Sustainability

10 pages, 473 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceCommunication

Fatty Acids and Triacylglycerols Profiles from Sicilian (Cold Pressed vs. Soxhlet) Grape Seed Oils

by Vita Di Stefano, David Bongiorno, Carla Buzzanca, Serena Indelicato, Antonello Santini, Massimo Lucarini, Antonio Fabbrizio, Manuela Mauro, Mirella Vazzana, Vincenzo Arizza and Alessandra Durazzo

Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13038; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313038 - 25 Nov 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3740

Abstract

Among the Sicilian economic productive sectors, that of wine production has today a considerable economic value. However, with the growth of this sector, notable was the increase in the production of waste, which to date is not only an economic damage for companies, [...] Read more.

Among the Sicilian economic productive sectors, that of wine production has today a considerable economic value. However, with the growth of this sector, notable was the increase in the production of waste, which to date is not only an economic damage for companies, but also a threat to the environment. It is known that waste from wine production has properties (e.g., antioxidants) which have potential reuse at cosmetic, pharmaceutical and nutritional levels to obtain economically sustainable applications. A new goal is given by the recovery of added value compounds from agri-food wastes and by-products. Grape seed oil is a promising vegetable fat and cold pressing does not involve the use of chemicals, which are harmful to health. It implies that cold-pressed seed oils may contain phytochemicals, as well as natural antioxidants, more than refined oils. In this context, this works aims at studying the chemical characterization (triglycerides profile and composition in fatty acids) of grape seed oils obtained from Soxhlet and cold pressed extraction from Sicilian red grape seeds and white grape seeds. The possibility of obtaining high yields of triglycerides and fatty acids from the waste of wine production through new extraction methods would open up new perspectives for the reuse of waste in a human and animal food context. The results of this work allow the opening up of new perspectives to reuse and then reduce these wastes, helping not only to reduce the damage to the environment and costs for companies but also to create a new product that is environmentally sustainable and with an important economic value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Food)

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18 pages, 6458 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Analysis of Changes in Land Use/Land Cover and Hydrological Processes Caused by Earthquakes in the Atsuma River Basin in Japan

by Yuechao Chen and Makoto Nakatsugawa

Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13041; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313041 - 25 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2537

Abstract

The 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake and its landslides threaten the safety and stability of the Atsuma River basin. This study investigates land use and land cover (LULC) change by analyzing the 2015 and 2020 LULC maps of the basin, and its impact [...] Read more.

The 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake and its landslides threaten the safety and stability of the Atsuma River basin. This study investigates land use and land cover (LULC) change by analyzing the 2015 and 2020 LULC maps of the basin, and its impact on runoff and sediment transport in the basin by using the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model to accurately simulate the runoff and sediment transport process. This study finds that the earthquake and landslide transformed nearly 10% of the forest into bare land in the basin. The simulation results showed that the runoff, which was simulated based on the 2020 LULC data, was slightly higher than that based on the 2015 LULC data, and the sediment transport after the earthquake is significantly higher than before. The rate of sediment transportation after the earthquake, adjusted according to the runoff, was about 3.42 times more than before. This shows that as the forest land decreased, the bare land increased. Conversely, the runoff increased slightly, whereas the sediment transport rate increased significantly in the Atsuma River basin after the earthquake. In future, active governance activities performed by humans can reduce the amount of sediment transport in the basin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Cover/Land-Use Changes Impacts on Ecosystem)

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20 pages, 2435 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Will Plans to Ease Energy Poverty Go Up in Smoke? Assessing the Hungarian NECP through the Lens of Solid Fuel Users’ Vulnerabilities

by Anna Zsofia Bajomi, Nóra Feldmár and Sergio Tirado-Herrero

Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13047; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313047 - 25 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3385

Abstract

Hungary has one of the highest incidences of energy poverty in the European Union, and a high share of Hungarian low-income households rely on solid fuels. This paper first maps the energy vulnerabilities of Hungarian solid fuel users using six energy vulnerability factors. [...] Read more.

Hungary has one of the highest incidences of energy poverty in the European Union, and a high share of Hungarian low-income households rely on solid fuels. This paper first maps the energy vulnerabilities of Hungarian solid fuel users using six energy vulnerability factors. The mapping underlines that solid fuel users are more exposed to energy vulnerability than average households. This is followed by an analysis of energy-poverty-related objectives and measures outlined in the Hungarian National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), a key policy document of the green energy transition. The paper outlines that the NECP fails to comply with the requirement of setting energy poverty alleviation objectives. Furthermore, the outlined energy-poverty-related policies and measures fail to provide systematic solutions to energy-poverty drivers, especially those solid fuel users’ vulnerabilities. Hungary’s general antiegalitarian policy environment and the weak design of energy poverty measures in the NECP suggest severe deficiency regarding a just energy transition guarantee. A just energy transition in Hungary is therefore endangered by the fact that EU energy poverty alleviation requirements fall under soft-law coordination mechanisms that make such requirements hardly enforceable in a member state with an antipoor policy bias that is reluctant to tackle energy poverty. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidimensional Perspectives for Energy Poverty Sustainable Mitigation)

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20 pages, 3963 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Potential for Future Shifts in Tree Species Distribution Provided by Dispersal and Ecological Niches: A Comparison between Beech and Oak in Europe

by Maximilian Axer, Robert Schlicht, Rico Kronenberg and Sven Wagner

Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13067; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313067 - 25 Nov 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3724

Abstract

(1) Due to global warming, distribution ranges of temperate tree species are shifting northwards and upslope to cooler areas. Shifts in distribution first become visible through changes in regeneration dynamics. However, the future distribution of tree species in the face of rapid climate [...] Read more.

(1) Due to global warming, distribution ranges of temperate tree species are shifting northwards and upslope to cooler areas. Shifts in distribution first become visible through changes in regeneration dynamics. However, the future distribution of tree species in the face of rapid climate change depends not only on the climatic suitability of the tree species, but also on its ability to disperse into new habitats. The aim of the study was therefore to examine how the distribution of European beech and European oak shifts and how species can spread from fragmented seed trees. (2) In order to investigate the shift in distribution of beech and oak, the bioclimatic envelopes of the old trees and different size classes of the natural regeneration were compared. Subsequently, a simulation of the potential distribution for the present climate, as well as for the climate for the reference period 2091–2100, for three different representative concentration pathways (RCP) scenarios was determined. In order to determine which of these areas can actually be colonised, a dispersal potential for the species was determined using a quantile regression, taking habitat fragmentation into account. (3) The results of the present study demonstrate range shifts of the tree species regeneration distribution (B0, B1 and B2) compared to the overstorey distribution (OST). While oak regeneration shows an expansion of its distribution in the cold-wet range, beech regeneration shows a reduction of its distribution in the dry-warm range. As the dispersal potential of oak exceeds that of beech, it is expected that oak will be better able to spread from fragmented seed trees. However, the results also indicate that many areas, despite climatic suitability, cannot be colonised due to too large dispersal distances. (4) For the forest management, this results in an important planning tool for future tree species composition, as climatic suitability, habitat connectivity and dispersal ability are taken into account. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selecting Climate Resilient Tree Species for Forest Restoration – What Is Necessary and What Is Possible?)

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17 pages, 1416 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Climate Change Scenarios and Their Implications on the Energy Performance of Hellenic Non-Residential Buildings

by Kalliopi G. Droutsa, Simon Kontoyiannidis, Constantinos A. Balaras, Athanassios A. Argiriou, Elena G. Dascalaki, Konstantinos V. Varotsos and Christos Giannakopoulos

Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13005; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313005 - 24 Nov 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2756

Abstract

It is important to understand how the climate is changing in order to prepare for the future, adapt if necessary, and, most importantly, take proper precautionary measures to alleviate major negative impacts. This work investigates the potential impacts of climate change on the [...] Read more.

It is important to understand how the climate is changing in order to prepare for the future, adapt if necessary, and, most importantly, take proper precautionary measures to alleviate major negative impacts. This work investigates the potential impacts of climate change on the anticipated energy performance of the existing Hellenic building stock until the end of the century. The assessment considers average climatic projections for two future time periods, one for the near and one for the distant future, following two representative concentration pathways (RCPs). The first one is a baseline scenario (RCP8.5) representing the highest greenhouse gas emissions. The second is an intermediate stabilization scenario (RCP4.5), assuming the imposition of conservative emissions mitigation policies. The future climate data are generated for 62 cities throughout Greece. As a case study, the work focuses on Hellenic non-residential (NR) whole buildings, analyzing available data collected during about 2500 energy audits of real NR buildings. The available data are used to assess the buildings’ heating and cooling demand and energy use. The annual average air temperature for Greece in 2050 is projected to increase by 1.5 K for the RCP4.5 scenario and by 1.9 K for the RCP8.5 scenario. In 2090, the increase is estimated to reach 1.7 K and 4.2 K, respectively. Accordingly, if the existing NR buildings are not renovated, the average heating energy use is expected to decrease by 22–26% in 2050 and by 23–52% in 2090. On the other hand, the average cooling energy use is expected to increase by 24–30% in 2050 and by 28–66% in 2090. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Vulnerability and Resilience to Climate Change Impacts in the Mediterranean Region)

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20 pages, 1904 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Elements of Social Sustainability among Austrian Hay Milk Farmers: Between Satisfaction and Stress

by Anja Scheurich, Alexandra Penicka, Stefan Hörtenhuber, Thomas Lindenthal, Elisabeth Quendler and Werner Zollitsch

Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13010; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313010 - 24 Nov 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3037

Abstract

Proponents of hay milk farming claim several benefits on an ecological and economic level, while little about the social aspects has been studied so far. The present study serves as a first exploration of certain aspects of social sustainability from the perspective of [...] Read more.

