limited to temporary structures. Enhancing its structural and load-bearing properties through further research is essential for its widespread use in architecture. However, mycelium is poised to become a key material that drives innovation in sustainable construction. Full article

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

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22 pages, 788 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Environmental Impact of Lead-Acid Batteries: A Review of Sustainable Alternatives for Production and Recycling Based on Life Cycle Analysis

by Dimas Alberto Pincay-Pilay and Eugenio F. Carrasco

Sustainability 2025, 17(23), 10815; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172310815 - 2 Dec 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5652

Abstract

Lead-acid batteries (LAB) continue to be one of the most widely used energy storage technologies worldwide, especially in the automotive sector and in backup systems. However, their use is a significant source of lead and sulfuric acid pollution, with negative impacts on the [...] Read more.

Lead-acid batteries (LAB) continue to be one of the most widely used energy storage technologies worldwide, especially in the automotive sector and in backup systems. However, their use is a significant source of lead and sulfuric acid pollution, with negative impacts on the environment and human health. This review analyzes the environmental and health effects of LAB manufacturing, use, and recycling, and evaluates sustainable alternatives through life cycle analysis. A search was conducted in the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), Science Direct, and Springer databases, yielding more than 247 documents, from which 84 technical and scientific articles were selected, mostly from the last five years, excluding duplicates and irrelevant texts or those in languages other than English. The results reveal that conventional pyrometallurgical processes release between 30 and 50 kg of lead fumes per ton processed, causing concentrations of up to 5000 mg/kg of Pb in soils near informal plants, exceeding international limits by more than 25 times. In contrast, closed-loop hydrometallurgical technologies reduce emissions by more than 70% and increase secondary lead recovery, making them an environmentally friendly option. It is concluded that the sustainability of the LAB system requires technological innovation, effective regulation, and extended responsibility within an eco-friendly circular economy model. Full article

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21 pages, 1920 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Reinforcement Learning-Based Energy Management in Community Microgrids: A Comparative Study

by Olimpiu Nicolae Moga, Adrian Florea, Claudiu Solea and Maria Vintan

Sustainability 2025, 17(23), 10696; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172310696 - 28 Nov 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2775

Abstract

Energy communities represent an important step towards clean energy; however, their management is a complex task due to various factors such as fluctuating demand and energy prices, variable renewable generation, and external factors such as power outages. This paper investigates the effectiveness of [...] Read more.

Energy communities represent an important step towards clean energy; however, their management is a complex task due to various factors such as fluctuating demand and energy prices, variable renewable generation, and external factors such as power outages. This paper investigates the effectiveness of a Reinforcement Learning agent, based on the Proximal Policy Optimisation (PPO) algorithm, for energy management across three different energy community configurations. The performance of the PPO agent is compared against a Rule-Based Controller (RBC) and a baseline scenario using solar generation but no active management. Simulations were run in the CityLearn framework to simulate real world data. Across the three evaluated community configurations, the PPO agent achieved its greatest improvement over a single run in the scenario where all participants were prosumers (Schema 3), with a reduction of 9.2% in annual costs and carbon emissions. The main contribution of this work is demonstrating the viability of Reinforcement Learning agents in energy optimization problems, providing an alternative to traditional RBCs for energy communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Transition and the Collaborative Governance for Reduction of Pollution and Carbon Emissions)

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36 pages, 2273 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Renewable Energy in Policy Frameworks: A Comparative Analysis of EU and Global Strategies for Sustainable Development

by Henryk Wojtaszek

Sustainability 2025, 17(23), 10567; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172310567 - 25 Nov 2025

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4373

Abstract

The global energy transition is a central pillar of climate change mitigation and sustainable development. While international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the UN 2030 Agenda emphasize renewable energy as a driver of decarbonization, the degree of ambition and coherence across [...] Read more.

