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Editor’s Choice Articles

Editor’s Choice articles are based on recommendations by the scientific editors of MDPI journals from around the world. Editors select a small number of articles recently published in the journal that they believe will be particularly interesting to readers, or important in the respective research area. The aim is to provide a snapshot of some of the most exciting work published in the various research areas of the journal.

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27 pages, 3327 KiB  
Article
Stay or Leave? Arctic Youth Prospects and Sustainable Futures of the Russian Arctic Communities
by Marya Rozanova-Smith
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12058; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112058 - 1 Nov 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3485
Abstract
Based on quantitative and qualitative analysis, this paper attempts to answer a research question that is critical for many Arctic communities: “What makes local youth want to leave?” Using the Russian Arctic cities of Naryan-Mar, Salekhard, and Novy Urengoy (Nenets and Yamalo-Nenets regions) [...] Read more.
Based on quantitative and qualitative analysis, this paper attempts to answer a research question that is critical for many Arctic communities: “What makes local youth want to leave?” Using the Russian Arctic cities of Naryan-Mar, Salekhard, and Novy Urengoy (Nenets and Yamalo-Nenets regions) as case studies, this article explores how local youth contribute to social sustainability and define the futures of their Arctic cities. The study identifies new variables relevant to the youth cohort built on the Urban Sustainability Index and social sustainability model. Based on 400+ questionnaires and interviews with Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth, education professionals, and public officials, this study looks at the youth’s educational and professional strategies, social activities and cultural consumption, migration patterns, and civic engagement in a broader context. This article also discusses how local youth feel disempowered in building their futures and highlights the importance of access to educational opportunities and wider career choices in the Arctic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping Tomorrow’s Arctic)
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20 pages, 5037 KiB  
Article
Evolution of Green Space under Rapid Urban Expansion in Southeast Asian Cities
by Amal Najihah Muhamad Nor, Hasifah Abdul Aziz, Siti Aisyah Nawawi, Rohazaini Muhammad Jamil, Muhamad Azahar Abas, Kamarul Ariffin Hambali, Abdul Hafidz Yusoff, Norfadhilah Ibrahim, Nur Hairunnisa Rafaai, Ron Corstanje, Jim Harris, Darren Grafius and Humberto L. Perotto-Baldivieso
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12024; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112024 - 30 Oct 2021
Cited by 46 | Viewed by 10215
Abstract
Globally, rapid urban expansion has caused green spaces in urban areas to decline considerably. In this study, the rapid expansion of three Southeast Asia cities were considered, namely, Kuala Lumpur City, Malaysia; Jakarta, Indonesia; and Metro Manila, Philippines. This study evaluates the changes [...] Read more.
Globally, rapid urban expansion has caused green spaces in urban areas to decline considerably. In this study, the rapid expansion of three Southeast Asia cities were considered, namely, Kuala Lumpur City, Malaysia; Jakarta, Indonesia; and Metro Manila, Philippines. This study evaluates the changes in spatial and temporal patterns of urban areas and green space structure in the three cities over the last two decades. Land use land cover (LULC) maps of the cities (1988/1989, 1999 and 2014) were developed based on 30-m resolution satellite images. The changes in the landscape and spatial structure were analysed using change detection, landscape metrics and statistical analysis. The percentage of green space in the three cities reduced in size from 45% to 20% with the rapid expansion of urban areas over the 25-year period. In Metro Manila and Jakarta, the proportion of green space converted to urban areas was higher in the initial 1989 to 1999 period than over the latter 1999 to 2014 period. Significant changes in green space structure were observed in Jakarta and Metro Manila. Green space gradually fragmented and became less connected and more unevenly distributed. These changes were not seen in Kuala Lumpur City. Overall, the impact of spatial structure of urban areas and population density on green space is higher in Jakarta and Metro Manila when this is compared to Kuala Lumpur. Thus, the results have the potential to clarify the relative contribution of green space structure especially for cities in Southeast Asia where only a few studies in urban areas have taken place. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Expansion Prediction and Land Use/Land Cover Change Modeling for Sustainable Urban Development)
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16 pages, 2307 KiB  
Article
A Network Approach to Revealing Dynamic Succession Processes of Urban Land Use and User Experience
by Minjin Lee, Hangil Kim and SangHyun Cheon
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11955; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111955 - 29 Oct 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3070
Abstract
One significant challenge to understanding the mechanisms of urban retail areas’ transition is limited data to trace a dynamic perspective of influential actors’ experience in an extended urban area. We overcome this gap by employing text mining to collect big text data from [...] Read more.
One significant challenge to understanding the mechanisms of urban retail areas’ transition is limited data to trace a dynamic perspective of influential actors’ experience in an extended urban area. We overcome this gap by employing text mining to collect big text data from online blogs and propose a methodology to explore the dynamic spatial transformations and interactions across multiple adjacent retail areas. We study five retail areas that currently function as a major commercial hub in Seoul—the Hongdae area and its neighboring districts. We create co-occurrence networks of the text data to capture representative place images and user experiences. Our blog-word networks systematically capture the “invasion-succession” process in land-use transition during the commercialization of Hongdae’s neighboring districts. The process mirrors the history of spatial change in the areas, which once formed a small-scale, bohemian hip neighborhood that incubated indie culture and has now fully commercialized as a global tourist attraction. The commercial transition triggered by Hongdae’s cultural capital peaked with consumer experiences of “food and eating” dominating the whole area. Finally, the text networks signal gentrification in each commercial district near Hongdae, contributing to the current discourse on commercial gentrification by adding consumers’ perspectives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)
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13 pages, 1747 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of a Public Technology-Based Traffic Enforcement Program
by Gila Albert, Dimitry Bukchin and Tomer Toledo
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11966; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111966 - 29 Oct 2021
Viewed by 2440
Abstract
While police enforcement is a well-known means of reducing traffic violations, it is also recognized that other agents should be involved in creating sustainable deterrence. This paper describes and evaluates the Israeli Road Guards program, a new and unique type of traffic enforcement, [...] Read more.
While police enforcement is a well-known means of reducing traffic violations, it is also recognized that other agents should be involved in creating sustainable deterrence. This paper describes and evaluates the Israeli Road Guards program, a new and unique type of traffic enforcement, which enables simple technology-based enforcement of traffic violations by citizens. In its 24 months of operation, more than 3400 volunteers who submitted over 64,000 violation reports were involved in this program. Each report went through a rigorous evaluation process. More than 80% of the submitted reports were rejected in the various stages of the procedure. In 13.7% of the cases a notice letter was sent, and in 4.3% of cases (reflecting the most severe offenses) a citation was issued by the police. The monthly rate of report submission by the volunteers was at its highest initially, then decreased and stabilized after about six months at 1.4 reports per month. The proportion of active volunteers also decreased over time to a level of 0.26 at the end of the study period. The violation types reported within the program differed substantially from those captured by police enforcement. These differences are likely due to the manner in which each mode of enforcement was performed. The most common violations reported by volunteers were lane deviations, red light running and driving on the roads’ shoulders, which are easily documented by means of video recordings. They are also associated with higher crash risks. Thus, the results show that such public technology-based traffic enforcement, which can be carried out during regular daily driving and does not require anyone to make extra trips, may efficiently complement traditional police enforcement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Safety as a Pillar of Sustainable Transportation)
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14 pages, 5685 KiB  
Article
Propagation of Mouth-Generated Aerosols in a Modularly Constructed Hospital Room
by Mutaz Suleiman, Ahmed Elshaer, Muntasir Billah and Mohammed Bassuony
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11968; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111968 - 29 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2114
Abstract
Modular construction methods have been widely used in the civil engineering industry due to ease of assembly, the convenience of design, and allowing for flexibility in placement while making the construction more sustainable. With the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, the capacity of [...] Read more.