Proponents of hay milk farming claim several benefits on an ecological and economic level, while little about the social aspects has been studied so far. The present study serves as a first exploration of certain aspects of social sustainability from the perspective of hay milk farmers. The results of an online survey of 284 Austrian hay milk farmers are presented. The statistical analyses included Fisher’s exact tests (contingency tables), Kendall’s rank correlations and a two-step cluster analysis. The sampled farms show positive attitudes toward the work in agriculture (e.g., contribution to the cultural landscape) and are mainly satisfied regarding several job aspects (e.g., occupational diversity), but to a great extent dissatisfied with others (e.g., social recognition, time resources). The critical stressors are the agricultural policy, the economic situation, too little time for partnership or family life as well as bureaucracy and work overload. Multiple medium associations between aspects of well-being are revealed. Obvious and meaningful relationships between farm characteristics and aspects of well-being are scarce. The cluster analysis does little to help explain the characteristics of well-being within the patterns of farms. It therefore seems that the perception of the investigated aspects of well-being on hay milk farms is mostly formed individually and is only associated with the farms’ characteristics to a certain degree. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges to Sustainable Development in Family Farms: Global and Local Context)

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26 pages, 6144 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Farmer Perceptions of Agricultural Risks; Which Risk Attributes Matter Most for Men and Women

by Jamleck Osiemo, Ruerd Ruben and Evan Girvetz

Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 12978; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132312978 - 23 Nov 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4188

Abstract

Analysis of farmer risk perceptions is usually limited to production risks, with risk perception as a function of likelihood and severity. Such an approach is limited in the context of the many risks and other important risk attributes. Our analysis of the risk [...] Read more.

Analysis of farmer risk perceptions is usually limited to production risks, with risk perception as a function of likelihood and severity. Such an approach is limited in the context of the many risks and other important risk attributes. Our analysis of the risk perceptions of farmers extends beyond production risks, severity of the risks, and their likelihoods. We first characterize agricultural risks and identify their main sources and consequences. We then analyze risk perceptions as a hierarchical construct using partial least squares path modelling. We determine the most important risks and risk attributes in the perceptions of farmers, and test for differences in the perceptions between men and women. Results show that severity and ability to prevent a risk are most important in forming risk perceptions. Second, probabilities (ability to prevent) tend to matter more to men (women) for some risks; lastly, low crop yields and fluctuating input prices have greater total effects on the overall risk perception. Our results provide an impetus for risk analysis in agriculture to consider risk attributes that cause affective reactions such as severity and perceived ability to prevent the risks, the need for input price stabilization, and redress of the rampart yield gaps in small-scale agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)

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16 pages, 567 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Healthy Metaphor? The North Sea Consultation and the Power of Words

by Haye Geukes, Udo Pesch, Aad Correljé and Behnam Taebi

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12905; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212905 - 22 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2616

Abstract

The North Sea Consultation was set up to resolve conflicting claims for space in the North Sea. In 2020, this consultation process resulted in the North Sea Agreement, which was supported by the Dutch Parliament and cabinet as a long-term policy; however, the [...] Read more.

The North Sea Consultation was set up to resolve conflicting claims for space in the North Sea. In 2020, this consultation process resulted in the North Sea Agreement, which was supported by the Dutch Parliament and cabinet as a long-term policy; however, the fishing sector felt excluded, left the consultation process, and does not support the agreement. Using semi-constructed interviews and the method of wide reflective equilibrium, this research found that in this conflict the metaphor of ‘health’ has played a decisive role. While all stakeholders want to keep the sea ‘healthy’, they disagree on what a healthy sea actually means, leading to contrastive positions on the desirability of trawler fishing, wind parks, and conservation areas—the North Sea Agreement’s main foci of interest. To prevent the unproductive escalation of such a conflict, it is inevitable to acknowledge the moral connotations of such metaphors, as this allows a decision-making process that can be considered more just. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ethics of Climate Adaptation)

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29 pages, 810 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Digitalizing Higher Education in Light of Sustainability and Rebound Effects—Surveys in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Marlen Gabriele Arnold, Alina Vogel and Martin Ulber

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12912; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212912 - 22 Nov 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4818

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has focused attention not only on health and social issues, but on the issue of digital transformation as well. Within a very short time, universities had to convert their courses to digital formats and university life was reduced to a [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has focused attention not only on health and social issues, but on the issue of digital transformation as well. Within a very short time, universities had to convert their courses to digital formats and university life was reduced to a minimum. To shed light on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected universities, we investigated the following questions: How was this transformation accomplished? What advantages and disadvantages did it bring with it? How sustainable was this transformation? and What can the future of higher education look like? This study is based on the responses to two questionnaires for university staff and students conducted at the Chemnitz University of Technology between mid-July and September, 2020 (n = 369), and between February and March, 2021 (n = 252). Both questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. The results show wide variations in response to digital teaching and learning. Digital teaching and working/learning from home have brought both multiple benefits and multiple challenges at the same time. Working and learning from home was perceived as both enriching and overwhelming—even for the same individual. Respondents appreciated the flexibility associated with digital teaching, even though digital teaching was perceived as imposing excessive demands. This study reveals striking gaps in our knowledge and our actions linking digital transformation and sustainability and highlights how digital teaching can be further developed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Relationships between Digitalization and Sustainability)

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18 pages, 696 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Thinking Like a Mountain: Exploring the Potential of Relational Approaches for Transformative Nature Conservation

by J. Marc Foggin, Daniele Brombal and Ali Razmkhah

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12884; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212884 - 21 Nov 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 7343

Abstract

Building on a review of current mainstream paradigms of nature conservation, the essence of transformations necessary for effective and lasting change are presented—namely, convivial solutions (or ‘living with others’), in which relationality and an appreciation of our interdependencies are central, in contrast to [...] Read more.

Building on a review of current mainstream paradigms of nature conservation, the essence of transformations necessary for effective and lasting change are presented—namely, convivial solutions (or ‘living with others’), in which relationality and an appreciation of our interdependencies are central, in contrast to life-diminishing models of individualism and materialism/secularism. We offer several areas for improvement centred on regenerative solutions, moving beyond conventional environmental protection or biophysical restoration and focusing instead on critical multidimensional relationships—amongst people and between people and the rest of nature. We focus, in particular, on the potential of people’s values and worldviews to inform morality (guiding principles and/or beliefs about right and wrong) and ethics (societal rules defining acceptable behaviour), which alone can nurture the just transformations needed for nature conservation and sustainability at all scales. Finally, we systematize the potential of regenerative solutions against a backdrop of relational approaches in sustainability sciences. In so doing, we contribute to current endeavours of the conservation community for more inclusive conservation, expanding beyond economic valuations of nature and protected areas to include more holistic models of governance that are premised on relationally-oriented value systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inclusive Governance and Management of Protected and Conserved Areas)

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11 pages, 1986 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sustainable Energy Management Benchmark at Wastewater Treatment Plant

by Andrey Kiselev, Elena Magaril, Deborah Panepinto, Elena Cristina Rada, Marco Ravina and Maria Chiara Zanetti

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12885; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212885 - 21 Nov 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3078

Abstract

Urban wastewater effluents bring large amounts of nutrients, organic matter, and organic microcontaminants into freshwater ecosystems. Ensuring the quality of wastewater treatment (WWT) is one of the main challenges facing the management of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, achievement of high-quality standards leads [...] Read more.

Urban wastewater effluents bring large amounts of nutrients, organic matter, and organic microcontaminants into freshwater ecosystems. Ensuring the quality of wastewater treatment (WWT) is one of the main challenges facing the management of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, achievement of high-quality standards leads towards significant energy consumption: usually the more intensive WWT process requires additional energies. Energy efficiency at WWTP is actual mainstream on the current sustainable development agenda. The WWTP processes and methods can be considered from the standpoint of material and energy flows according to circular economy paradigm, which offers great possibilities to reuse waste originating from WWT in order to receive renewable energy. The correlation between energy and quality issues to evaluate WWTP efficiency is of a great scientific and practical interest. The main goal of the paper is to check the dependency between these two main issues in WWTP management—WWT quality and energy efficiency—and to determine possible limits of such relation. The municipal sewerage system of Ekaterinburg, Russia was studied within this paper. The total length of centralized sewerage system in Ekaterinburg is over 1500 km of pipes within two main sewerage basins: northern and southern. The methodological framework for the current research consisted of three steps: (i) WWT quality evaluation, (ii) energy efficiency evaluation, and (iii) WWTP Quality/Energy (Q/E) efficiency dependency matrix. For the purpose of research, authors investigated the 2015–2018 period. The results showed that the outputs correlate with the technical conditions of WWTPs and the implementation of the best available techniques (BATs): most of the northern WWTP values are referred to the green zone (good rank), while the southern WWTP values are situated generally in the orange zone (unsatisfactory rank). The proposed methodological approach for Q/E dependency of WWT process creates a strong but simple tool for managers to evaluate the current success of the operation of WWTP and progress towards circular economy practices implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste Management and Application of the Principles of the Circular Economy)

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14 pages, 796 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Role of Children in Tourism and Hospitality Family Entrepreneurship

by Antonia Canosa and Heike Schänzel

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12801; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212801 - 19 Nov 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4805

Abstract

This paper reports on a systematic scoping review of peer-reviewed academic literature in the areas of tourism and hospitality family entrepreneurship. Specifically, it explored how and to what extent existing literature paid attention to the roles of children and how children are constructed, [...] Read more.

This paper reports on a systematic scoping review of peer-reviewed academic literature in the areas of tourism and hospitality family entrepreneurship. Specifically, it explored how and to what extent existing literature paid attention to the roles of children and how children are constructed, including whether their voices and lived experiences are reflected in the studies. The Extension for Scoping Reviews’ approach (PRISMA-ScR) was used to identify appropriate articles included in the review. Findings suggest there is limited research focused, specifically, on the role of children in tourism and hospitality family entrepreneurship. Children are often referred to, in passing, as family helpers, beneficiaries of inheritance, and as recipients of intergenerational knowledge and entrepreneurial skills. The original contribution of this paper lies in highlighting the dearth of research focused on children’s roles, as economic and social actors, in tourism and hospitality, as well as proposing a child-inclusive approach to conceptualising tourism/hospitality family entrepreneurship. This is part of a broader social justice agenda, which is critical in tourism and hospitality research, policy, and planning to privilege children’s rights, their participation, and wellbeing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Families in Tourism)

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20 pages, 1281 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Refugees’ Integration in the Built Environment: The Sweden Case

by Mo Hamza

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12812; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212812 - 19 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5503

Abstract

The resettlement and integration of a displaced population into a new society faces a plethora of challenges. These range from lack of national legal frameworks to plan and implement planned relocation, to the absence of a long-term vision, inadequate funds, and poor institutional [...] Read more.