The global energy transition is a central pillar of climate change mitigation and sustainable development. While international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the UN 2030 Agenda emphasize renewable energy as a driver of decarbonization, the degree of ambition and coherence across governance levels remains uneven. The European Union (EU), through the European Green Deal, the “Fit for 55” package, and the REPowerEU plan, has adopted legally binding targets for climate neutrality by 2050 and a 55% emission reduction by 2030. However, national implementation via National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) reveals substantial divergences among Member States. This study applies qualitative content analysis and comparative policy review to EU-level strategies, selected NECPs (Poland, Germany, France, Spain), and global frameworks (Agenda 2030, Paris Agreement, IEA, IRENA, IPCC reports). The analysis also incorporates a comparative perspective with other major economies, including China, Japan, and the United States, to situate EU policy within the global context. Documents were coded according to categories of strategic goals, regulatory and financial instruments, and identified barriers. Triangulation with secondary literature ensured validity and contextualization. The findings show that EU frameworks demonstrate higher ambition and legal enforceability compared to global initiatives, yet internal fragmentation persists. Germany and Spain emerge as frontrunners with ambitious renewable targets, while France relies heavily on nuclear power and Poland lags behind with the latest coal phase-out date. Global frameworks emphasize inclusivity and energy access but lack binding enforcement. The study contributes a comparative framework for evaluating renewable energy policies, identifies best practices and structural gaps, and highlights the dual challenge of EU climate leadership and internal coherence. These insights provide guidance for policymakers and a foundation for future research on governance and just transition pathways. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy as a Pillar of Sustainable Development—a Revolution Changing the World)

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37 pages, 4457 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceSystematic Review

Determinants of Renewable Energy Technology Deployment: A Systematic Review

by Svetlana Kunskaja and Aušra Pažėraitė

Sustainability 2025, 17(23), 10538; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172310538 - 25 Nov 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2205

Abstract

Accelerating the diffusion of renewable energy requires clear evidence on which determinants enable or hinder deployment across contexts. This study aims to identify the most frequently discussed contemporary determinants of renewable energy deployment. To this end, we conduct a PRISMA-guided systematic review within [...] Read more.

Accelerating the diffusion of renewable energy requires clear evidence on which determinants enable or hinder deployment across contexts. This study aims to identify the most frequently discussed contemporary determinants of renewable energy deployment. To this end, we conduct a PRISMA-guided systematic review within the SALSA framework, complemented by VOSviewer bibliometric mapping, synthesizing 110 peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2025. We group the most frequently examined determinants into eight domains (economic, environmental, energy, political, regulatory, regional, technological, and social) and summarize the prevalent direction of effect reported in the literature. Economic conditions (e.g., economic growth, financial development, green finance, and trade) and policy/regulation (e.g., institutional quality, instrument stringency, and feed-in and net-billing schemes) emerge as pivotal. Environmental co-benefits (emissions reduction and air quality improvements) and energy system factors (security and energy poverty) are influential, with context-dependent roles for fossil fuel prices and consumption. Regional context (e.g., geopolitical risk) and technological progress (eco-innovation, storage, and grid integration) shape outcomes, while public acceptance, awareness, perceived benefits/costs, and demographics condition uptake. We also document contradictory findings (e.g., foreign direct investment and oil price effects) and gaps (especially social/demographic determinants and causal evaluation of specific policies). Overall, the review offers a coherent synthesis of evidence and an actionable framework of determinants to inform policy design and investment targeting for large-scale diffusion of renewable energy technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technologies for a Sustainable Future: Towards Sustainable Energy Supply)

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40 pages, 3169 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

From Fossil to Function: Designing Next Generation Materials for a Low Carbon Economy

by Morgan Alamandi

Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10254; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210254 - 16 Nov 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2598

Abstract

The shift to a low carbon economy demands materials that minimize environmental impact while maintaining performance and scalability. This review examines sustainable alternatives across five key sectors; construction, polymers, functional materials, textiles, and electronics, and highlighting recent advances in low carbon cement, recyclable [...] Read more.

The shift to a low carbon economy demands materials that minimize environmental impact while maintaining performance and scalability. This review examines sustainable alternatives across five key sectors; construction, polymers, functional materials, textiles, and electronics, and highlighting recent advances in low carbon cement, recyclable polymers, and bio based coatings. We assess trade offs such as cost, durability, supply chain risk, and lifecycle emissions. Instead of listing emerging solutions, the paper emphasizes a unified design framework focused on performance alignment, green chemistry, criticality avoidance, and end-of-life planning. Enabling tools including machine learning, autonomous labs, lifecycle informed screening, and multiscale modeling, are also reviewed for their role in accelerating sustainable materials discovery. We highlight research gaps, methodological challenges in lifecycle data, and barriers to large scale deployment, aiming to guide more integrated and transparent material innovation. Full article

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29 pages, 2151 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Review on Biochar Upgrading Methods for Its Application in Thermochemical Conversion Processes and Critical Materials Recovery

by Payam Danesh, Matteo Prussi, Andrea Salimbeni, Viviana Negro and David Chiaramonti

Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10194; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210194 - 14 Nov 2025

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3108

Abstract

With the rapid increase in solid waste generated worldwide, sustainable approaches for the recovery of resources considering environmental protection are required. As one of the emerging strategies in recent years, biochar has shown great potential due to its high carbon stabilization, adjustable porosity [...] Read more.