Modular construction methods have been widely used in the civil engineering industry due to ease of assembly, the convenience of design, and allowing for flexibility in placement while making the construction more sustainable. With the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, the capacity of the hospital is decreasing as more intensive care units (ICU) are allocated to COVID-19 cases. This limited capacity can be addressed by using modular construction to provide field hospitals. This paper adopts transient Lagrangian computational fluid dynamics simulations to investigate the importance of having an appropriate ventilation system in place to ensure sustainable infection control against airborne viruses and pathogens within a modular room. The performance of having a ventilation system using 10, 20, and 40 air changes per hour (ACH) was examined. In addition, different room configurations were also compared to provide useful guidelines for air conditioning units placement. It was determined that as the ACH rate increases while maintaining a direct flow field between the inlet and outlet, the rate of aerosol removal increases. Furthermore, the flowfield in which can be controlled by the placement of the inlet and outlet can impact the removal of aerosols, as it dictates how far the droplets travel before being removed from the enclosure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials and Structural Optimization for Resilient Infrastructure)
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25 pages, 2510 KiB  
Review
Exploring the Role of Digital Infrastructure Asset Management Tools for Resilient Linear Infrastructure Outcomes in Cities and Towns: A Systematic Literature Review
by Savindi Caldera, Sherif Mostafa, Cheryl Desha and Sherif Mohamed
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11965; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111965 - 29 Oct 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 7254
Abstract
Linear infrastructure such as roads, railways, bridges and tunnels enable critical functionality within and between metropolitan and regional cities and towns, facilitating the movement of goods and services, as part of vibrant, thriving economies. However, these asset types are typically challenged by costly [...] Read more.
Linear infrastructure such as roads, railways, bridges and tunnels enable critical functionality within and between metropolitan and regional cities and towns, facilitating the movement of goods and services, as part of vibrant, thriving economies. However, these asset types are typically challenged by costly asset management schedules and continually eroding maintenance and refurbishment budgets. These challenges are compounded by the increasing frequency and intensity of disruptive events such as fire, floods, and storm-surge that can damage or destroy property. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG-9) highlights the urgent need for enabling evidence-based decision making for infrastructure asset management (IAM). Around the world, digital engineering (DE) efforts are underway to streamline the capture, processing, and visualization of data for IAM information requirements, towards timely and evidence-based decision support that enables resilient infrastructure outcomes. However, there is still limited understanding about which IAM information can be digitized and the types of tools that can be used. This study sought to address this knowledge gap, through reviewing the extent of available and emerging linear infrastructure related DE technologies and their IAM information requirements. A systematic literature review elicited 101 relevant conceptual and empirical papers, which were subsequently evaluated with regard to the extent and characteristics of digital infrastructure asset management tools. Findings are discussed using three themes that emerged from the analysis: (1) DE tools and their IAM asset information requirements; (2) Interoperability and integration of DE tools across IAM platforms; and (3) Application of DE tools to enable resilient linear infrastructure outcomes. A ‘Digital Technology Integration Matrix’ is presented as an immediately useful summary for government and industry decision-makers, particularly in the field of disaster management preparedness and recovery. The Matrix communicates the synthesis of tools and likely end-users, to support effective data gathering and processing towards more timely and cost-effective infrastructure asset management. The authors conclude with a research roadmap for academics, including recommendations for future investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reviews and Perspectives on Smart and Sustainable Metropolitan and Regional Cities)
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21 pages, 1282 KiB  
Article
Eco-Productivity Analysis of the Municipal Solid Waste Service in the Apulia Region from 2010 to 2017
by Corrado lo Storto
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12008; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112008 - 29 Oct 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2605
Abstract
This paper presents a dynamic efficiency study of the solid waste management in the municipalities of the Apulia region (Southern Italy). The study employs the non-parametric Global Malmquist Index to measure the change in productivity of the municipal solid waste service from 2010 [...] Read more.
This paper presents a dynamic efficiency study of the solid waste management in the municipalities of the Apulia region (Southern Italy). The study employs the non-parametric Global Malmquist Index to measure the change in productivity of the municipal solid waste service from 2010 to 2017. Three different DEA-based models are implemented to measure productivity. The first model computes the service productivity solely from the economic perspective, while the second and third models compute the service productivity from both the economic and environmental perspectives. Adopting two distinct perspectives provides a more comprehensive insight into the performance of the waste management service considering the productivity and the eco-productivity of service provision. The results from the productivity analysis show that, between 2010 and 2017, the municipal solid waste sector was still facing a transitional period characterized by low cost-efficiency and productivity growth measurements. Vice versa, the efficiency and productivity indicators improve when the analysis is performed accounting for the environmental impact. Indeed, both the eco-efficiency and eco-productivity measures increase from 2010 to 2017. Findings demonstrate the critical importance to include environmental indicators in the efficiency and productivity analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Ecological Efficiency)
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25 pages, 29324 KiB  
Article
Ecological Footprint of Residential Buildings in Composite Climate of India—A Case Study
by Ashok Kumar, Pardeep Singh, Nishant Raj Kapoor, Chandan Swaroop Meena, Kshitij Jain, Kishor S. Kulkarni and Raffaello Cozzolino
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11949; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111949 - 28 Oct 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5257
Abstract
Buildings are accountable for waste generation, utilization of natural resources, and ecological contamination. The construction sector is one of the biggest consumers of resources available naturally and is responsible for significant CO2 emissions on the planet. The effects of the buildings on [...] Read more.
Buildings are accountable for waste generation, utilization of natural resources, and ecological contamination. The construction sector is one of the biggest consumers of resources available naturally and is responsible for significant CO2 emissions on the planet. The effects of the buildings on the environment are commonly determined using Life Cycle Assessments (LCA). The investigation and comparison of the Life Cycle Ecological Footprint (LCEF) and Life Cycle Energy (LCE) of five residential buildings situated in the composite climatic zone of India is presented in this study. The utilization of resources (building materials) along with developing a mobile application and a generic model to choose low emission material is the uniqueness of this study. The utilization of eco-friendly building materials and how these are more efficient than conventional building materials are also discussed. In this investigation, the two approaches, (a) Life Cycle Energy Assessment (LCEA) and (b) Life Cycle Ecological Footprint (LCEF), are discussed to evaluate the impacts of building materials on the environment. The energy embedded due to the materials used in a building is calculated to demonstrate the prevalence of innovative construction techniques over traditional materials. The generic model developed to assess the LCEA of residential buildings in the composite climate of India and the other results show that the utilization of low-energy building materials brings about a significant decrease in the LCEF and the LCE of the buildings. The results are suitable for a similar typology of buildings elsewhere in different climatic zone as well. The MATLAB model presented will help researchers globally to follow-up or replicate the study in their country. The developed user-friendly mobile application will enhance the awareness related to energy, environment, ecology, and sustainable development in the general public. This study can help in understanding and thus reducing the ecological burden of building materials, eventually leading towards sustainable development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Energy Conversion Processes, Environment and Buildings and Urban Network)
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17 pages, 6139 KiB  
Article
Numerical and Experimental Investigation of a Thermoelectric-Based Radiant Ceiling Panel with Phase Change Material for Building Cooling Applications
by Mohadeseh Seyednezhad, Hamidreza Najafi and Benjamin Kubwimana
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11936; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111936 - 28 Oct 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2808
Abstract
The present paper investigates the performance of a thermoelectric (TE)-based radiant ceiling panel with an additional layer of phase change material (PCM) for building cooling application through numerical and experimental analyses. The design of the ceiling panel consisted of an aluminum sheet with [...] Read more.
The present paper investigates the performance of a thermoelectric (TE)-based radiant ceiling panel with an additional layer of phase change material (PCM) for building cooling application through numerical and experimental analyses. The design of the ceiling panel consisted of an aluminum sheet with TE modules installed on the back to maintain a relatively low ceiling temperature that provided cooling through radiation and convection. A three-dimensional model was developed in COMSOL Multiphysics, and the system’s performance in several different configurations was assessed. The effect of the number of TE modules, as well as incorporating different amounts of PCM under transient conditions, was investigated for two modes of operation: startup and shutdown. It was shown that for a 609.6 mm × 609.6 mm ceiling panel, the use of four TE modules reduced the average surface temperature down to the comfort range in less than 5 min while producing a relatively uniform temperature distribution across the ceiling panel. It was also shown that the addition of a 2 mm thick PCM layer to the back of the ceiling panel enhanced the system’s performance by elongating the time that it took for the ceiling panel’s temperature to exceed the comfort range when the system shut down, which in turn reduced the number of on/off cycling of the system. The numerical results demonstrated a good agreement with the experimental data. The results from this study can be used for the optimal design of a TE-based radiant ceiling cooling system as a promising technology for smart buildings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Designing and Optimization of Net-Zero Energy Buildings and Communities)
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20 pages, 2449 KiB  
Article
Place-Related Concepts and Pro-Environmental Behavior in Tourism Research: A Conceptual Framework
by Nam Hoai Dang and Oswin Maurer
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11861; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111861 - 27 Oct 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3672
Abstract
The negative impacts of tourism development are increasing environmental problems related to the destruction of the global environment, calling on scholars and practitioners to look more at the relationship between people and place. In this concern, place attachment has attracted wide interest, especially [...] Read more.