The resettlement and integration of a displaced population into a new society faces a plethora of challenges. These range from lack of national legal frameworks to plan and implement planned relocation, to the absence of a long-term vision, inadequate funds, and poor institutional structures. The 3-year EU Erasmus+ funded REGARD Project (REbuildinG AfteR Displacement) set out to address some of these challenges and develop guidance with a focus on the roles and responsibilities of the host and the resettled community in order to understand the needs of both. This paper focuses on the Swedish experience (one of four case studies in the project) in the aftermath of the mass influx of Syrian refugees in 2015. A needs assessment conceptual framework of both host and displaced communities guided the multi-method approach applied in the Sweden case where data was drawn from a scoped literature review on issues related to integration and social cohesion complimented and validated by in-depth interviews with a number of municipalities and non-governmental organizations all working with asylum seekers resettlement. The results of the research indicate that while the Swedish case was a relative success by comparison to others in Europe, there was still systemic shortcomings that needed attention. First, cooperation and coordination between government and non-governmental actors and at different levels up and down the chain of services provided for resettled refugees is still lacking where the reality on the ground is not fully grasped by centrally driven policy and decision-making. Second, what determines the effectiveness of resettlement and integration efforts is focusing on the individuality of each displacee’s needs and circumstances where one-size does not fit all, and recognizing that integration is a two-way process that has to involve both host and guest community and not simply the absorption of one into the other. Finally, the paper concludes that the pressured and often highly politicized situations both host and guest community are put into usually force rapid responses, while long-term visions and sustainable solutions when adequate time is taken to establish trust and build viable networks between the two communities can lead to far better results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rebuilding Communities Following Disasters and Conflict-Induced Mass Displacements)

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25 pages, 14927 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Harvesting Solar Energy from Asphalt Pavement

by Md Fahim Tanvir Hossain, Samer Dessouky, Ayetullah B. Biten, Arturo Montoya and Daniel Fernandez

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12807; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212807 - 19 Nov 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5626

Abstract

This study aims at designing and developing a new technique to harvest solar energy from asphalt pavements. The proposed energy harvester system consists of a pavement solar box with a transparent polycarbonate sample and a thin-film solar panel. This device mechanism can store [...] Read more.

This study aims at designing and developing a new technique to harvest solar energy from asphalt pavements. The proposed energy harvester system consists of a pavement solar box with a transparent polycarbonate sample and a thin-film solar panel. This device mechanism can store energy in a battery charged over daytime and later convert it into electric power as per demand. A wide range of polycarbonate samples containing different thicknesses, elastic moduli, and light transmission properties were tested to select the most efficient materials for the energy harvester system. Transmittance Spectroscopy was conducted to determine the percent light transmission property of the polycarbonate samples at different wavelengths in the visible spectrum. Finite Element Analysis modeling of the pavement–tire load system was conducted to design the optimal energy harvester system under static load. It was followed by the collection of data on the generated power under different weather conditions. The energy harvesters were also subjected to vehicular loads in the field. The results suggest that the proposed pavement solar box can generate an average of 23.7 watts per square meter continuously over 6 h a day under sunny conditions for the weather circumstances encountered in South Texas while providing a slightly smaller power output in other weather circumstances. It is a promising self-powered and low-cost installation technique that can be implemented at pedestrian crossings and intersections to alert distracted drivers at the time of pedestrian crossing, which is likely to improve pedestrian safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)

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21 pages, 4058 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Urban Wastewater Treatment in African Countries: Evidence from the Hydroaid Initiative

by Marco Ravina, Sergio Galletta, Augustin Dagbetin, Omama Ahmed Hussein Kamaleldin, Madalitso Mng’ombe, Lameck Mnyenyembe, Alemayehu Shanko and MariaChiara Zanetti

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12828; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212828 - 19 Nov 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 8403

Abstract

This study is based on the evidence collected during the “Technical e-Learning Course on Wastewater Treatment”, an international training project developed in 2020 in Italy by the Hydroaid Association, in collaboration with Turin Polytechnic. This work intended to address the sustainability of urban [...] Read more.

This study is based on the evidence collected during the “Technical e-Learning Course on Wastewater Treatment”, an international training project developed in 2020 in Italy by the Hydroaid Association, in collaboration with Turin Polytechnic. This work intended to address the sustainability of urban sanitation in various African countries, which the world of international cooperation has been looking at in recent years with growing interest. A comparative analysis of the current strategies and technological solutions was conducted. Data and information reported by the project participants were elaborated and verified. Four African countries—Benin, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Malawi—were considered and two relevant case studies among those proposed by the participants were presented. Starting from this analysis, significant elements about the status and coverage of wastewater management were extracted and reported. The analysis of existing wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) allowed evaluating their design features and current status of operation. Considerations about the environmental, economic, social, and technical sustainability of wastewater treatment and management were finally reported. Conducting such an analysis provided support in identifying the best practices and the most recurrent problems linked to the various African contexts, which need to be considered for a complete definition of the planning strategy for accessible, efficient, and sustainable sanitation infrastructures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water, Wastewater Treatment, and Sustainable Development)

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14 pages, 2740 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Message for Solidarity: A Japanese Perspective on the Payment for Forest Ecosystem Services Developed over Centuries of History

by Ryoko Ishizaki and Shinju Matsuda

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12846; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212846 - 19 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3344

Abstract

Payments for ecosystem/environmental services (PES) have emerged internationally as a new environmental conservation concept over the past two decades. By contrast, Japan has a centuries-long history of using various forms of PES. These schemes can be understood as solutions to interregional problems with [...] Read more.

Payments for ecosystem/environmental services (PES) have emerged internationally as a new environmental conservation concept over the past two decades. By contrast, Japan has a centuries-long history of using various forms of PES. These schemes can be understood as solutions to interregional problems with forest ecosystem services that have been agreed upon and accepted by the society. This paper aims to consider the significance of PES with respect to cooperative relationships by examining historically formed solutions in Japan. The Japanese experience shows that rather than simply being a demonstration of monetary value, PES in upstream forests were a means of communication across regions, expressing interregional solidarity as a core concept. As connections among communities became less visible, the government artificially created solidarity through payments. The payments gradually shifted from having a socioeconomic meaning to having a psychological meaning. The government sought to substantiate the sense of solidarity by making individual users more aware of the meaning of payments. We can find the significance of this type of PES in the fact that payments can be a way to approach the issue of building solidarity by focusing on the function of payments as messengers rather than them merely having an economic value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Resources and Sustainable Utilization)

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25 pages, 1711 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Are We Satisfying the Right Conditions for the Mobility Transition? A Review and Evaluation of the Dutch Urban Mobility Policies

by Mylène van der Koogh, Emile Chappin, Renée Heller and Zofia Lukszo

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12736; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212736 - 18 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3591

Abstract

Global climate agreements call for action and an integrated perspective on mobility, energy and overall consumption. Municipalities in dense, urban areas are challenged with facilitating this transition with limited space and energy resources, and with future uncertainties. One important aspect of the transition [...] Read more.

Global climate agreements call for action and an integrated perspective on mobility, energy and overall consumption. Municipalities in dense, urban areas are challenged with facilitating this transition with limited space and energy resources, and with future uncertainties. One important aspect of the transition is the adoption of electric vehicles, which includes the adequate design of charging infrastructure. Another important goal is a modal shift in transportation. This study investigated over 80 urban mobility policy measures that are in the policy roadmap of two of the largest municipalities of the Netherlands. This analysis consists of an inventory of policy measures, an evaluation of their environmental effects and conceptualizations of the policy objectives and conditions within the mobility transitions. The findings reveal that the two municipalities have similarities in means, there is still little anticipation of future technology and policy conditions could be further satisfied by introducing tailored measures for specific user groups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Governance of Technology in Smart Cities)

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17 pages, 696 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Salinity Stress: Toward Sustainable Plant Strategies and Using Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Encapsulation for Reducing It

by Roohallah Saberi Riseh, Marzieh Ebrahimi-Zarandi, Elahe Tamanadar, Mojde Moradi Pour and Vijay Kumar Thakur

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12758; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212758 - 18 Nov 2021

Cited by 74 | Viewed by 10385

Abstract

Salinity is one of the most important abiotic stresses that influences plant growth and productivity worldwide. Salinity affects plant growth by ionic toxicity, osmotic stress, hormonal imbalance, nutrient mobilization reduction, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). To survive in saline soils, plants have developed [...] Read more.

Salinity is one of the most important abiotic stresses that influences plant growth and productivity worldwide. Salinity affects plant growth by ionic toxicity, osmotic stress, hormonal imbalance, nutrient mobilization reduction, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). To survive in saline soils, plants have developed various physiological and biochemical strategies such as ion exchange, activation of antioxidant enzymes, and hormonal stimulation. In addition to plant adaption mechanisms, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can enhance salt tolerance in plants via ion homeostasis, production of antioxidants, ACC deaminase, phytohormones, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), volatile organic compounds, accumulation of osmolytes, activation of plant antioxidative enzymes, and improvement of nutrients uptake. One of the important issues in microbial biotechnology is establishing a link between the beneficial strains screened in the laboratory with industry and the consumer. Therefore, in the development of biocontrol agents, it is necessary to study the optimization of conditions for mass reproduction and the selection of a suitable carrier for their final formulation. Toward sustainable agriculture, the use of appropriate formulations of bacterial agents as high-performance biofertilizers, including microbial biocapsules, is necessary to improve salt tolerance and crop productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Design and Environmental Impact of Green Materials)

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16 pages, 2461 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Combining Genetic Gain and Diversity in Plant Breeding: Heritability of Root Selection in Wheat Populations

by Johannes Timaeus, Odette Denise Weedon and Maria Renate Finckh

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12778; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212778 - 18 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2525

Abstract

To increase the resilience of agroecological farming systems against weeds, pests, and pathogens, evolutionary breeding of diversified crop populations is highly promising. A fundamental challenge in population breeding is to combine effective selection and breeding progress while maintaining intraspecific diversity. A hydroponic system [...] Read more.