With the rapid increase in solid waste generated worldwide, sustainable approaches for the recovery of resources considering environmental protection are required. As one of the emerging strategies in recent years, biochar has shown great potential due to its high carbon stabilization, adjustable porosity and tunability. This review focuses on the critical assessment of the available technologies for biochar upgrading, with a specific objective of biochar physicochemical functionality improvement and critical materials recovery in line with circular economy targets. We systematically review physicochemical activation methodologies, functionalizations and leaching approaches, accounting for their effects on surface area, porosity and functional group chemistry. Particular attention is paid to the dual functionality of upgraded biochar (i) as a catalyst support for thermochemical processes and (ii) as a medium for the recycling of essential nutrients (e.g., phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium). It is evidenced that customized activation can further improve its adsorption and catalytic efficiency as well as promote near-total nutrition extraction. This review positions advanced biochar as an enabling multipurpose technology across sustainable material production, nutrient cycling and waste valorization in the circular bioeconomy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Recovery and Use of Bioactive Materials and Biomass)

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27 pages, 1885 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Uneven Progress in Circular Economy Practices: Local Government Approaches to Waste Management in Australia

by Karishma Don, Ayon Chakraborty, Tim Harrison and Harpinder Sandhu

Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10177; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210177 - 13 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2305

Abstract

Household waste systems are a frontline test of Australia’s circular economy transition, yet progress remains highly uneven and structurally constrained. Despite strong national targets for resource recovery and emissions reduction, local governments are expected to deliver circular outcomes without uniform access to infrastructure, [...] Read more.

Household waste systems are a frontline test of Australia’s circular economy transition, yet progress remains highly uneven and structurally constrained. Despite strong national targets for resource recovery and emissions reduction, local governments are expected to deliver circular outcomes without uniform access to infrastructure, funding, or technical capability. This study assesses the status, implementation, and progress of household waste management, energy recovery, and circular economy initiatives at the local government level in Australia. Using content analysis of data from 520 local government areas across six states, the study maps differences in service provision (e.g., general waste, mixed recycling, and food organics and garden organics [FOGO] collection), policy instruments, public-facing education, and participation in circular economy programs. The findings reveal that while a majority (92.5%) of councils provide general waste bins, 47% offer FOGO bins, and 78% supply mixed recyclable bins, only a small fraction (2.6%) offers a separate glass bin stream. Fewer than one in ten councils reference any form of energy recovery or waste-to-energy initiative, indicating that resource–energy integration remains emergent and geographically concentrated. Despite national policies such as the National Waste Policy Action Plan, significant regional disparities persist, particularly between metropolitan and rural councils. Guided by environmental governance theory and systems thinking, the study shows how policy fragmentation, funding limitations, and infrastructure inequities create systemic barriers to circularity. The study concludes by recommending targeted co-funding for rural councils, stronger policy support for organics and energy recovery infrastructure, and more coherent multi-level governance to achieve Australia’s 2030 waste and circular economy targets. This research contributes an evidence-based framework for understanding how governance structures and resource asymmetries shape local progress toward a circular economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Waste and Recycling)

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44 pages, 2549 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Natural Clay in Geopolymer Concrete: A Sustainable Alternative Pozzolanic Material for Future Green Construction—A Comprehensive Review

by Md Toriqule Islam, Bidur Kafle and Riyadh Al-Ameri

Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10180; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210180 - 13 Nov 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4093

Abstract

The ordinary Portland cement (OPC) manufacturing process is highly resource-intensive and contributes to over 5% of global CO₂ emissions, thereby contributing to global warming. In this context, researchers are increasingly adopting geopolymers concrete due to their environmentally friendly production process. For decades, [...] Read more.