The negative impacts of tourism development are increasing environmental problems related to the destruction of the global environment, calling on scholars and practitioners to look more at the relationship between people and place. In this concern, place attachment has attracted wide interest, especially from environmental psychologists, to investigate this relationship. This paper presents different approaches to analyze place attachment and related concepts to determine pro-environmental behavior in tourism consumption. It identifies critical gaps in the literature and extends existing theoretical frameworks by considering additional factors, and the entire process from input (participation), through mediations (attachment, meanings, satisfaction) to output (behavior). It reviews the definition of place attachment and essential place-related concepts and outlines why the suggested framework is necessary to extend the current body of research in people–place relationships. It also broadly evaluates current scales and measurement models of constructs included and the structural model of this framework, thereby making recommendations relevant for subsequent empirical research. Finally, contributions to theory, limitations, and suggestions are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human–Environmental Relations: Promoting Sustainable Tourism)
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22 pages, 3696 KiB  
Article
Triggering Active Communities for Cultural Creative Cities: The “Hack the City” Play ReCH Mission in the Salerno Historic Centre (Italy)
by Maria Cerreta, Gaia Daldanise, Ludovica La Rocca and Simona Panaro
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11877; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111877 - 27 Oct 2021
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3833
Abstract
According to the current European scenario, cultural, creative, and community-led policies play an increasingly important role in influencing local resources, systems, and infrastructures management and demand a novel approach in governing, financing, and monitoring urban regeneration processes. Therefore, cities become contexts where cultural [...] Read more.
According to the current European scenario, cultural, creative, and community-led policies play an increasingly important role in influencing local resources, systems, and infrastructures management and demand a novel approach in governing, financing, and monitoring urban regeneration processes. Therefore, cities become contexts where cultural and creative practices can be implemented, integrating social cohesion principles based on communities, shared values, and collaborative decision-making approaches, with particular attention to enhancing cultural heritage, mainly unused or underutilised. The purpose of this research is to explore how the Cultural and Creative Cities Monitor (CCCM) methodological framework, developed by the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, can be integrated at the local scale to assess the impacts of urban regeneration processes in an interactive and dynamic way, through the data emerging from the monitoring of urban regeneration experiences activated with the communities. The paper describes the “Play ReCH (Re-use Cultural Heritage)” approach, that promotes a process of collaboration, gamification, and innovation in cultural heritage reuse, as an opportunity to test how cultural, creative, and community-led urban strategies can support the enhancement of heritage generating enabling environments and culturally vibrant contexts. The Play ReCH approach and the “Hack the City Salerno” mission, activated in the Salerno historic centre (Italy), open the reflection on some relevant issues related to how citizens become makers of cultural and creative cities’ policies, and contribute to evaluating and monitoring their implementation at diverse urban scales. The Play ReCH mission underlines how new evidence suggests declining the CCCM conceptual framework and related urban policies assessment, co-defining suitable community-based indicators. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Economics, City Development and Future Social Challenges)
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17 pages, 7103 KiB  
Article
A Practice in Valuation of Ecosystem Services for Local Policymakers: Inclusion of Local-Specific and Demand-Side Factors
by Takashi Hayashi, Daisuke Kunii and Masayuki Sato
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11894; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111894 - 27 Oct 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2039
Abstract
Although researchers expect the valuation of ecosystems and their services to be used in various decision-making processes, some studies have insisted that the valuation results cannot be fully used in the real world. The so-called “information gap” was highlighted, and some reasons for [...] Read more.
Although researchers expect the valuation of ecosystems and their services to be used in various decision-making processes, some studies have insisted that the valuation results cannot be fully used in the real world. The so-called “information gap” was highlighted, and some reasons for the gap were raised by researchers. One of them is the lack of local-specific and demand-side information, such as who receives the benefits and to what extent. This study proposes a valuation that includes demand-side information for it to be practically useful for policy decision making, especially for local policymakers. We focus on the headwater conservation service of the forest ecosystem by referring to the case of constructing solar power plants in the Satetsu-gawa river basin in Ichinoseki, Japan. We estimate the size of the area and the number of households affected by deforestation caused by the construction of the plants. Furthermore, the lost value of ecosystem services is assessed in monetary terms to reflect information on the demand side. Based on the results, we present multiple indicators for assessing the impact of constructing the plants and discuss how the valuation can be used by local policymakers as well as how it can close the information gap. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Water Management)
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27 pages, 1493 KiB  
Review
Where Have Shared E-Scooters Taken Us So Far? A Review of Mobility Patterns, Usage Frequency, and Personas
by Samira Dibaj, Aryan Hosseinzadeh, Miloš N. Mladenović and Robert Kluger
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11792; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111792 - 26 Oct 2021
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 8264
Abstract
The emergence of micromobility services in the form of dockless shared e-scooters has resulted in a wide range of behavioral changes in urban environments. In order to effectively steer these changes towards sustainability targets, the characteristics of e-scooter trips and users’ behaviors should [...] Read more.
The emergence of micromobility services in the form of dockless shared e-scooters has resulted in a wide range of behavioral changes in urban environments. In order to effectively steer these changes towards sustainability targets, the characteristics of e-scooter trips and users’ behaviors should be understood further. However, there is a lack of systematic literature reviews in this domain. To address this gap, we provide a two-fold systematic literature review. The first aspect focuses on the categorization of temporal and spatial patterns of shared e-scooter usage. The second aspect focuses on a deeper understanding of e-scooter users’ behaviors, utilizing the principles of persona design. The analysis of temporal patterns highlights the commonality of midday, evening, and weekend peak usage across cities, while spatial patterns suggest e-scooters are used for traveling to recreational and educational land use, as well as city center areas. The synthesis of findings on users’ behaviors has resulted in six categories, with four user types based on usage frequency (one time, casual, power, and non-adopters), and two motivation-based personas (users who are not satisfied with current mobility options and users who have had positive travel experience from e-scooter usage). The overall findings provide important lessons for evaluating this emerging mobility service, which should be considered for steering its development in public-private stakeholder networks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavioral Changes towards More Sustainable Travelling)
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9 pages, 243 KiB  
Article
Family Business, Resilience, and Ethnic Tourism in Yunnan, China
by Qingqing Lin and Julie Jie Wen
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11799; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111799 - 26 Oct 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4326
Abstract
The expansion in commodification through tourism and the transformation of communities and heritages into destination attributes have become the centre of tourism research facing the COVID-19 crisis. Since small family businesses comprise the majority of the tourism industry, theories and practices on surviving [...] Read more.
The expansion in commodification through tourism and the transformation of communities and heritages into destination attributes have become the centre of tourism research facing the COVID-19 crisis. Since small family businesses comprise the majority of the tourism industry, theories and practices on surviving the crisis are urgently required. This research attempts to clarify the level of business resilience during the COVID-19 lock down when business can only be conducted at home with very few visitors. It provides insights on family businesses in Yunnan, China, moving ahead with ethnic tourism against the lockdown and shutdown of tourism industry. Data were collected through in-depth interviews. The researchers invited previous research respondents who agreed to continue for online interviews. Eight interviewees were selected by purposive sampling. Although the COVID-19 crisis was unexpected, external shocks need to be taken into account for business planning. Tourism will not necessarily grow massively in the total number of visitors as the destinations have become saturated. The diversification of a tourism business facilitates the resilience of the firm by venturing into other areas of practice, including taking advantage of online platforms in selling local food and herbs, live broadcasting the local flora and fauna, teaching school children in making the traditional pickles, and other business extensions from tourism. Businesses are working together with other stakeholders in the effort of overcoming the COVID-19 crisis. Previous visitors from not only China but also overseas, who have kept in touch with the hosts in Yunnan, are becoming part of the supporting team for the business. However, there appears to be a lack of coordination in the community when businesses are isolated. There is a call for skills in using technology for online business, complementarity in the community, and policy support in the ethnic family businesses. Small family businesses in ethnic Yunnan are actively adapting and progressing despite the odds. They are resilient in times of crisis, with a strong presence of entrepreneurship, diversification of activities, re-organising resources, and digital literacy. The research sheds light on how community-based small family businesses surviving the crisis through resilience, entrepreneurship, and celebrating their ethnic cultures in tourism. Small-scale tourism closely linked with the community, family, and people may provide more promising prospects for tourism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Families in Tourism)
15 pages, 533 KiB  
Article
Investigating Determinants of International Clean Energy Investments in Emerging Markets
by Ekaterina Azarova and Hannah Jun
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11843; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111843 - 26 Oct 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2885
Abstract
Although renewable energy investments in developing and emerging economies play a crucial role in accelerating the clean energy transition, investments remain limited. Building on previous research, this study takes a unique approach by analyzing determinants of clean energy investments from investors from one [...] Read more.