To increase the resilience of agroecological farming systems against weeds, pests, and pathogens, evolutionary breeding of diversified crop populations is highly promising. A fundamental challenge in population breeding is to combine effective selection and breeding progress while maintaining intraspecific diversity. A hydroponic system was tested for its suitability to non-destructively select root traits on a population level in order to achieve genetic gain and maintain diversity. Forty wheat progenies were selected for long seminal root length (SRL) and 40 for short SRL from a wheat composite cross population grown in a hydroponic system. Wheat progenies were multiplied, and a subset evaluated again in a hydroponic system. Preliminary tests in soil and competition experiments with a model weed were performed. The hydroponic selection for long SRL led to an increase of SRL by 1.6 cm (11.6%) in a single generation. Heritability for selection of SRL was 0.59. Selecting for short SRL had no effect. The preliminary soil-based test confirmed increased shoot length but not increased SRL. Preliminary competition experiments point to slightly improved competitive response of wheat progenies but no improved competitive effect on mustard. These results indicate a heritable selection effect for SRL on a population level, combining genetic gain and intraspecific diversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding and Seed Sector Innovations for Organic Food Systems)

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13 pages, 2451 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Climate Change, Farming, and Gardening in Alaska: Cultivating Opportunities

by Nancy Fresco, Alec Bennett, Peter Bieniek and Carolyn Rosner

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12713; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212713 - 17 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6415

Abstract

Ongoing climate change and associated food security concerns are pressing issues globally, and are of particular concern in the far north where warming is accelerated and markets are remote. The objective of this research was to model current and projected climate conditions pertinent [...] Read more.

Ongoing climate change and associated food security concerns are pressing issues globally, and are of particular concern in the far north where warming is accelerated and markets are remote. The objective of this research was to model current and projected climate conditions pertinent to gardeners and farmers in Alaska. Research commenced with information-sharing between local agriculturalists and climate modelers to determine primary questions, available data, and effective strategies. Four variables were selected: summer season length, growing degree days, temperature of the coldest winter day, and plant hardiness zone. In addition, peonies were selected as a case study. Each variable was modeled using regional projected climate data downscaled using the delta method, followed by extraction of key variables (e.g., mean coldest winter day for a given decade). An online interface was developed to allow diverse users to access, manipulate, view, download, and understand the data. Interpretive text and a summary of the case study explained all of the methods and outcomes. The results showed marked projected increases in summer season length and growing degree days coupled with seasonal shifts and warmer winter temperatures, suggesting that agriculture in Alaska is undergoing and will continue to undergo profound change. This presents opportunities and challenges for farmers and gardeners. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping Tomorrow’s Arctic)

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12 pages, 1448 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Integrated Urban Mobility for Our Health and the Climate: Recommended Approaches from an Interdisciplinary Consortium

by Shilpa Dogra, Nicholas O’Rourke, Michael Jenkins and Daniel Hoornweg

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12717; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212717 - 17 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3715

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this paper is to suggest an approach to aid with the creation of an interdisciplinary team and evidence-informed solutions addressing the urban mobility challenges facing many communities. Methods: We created a local Urban Mobility Consortium with experts from different [...] Read more.

Background: The purpose of this paper is to suggest an approach to aid with the creation of an interdisciplinary team and evidence-informed solutions addressing the urban mobility challenges facing many communities. Methods: We created a local Urban Mobility Consortium with experts from different disciplines to discuss the development of healthy, accessible communities, electrification, ride-sharing, and overarching issues related to urban mobility. A workshop and survey data collected during COVID-19 are presented in this paper. Results: Several evidence-informed recommendations are provided. Broadly, these were: (1) support the creation and development of accessible and safe active-transportation infrastructure; (2) incentivize and prioritize the use of active, public, and shared transportation over use of personal vehicles; (3) ensure connectivity of active transportation infrastructure with major destinations and public transportation options; (4) work towards electrification of personal and public transportation; and (5) work across siloes to improve integrated mobility to impact climate and health related outcomes, and enhance overall efficiency. Conclusions: An integrated approach is needed to improve mobility, access, and environmental impact. This needs to be carried out in the local context and requires government and non-governmental leadership. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transport Planning under Conditions of Uncertainty)

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31 pages, 394 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Business, Human Rights and the Environment—Using Macro Legal Analysis to Develop a Legal Framework That Coherently Addresses the Root Causes of Corporate Human Rights Violations and Environmental Degradation

by Stephen J. Turner

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12709; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212709 - 17 Nov 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6575

Abstract

This article applies ‘macro’ legal analysis to the challenge of legal reform related to corporate responsibility for human rights violations and degradation of the environment. It recognises that the approaches from different communities of lawyers to the negative impacts on human rights and [...] Read more.

This article applies ‘macro’ legal analysis to the challenge of legal reform related to corporate responsibility for human rights violations and degradation of the environment. It recognises that the approaches from different communities of lawyers to the negative impacts on human rights and the environment caused by companies, sometimes operate in isolation from each other, are not always mutually supportive, can lead to a fragmentation of effort, and may not address the root causes of the problem. In particular, this article analyses the extent to which existing approaches tend to address symptoms of the issues, rather than the root causes themselves. It makes the case that in this regard specific root causes exist within the frameworks of corporate law in all jurisdictions and various aspects of international economic law too. To carry out the study, it employs macro legal analysis, a methodology not previously applied in this field, as a means of developing an understanding of the legal frameworks that, it argues, influence corporate decision making that can affect human rights and the environment. It undertakes an analysis that incorporates relevant corporate law, World Trade Organisation (WTO) law, international investment law, the law relating to multilateral development banks (MDBs), and international insurance law. By using this form of anlaysis it is possible to show how legal frameworks can operate in unison, reinforcing each other providing a cumulative effect that can influence corporate decision makers. Finally, based on the results of the analysis, it suggests a possible strategy of macro-level reforms that could be applied to the re-design of relevant legal frameworks to better facilitate the full protection of human rights and to achieve net zero degradation of the environment. As a result it seeks to demonstrate how this approach can be strategically applied by both human rights and environmental lawyers as a common pathway towards effective legal reform. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business, Human Rights and the Environment)

34 pages, 16940 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessing Urban Metabolism through MSW Carbon Footprint and Conceptualizing Municipal-Industrial Symbiosis—The Case of Zaragoza City, Spain

by Antonio Valero, Jorge Torrubia, Miguel Ángel Anía and Alicia Torres

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12724; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212724 - 17 Nov 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3712

Abstract

This paper proposes a holistic vision of the urban metabolism (UM), viewing the city as a subsystem within an industrial ecosystem (IE) in which municipal-industrial symbiosis is essential to achieve sustainability goals. For this purpose, the metabolism of a large Spanish city, Zaragoza, [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a holistic vision of the urban metabolism (UM), viewing the city as a subsystem within an industrial ecosystem (IE) in which municipal-industrial symbiosis is essential to achieve sustainability goals. For this purpose, the metabolism of a large Spanish city, Zaragoza, was studied by analyzing the main fractions of its MSW. A methodology based on carbon footprint (CF) was developed to analyze the environmental impact—in terms of CO₂—of the influence of households’ behavior, the City Council’s strategies, and the main MSW fractions. Zaragoza’s IE represents a footprint of 931,250 CO₂ tons for the fractions studied, of which 438,000 CO₂ tons are due to organic fraction, 180,371 to plastics and 154,607 to paper and cardboard, which are the three most significant contributors. If households selectively separated 100% of their waste, the footprint would drop to 648,660 tons of CO₂. Furthermore, monetary savings were quantified through the CO₂ emissions price. The proposed methodology accounts for the CF of the whole IE, not just the city. Moreover, it enables the creation of Sankey diagrams to visualize the distribution of emissions of each subsystem, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the city and its recycling industries to reduce its CF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Sustainable Household Behaviors: Consumption and Mobility)

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23 pages, 6498 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Does Distributive Justice Improve Welfare Outcomes in Climate Adaptation? An Exploration Using an Agent-Based Model of a Stylized Social–Environmental System

by Aashis Joshi, Emile Chappin and Neelke Doorn

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12648; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212648 - 16 Nov 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3261

Abstract

Scholars increasingly propose distributive justice as a means to foster effective and fair outcomes in climate adaptation. To advance the discussion on its place in climate policy, it is desirable to be able to quantitatively assess the effects of different principles of distribution [...] Read more.

Scholars increasingly propose distributive justice as a means to foster effective and fair outcomes in climate adaptation. To advance the discussion on its place in climate policy, it is desirable to be able to quantitatively assess the effects of different principles of distribution on the well-being of unequally vulnerable individuals and groups. Here, we present an agent-based model of a stylized social–environmental system subject to an external stress such as a climate change impact, in which individuals with unequal access to resources attempt to fulfil an essential need through resource consumption. This causes environmental damage, and a balance must be found between the processes of resource consumption and environmental degradation to achieve well-being for people and stability for the environment. We operationalize different principles for redistributing resource access as interaction rules in the model and compare their tendency to allow such a balance to emerge. Our results indicate that while outcome patterns and effectiveness may vary among principles, redistribution generally improves well-being and system stability. We discuss some implications of our findings as they pertain to addressing the climate crisis and end by outlining the next steps for the research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ethics of Climate Adaptation)

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11 pages, 2064 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceBrief Report

Examination of Extracellular Polymer (EPS) Extraction Methods for Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor (AnMBR) Biomass

by Mohammed A. Galib, Timothy Abbott and Hyung-Sool Lee

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12584; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212584 - 15 Nov 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4154

Abstract

Membrane bioreactor fouling is a complex process, which is typically driven by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), a complex mixture of polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, humic substances, and other intercellular polymers. While much is known about fouling in aerobic membrane reactors, far less is known [...] Read more.

Membrane bioreactor fouling is a complex process, which is typically driven by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), a complex mixture of polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, humic substances, and other intercellular polymers. While much is known about fouling in aerobic membrane reactors, far less is known about fouling in anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBR). Much of this knowledge, including EPS extraction methods, has been extrapolated from aerobic processes and is commonly assumed to be comparable. Therefore, several extraction methods commonly used for aerobic EPS quantification, including ultrasonication, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and formaldehyde plus sodium hydroxide (CH₂O+NaOH), were evaluated to determine the most suitable extraction method for EPS of anaerobic microorganisms in an AnMBR. To maximize EPS yields, each extraction was performed four times. Experimental results showed that the EDTA method was best for EPS quantification, based on chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and protein yields: 1.43 mg COD/mg volatile suspended solids (VSS), 0.14 mg DOC/mg VSS, and 0.11 mg proteins/mg VSS. In comparison, the CH₂O+NaOH method maximized the extraction of carbohydrates (0.12 mg carbohydrates/mg VSS). However, multiple extraction cycles with EDTA and ultrasonication exhibited lower extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentrations compared to CH₂O+NaOH extractions, indicating lower levels of released intracellular substances. Successive EPS extractions over four cycles are better able to quantify EPS from anaerobic microorganisms, since a single extraction may not accurately reflect the true levels of EPS contents in AnMBRs, and possibly in other anaerobic processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decentralized Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery)

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19 pages, 2839 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Tourism, Empowerment and Sustainable Development: A New Framework for Analysis

by Regina Scheyvens and Heidi van der Watt

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12606; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212606 - 15 Nov 2021

Cited by 72 | Viewed by 22392

Abstract

For over twenty years, tourism researchers have examined how to determine whether destination communities are being empowered through tourism: there is much we can learn through analysis of that work. We outline and critique the most commonly used empowerment framework in this field [...] Read more.