The ordinary Portland cement (OPC) manufacturing process is highly resource-intensive and contributes to over 5% of global CO₂ emissions, thereby contributing to global warming. In this context, researchers are increasingly adopting geopolymers concrete due to their environmentally friendly production process. For decades, industrial byproducts such as fly ash, ground-granulated blast-furnace slag, and silica fume have been used as the primary binders for geopolymer concrete (GPC). However, due to uneven distribution and the decline of coal-fired power stations to meet carbon-neutrality targets, these binders may not be able to meet future demand. The UK intends to shut down coal power stations by 2025, while the EU projects an 83% drop in coal-generated electricity by 2030, resulting in a significant decrease in fly ash supply. Like fly ash, slag, and silica fume, natural clays are also abundant sources of silica, alumina, and other essential chemicals for geopolymer binders. Hence, natural clays possess good potential to replace these industrial byproducts. Recent research indicates that locally available clay has strong potential as a pozzolanic material when treated appropriately. This review article represents a comprehensive overview of the various treatment methods for different types of clays, their impacts on the fresh and hardened properties of geopolymer concrete by analysing the experimental datasets, including 1:1 clays, such as Kaolin and Halloysite, and 2:1 clays, such as Illite, Bentonite, Palygorskite, and Sepiolite. Furthermore, this review article summarises the most recent geopolymer-based prediction models for strength properties and their accuracy in overcoming the expense and time required for laboratory-based tests. This review article shows that the inclusion of clay reduces concrete workability because it increases water demand. However, workability can be maintained by incorporating a superplasticiser. Calcination and mechanical grinding of clay significantly enhance its pozzolanic reactivity, thereby improving its mechanical performance. Current research indicates that replacing 20% of calcined Kaolin with fly ash increases compressive strength by up to 18%. Additionally, up to 20% replacement of calcined or mechanically activated clay improved the durability and microstructural performance. The prediction-based models, such as Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Multi Expression Programming (MEP), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), and Bagging Regressor (BR), showed good accuracy in predicting the compressive strength, tensile strength and elastic modulus. The incorporation of clay in geopolymer concrete reduces reliance on industrial byproducts and fosters more sustainable production practices, thereby contributing to the development of a more sustainable built environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials and Technologies for Environmental Sustainability)

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40 pages, 1451 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Recent Advances in Sustainable Anthocyanin Applications in Food Preservation and Monitoring: A Review

by Adina Căta, Nick Samuel Țolea, Antonina Evelina Lazăr, Ioana Maria Carmen Ienașcu and Raluca Pop

Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10104; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210104 - 12 Nov 2025

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4522

Abstract

Anthocyanins, a group of naturally occurring flavonoid compounds, have garnered increasing attention due to their wide-ranging biological activities that suggest their considerable potential to be utilized not only as natural food colorants but also as functional additives that can enhance food preservation and [...] Read more.

Anthocyanins, a group of naturally occurring flavonoid compounds, have garnered increasing attention due to their wide-ranging biological activities that suggest their considerable potential to be utilized not only as natural food colorants but also as functional additives that can enhance food preservation and contribute to the development of health-promoting functional foods. Additionally, their sensitivity to environmental factors such as pH and temperature makes anthocyanins promising candidates for use in intelligent packaging systems, particularly as natural indicators for monitoring food freshness and quality throughout storage and distribution. Despite challenges related to their stability and regulatory acceptance, continued research into anthocyanins remains crucial for advancing sustainable, clean-label food technologies and reducing reliance on synthetic additives. To fully leverage their economic and health potential, it is essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of the various plant sources of anthocyanins, their chemical composition, extraction methods, and roles in different applications. Moreover, integrating anthocyanins into food and intelligent packaging systems presents various technical and regulatory challenges that are also summarized in this review. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Trends in Food Processing and Food Preservation Techniques)

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14 pages, 6787 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Intercomparison of Data Products for Studying Trends in PM_2.5 and Ozone Air Quality over Space and Time in China: Implications for Sustainable Air Quality Management

by Shreya Guha and Lucas R. F. Henneman

Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10059; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210059 - 11 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1725

Abstract

Clean air is listed by the United Nations under several Sustainable Development Goals. Particulate matter (PM_2.5) and ground-level ozone (O₃) are pollutants with severe public health and environmental impacts. In China, multiple fine-scale datasets integrating ground monitors, satellites, and [...] Read more.