Although renewable energy investments in developing and emerging economies play a crucial role in accelerating the clean energy transition, investments remain limited. Building on previous research, this study takes a unique approach by analyzing determinants of clean energy investments from investors from one country, the United States, which represents the largest single source of investments. Based on panel data sourced from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF)’s Climatescope, we analyzed renewable energy investments by investors from the United States between 2008 and 2019. The analysis included four factors (i.e., economic, socio-environmental, political, and proactivity) and covered 61 emerging/developing countries. Our results suggest that the most significant factor that determines renewable energy investment by investors from the United States is commercial ties between the investing and recipient country. Our findings also demonstrate the importance of a strong legal system and clean energy promotion mechanisms, such as feed-in tariffs, in recipient countries. When breaking down investment flows, the effects of different economic factors may vary, depending on whether the renewable technology is solar or wind, which further highlights the importance of understanding determinants of renewable energy investments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Air, Climate Change and Sustainability)
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50 pages, 1100 KiB  
Review
A Review on the Removal of Carbamazepine from Aqueous Solution by Using Activated Carbon and Biochar
by María Alejandra Décima, Simone Marzeddu, Margherita Barchiesi, Camilla Di Marcantonio, Agostina Chiavola and Maria Rosaria Boni
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11760; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111760 - 25 Oct 2021
Cited by 58 | Viewed by 8051
Abstract
Carbamazepine (CBZ), one of the most used pharmaceuticals worldwide and a Contaminant of Emerging Concern, represents a potential risk for the environment and human health. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are a significant source of CBZ to the environment, polluting the whole water cycle. [...] Read more.
Carbamazepine (CBZ), one of the most used pharmaceuticals worldwide and a Contaminant of Emerging Concern, represents a potential risk for the environment and human health. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are a significant source of CBZ to the environment, polluting the whole water cycle. In this review, the CBZ presence and fate in the urban water cycle are addressed, with a focus on adsorption as a possible solution for its removal. Specifically, the scientific literature on CBZ removal by activated carbon and its possible substitute Biochar, is comprehensively scanned and summed up, in view of increasing the circularity in water treatments. CBZ adsorption onto activated carbon and biochar is analyzed considering several aspects, such as physicochemical characteristics of the adsorbents, operational conditions of the adsorption processes and adsorption kinetics and isotherms models. WWTPs usually show almost no removal of CBZ (even negative), whereas removal is witnessed in drinking water treatment plants through advanced treatments (even >90%). Among these, adsorption is considered one of the preferable methods, being economical and easier to operate. Adsorption capacity of CBZ is influenced by the characteristics of the adsorbent precursors, pyrolysis temperature and modification or activation processes. Among operational conditions, pH shows low influence on the process, as CBZ has no charge in most pH ranges. Differently, increasing temperature and rotational speed favor the adsorption of CBZ. The presence of other micro-contaminants and organic matter decreases the CBZ adsorption due to competition effects. These results, however, concern mainly laboratory-scale studies, hence, full-scale investigations are recommended to take into account the complexity of the real conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers in Biochar Utilization for Water and Wastewater Treatment and Reuse)
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17 pages, 1232 KiB  
Article
Organizational Learning Capacity and Sustainability Challenges in Times of Crisis: A Study on Tourism SMEs in Galicia (Spain)
by Diego R. Toubes, Noelia Araújo-Vila and José A. Fraiz-Brea
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11764; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111764 - 25 Oct 2021
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4149
Abstract
The COVID-19 crisis has encouraged a major shift towards greater environmental awareness and sustainable consumption. However, in times of severe crisis, SMEs primarily look to return to normalcy and their own survival rather than implementing a sustainable agenda. This paper aims to contribute [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 crisis has encouraged a major shift towards greater environmental awareness and sustainable consumption. However, in times of severe crisis, SMEs primarily look to return to normalcy and their own survival rather than implementing a sustainable agenda. This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the learning problems faced by small tourism enterprises in a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper explores the learning capacity of SMEs and the importance of establishing mechanisms that provide SMEs with the keys to organizational learning as a source of continuous knowledge. Open-ended semi-structured interviews with 39 tourism SMEs managers in Galicia (Spain) were conducted during the toughest months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that SMEs have not been fully involved in the learning process, which is mainly related to knowledge transfer and integration. DMOs can act as promoters of knowledge management for organizational preparedness by providing SMEs with learning mechanisms and strategies to go beyond simple problem solving when they arise. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends on Responsible and Sustainable Tourism)
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12 pages, 1422 KiB  
Article
Lockdowns Save People from Air Pollution: Evidence from Daily Global Tropospheric NO2 Satellite Data
by Sunbin Yoo and Shunsuke Managi
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11777; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111777 - 25 Oct 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2061
Abstract
Motivated by the global fear of the Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, we investigated whether lockdowns save people from air pollution, notably from Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). Using daily satellite data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), we first found that the [...] Read more.
Motivated by the global fear of the Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, we investigated whether lockdowns save people from air pollution, notably from Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). Using daily satellite data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), we first found that the global NO2 tropospheric vertical column density (TVCD) decreased by 16.5% after the Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) outbreak. Then, we calculated the global health benefits, as the monetized value of life, using the value of a statistical life (VSL). The total global health benefits were approximately 8.73 trillion USD, accounting for 10% of the global GDP; such benefits would be the largest in China, followed by the United States, Japan and Germany. Our results suggest that lockdowns may bring benefits to countries that policy interventions cannot easily bring, thus highlighting the importance of social distancing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Design: Urban Externalities and Land Use Planning)
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17 pages, 2716 KiB  
Article
Complex Systems Thinking Approach to Urban Greenery to Provide Community-Tailored Solutions and Enhance the Provision of Cultural Ecosystem Services
by Maria Elena Menconi, Ambra Sipone and David Grohmann
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11787; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111787 - 25 Oct 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3343
Abstract
This paper presents a GIS-based method for supporting local administrations in the design of urban green areas while taking into account the complexity of the whole system. The proposed method merges the criteria of availability, accessibility, attractiveness, usability, and suitability in a multi-level [...] Read more.
This paper presents a GIS-based method for supporting local administrations in the design of urban green areas while taking into account the complexity of the whole system. The proposed method merges the criteria of availability, accessibility, attractiveness, usability, and suitability in a multi-level approach (city, neighborhood green area) to assist in the selection of which services within green areas to enhance from those requested by citizens. The case study is an urban park in a medium-sized Italian city (Perugia). The results demonstrate that the available urban green spaces amount to 34.7 m2 per person, but only 24% of citizens have adequate access to a green area providing at least an adequate level of service, and 18% of them are without access to any appropriately equipped green area. Furthermore, citizens have limited knowledge of their city’s urban green system as a whole. Indeed, 41% of the requested services were already available in other accessible green areas with attractive and readily available dedicated equipment. These areas were suggested as alternative solutions. To achieve a complex systems approach, our results suggest observing similar systems with various and adaptable scales and studying them as open networks composed of heterogeneous internal and external variables. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Analysis, Planning and Regional Development)
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17 pages, 2857 KiB  
Article
Soil and Climate Characterization to Define Environments for Summer Crops in Senegal
by Carlos Manuel Hernández, Aliou Faye, Mamadou Ousseynou Ly, Zachary P. Stewart, P. V. Vara Prasad, Leonardo Mendes Bastos, Luciana Nieto, Ana J. P. Carcedo and Ignacio Antonio Ciampitti
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11739; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111739 - 24 Oct 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4303
Abstract
Investigating soil and climate variability is critical to defining environments for field crops, understanding yield-limiting factors, and contributing to the sustainability and resilience of agro-ecosystems. Following this rationale, the aim of this study was to develop a soil–climate characterization to describe environmental constraints [...] Read more.