For over twenty years, tourism researchers have examined how to determine whether destination communities are being empowered through tourism: there is much we can learn through analysis of that work. We outline and critique the most commonly used empowerment framework in this field as was first published by Scheyvens in 1999, which has four dimensions (psychological, social, economic and political) but which has been adapted and extended in a variety of ways. We also consider two other frameworks, and the application of a revised model in the South African context, before proposing that the Scheyvens framework would be strengthened through the addition of environmental and cultural dimensions. We draw theoretical inspiration from nested circle approaches to sustainable development to embed the dimensions of community empowerment within a series of ‘enabling factors’ that might support possibilities for community empowerment to occur, and, in turn, the empowerment dimensions and enabling factors are situated within a wider circle of the natural environment. We have structured this all into a new Empowerment and Sustainable Development Framework. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism: A Fecund Frontier for Cross and Multidisciplinary Enquiries in Sustainability)

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23 pages, 893 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Microplastics in Sewage Sludge: A Known but Underrated Pathway in Wastewater Treatment Plants

by Maria Cristina Collivignarelli, Marco Carnevale Miino, Francesca Maria Caccamo and Chiara Milanese

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12591; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212591 - 15 Nov 2021

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6701

Abstract

Interest in the presence of microplastics (MPs) in wastewater has grown significantly in recent years. In fact, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) represent the last barrier before the discharge of MPs into an aquatic ecosystem. The research has highlighted how MPs are in part [...] Read more.

Interest in the presence of microplastics (MPs) in wastewater has grown significantly in recent years. In fact, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) represent the last barrier before the discharge of MPs into an aquatic ecosystem. The research has highlighted how MPs are in part effectively removed from the waters and accumulated inside the sewage sludge (SeS) produced by the WWTP, being a cause for concern, especially in the case of agricultural reuse. This work aims to analyze the existing literature on the (i) methodical procedure for MPs analysis (thermal, spectroscopic, optical analyses), (ii) qualitative and quantitative presence of MPs in SeS, (iii) effect on sludge properties, and (iv) the possible accumulation in amended soils. Based on the results already obtained in the literature, this work aims to provide critical insights to stimulate interest in the topic and direct future research on aspects that should be deepened. In particular, it emerges that there is a clear need for standardization of the collection methods and the analytical techniques for identifying and quantifying MPs, since their physico-chemical characterization and the study on aging and on the response towards acid or basic pre-treatments are fundamental for the understanding of microplastics ecotoxicological potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics and Their Potential Effects in Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems)

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14 pages, 871 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Higher Perceived Design Thinking Traits and Active Learning in Design Courses Motivate Engineering Students to Tackle Energy Sustainability in Their Careers

by Julie Milovanovic, Tripp Shealy and Andrew Katz

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12570; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212570 - 14 Nov 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3365

Abstract

Engineers play an important role in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals defined by the United Nations, which aim to provide a more sustainable environment for future generations. Through design thinking, creativity, and innovation, sustainable engineering solutions can be developed. Future engineers need to [...] Read more.

Engineers play an important role in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals defined by the United Nations, which aim to provide a more sustainable environment for future generations. Through design thinking, creativity, and innovation, sustainable engineering solutions can be developed. Future engineers need to acquire skills in their engineering curriculum to feel equipped to address sustainable design challenges in their career. This paper focuses on the impact of perceived design thinking traits and active learning strategies in design courses to increase senior engineering students’ motivation to engage in energy sustainability in their career. A national survey was distributed to senior engineering students in the United States (n = 4364). The survey asked students about their motivation to engage in sustainable design, their perceived design thinking traits (i.e., integrative feedback, collaboration), and if they experienced active learning strategies in design courses (i.e., learning by doing). The results highlight that higher perceived design thinking ability increases senior engineering students’ interests in designing solutions related to energy sustainability. Active learning experiences positively influence senior engineering students’ interests in designing solutions related to energy sustainability. These findings show the importance of teaching design thinking in engineering courses to empower future engineers to address sustainable challenges through design and innovation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Design Education and Implementation)

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14 pages, 456 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Potential for Food Self-Sufficiency Improvements through Indoor and Vertical Farming in the Gulf Cooperation Council: Challenges and Opportunities from the Case of Kuwait

by Meshal J. Abdullah, Zhengyang Zhang and Kazuyo Matsubae

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12553; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212553 - 13 Nov 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 9451

Abstract

The countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are considered food secure due to their ability to import sufficient food to meet their populations’ demand, despite considerable environmental limitations to conventional agriculture. However, over-reliance on externally produced food leaves these countries vulnerable to [...] Read more.

The countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are considered food secure due to their ability to import sufficient food to meet their populations’ demand, despite considerable environmental limitations to conventional agriculture. However, over-reliance on externally produced food leaves these countries vulnerable to food shortages during crises that disrupt international production and shipping. Advanced Controlled Environment Agriculture technology has the potential to improve food self-sufficiency by multiplying vegetable crop yields while optimizing efficiency of agricultural inputs and minimizing land requirements. This paper demonstrates how approximately 15 km² of indoor farms or less than 0.1 km² of vertical farms could reduce or eliminate the need to import six important vegetable crops in the State of Kuwait. If properly contextualized and supported by clear legislation and well-managed regulatory bodies, indoor agriculture initiatives may provide a pathway for GCC countries to reduce their dependence on imported foods and increase resilience to food supply disruption during disasters or conflict. This case study contextualizes the need for improved food self-sufficiency in light of vulnerabilities from regional and global threats, illuminates unique challenges faced by GCC countries considering adoption of the proposed technologies, and summarizes opportunities inherent in the current legal and policy framework. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Food System Transition)

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23 pages, 2514 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Public Perceptions concerning Responsibility for Climate Change Adaptation

by Erik Persson, Åsa Knaggård and Kerstin Eriksson

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12552; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212552 - 13 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5073

Abstract

For successful climate change adaptation, the distribution of responsibility within society is an important question. While the literature highlights the need for involving both public and private actors, little is still known of how citizens perceive their own and others’ responsibility, let alone [...] Read more.

For successful climate change adaptation, the distribution of responsibility within society is an important question. While the literature highlights the need for involving both public and private actors, little is still known of how citizens perceive their own and others’ responsibility, let alone the moral groundings for such perceptions. In this paper, we report the results of a survey regarding people’s attitudes towards different ways of distributing responsibility for climate change adaptation. The survey was distributed to citizens in six Swedish municipalities and completed by 510 respondents. A large number of respondents wanted to assign responsibility for making decisions about and implementing adaptation measures to local governments, but also to property owners, whereas the national government was raised as responsible for setting decision boundaries and for financial support. The most preferred principles for a fair distribution of responsibility among the respondents were desert, ability, efficiency and need, while the principle of equal shares found less support. All principles received some support, indicating that it is necessary to consider several principles when distributing responsibility for climate change adaptation. Compared to earlier studies, this study shows more nuanced perceptions on who should be responsible and on what moral grounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Climate Change, Landscape in Transition and Tools for Sustainable Landscape Planning)

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21 pages, 3096 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Impact of Thin Asphalt Layers as a Road Traffic Noise Intervention in an Urban Environment

by Ablenya Grangeiro de Barros, Jarl K. Kampen and Cedric Vuye

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12561; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212561 - 13 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2527

Abstract

Low-noise thin asphalt layers (TALs) are a feasible solution to mitigate road traffic noise in urban environments. Nevertheless, the impacts of this type of noise intervention are reported mostly regarding noise levels, while non-acoustic aspects influencing the population perception are still little-known. This [...] Read more.

Low-noise thin asphalt layers (TALs) are a feasible solution to mitigate road traffic noise in urban environments. Nevertheless, the impacts of this type of noise intervention are reported mostly regarding noise levels, while non-acoustic aspects influencing the population perception are still little-known. This study investigates the implementation of TALs in two streets of Antwerp, Belgium. The effectiveness of the intervention was measured via noise modelling and acoustic measurements of road traffic noise. A reduction of 2.8 dB in noise exposure was observed in L_den and L_night, while SPB measurements showed decreases up to 5.2 dB on the roadside. The subjective impacts of the TALs were evaluated via self-administered surveys and compared to results from control streets. The annoyance indicators were positively impacted by the TALs implementation, resulting in annoyance levels similar or lower than in the control streets. The TALs did not impact the reported physical complaints, sleep quality, and comfort level to perform activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Noise)

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17 pages, 7755 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Cost-Effective Inspection of Rebar Spacing and Clearance Using RGB-D Sensors

by Xinxing Yuan, Fernando Moreu and Maryam Hojati

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12509; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212509 - 12 Nov 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 9904

Abstract

The quality assurance of constructing reinforced concrete (RC) structures in compliance with their design plays a key role in the durability, serviceability, and sustainability of the built RC elements. One area of concern in the quality control of constructing RC structures is examining [...] Read more.