Clean air is listed by the United Nations under several Sustainable Development Goals. Particulate matter (PM_2.5) and ground-level ozone (O₃) are pollutants with severe public health and environmental impacts. In China, multiple fine-scale datasets integrating ground monitors, satellites, and chemical transport models have been developed to estimate PM_2.5 and O₃ concentrations, but differences between the fine-scale datasets complicate applications in exposure and policy research. This study presents the first systematic intercomparison of five PM_2.5 datasets (V5.GL.03, Ma et al. 2021, Huang et al. 2021, CHAP, TAP) and two O₃ datasets (CHAP, TAP) from 2014 to 2023, evaluated against ground-based observations at national, regional, and provincial levels. We present both operational (single time point) and dynamic (change over time) evaluations to understand how model results compare with observations for each year, and quantify the performances of the models in assessing long term changes in air quality. Results show nationwide declines in PM_2.5 (by 22.1 µgm⁻³; regional range: 8.4–30.1 µgm⁻³) and O₃ (by 28.5 µgm⁻³; regional range: 19.3–34.3 µgm⁻³). Operational and dynamic evaluation shows that CHAP consistently has higher R² (greater than 0.7 in all regions) and lower errors (less than 3.7 µgm⁻³ in all regions) compared to other datasets across most years and regions for PM_2.5. The same is true for TAP for O₃ (R² greater than 0.3 and ME less than 28.6 µgm⁻³ in all regions). However, the model performances vary spatially and temporally in alignment with several factors ranging from the number of observational monitors in a location, to recent changes in pollutant concentration levels, to extreme meteorological conditions. For example, higher predictive errors (>3.6 µgm⁻³) in operational evaluations are observed in all datasets for PM_2.5 in the sparsely monitored northwest region. Similarly, we find higher errors (ME > 28.5 µgm⁻³) in all O₃ datasets in the densely populated northern region, especially in the heavily industrialized Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Air, Climate Change and Sustainability)

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28 pages, 1677 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Development of Sustainable Concrete Using By-Products as a Green Material, and Potential Solutions for Sustainability in Mass Concrete Construction—Comprehensive Review

by Hesam Afsoosbiria and Agnieszka Machowska

Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 9983; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17229983 - 8 Nov 2025

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3987

Abstract

The production of concrete strongly influences the environment. It is a versatile and sustainable construction material capable of creating a wide range of structures. It has always been indispensable as a material for the engineering and construction industry, including applications in hydraulic structures [...] Read more.

The production of concrete strongly influences the environment. It is a versatile and sustainable construction material capable of creating a wide range of structures. It has always been indispensable as a material for the engineering and construction industry, including applications in hydraulic structures (e.g., dams, underwater tunnels, sluices, and other concrete structures), where mass concrete is a fundamental material in the construction industry. Developing sustainable concrete as an alternative construction material to the traditional one provides a reduction in the carbon dioxide footprint with regard to cement use and waste material disposal in landfills. This paper provides a comprehensive review of current trends and opportunities in sustainable construction using mass concrete. It underscores the importance of incorporating eco-friendly practices to mitigate environmental impact by using by-products as green materials. The review highlights how optimizing clinker content, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), and aggregates can improve the strength, durability, and thermal stability of mass concrete. Strategic material selection helps minimize thermal cracking, extend service life, and reduce environmental impact. Future research should focus on developing advanced mix design strategies and standardized practices for sustainable infrastructure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Concrete- and Cement-Based Composite Materials)

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30 pages, 521 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Packaged Bread and Its Carbon Footprint: Balancing Convenience and Waste

by Mauro Moresi, Luana Nionelli and Alessio Cimini

Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 9957; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17229957 - 7 Nov 2025

Viewed by 2409

Abstract

The growing market for pre-sliced and packaged bread, driven by convenience and extended shelf life, raises environmental concerns due to its reliance on single-use polyethylene (PE) bags. To evaluate this trade-off, a cradle-to-distribution-center Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of white sliced bread in 4-slice [...] Read more.

The growing market for pre-sliced and packaged bread, driven by convenience and extended shelf life, raises environmental concerns due to its reliance on single-use polyethylene (PE) bags. To evaluate this trade-off, a cradle-to-distribution-center Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of white sliced bread in 4-slice modified atmosphere PE bags was conducted, following ISO 14040/14044 guidelines and using 2021–2022 factory data from Southern Italy. The initial carbon footprint (CF) of the packaged bread was estimated at 2.77 kg CO_2e/kg when using 100% Grid Electricity. The transformation phase was the largest contributor (41.5%), with electricity accounting for over 90% of this impact, followed by packaging (22.3%) and ingredients (19.4%). Allocation of by-products reduced the CF to around 2.68 kg CO_2e/kg, while the adoption of on-site renewable electricity significantly lowered impacts by up to 30% (to 1.95 kg CO_2e/kg). A key finding is the environmental trade-off between the product and its packaging: a wasted bread slice embodies approximately 70 g CO₂, whereas the production of the corresponding portion of the PE bag emits only about 5 g CO₂. This finding, which is confirmed to be statistically significant, demonstrates that the packaging’s footprint is substantially smaller than the potential impact of even a single wasted slice, proving its crucial role in preventing a larger environmental burden from food waste. Full article