Investigating soil and climate variability is critical to defining environments for field crops, understanding yield-limiting factors, and contributing to the sustainability and resilience of agro-ecosystems. Following this rationale, the aim of this study was to develop a soil–climate characterization to describe environmental constraints in the Senegal summer-crops region. For the soil database, 825 soil samples were collected characterizing pH, electrical conductivity (EC), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and total carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). For the climate, monthly temperature, precipitation, and evapotranspiration layers were retrieved from WorldClim 2.1, CHIRPS and TERRACLIMATE. The same analysis was applied individually to both databases. Briefly, a principal component analysis (PCA) was executed to summarize the spatial variability. The outcomes from the PCA were subjected to a spatial fuzzy c-means algorithm, delineating five soil and three climate homogeneous areas, accounting for 73% of the soil and 88% of the climate variation. To our knowledge, no previous studies were done with large soil databases since availability field data is often limited. The use of soil and climate data allowed the characterization of different areas and their main drivers. The use of this classification will assist in developing strategic planning for future land use and capability classifications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agriculture, Food, and Environment: Farming, Food Systems and Landscape Planning towards Healthy and Environmentally Friendly Productions)
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22 pages, 2382 KiB  
Article
Determining the Factors That Influence Electric Vehicle Adoption: A Stated Preference Survey Study in Beijing, China
by Ziwen Ling, Christopher R. Cherry and Yi Wen
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11719; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111719 - 23 Oct 2021
Cited by 81 | Viewed by 18695
Abstract
The transition from conventional vehicles (CVs) to electric vehicles (EVs) could be promising in tackling environmental challenges in China. Using a sample of 1216 respondents in Beijing, China, our study intends to understand the underlying factors that drive the decision to purchase an [...] Read more.
The transition from conventional vehicles (CVs) to electric vehicles (EVs) could be promising in tackling environmental challenges in China. Using a sample of 1216 respondents in Beijing, China, our study intends to understand the underlying factors that drive the decision to purchase an EV among potential Chinese vehicle purchasers. We built two choice models to estimate vehicle purchase behavior and fuel choice. We found that males and having higher household income are associated with greater intention to purchase EVs (both plug-in and battery electric vehicles). However, a previous inclination to choose CV negatively impacted willingness to buy EVs. Between specific EV types, we found that Plug-in Hybrid EV (PHEV) purchase was negatively associated with plans to obtain a driver’s license within three years and longer durations of having owned a motorized vehicle first. Yet, the number of electric bicycles in the household was positively associated with PHEV-purchase likelihood. For Battery EVs (BEV), we found that respondents who had previous experience with an EV (either as a driver or passenger) were more likely to purchase a BEV while existing ownership of a driver’s license and a higher purchase budget reduced such possibility. Based on our findings, we recommend authorities continue to, or increasingly, provide direct monetary incentives to purchase EVs, and to provide EV driving and riding experience to customers, especially who are in the middle- and low-income vehicle purchasing groups, to improve the Chinese EV market relative to CVs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Sustainable Transport Economics, Behaviour and Policy)
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19 pages, 1092 KiB  
Review
Basic Steps to Promote Biorefinery Value Chains in Forestry in Italy
by Swati Tamantini, Alberto Del Lungo, Manuela Romagnoli, Alessandro Paletto, Michael Keller, Jacques Bersier and Florian Zikeli
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11731; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111731 - 23 Oct 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2833
Abstract
Biorefineries are an important pillar to conduct the transition toward a circular bioeconomy. Forestry value chains produce wood biomass from harvesting and processing residues that have potential to be used in biorefineries, but currently, these residues are mostly used for energy generation. New [...] Read more.
Biorefineries are an important pillar to conduct the transition toward a circular bioeconomy. Forestry value chains produce wood biomass from harvesting and processing residues that have potential to be used in biorefineries, but currently, these residues are mostly used for energy generation. New biorefineries and new methodologies of wood fractionation allow the production of high value-added products based on carbohydrates and lignin. However, biorefineries based on lignocellulosic feedstock are still few in European countries and even less in Italy. The present study analyses the processes involved in a scenario of establishment of forest biorefineries, reviewing the main components and the actual organization of forestry value chains in Italy. The aim is to have a general vision, to identify and to focus the possibilities of the actual value chains and to fill gaps. The development of the territories is thought of in a perspective of a broader repertoire and more branched value chains than simple energy-generation end use, reviewing the tool for a feasibility study that could potentially involve lignocellulosic biorefineries also based on forest-wood industry feedstocks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Industrial Systems—from Theory to Practice)
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19 pages, 927 KiB  
Review
The Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Services of Biodiversity Components in Protected Areas: A Review for a Framework of Analysis for the Gargano National Park
by Domenico Pisani, Pasquale Pazienza, Enrico Vito Perrino, Diana Caporale and Caterina De Lucia
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11726; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111726 - 23 Oct 2021
Cited by 54 | Viewed by 8218
Abstract
Protected areas play an important role in the conservation and protection of biodiversity of particular territories, especially of ecosystems that provide resources for living organisms, including human beings. Different studies highlight the importance of biodiversity and its associated benefits in terms of ecosystem [...] Read more.
Protected areas play an important role in the conservation and protection of biodiversity of particular territories, especially of ecosystems that provide resources for living organisms, including human beings. Different studies highlight the importance of biodiversity and its associated benefits in terms of ecosystem services of protected areas. The economic assessment of ecosystem services and biodiversity becomes a viable solution to help the policy maker to make decisions on the environmental preservation of these areas according to the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. Nonetheless, very few studies provide an economic evaluation of the benefits of protected areas. To advance the current debate on the economic evaluation of the benefits provided by protected areas, the present paper purposes an integrated approach. It presents an overview of main ecosystem services’ mapping techniques currently available to researchers and policy makers and offers a systematic review carried out for the period 2015–2020 at an international level. The main findings are particularly attractive for the Gargano National Park (GNP) in the south of Italy, which is recognised as being a biodiversity hot spot at global level. The current study provides useful guidance for the assessment of trade-offs, the support to policy makers, and the provision of efficient allocation of public resources for protected areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity 2021: Agriculture, Environment and Wellbeing)
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15 pages, 2456 KiB  
Article
Exergy-Based Life Cycle Assessment of Buildings: Case Studies
by Martin Nwodo and Chimay J. Anumba
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11682; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111682 - 22 Oct 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2807
Abstract
The relevance of exergy to the life cycle assessment (LCA) of buildings has been studied regarding its potential to solve certain challenges in LCA, such as the characterization and valuation, accuracy of resource use, and interpretation and comparison of results. However, this potential [...] Read more.
The relevance of exergy to the life cycle assessment (LCA) of buildings has been studied regarding its potential to solve certain challenges in LCA, such as the characterization and valuation, accuracy of resource use, and interpretation and comparison of results. However, this potential has not been properly investigated using case studies. This study develops an exergy-based LCA method and applies it to three case-study buildings to explore its benefits. The results provide evidence that the theoretical benefits of exergy-based LCA as against a conventional LCA can be achieved. These include characterization and valuation benefits, accuracy, and enabling the comparison of environmental impacts. With the results of the exergy-based LCA method in standard metrics, there is now a mechanism for the competitive benchmarking of building sustainability assessments. It is concluded that the exergy-based life cycle assessment method has the potential to solve the characterization and valuation problems in the conventional life-cycle assessment of buildings, with local and global significance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy and Buildings—from Cradle to Grave)
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17 pages, 5422 KiB  
Article
The Dutch Green Deals Policy and Its Applicability to Circular Economy Policies
by Sven Kevin van Langen and Renato Passaro
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11683; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111683 - 22 Oct 2021
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5895
Abstract
This study investigates the applicability of the Dutch Green Deals policy instrument for use in projects that help the transition towards a Circular Economy in the Netherlands. Green Deals provide an opportunity for firms, NGOs, universities, and provincial, municipal, or waterboard governments to [...] Read more.