The quality assurance of constructing reinforced concrete (RC) structures in compliance with their design plays a key role in the durability, serviceability, and sustainability of the built RC elements. One area of concern in the quality control of constructing RC structures is examining the position and dimension of the rebars before pouring fresh concrete. Currently, this is accomplished by visual inspection and individually by hand with limited time available between construction stages. Over the past decades, structural health and monitoring during the construction period has applied remote sensing technologies. However, little research has focused on the use of such technologies to inspect and evaluate rebar placement prior to concrete pouring as quality control. In this study we develop an algorithm that facilitates inspecting the positions of rebars and the cover of concrete using a new-generation low-cost RGB-D sensor to find incorrect rebar placement. The proposed method is evaluated using a typical 5 × 5 two-layer rebar cage in the laboratory by comparing the proposed technique with traditional inspection methods. The results show that the RGB-D sensor can achieve cost-effective inspection for rebar spacing and clearance with an acceptable tolerance. The evaluation of rebar spacing results shows that the maximum standard deviation for rebar spacing is 0.34 inch (8.64 mm) between longitudinal rebar 2 and 3, which is the same as the rebar construction and traditional tape measurement results. The concrete cover estimation results show that the maximum standard deviation for rebar cage concrete cover is 0.19 inch (4.83 mm) for longitudinal rebar 3. The issues of new RGB-D sensor scan settings and the test results will be helpful for practitioners in improving construction quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Structural Sensing and Sustainable Infrastructure Maintenance)

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22 pages, 29850 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Impact of IoT on Manufacturing Industry 4.0: A New Triangular Systematic Review

by Tahera Kalsoom, Shehzad Ahmed, Piyya Muhammad Rafi-ul-Shan, Muhammad Azmat, Pervaiz Akhtar, Zeeshan Pervez, Muhammad Ali Imran and Masood Ur-Rehman

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12506; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212506 - 12 Nov 2021

Cited by 81 | Viewed by 23292

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) has realised the fourth industrial revolution concept; however, its applications in the manufacturing industry are relatively sparse and primarily investigated without contextual peculiarities. Our research undertakes an intricate critical review to investigate significant aspects of IoT applications in [...] Read more.

The Internet of Things (IoT) has realised the fourth industrial revolution concept; however, its applications in the manufacturing industry are relatively sparse and primarily investigated without contextual peculiarities. Our research undertakes an intricate critical review to investigate significant aspects of IoT applications in the manufacturing Industry 4.0 perspective to address this gap. We adopt a systematic literature review approach by Denyer and Tranfield (2009) to carry out critical analyses that help develop future research domains based on empirical studies. We describe key knowledge gaps in the existing literature and empirical studies by exploring the main contribution categories and finding six critical differences between traditional and manufacturing Industry 4.0 and 10 enablers and 11 challenges of IoT applications. Finally, an agenda for future research is proposed with 11 research domains to focus on the recognised gaps. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industrial Internet of Things (IIoTs) and Industry 4.0)

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21 pages, 3819 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Rapid Assessment and Long-Term Monitoring of Green Stormwater Infrastructure with Citizen Scientists

by Thomas Meixner, Alan R. Berkowitz, Alisen E. Downey, Jose Pillich, Reese LeVea, Brianne K. Smith, Mark Chandler, Neha Gupta, Stan Rullman, Anna Woodroof and Jennifer Cherrier

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12520; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212520 - 12 Nov 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3594

Abstract

Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) has emerged as a promising decentralized management approach to urban stormwater challenges. A lack of data about GSI performance interferes with widespread adoption of GSI. A citizen science program that benefits researchers, lay scientists, and municipalities offers a way [...] Read more.

Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) has emerged as a promising decentralized management approach to urban stormwater challenges. A lack of data about GSI performance interferes with widespread adoption of GSI. A citizen science program that benefits researchers, lay scientists, and municipalities offers a way to provide these lacking data. We have developed an open-source, transferable green infrastructure rapid assessment (GIRA) protocol for studying the performance of GSI with citizen scientists. This protocol has been tested in six North American cities (New York City, Toronto, Vancouver, Chicago, San Francisco, and Buffalo). In this research we define the performance of GSI in varying geographic, climatic, and maintenance conditions with the intent to create technological, institutional, and management solutions to urban stormwater problems. The GIRA protocol was used by citizen scientists to assess the physical properties and capabilities of bioswales, while small, affordable Green Infrastructure Sensors Boxes (GIBoxes) were used to determine longer-term function across several rain events. Our results indicate that teams of citizen scientists can be effective for collecting and archiving widespread information on the post-installation function of GSI. The effort also showed that citizen scientists had changes in understanding of urban stormwater challenges and the role that GSI can play in solving these problems. We explore the multiple benefits to knowledge, participants, and municipal partners as a result of this research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Citizen Science for Sustainable Cities: Investigating Nature Based Solutions)

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12 pages, 2225 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Financial Analysis of Habitat Conservation Banking in California

by Jagdish Poudel and Raju Pokharel

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12441; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212441 - 11 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3085

Abstract

Habitat conservation banking is a policy instrument for conserving endangered species by providing financial incentives for the landowners in the United States. This policy instrument aims to protect habitat, but little or no thought has been given to its financial performance. A financial [...] Read more.

Habitat conservation banking is a policy instrument for conserving endangered species by providing financial incentives for the landowners in the United States. This policy instrument aims to protect habitat, but little or no thought has been given to its financial performance. A financial analysis of habitat conservation banks (HCB) informs policymakers and conservation biologists of the long-term success of this policy and the future of HCBs. This paper evaluates 26 habitat conservation banks (HCB) in California by calculating their Net Present Values (NPV). We do so by compiling the cost and revenue data for habitat conservation banks. The average annual cost of operating HCBs was $42.78/acre (median: $22.58/acre), and the average credit price or revenue from credit sale was $6014.72/acre (median: $553.65/acre). The average NPV for 26 HCBs was $4205.90/acre at a 4% rate of return, indicating an overall positive return from such an easement instrument. However, only 14 HCBs out of 26 produced a positive return. With the inclusion of land acquisition costs, three of eight HCBs performed financially well. On the brighter side, the number of HCBs has increased with time. But there is not enough evidence to ascertain financial certainty from their revenues. A right selection of space (land acquisition costs can make or break finances for HCB) and species could encourage landowners to establish HCBs. This could build confidence on those who may have been discouraged from lack of knowledge and fear of losing revenue due to regulatory compliance to conserve endangered species habitat in their land. The findings are helpful in identifying lands and prioritizing investments to generate conservation credits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainability, Biodiversity and Conservation)

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22 pages, 1083 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Building Resilience to Natural Hazards at a Local Level in Germany—Research Note on Dealing with Tensions at the Interface of Science and Practice

by Gérard Hutter, Alfred Olfert, Marco Neubert and Regine Ortlepp

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12459; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212459 - 11 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2860

Abstract

Building resilience is a core element of urban resilience that refers to both the (1) intended physical change of the building stock and the related blue, green, and grey infrastructure, as well as (2) the social process of increasing resilience through the goal-driven [...] Read more.

Building resilience is a core element of urban resilience that refers to both the (1) intended physical change of the building stock and the related blue, green, and grey infrastructure, as well as (2) the social process of increasing resilience through the goal-driven cooperation of scientists and practitioners. Building resilience at the interface of science and practice is characterized by tensions and a range of approaches to dealing with tensions. To specify this proposition, this research note adopts a strategic spatial planning perspective and introduces the typology of “motors of change” from organizational and management research. We focus on a goal-driven motor of change (“teleology”) and highlight three approaches to dealing with tensions: developing a strategic focus of knowledge integration, setting priorities to enhance resilience as a pro-active ability of disaster risk reduction (DRR), and compromising in the management of trade-offs, such as those between the scales of resilience. For the purpose of illustration, this research note refers to examples of building resilience at a local level in Germany, dealing with heat stress in urban areas, managing the risk of extreme flood events, and analyzing the resilience of innovative infrastructure solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Mitigation, Vulnerability Management and Resilience under Disasters)

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19 pages, 3695 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Tourism and COVID-19: The Show Must Go On

by Teresa Borges-Tiago, Sandra Silva, Sónia Avelar, João Pedro Couto, Luíz Mendes-Filho and Flávio Tiago

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12471; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212471 - 11 Nov 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4223

Abstract

Tourism and hospitality actors face an unprecedented challenge in reigniting these industries through digital communication. All past knowledge regarding tourist behavior and preferences has been rendered irrelevant since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting enforced changes. Several reports have pointed [...] Read more.

Tourism and hospitality actors face an unprecedented challenge in reigniting these industries through digital communication. All past knowledge regarding tourist behavior and preferences has been rendered irrelevant since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting enforced changes. Several reports have pointed to the existence of a travel sentiment that may be actionable by communication. This work attempts to reveal some of the elements that may compose this travel sentiment. To pursue this aim, an online pilot survey was conducted among those who were regular travelers before the COVID-19 outbreak. The data was used to validate the conceptual model through a partial least squares structural equation model estimation. The findings revealed that travel constraints are the most influential dimension, along with social media and technology usage, in affecting tourist behavior. Thus, in their communication strategy, tourism and hospitality players should reinforce the health- and hygiene-related measures taken, while simultaneously promoting the trustworthiness of the shared information. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Communication and Digital Marketing and Tourism in the Covid-19 Era: Global and Local Perspectives)

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16 pages, 10454 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sheep in the Vineyard: First Insights into a New Integrated Crop–Livestock System in Central Europe

by Nicolas Schoof, Anita Kirmer, Jakob Hörl, Rainer Luick, Sabine Tischew, Michael Breuer, Frank Fischer, Sandra Müller and Vivien von Königslöw

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12340; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212340 - 9 Nov 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5410

Abstract

The multiple land use of agricultural areas is a building block for increased land use efficiency. Unlike monoculture, integrated crop–livestock systems optimally improve ecosystem services, making it an important field of research and application for adapting land use and food systems that have [...] Read more.