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24 pages, 1076 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Eco-Innovations in Biopigment Production by Bacteria—Challenges and Future Prospects

by Justyna Możejko-Ciesielska

Sustainability 2025, 17(21), 9897; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219897 - 6 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2160

Abstract

The market for bio-based pigments is growing rapidly, fuelled by the demand for safe, biodegradable colourants in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and textiles. Bacterial pigments offer vibrant colours as well as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties that increase product safety and shelf life. [...] Read more.

The market for bio-based pigments is growing rapidly, fuelled by the demand for safe, biodegradable colourants in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and textiles. Bacterial pigments offer vibrant colours as well as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties that increase product safety and shelf life. Despite their benefits, the production of bacterial pigments is associated with challenges such as low yields, high costs and complex processing. Recent eco-innovations such as metabolic engineering, the use of agro-industrial waste as cheap substrates and environmentally friendly extraction methods are helping to solve these problems while promoting the principles of the circular economy. In addition, extremophilic bacteria from harsh environments provide novel pigments with unique industrial potential. This review highlights key advances in eco-innovations for bacterial biopigment production, focusing on genetic engineering, sustainable substrate use, co-production strategies, process optimisation. The role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in improving the biosynthetic efficiency of biopigments will also be analysed. Finally, current challenges and future research opportunities will be discussed to advance microbial biopigments as scalable, cost-effective and environmentally conscious alternatives to synthetic colourants in various industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Microbiology for Sustainable Bioenergy Solutions)

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21 pages, 890 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Environmental Performance of Hermetia illucens Bioconversion in a Medium-Scale Mass Rearing System to Valorize Agri-Food Industrial Residue

by Daniele Duca, Kofi Armah Boakye-Yiadom, Ester Foppa Pedretti and Alessio Ilari

Sustainability 2025, 17(21), 9651; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219651 - 30 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2000

Abstract

Valorizing agri-food waste through black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) bioconversion offers a promising path to enhance circular and sustainable food systems. This study used attributional Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental performance of BSFL reared on six agro-industrial residue diets: tomato, [...] Read more.

Valorizing agri-food waste through black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) bioconversion offers a promising path to enhance circular and sustainable food systems. This study used attributional Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental performance of BSFL reared on six agro-industrial residue diets: tomato, pea, onion, chickpea, wheat, and liquid digestate. The Environmental Footprint 3.1 method was used to assess multiple impact categories. The rearing trials were conducted in a dedicated pilot plant (13.5 m × 2.5 m × 2.7 m) that can treat about 1.58 t of residue per cycle. From the results, BSFL biomass yields were similar across diets, with 12–15% bioconversion and 70–85% substrate reduction. BSFL protein had higher impacts than fishmeal and pea protein but was comparable to soybean meal. BSFL lipids had greater impacts than rapeseed, palm, and sunflower oils yet were similar to soybean oil for bioenergy from fat. Electricity use for climate control was the main hotspot (~85%). Scenario analysis showed that using residual heat for climate control and scaling up via optimization could cut impacts by over 80%. The findings demonstrate the potential for producing BSFL on a medium-to-large scale to enhance circularity in the agri-food sector. Full article

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

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27 pages, 4553 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Cellulose Carriers from Spent Coffee Grounds for Lipase Immobilization and Evaluation of Biocatalyst Performance

by Marta Ostojčić, Mirna Brekalo, Marija Stjepanović, Blanka Bilić Rajs, Natalija Velić, Stjepan Šarić, Igor Djerdj, Sandra Budžaki and Ivica Strelec

Sustainability 2025, 17(21), 9633; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219633 - 29 Oct 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1797

Abstract

In line with the circular economy approach and the pursuit of sustainable solutions for spent coffee grounds, this study investigates the valorization of spent coffee grounds as a source of cellulose-based enzyme immobilization carriers. Considering that global coffee consumption generates approximately 6.9 million [...] Read more.