This study investigates the applicability of the Dutch Green Deals policy instrument for use in projects that help the transition towards a Circular Economy in the Netherlands. Green Deals provide an opportunity for firms, NGOs, universities, and provincial, municipal, or waterboard governments to sign an agreement with the national government to take away barriers for a Circular Economy related innovation. Quantitative and qualitative content analysis has been performed, categorizing all green deals as being related to Circular Economy and those are further categorized thematically and analytically. A total of 50 relevant Green Deal agreements are selected for quantitative and qualitative content analyses that cover 9 themes, 20 industry classifications, and 10 types of action undertaken, being particularly popular in the biobased economy and construction industry. The policy instrument is believed to be successful in addressing a variety of barriers and as useful in strengthening national innovation systems, thus, it can be recommended for application in other countries. The instrument does lack clear policy indicators and would benefit from explanatory reviews with each agreement. Future research could compare this policy instrument to similar instruments employed in other EU countries and developing countries, the potential role of green financing for such green deal agreements should also be considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioeconomy, Circular Economy and Sustainability)
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24 pages, 21854 KiB  
Article
Strategies for Successful Mangrove Living Shoreline Stabilizations in Shallow Water Subtropical Estuaries
by Rebecca M. Fillyaw, Melinda J. Donnelly, Jason W. Litwak, Julia L. Rifenberg and Linda J. Walters
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11704; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111704 - 22 Oct 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4655
Abstract
By combatting erosion and increasing habitat, mangrove living shorelines are an effective alternative to hard-armoring in tropical and subtropical areas. An experimental red mangrove living shoreline was deployed within Mosquito Lagoon, Florida, using a factorial design to test the impact of mangrove age, [...] Read more.
By combatting erosion and increasing habitat, mangrove living shorelines are an effective alternative to hard-armoring in tropical and subtropical areas. An experimental red mangrove living shoreline was deployed within Mosquito Lagoon, Florida, using a factorial design to test the impact of mangrove age, breakwater presence, and mangrove placement on mangrove survival within the first year of deployment. Mixed mangrove age treatments were included to identify if seedling (11-month-old) survival could be enhanced by the presence of transitional (23-month-old) and adult (35 to 47-month-old) mangroves. Environmental factors were monitored to detect possible causes of mangrove mortalities. Approximately half (50.6%) of mangroves died, and of those, 90.7% occurred within the annual high-water season, and 88.9% showed signs of flooding stress. Planting seedlings haphazardly among older mangroves did not attenuate enough wave energy to significantly increase seedling survival. Breakwaters alleviated stress through a reduction in water velocity and wave height, increasing the odds of survival by 197% and 437% when mangroves were planted in the landward and seaward rows, respectively. Compared to seedlings, deployment of adult mangroves increased survival odds by 1087%. Collectively, our results indicate that sites with a high-water season should utilize a breakwater structure and mangroves with a woody stem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding and Improving Coastal Restoration: Considering Social Dimensions, Ecosystem Services, and Biodegradable Materials)
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28 pages, 5142 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Farm Characteristics and Feed Compositions on the Environmental Impact of Pig Production in Flanders: Productivity, Energy Use and Protein Choices Are Key
by Klara Van Mierlo, Louise Baert, Ellen Bracquené, Johan De Tavernier and Annemie Geeraerd
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11623; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111623 - 21 Oct 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3194
Abstract
The growing pig production sector is a large contributor of negative impacts to the environment and feed production is responsible for a large part of these impacts. Pig production systems, including feed compositions, are variable, resulting in variable potential environmental impacts. This study [...] Read more.
The growing pig production sector is a large contributor of negative impacts to the environment and feed production is responsible for a large part of these impacts. Pig production systems, including feed compositions, are variable, resulting in variable potential environmental impacts. This study investigated the influence of different farm characteristics and feed compositions on the environmental impact of pig production in Flanders. A Life Cycle Assessment approach was followed, including data from 39 farms and monthly feed compositions in the year 2018. Even though feed production contributes significantly to the overall environmental impact of pig production, the results show that environmental impacts are more affected by variabilities in farm characteristics than by fluctuating feed compositions. A higher productivity, in terms of feed conversion efficiency and the number of pigs produced per sow, is generally related to lower environmental impacts. Another influencing factor is the type and amount of energy used. For feed consumption, high variabilities are observed for water use, mainly caused by varying levels of sugar cane molasses. Climate change impacts and variabilities are mainly caused by soy ingredients and their origin. Finally, amino acids show large contributions to the environmental impact of pig feed consumption. Our research highlights that future developments for reducing the environmental impact of pig production should target animal productivity, the type and amount of energy used and selection of protein sources in pig feed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Agricultural and Food Systems)
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19 pages, 734 KiB  
Review
Towards an Understanding of Hydrogen Supply Chains: A Structured Literature Review Regarding Sustainability Evaluation
by Sebastian Fredershausen, Henrik Lechte, Mathias Willnat, Tobias Witt, Christine Harnischmacher, Tim-Benjamin Lembcke, Matthias Klumpp and Lutz Kolbe
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11652; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111652 - 21 Oct 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4826
Abstract
Hydrogen technologies have received increased attention in research and development to foster the shift towards carbon-neutral energy systems. Depending on the specific production techniques, transportation concepts, and application areas, hydrogen supply chains (HSCs) can be anything from part of the energy transition problem [...] Read more.
Hydrogen technologies have received increased attention in research and development to foster the shift towards carbon-neutral energy systems. Depending on the specific production techniques, transportation concepts, and application areas, hydrogen supply chains (HSCs) can be anything from part of the energy transition problem to part of the solution: Even more than battery-driven electric mobility, hydrogen is a polyvalent technology and can be used in very different contexts with specific positive or negative sustainability impacts. Thus, a detailed sustainability evaluation is crucial for decision making in the context of hydrogen technology and its diverse application fields. This article provides a comprehensive, structured literature review in the context of HSCs along the triple bottom line dimensions of environmental, economic, and social sustainability, analyzing a total of 288 research papers. As a result, we identify research gaps mostly regarding social sustainability and the supply chain stages of hydrogen distribution and usage. We suggest further research to concentrate on these gaps, thus strengthening our understanding of comprehensive sustainability evaluations for HSCs, especially in social sustainability evaluation. In addition, we provide an additional approach for discussion by adding literature review results from neighboring fields, highlighting the joint challenges and insights regarding sustainability evaluation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation in Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment of Emerging Technologies)
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18 pages, 8545 KiB  
Article
Nature-Based Solutions: Thermal Comfort Improvement and Psychological Wellbeing, a Case Study in Genoa, Italy
by Francesca Mosca, Giulia Maria Dotti Sani, Andrea Giachetta and Katia Perini
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11638; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111638 - 21 Oct 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4474
Abstract
The urban heat island (UHI) effect is among the most critical issues caused by human activities and high building density. UHI has severe impacts on the urban and natural environment as well as on human health and wellbeing. The research presented here aims [...] Read more.
The urban heat island (UHI) effect is among the most critical issues caused by human activities and high building density. UHI has severe impacts on the urban and natural environment as well as on human health and wellbeing. The research presented here aims at evaluating the effects of nature-based solutions (NBS) in improving the livability of a district in the city of Genoa, which is heavily cemented and a major example of the heat island phenomenon. This study focuses on the microclimatic benefits of urban heat island mitigation as well as on psychological and perceptual aspects. A preliminary analysis of the district through CFD simulations using Envi-met software allowed for selection of the most suitable areas for a system of punctual interventions in urban regeneration using nature-based solutions. For each area identified, we simulated the effects of different design scenarios on microclimate mitigation and thermal comfort improvement. In addition, to evaluate the perceptual benefits of the most well-performing design scenarios, we set up a web-based survey that was administered to a convenience sample of Genoa residents. In terms of aesthetic satisfaction and perception of improved conditions of physical and psychological well-being, the preferred design outcomes were those which emphasized a freer and more natural environment. This study shows that nature-based solutions can improve the overall conditions of dense urban areas; microclimate performance and psychological effects should be both considered in the design process in order to improve the wellbeing of urban citizens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Climate, Comfort and Building Energy Performance in the Mediterranean Climate)
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18 pages, 1035 KiB  
Article
Mass Balance of C, Nutrients, and Mineralization of Nitrogen during Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Rice Straw with Cow Manure
by Furqan Muhayodin, Albrecht Fritze and Vera Susanne Rotter
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11568; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111568 - 20 Oct 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4255
Abstract
Anaerobic co-digestion technology (AcoD) can be used to process rice straw (RS) and cow manure (CoM) to produce energy and a digestate rich in nutrients, while the improper disposal of RS and CoM causes environmental problems. The overall effectiveness of the anaerobic digestion [...] Read more.