The multiple land use of agricultural areas is a building block for increased land use efficiency. Unlike monoculture, integrated crop–livestock systems optimally improve ecosystem services, making it an important field of research and application for adapting land use and food systems that have sustainability deficits. The integration of sheep in viticulture production is described as a promising example of an integrated crop–livestock system. While some studies of the integration of sheep into vineyards are already available for other parts of the world, there is still no research on its implementation in Central European viticulture systems. In order to fill this gap of knowledge, we conducted standardized interviews with 34 winegrowers who already graze sheep in their vineyards. The method allowed a wider overview of the implementation of the integrated crop-livestock system than would have been possible with other approaches. Furthermore, the authors kept sheep in their own vineyard for three years to evaluate the statements of the survey participants. The period during which sheep graze in vineyards is quite heterogeneous in Central Europe. Some farms use sheep only during vine dormancy; others also let sheep graze during a certain period in summer. There are also viticulture training systems where grazing is almost continuously possible. In Central Europe, summer grazing normally requires operational adjustments such as lifting the wires of the training system and branches of the vine; otherwise, the vines could be damaged. This option seems to be tailored to the training system in use. Some interviewees mentioned that sheep not only use the accompanying vegetation as fodder and therefore control the undervine growth, but in some cases, they were also able to replace other work processes, such as defoliating the grape zone or cleaning undesired vine shoots near the ground. However, a high additional workload due to livestock keeping was also mentioned by some survey participants. Some of the interviewees cooperate with shepherds, which could help to solve this challenge. Finally, we summarize possible opportunities and risks of this integrated crop–livestock system. Integrating sheep in vineyards seems to be quite feasible in the period of vine dormancy, whereas more information and considerably more effort is needed to integrate sheep during the vegetation period. Further research is needed to answer open questions especially for the necessary adaptions of the common vine training system or the implementation of alternative systems more suitable to combine with livestock keeping. Some practitioners found opportunities to merchandize the use of sheep in wine sales. This potentially unique selling point could be a solution for a broader consideration of sheep in vineyards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Sustainability of Contemporary Land Use Change)

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25 pages, 1659 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

In the Eyes of the Beholder: The Effect of the Perceived Authenticity of Sanfang Qixiang in Fuzhou, China, among Locals and Domestic Tourists

by Gyehee Lee, Xiao Lin, Yunseon Choe and Wenya Li

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12353; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212353 - 9 Nov 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3914

Abstract

Many historic and cultural heritage destinations have faced queries about authentic travel experiences and crises of commoditization related to tourism products. This study is based on the dyadic function of heritage destinations for both locals and domestic tourists: heritage as a spatial-temporal object [...] Read more.

Many historic and cultural heritage destinations have faced queries about authentic travel experiences and crises of commoditization related to tourism products. This study is based on the dyadic function of heritage destinations for both locals and domestic tourists: heritage as a spatial-temporal object for tourists, using authenticity as a theoretical framework. It examined the (1) effects of cultural motivations and prior knowledge on both object-based and existential authenticities, (2) effects of authenticity on destination experiences, and (3) moderating role of residential status on the relationship between authenticity and destination experience. The data were collected from 173 locals and 159 domestic tourists on site in the Sanfang Qixiang tourist district and analyzed using the SEM technique. The results indicated that cultural motivation and prior knowledge had significant effects on authenticity; however, only existential authenticity enhanced the destination experience, whereas object-based authenticity did not have an effect on the destination experience. In addition, residential status had a key moderating function in the relationship between the perception of authenticity and the destination experience. This study contributes to the literature by integrating the mutual gaze into heritage tourism literature and emphasizing the importance of a balance between authenticity and commoditization in heritage destination development in Asia. The findings hold some practical implications for the development of balanced management strategies to minimize potential conflicts and maximize user satisfaction with heritage tourism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Affirming Authenticity: Sustainable Conservation of Cultural Heritage)

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13 pages, 3724 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Analysis of Building Archetypes for Optimising New Photovoltaic Energy Facilities: A Case Study

by Jesica Fernández-Agüera, Samuel Domínguez-Amarillo, Nerea García-Cortés and Miguel Ángel Campano

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12249; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112249 - 6 Nov 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2587

Abstract

Fuel poverty rates are high in southern Europe, particularly in social housing, despite the enormous potential for capturing solar power inherent in the roofs of apartment buildings. The in situ generation, distribution and consumption of photovoltaic energy carry obvious advantages including vastly improved [...] Read more.

Fuel poverty rates are high in southern Europe, particularly in social housing, despite the enormous potential for capturing solar power inherent in the roofs of apartment buildings. The in situ generation, distribution and consumption of photovoltaic energy carry obvious advantages including vastly improved efficiency attendant upon the reduction in distribution-related losses and costs, and the energy empowerment afforded lower income communities. The primary drawback is the imbalance between photovoltaic production patterns and users’ actual needs (peak consumption vs. peak generation). That mismatch is difficult to reconcile without resorting to energy storage or net metering, both of which entail grid involvement and greater management complexity. The present study introduces a methodology for analysing residential archetypes to determine the values of the parameters essential to optimising photovoltaic energy production and use. The aim is to determine where excess generation can be shared with other users in the vicinity and optimally pool residential rooftop facilities to meet community-scale energy demand, ultimately enhancing such disadvantaged neighbourhoods’ self-sufficiency. The case study discussed defines archetypes for just such a neighbourhood in Madrid, Spain. The solar energy production potential of the example is promising for its application in large southern European cities, with self-sufficiency rates obtained ranging from 15% to 25% and self-consumption rates from 61% to 80%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Building Energy System Integration and Eco-Friendly Urban Development)

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15 pages, 1386 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Achieving the Food Security Strategy by Quantifying Food Loss and Waste. A Case Study of the Chinese Economy

by Daniel Durán-Sandoval, Gemma Durán-Romero and Ana M. López

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12259; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112259 - 6 Nov 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4709

Abstract

Undernourished and food insecurity are recognized as two highly relevant topics. Approximately 820 million people in the world are undernourished and 2 billion people have moderate or severe food insecurity (FAO). In addition, globally roughly one-third of food is not consumed and is [...] Read more.

Undernourished and food insecurity are recognized as two highly relevant topics. Approximately 820 million people in the world are undernourished and 2 billion people have moderate or severe food insecurity (FAO). In addition, globally roughly one-third of food is not consumed and is wasted. This article aims to provide an updated estimate of food loss and waste (FLW) in China as, in the period 2016–2018, there were still 122 million people in this country experiencing undernourishment. In this research, we use a top-down mass balance approach, discuss how it affects the achievement of SDG 2, Zero Hunger, that it is linked also to target 12.3 that “seeks to halve global food waste at retail and consumer levels, as well as to reduce food loss during production and supply” (United Nations). We point out some challenges that private and public policies still need to overcome to reduce FLW. The results of this research may contribute a more accurate baseline for the design of public policies and strategies related to FLW and the corresponding SDGs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Food Supply Chain Continuum)

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22 pages, 2650 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Building a Natural Hazard Insurance System (NHIS): The Long-lasting Italian Case

by Fabrizio Terenzio Gizzi, Donatella Porrini and Francesco De Masi

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12269; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112269 - 6 Nov 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3918

Abstract

The worrying growth of extreme natural events and their socioeconomic impact over time is increasingly fuelling the debate on how to manage disasters in view of developing resilient and sustainable societies. One possible financial tool may be represented by insurance against natural hazards, [...] Read more.

The worrying growth of extreme natural events and their socioeconomic impact over time is increasingly fuelling the debate on how to manage disasters in view of developing resilient and sustainable societies. One possible financial tool may be represented by insurance against natural hazards, such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides. From this perspective, the current article considers legislative attempts to build a Natural Hazard Insurance System (NHIS) in Italy. The (never promulgated) bills proposed over a time span of about 30 years were analysed by: (a) A text-mining technique, considering the extraction of relevant data for the research; (b) the careful reading of the texts and their cross-correlated critical analysis. Approximately forty bills have been proposed since the 1980s and they mainly concern the proposal of an NHIS based on a certain degree of compulsoriness (the voluntary system is contemplated only on a subordinate basis). Two possible main hurdles to the promulgation of such laws were inferred: the insurance scheme to be adopted and the issue of illegal buildings. Furthermore, the item of natural hazard risk perception was a factor not adequately considered by the bills. Based on the critical scrutiny of the bills and taking advantage of international experiences, the establishment of a voluntary national scheme managed by a public authority with specific competences on NHIS is proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Hazards Insurance for Residential Properties and Cultural Heritage: Which Role in the Coming Years?)

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20 pages, 314 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sustainable Family Farming Futures: Exploring the Challenges of Family Farm Decision Making through an Emotional Lens of ‘Belonging’

by Lorraine A. Holloway, Gemma Catney, Aileen Stockdale and Roy Nelson

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12271; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112271 - 6 Nov 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4518

Abstract

This paper illustrates the importance of moving beyond an economic focus, and towards an emotional one, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of why farmers can be reluctant to retire and/or pass their farm onto the next generation. We report on a two-phase [...] Read more.

This paper illustrates the importance of moving beyond an economic focus, and towards an emotional one, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of why farmers can be reluctant to retire and/or pass their farm onto the next generation. We report on a two-phase qualitative study of family farm decision-making processes in Northern Ireland, drawing on 62 in-depth oral life history interviews with farmers, farmers’ spouses, and farm successors. In an attempt to gain a deeper understanding of the emotional aspects of retirement and succession decision-making processes, and their relationship with place belonging, in the first phase of this research we employed an innovative ‘Work and Talk’ method, whereby interviews were conducted while shadowing, or in some cases, co-working, with farmers on their land. The second phase of this research responded to restrictions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, and involved remote telephone or online interviews with family farm members. This research revealed the complex relationships between a ‘longing for belonging’ and emotional attachment to the family farm, and the challenges associated with patrilineal farming structures, expectations and identities, in planning for succession. The emotional impacts of strained relationships with policy makers around support for retirement emerged as a surprisingly dominant theme throughout the interview process, suggesting the need for greater emphasis on the emotional aspects of farming retirement and succession planning to inform future rural development policies targeted towards the sustainability of family farms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Rural Futures)

19 pages, 3760 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Solar E-Cooking with Low-Power Solar Home Systems for Sub-Saharan Africa

by Fernando Antonanzas-Torres, Ruben Urraca, Camilo Andres Cortes Guerrero and Julio Blanco-Fernandez

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12241; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112241 - 5 Nov 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3926

Abstract

The e-cooking feasibility was evaluated for two of the main staple foods across rural Sub-Saharan Africa (rice and maize porridge) considering basic solar home systems (SHS) of 100–150 W and using inexpensive market available low-power DC cooking devices (rice cooker and slow cooker). [...] Read more.