In line with the circular economy approach and the pursuit of sustainable solutions for spent coffee grounds, this study investigates the valorization of spent coffee grounds as a source of cellulose-based enzyme immobilization carriers. Considering that global coffee consumption generates approximately 6.9 million tonnes of spent coffee grounds annually, their disposal represents both an environmental challenge and an opportunity for value-added applications. A multistep extraction process, including Soxhlet extraction followed by sequential subcritical extraction with ethanol and water, and alkaline treatment, led to the production of cellulose-enriched carriers. The carriers obtained were characterized by their morphology, porosity and surface properties and subsequently used for the two lipases immobilization, Burkholderia cepacia (BCL) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (PFL), using three techniques: adsorption and covalent binding via direct and indirect methods. The immobilized lipases were analyzed for key biochemical and operational properties and compared with each other and with their free enzymes. Based on their stability, catalytic activity, and reusability, the lipases immobilized by adsorption were identified as the most efficient biocatalysts. These immobilized enzymes were then used in two selected reactions to demonstrate their practical utility: cocoa butter substitute synthesis using PFL and the enzymatic pretreatment of wastewater from the oil processing industry using BCL. Both immobilized lipases showed excellent catalytic performance and maintained their high activity over four consecutive reuse cycles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Research on Food Science and Food Technology)

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37 pages, 4242 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Advancements and Challenges in Coatings for Wind Turbine Blade Raindrop Erosion: A Comprehensive Review of Mechanisms, Materials and Testing

by Nur Ain Wahidah A. Yusof, Talal F. Algaddaime and Margaret M. Stack

Sustainability 2025, 17(21), 9611; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219611 - 29 Oct 2025

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3302

Abstract

Raindrop erosion of wind turbine blades’ leading edge is a critical degradation mechanism limiting wind turbine blade lifetime and aerodynamic efficiency. Protective coatings have been extensively studied to mitigate this damage. This review critically synthesises current knowledge on coating-based protection strategies against erosion, [...] Read more.

Raindrop erosion of wind turbine blades’ leading edge is a critical degradation mechanism limiting wind turbine blade lifetime and aerodynamic efficiency. Protective coatings have been extensively studied to mitigate this damage. This review critically synthesises current knowledge on coating-based protection strategies against erosion, with emphasis on (i) the underlying mechanisms of erosion, (ii) advances in conventional and emerging coating technologies, and (iii) experimental approaches for testing and lifetime prediction. Across reported studies, nanofiller reinforcement (e.g., CNTs, graphene, CeO₂, Al₂O₃) enhances erosion resistance by 60–99%, primarily through improved toughness and stress-wave dissipation. Hybrid and multifunctional systems further combine mechanical durability with self-healing or anti-icing capabilities. Experimental results confirm that erosion rate follows a power-law dependence on impact velocity, with maximum damage occurring between 45° and 60° impact angles. Softer elastomeric coatings demonstrate longer incubation periods and superior viscoelastic recovery compared with rigid sol–gel systems. Persistent gaps include the lack of standardised testing, poor field–lab correlation, and limited long-term durability data. Future work should focus on coordinating multi-stressor testing with variable-frequency rain setups to replicate real field conditions and enable reliable lifetime prediction of next-generation erosion-resistant coatings. Full article

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23 pages, 13066 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Should Agrivoltaics Ever Be Decommissioned? How Agrivoltaics Bolster Farm Climate Adaptation Even When Unpowered

by Uzair Jamil and Joshua M. Pearce

Sustainability 2025, 17(21), 9544; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219544 - 27 Oct 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2058

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic systems now produce the lowest-cost electricity in history and coupling with agriculture in agrivoltaics increases crop yields. This indicates solar will continue to experience explosive growth. Concerns exist, however, about the long-term end-of-life decommissioning of solar farms. For example, due to [...] Read more.

Solar photovoltaic systems now produce the lowest-cost electricity in history and coupling with agriculture in agrivoltaics increases crop yields. This indicates solar will continue to experience explosive growth. Concerns exist, however, about the long-term end-of-life decommissioning of solar farms. For example, due to fossil fuel decommissioning mismanagement, Alberta is inundated with orphaned oil and gas wells that have remediation cost estimates of CAD$100 billion. Such comparisons have prompted preemptive legislation targeting solar farms, but is the fear justified? This study addresses this question by (1) analyzing warranted and actual lifespans of key agrivoltaic system components, (2) experimentally measuring microclimate impacts of two agrivoltaic arrays (fully powered with electricity extraction and unpowered to simulate post-inverter-failure conditions) and (3) quantifying agrivoltaic yield gains based on crops previously shown to respond positively to such conditions. Experimental results indicate that unpowered photovoltaic shading not only moderates soil temperatures but also enhances soil moisture conservation relative to unshaded conditions. This study demonstrates that agrivoltaic systems, even after the cessation of power generation, can continue to deliver meaningful agronomic and economic value through passive shading and policy frameworks should adapt to this dual-use reality. Integrating agronomic co-benefits into decommissioning policy supports long-term farm productivity and climate resilience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative and Smart Renewable Energy Technologies for Developing Low-Carbon and Sustainable Societies)