Anaerobic co-digestion technology (AcoD) can be used to process rice straw (RS) and cow manure (CoM) to produce energy and a digestate rich in nutrients, while the improper disposal of RS and CoM causes environmental problems. The overall effectiveness of the anaerobic digestion technology can be improved by utilizing the nutrients available in the digestate. It is also a way to reduce the usage of mineral fertilizer by recycling the nutrients available in the digestate. The co-digestion of RS with CoM was performed in a newly developed digester (F1) and in a mesophilic digester (F2) used as a reference. The mass balance of C, macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S), and their distribution into a liquid digestate (LD) and a solid digestate (SD) was investigated in both digesters. The mass balance was used to evaluate the carbon available in the biogas and in the digestate. It was also used to investigate the recovery potential of the macronutrients after the AD process. Moreover, the assessment of the resulting digestate was carried out to suggest its potential use in agriculture. The amount of C measured in the biogas was the same in both digesters (41.0% and 38.0% of the initial C). Moreover, the conversion efficiency of C from the substrate into methane was 23.4% for F1 and 21.0% for F2. The Ca, Mg, K, and P were conserved in the digestate because their recovery rates (RR) were close to 100%. However, a relatively low RR was observed for N (84.1% in F1 and 86.8% in F2) and S (87.1% in F1 and 86.5% in F2) in both the digesters. After separation n of the SD, from 79.1 to 83.4% (in F1) and 75.0 to 82.4% (in F2) of the final nutrients were available in the LD. The assessment of the SD suggested its use in agriculture not only for soil amendment but also as a K-providing organic fertilizer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conversion and Utilization of Biomass Waste)
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17 pages, 5498 KiB  
Article
Life Cycle Assessment of Fungal-Based Composite Bricks
by Lisa Stelzer, Friederike Hoberg, Vanessa Bach, Bertram Schmidt, Sven Pfeiffer, Vera Meyer and Matthias Finkbeiner
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11573; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111573 - 20 Oct 2021
Cited by 47 | Viewed by 9319
Abstract
Fungal-based composites as substitutes for construction materials might represent a promising solution to reduce the environmental burdens of the building industry. Such composites can be produced biotechnologically through the cultivation of multicellular fungi that form dense mycelia whilst growing into and onto residual [...] Read more.
Fungal-based composites as substitutes for construction materials might represent a promising solution to reduce the environmental burdens of the building industry. Such composites can be produced biotechnologically through the cultivation of multicellular fungi that form dense mycelia whilst growing into and onto residual plant biomass from agriculture and forestry. As comprehensive environmental assessments are missing, this paper conducts a life cycle assessment for fungal-based composite bricks considering the categories of climate change, eutrophication, acidification, smog, water scarcity, and land use. Electricity for sterilization, incubation, and the drying process led to 81.4% of a total 0.494 total kg CO2 eq. for climate change and 58.7% of a total 9.39 × 10−4 kg SO2 eq. for acidification. Further, hemp shives and grain mix were identified as hotspots for eutrophication (77.7% of 6.02 × 10−4 kg PO4−3 eq.) and land use (81.8% of 19.4 kg Pt eq.). However, the use of hemp shives, rapeseed straw, or poplar wood chips did not differ in the environmental impacts. Further, lab-scale production was compared with industrial scale-up, which is mostly characterized by energy efficiency showing reduced impacts for all considered categories, e.g., a decrease of 68% in climate change. Recycling should be included in future studies as well as considering the use and end-of-life phase. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Green Building)
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15 pages, 2107 KiB  
Article
Seed Germination Ecophysiology of Acacia dealbata Link and Acacia mearnsii De Wild.: Two Invasive Species in the Mediterranean Basin
by Ludovica Dessì, Lina Podda, Giuseppe Brundu, Vanessa Lozano, Antoine Carrouée, Elizabete Marchante, Hélia Marchante, Yohan Petit, Marco Porceddu and Gianluigi Bacchetta
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11588; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111588 - 20 Oct 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5382
Abstract
Acacia dealbata and A. mearnsii are two invasive species found in coastal, mountain, and riparian Mediterranean habitats. Seed biology and germination traits are important drivers of the competitive performance of plants and may significantly contribute to biological invasions. The seeds of Acacia s.l. [...] Read more.
Acacia dealbata and A. mearnsii are two invasive species found in coastal, mountain, and riparian Mediterranean habitats. Seed biology and germination traits are important drivers of the competitive performance of plants and may significantly contribute to biological invasions. The seeds of Acacia s.l. have physical dormancy due to an impermeable epidermal layer. The aim of this study was to assess the germination capacity of scarified and non-scarified seeds of A. dealbata and A. mearnsii from different areas of the Mediterranean Basin. To test the seed imbibition capacity, the increase in mass was evaluated. Non-scarified seeds were tested at 15, 20, and 25 °C in light conditions. Scarified seeds were tested at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 °C and 25/10 °C in light and dark conditions. Scarified seeds increased in mass more than non-scarified seeds. Both species showed a higher germination capacity at 25 °C in non-scarified seeds; A. dealbata reached a germination maximum of 55%, while A. mearnsii reached 40%, showing a difference among these populations. Scarified seeds of both species reached germination percentages >95% at all temperatures except at 5 °C in dark conditions. Scarification was necessary to break dormancy and promote germination. The present study provides new knowledge about the seed ecology and germinative behaviour of the two Acacia species under different pre-treatment, temperature, and photoperiod regimes, contributing to the understanding of their invasive behaviour. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Conservation of Coastal Plant Communities)
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37 pages, 29846 KiB  
Article
Advances in Geoheritage Mapping: Application to Iconic Geomorphological Examples from the Italian Landscape
by Paola Coratza, Irene Maria Bollati, Valeria Panizza, Pierluigi Brandolini, Doriano Castaldini, Franco Cucchi, Giacomo Deiana, Maurizio Del Monte, Francesco Faccini, Furio Finocchiaro, Dario Gioia, Rita Melis, Carmine Minopoli, Olivia Nesci, Guido Paliaga, Micla Pennetta, Luigi Perotti, Alessia Pica, Federico Tognetto, Alfredo Trocciola, Laura Valentini, Marco Giardino and Manuela Pelfiniadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11538; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011538 - 19 Oct 2021
Cited by 42 | Viewed by 4988
Abstract
In the framework of geosite management, specific targeted symbols for geomorphological legends are still lacking. Concerning geosites of geomorphological interest, geomorphological mapping requires targeted symbols in relation to goals and applications, either concerning geomorphic hazards and risk detection or the enhancement of resources, [...] Read more.
In the framework of geosite management, specific targeted symbols for geomorphological legends are still lacking. Concerning geosites of geomorphological interest, geomorphological mapping requires targeted symbols in relation to goals and applications, either concerning geomorphic hazards and risk detection or the enhancement of resources, in particular those related to cultural heritage and, hence, geoheritage. A new methodology for mapping geo(morpho)heritage on geomorphological maps is presented in this paper. Nine iconic examples from the Italian landscape, selected in different morphogenetic and morphoclimatic contexts, are proposed to test the methodology in relation to point, polyline and polygon features. Moreover, guidelines for mapping are suggested according to the importance of the site and to the complexity of processes characterizing each case study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Sustainable Management of Geodiversity: Following Studies on Heritage for Conservation)
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26 pages, 3162 KiB  
Article
Application of Urban Scale Energy Modelling and Multi-Objective Optimization Techniques for Building Energy Renovation at District Scale
by Fahad Haneef, Giovanni Pernigotto, Andrea Gasparella and Jérôme Henri Kämpf
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11554; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011554 - 19 Oct 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4569
Abstract
Nearly-zero energy buildings are now a standard for new constructions. However, the real challenge for a decarbonized society relies in the renovation of the existing building stock, selecting energy efficiency measures considering not only the energy performance but also the economic and sustainability [...] Read more.