The e-cooking feasibility was evaluated for two of the main staple foods across rural Sub-Saharan Africa (rice and maize porridge) considering basic solar home systems (SHS) of 100–150 W and using inexpensive market available low-power DC cooking devices (rice cooker and slow cooker). The coverage of e-cooking necessities was spatially evaluated for the African continent considering households of two, five, and eight people. While households of two people were able to be covered >95% of the days, the increase in e-cooking necessities implied that only larger PV generators (150 W) located in high irradiation sites (>2400 kWh/m

^{2}

/year) were able to fulfill e-cooking, even in scenarios of households of five and eight people. Furthermore, the economic cost and the greenhouse gases emission factor (GHG) of e-cooking via small SHS were evaluated and benchmarked against traditional technologies with wood and charcoal considering three-stone and improved stoves and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cookers. The GHG for e-cooking was 0.027–0.052 kgCO

_{2}

eq./kg·meal, which was strikingly lower than the other technologies (0.502–2.42 kgCO

_{2}

eq./kg·meal). The e-cooking cost was in the range of EUR 0.022–0.078 person/day, which was clearly lower than LPG and within the range of the cost of cooking with wood and charcoal (EUR 0.02–0.48 person/day). The results provided a novel insight regarding market available technologies with a potential of changing cooking conditions in this region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Energy Sustainability)

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17 pages, 4236 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Extreme Weather Conditions and Cardiovascular Hospitalizations in Southern Brazil

by Iago Turba Costa, Cassio Arthur Wollmann, João Paulo Assis Gobo, Priscilla Venâncio Ikefuti, Salman Shooshtarian and Andreas Matzarakis

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12194; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112194 - 4 Nov 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4220

Abstract

This research concerns the identification of a pattern between the occurrence of extreme weather conditions, such as cold waves and heat waves, and hospitalization for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), in the University Hospital of Santa Maria (HUSM) in southern Brazil between 2012 and 2017. [...] Read more.

This research concerns the identification of a pattern between the occurrence of extreme weather conditions, such as cold waves and heat waves, and hospitalization for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), in the University Hospital of Santa Maria (HUSM) in southern Brazil between 2012 and 2017. The research employed the field experiment method to measure the biometeorological parameters associated with hospital admissions in different seasons, such as during extreme weather conditions such as a cold wave (CW) or a heat wave (HW), using five thermal comfort indices: physiologically equivalent temperature (PET), new standard effective temperature (SET), predicted mean vote (PMV), effective temperatures (ET), and effective temperature with wind (ETW). The hospitalizations were recorded as 0.775 and 0.726 admissions per day for the winter and entire study periods, respectively. The records for extreme events showed higher admission rates than those on average days. The results also suggest that emergency hospitalizations for heart diseases during extreme weather events occurred predominantly on days with thermal discomfort. Furthermore, there was a particularly high risk of hospitalization for up to seven days after the end of the CW. Further analyses showed that cardiovascular hospitalizations were higher in winter than in summer, suggesting that CWs are more life threatening in wintertime. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Comfort and Adaptation in Urban Areas)

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18 pages, 1935 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Municipal Programs and Sustainable Development in Russian Northern Cities: Case Studies of Murmansk and Magadan

by Tatiana S. Degai, Natalia Khortseva, Maria Monakhova and Andrey N. Petrov

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12140; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112140 - 3 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3789

Abstract

Cities play an important role in promoting sustainable development. In the Arctic, most particularly in Russia, cities concentrate the majority of residents and economic activity. Sustainable development initiatives are often deployed through programs that operate at different spatial and jurisdictional scales. While national [...] Read more.

Cities play an important role in promoting sustainable development. In the Arctic, most particularly in Russia, cities concentrate the majority of residents and economic activity. Sustainable development initiatives are often deployed through programs that operate at different spatial and jurisdictional scales. While national and regional policies and programs have received some attention, the understanding of urban development policies and programs at the municipal level in the Arctic is still limited. This paper presents a case study of municipal sustainable development programming in Arctic cities and examines municipal programs in two larger Russian northern cities: Murmansk and Magadan. While both are regional capitals and the most populous urban settlements in their regions, the cities have district historical, economic and geographical contexts. Through the content analysis of municipal programs active in 2018, we aim to understand, systematize and compare the visions and programmatic actions of the two municipalities on sustainable development. Ten sustainable development programming categories were identified for using a UN SDG-inspired approach modeled after the City of Whitehorse, Canada. While the programs in Magadan and Murmansk are quite different, we observed striking commonalities that characterize the national, regional and local models of urban sustainable development policy making in the Russian Arctic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Arctic Cities)

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20 pages, 8198 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Deep Drilling for Groundwater in Bengaluru, India: A Case Study on the City’s Over-Exploited Hard-Rock Aquifer System

by Tejas Kulkarni, Matthias Gassmann, C. M. Kulkarni, Vijayalaxmi Khed and Andreas Buerkert

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12149; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112149 - 3 Nov 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 8272

Abstract

Over-exploitation of groundwater in India’s fastest-growing metropolis, Bengaluru, has resulted in wells being bored to unprecedented depths in a crystalline-rock aquifer. However, key questions about sustainability of this extraction process remain unaddressed due to the complexity of monitoring. Using primary surveys, this study [...] Read more.

Over-exploitation of groundwater in India’s fastest-growing metropolis, Bengaluru, has resulted in wells being bored to unprecedented depths in a crystalline-rock aquifer. However, key questions about sustainability of this extraction process remain unaddressed due to the complexity of monitoring. Using primary surveys, this study looks at the spatio-temporal evolution of the wells on a city scale, finding that catchments with deficient water infrastructure have deeper wells. To maintain yields, well with depths >400 m are drilled, especially since 2000, leading to unsustainable groundwater extraction. Camera inspections in 54 wells at Electronic City in 2016 and 2017 revealed that water levels in the majority of the wells remained lower at depths <100 m, although some wells had deeper water levels at depths >250 m. Analysis of δ¹⁸O and δ²H signatures of groundwater samples at all depths followed the local meteoric water line indicating recent recharge, implying that drilling deeper only increases the borehole volume and does not tap into newer water sources. Water levels in deeper wells may stabilize at lower depths, are subject to high spatial variability, density of drilling, and high connectivity in upper zones. Given the interconnectedness between shallow and deeper aquifers, our research shows that increasing borewell depths could be a good indicator for falling aquifer water levels. This study fills an important gap in peri-urban, intermediate-scale aquifer conceptualizations across different land uses and provides further evidence for the difficulties of reliable groundwater monitoring in the over-exploited hard-rock aquifers of Bengaluru city. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural-Urban Transformation of Asian Megacities from a Social-Ecological Systems Perspective)

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24 pages, 4085 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Global Food Loss and Waste in Primary Production: A Reassessment of Its Scale and Significance

by Julian Parfitt, Tim Croker and Anna Brockhaus

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12087; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112087 - 2 Nov 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 9101

Abstract

Global statistics on food waste were first reported by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in 2011, and since that time, more attention has been given to food waste measurements at the consumer, retail and hospitality stages, whilst efforts to quantify losses [...] Read more.

Global statistics on food waste were first reported by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in 2011, and since that time, more attention has been given to food waste measurements at the consumer, retail and hospitality stages, whilst efforts to quantify losses during primary production have been more limited. To provide an updated view of global losses in primary production, data for the harvest and on-farm, post-harvest stages were reassessed through a systematic review of data sources and a selection of datasets for further analysis. To qualify for selection, food-loss measurements needed to be specific to primary production and to particular food commodities and production regions. The analysis covered a split between losses at the harvest and post-harvest stages linked to activity descriptions within the primary data sources. A cross-sectional sample of ten commodity/region case studies was conducted through stakeholder interviews and literature reviews to triangulate food waste estimates and to understand issues relating to food waste definitions from a farming perspective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue National Food Loss and Waste Prevention Strategies and Monitoring Approaches—an Interdisciplinary Challenge for Decision Makers, Researchers and Practice)

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23 pages, 3060 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Multi-Level Toolset for Steering Urban Green Infrastructure to Support the Development of Climate-Proofed Cities

by Florian Reinwald, Christiane Brandenburg, Anna Gabor, Peter Hinterkörner, Astrid Kainz, Florian Kraus, Zita Ring, Bernhard Scharf, Tanja Tötzer and Doris Damyanovic

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12111; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112111 - 2 Nov 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4089

Abstract

Adapting spatial development to the challenges of climate change is a major task facing cities. In particular, urban heat islands caused by increasing average temperatures and urban growth are a challenge for cities. The use of climate simulations to assess current and future [...] Read more.

Adapting spatial development to the challenges of climate change is a major task facing cities. In particular, urban heat islands caused by increasing average temperatures and urban growth are a challenge for cities. The use of climate simulations to assess current and future urban heat stress is a helpful approach for supporting this transition. In particular, green and blue infrastructure helps to reduce the urban heat island effect. These cooling effects can be analysed using simulations. However, a central challenge is that urban adaptation to heat needs to be implemented consistently at different planning levels. A second major challenge in adaption is identifying the amount of urban green infrastructure required in order to achieve a specific cooling benefit and establishing this by means of planning instruments. This article presents two case studies in the city of Vienna to demonstrate how climate simulation tools can be used across different planning levels if they are standardized. When combined with a green and open space factor as a steering instrument, the necessary amount of greening for subsequent planning processes can be secured. The result is a multi-scale toolset consisting of three climate simulation models and a green and open space factor, coordinated, and standardised for use at different levels of planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Urban Green Infrastructure for Climate-Proof and Healthy Cities)

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21 pages, 8227 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

An AHP-Based Procedure for Model Selection for Eco-Efficiency Assessment

by Maria Julia Xavier Belem, Milton Vieira Junior, Giovanni Mummolo and Francesco Facchini

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12121; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112121 - 2 Nov 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3220

Abstract

Modelling eco-efficiency is becoming a wide field of research shown by a large body of scientific literature on the subjects concerned. This paper, after performing a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify existing models for process eco-efficiency assessments, provides a methodology, based on [...] Read more.

Modelling eco-efficiency is becoming a wide field of research shown by a large body of scientific literature on the subjects concerned. This paper, after performing a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify existing models for process eco-efficiency assessments, provides a methodology, based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method, for choosing the eco-efficiency assessment model to be used for a given application (process, product, or service). For the SLR, papers from the databases Scopus, Web of Science and Science Direct were used. Forty articles were considered for this study, using as the main selection criterion articles that present an eco-efficiency assessment model, since the purpose was to survey the types of existing models that are used to assess processes, products or services for eco-efficiency. With the systematic review carried out, it was possible to identify the types of models that exist and how they are used in different sectors, always aiming to identify if what was analyzed is eco-efficient and what points need to be improved. The proposed AHP-based methodology was applied to a numerical model to outline how to apply the methodology. The approach was easy to use and effective in identifying the proper eco-efficiency model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Manufacturing Management)

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