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14 pages, 7156 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Agroecology of Cyperus rotundus: Emergence Dynamics of as a Tool for Sustainable Weed Management

by Stefano Benvenuti

Sustainability 2025, 17(21), 9543; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219543 - 27 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2875

Abstract

Trials were carried out to investigate the effects of light and temperature on C. rotundus seeds and tubers under two conditions: (i) in vitro and (ii) after sowing in soil. In the latter, seedling emergence was evaluated after sowing at increasing depths in [...] Read more.

Trials were carried out to investigate the effects of light and temperature on C. rotundus seeds and tubers under two conditions: (i) in vitro and (ii) after sowing in soil. In the latter, seedling emergence was evaluated after sowing at increasing depths in different soil textures. While dormancy was evident in over 50% of the seeds, which also required light for germination, in contrast, tubers showed a significantly shorter period of dormancy that was independent of light. Seed burial strongly hindered seedling emergence, showing an “active” seed bank only in the shallowest soil layer (few mm). In contrast, tubers showed a marked ability to emerge from a depth exceeding 40 cm. Emergence capacity was found to be proportional to the size of the tubers, attributable to the greater energy reserves needed during autotrophic pre-emergence growth. Seedling emergence from both seeds and tubers, sown at increasing depths, was inhibited to a greater extent in a clay soil texture. A lower inhibitory effect was reported for sandy soils. Tuber vitality was significantly reduced or eliminated within a few days from progressive drying following exposure to solar rays during summer periods. Finally, the data were discussed within the context of planning the agronomic management of C. rotundus, in terms of soil tillage modalities, to ensure sustainable control of this strongly invasive and persistent weed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Management)

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18 pages, 3017 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Vegetation Management Changes Community Assembly Rules in Mediterranean Urban Ecosystems—A Mechanistic Case Study

by Vincenzo Baldi, Alessandro Bellino, Mattia Napoletano and Daniela Baldantoni

Sustainability 2025, 17(21), 9516; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219516 - 26 Oct 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2827

Abstract

Urban ecosystems are structurally and functionally distinct from their natural counterparts, with anthropogenic management potentially altering fundamental ecological processes such as seasonal community dynamics and impairing their sustainability. However, the mechanisms through which management filters plant diversity across seasons remain poorly understood. This [...] Read more.

Urban ecosystems are structurally and functionally distinct from their natural counterparts, with anthropogenic management potentially altering fundamental ecological processes such as seasonal community dynamics and impairing their sustainability. However, the mechanisms through which management filters plant diversity across seasons remain poorly understood. This study tested the hypothesis that management acts as an abiotic filter, dampening seasonal community variations and increasing biotic homogenization in urban green spaces. In this respect, through an intensive, multi-seasonal case study comparing two Mediterranean urban green spaces under contrasting management regimes, we analysed plant communities across 120 plots over four seasons. Results reveal a contingency cascade under management: while the species composition remains relatively stable (+26% variability, p < 0.001), the demographic success becomes more contingent (+41%, p < 0.001), and the ecological dominance becomes highly stochastic (+90%, p < 0.001). This hierarchy demonstrates that management primarily randomizes which species achieve dominance, in terms of biomass and cover, from a pool of disturbance-tolerant generalists. A 260% increase in alien and cosmopolitan species and persistent niche pre-emption dominance–diversity patterns also indicate biotic homogenization driven by management filters (mowing, trampling, irrigation, and fertilization) that favors species resistant to mechanical stresses and induces a breakdown of deterministic community assembly. These processes create spatially and temporally variable assemblages of functionally similar species, explaining both high structural variability and persistent functional redundancy. Conversely, seasonally structured, niche-based assemblies with clear dominance–diversity progressions are observed in the unmanaged area. Overall, findings demonstrate that an intensive management homogenizes urban plant communities by overriding natural seasonal filters and increasing stochasticity. The study provides a mechanistic basis for sustainable urban green space management, indicating that reduced intervention can help preserve the seasonal dynamics crucial for sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Landscape Ecology and Sustainability—2nd Edition)

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