Nearly-zero energy buildings are now a standard for new constructions. However, the real challenge for a decarbonized society relies in the renovation of the existing building stock, selecting energy efficiency measures considering not only the energy performance but also the economic and sustainability ones. Even if the literature is full of examples coupling building energy simulation with multi-objective optimization for the identification of the best measures, the adoption of such approaches is still limited for district and urban scale simulation, often because of lack of complete data inputs and high computational requirements. In this research, a new methodology is proposed, combining the detailed geometric characterization of urban simulation tools with the simplification provided by “building archetype” modeling, in order to ensure the development of robust models for the multi-objective optimization of retrofit interventions at district scale. Using CitySim as an urban scale energy modeling tool, a residential district built in the 1990s in Bolzano, Italy, was studied. Different sets of renovation measures for the building envelope and three objectives —i.e., energy, economic and sustainability performances, were compared. Despite energy savings from 29 to 46%, energy efficiency measures applied just to the building envelope were found insufficient to meet the carbon neutrality goals without interventions to the system, in particular considering mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. Furthermore, public subsidization has been revealed to be necessary, since none of the proposed measures is able to pay back the initial investment for this case study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Climate, Comfort and Building Energy Performance in the Mediterranean Climate)
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22 pages, 1042 KiB  
Article
Computational Valuation Model of Housing Price Using Pseudo Self Comparison Method
by Seungwoo Choi and Mun Yong Yi
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11489; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011489 - 18 Oct 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2732
Abstract
Hedonic pricing method (HPM), which is commonly used for estimating real estate property values, considers the property’s internal and external characteristics for its valuation. Despite its popularity, however, the method lacks the mechanism that directly reflects the target property’s price fluctuation and the [...] Read more.
Hedonic pricing method (HPM), which is commonly used for estimating real estate property values, considers the property’s internal and external characteristics for its valuation. Despite its popularity, however, the method lacks the mechanism that directly reflects the target property’s price fluctuation and the real estate market’s volatility over time. To overcome these limitations, we propose Pseudo Self Comparison Method (PSCM), which reduces the real estate valuation problem to finding a pseudo self, which is defined as a housing property that can most closely approximate the characteristics of the target housing property, and adjusting its previous transaction price to be in sync with the real estate market change. The proposed PSCM is tested for two scenarios in which the volatility of the real estate market varies greatly, using the transaction data compiled from Seoul, the capital of South Korea, and its surrounding region, Gyeonggi. The study results show almost five times lower estimation errors when predicting housing transaction prices using the PSCM compared to the HPM in both scenarios and in both areas. The proposed method is particularly useful for mass valuation of apartments or densely located housing units. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Sustainable Cities in the Era of Big Data)
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20 pages, 2604 KiB  
Article
Scenarios of Bioenergy Recovery from Organic Fraction of Residual Municipal Waste in the Marche Region (Italy)
by Massimiliano Boccarossa, Martina Di Addario, Adele Folino and Fabio Tatàno
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11462; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011462 - 17 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2804
Abstract
In the Marche Region (Central Italy), the residual municipal waste (RMW) is commonly processed in mechanical biological treatment (MBT) systems. In these systems, following a first mechanical selection, the undersize organic fraction from RMW (us-OFRMW) undergoes a partial aerobic biological treatment before being [...] Read more.
In the Marche Region (Central Italy), the residual municipal waste (RMW) is commonly processed in mechanical biological treatment (MBT) systems. In these systems, following a first mechanical selection, the undersize organic fraction from RMW (us-OFRMW) undergoes a partial aerobic biological treatment before being landfilled as a biostabilised fraction (bios-OFRMW) without dedicated energy or material recovery. Alternative us-OFRMW management scenarios have been elaborated for this region, at both present (reference year 2019) and future (reference year 2035) time bases. In the first scenario, the potential bioenergy recovery through anaerobic digestion (AD) from the us-OFRMW was evaluated. The second scenario aimed at evaluating the residual methane generation expected from the bios-OFRMW once landfilled, thus contributing also to the potential environmental impact connected with landfill gas (LFG) diffuse emissions from the regional landfills. The diversion to AD, at the present time, would allow a potential bioenergy recovery from the us-OFRMW equal to 4.35 MWel, while the alternative scenario involves greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions equal to 195 kg CO2 eq. per ton of deposited bios-OFRMW. In the future, the decreased amount of the us-OFRMW addressed to AD would still contribute with a potential bioenergy recovery of 3.47 MWel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Municipal Solid Waste Management in a Circular Economy)
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18 pages, 4504 KiB  
Article
Ecosystem Services Monitoring in the Muthurajawela Marsh and Negombo Lagoon, Sri Lanka, for Sustainable Landscape Planning
by Darshana Athukorala, Ronald C. Estoque, Yuji Murayama and Bunkei Matsushita
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11463; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011463 - 17 Oct 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6226
Abstract
In this study, we examined the impacts of urbanization on the natural landscape and ecosystem services of the Muthurajawela Marsh and Negombo Lagoon (MMNL) located in the Colombo Metropolitan Region, Sri Lanka, with the goal to help inform sustainable landscape and urban planning. [...] Read more.
In this study, we examined the impacts of urbanization on the natural landscape and ecosystem services of the Muthurajawela Marsh and Negombo Lagoon (MMNL) located in the Colombo Metropolitan Region, Sri Lanka, with the goal to help inform sustainable landscape and urban planning. The MMNL is an important urban wetland ecosystem in the country but has been under the immense pressure of urbanization where the natural cover (e.g., marshland and mangrove areas) is continuously being converted to urban use (e.g., residential and commercial). Here, we estimated and assessed the changes in the ecosystem service value (ESV) of the MMNL based on land use/cover (LUC) changes over the past two decades (1997–2017). Considering two plausible scenarios, namely a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario and ecological protection (EP) scenario, and using a spatially explicit land change model, we simulated the future (2030) LUC changes in the area and estimated the potential consequent future changes in the ESV of the MMNL. The results revealed that from 1997 to 2017, the ESV of the MMNL decreased by USD 8.96 million/year (LKR 1642 million/year), or about 33%, primarily due to the loss of mangrove and marshland from urban expansion. Under a BAU scenario, by 2030, it would continue to decrease by USD 6.01 million/year (LKR 1101 million/year), or about 34%. Under an EP scenario, the projected decrease would be lower at USD 4.79 million/year (LKR 878 million/year), or about 27%. Among the ecosystem services of the MMNL that have been, and would be, affected the most are flood attenuation, industrial wastewater treatment, agriculture production, and support to downstream fisheries (fish breeding and nursery). Overall, between the two scenarios, the EP scenario is the more desirable for the sustainability of the MMNL. It can help flatten its curve of continuous ecological degradation; hence, it should be considered by local government planners and decision-makers. In general, the approach employed is adaptable and applicable to other urban wetland ecosystems in the country and the rest of the world. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Service and Land-Use Changes in Asia: Implications for Regional Sustainability)
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16 pages, 3126 KiB  
Article
GREEN: Cool & Care—Research and Development of Greening Measures in Nursing Homes in Austria. Technical and Social Interconnections
by Katharina Halbmayer, Jutta Hollands, Sara Alasu, Azra Korjenic, Barbara Pichler, Elisabeth Reitinger, Eva Zojer, Bente Knoll, Agnes Renkin and Ralf Dopheide
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11469; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011469 - 17 Oct 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3088
Abstract
According to demographic data, the percentage of elderly people within the population is growing, representing a vulnerable group to the effects of increasing heat, but little attention has been paid to developed adaptation measures. In addition, many older people leave their familiar homes [...] Read more.
According to demographic data, the percentage of elderly people within the population is growing, representing a vulnerable group to the effects of increasing heat, but little attention has been paid to developed adaptation measures. In addition, many older people leave their familiar homes and live in nursing homes. The person-centred care pursues creating spaces of high living quality for these people in nursing homes, to which plants and greenery can contribute. Greening is also considered an effective climate change adaptation measure. To create healthy conditions for this vulnerable group of elderly, both technical and social factors must be considered, and accordingly, a successful solution can only be achieved in an interdisciplinary way. The research and development of the project “Green: Cool & Care” dealt with this outset from a building physics, social, and nursing science perspective, and concepts to integrate greening measures in nursing homes were developed jointly by researchers, planners, staff, volunteers, and residents. For this purpose, measurement campaigns of air quality parameters, individual interviews and focus groups, as well as co-creative workshops were conducted aiming to include the objective building conditions as well as the subjective needs in developing and, in a further step, implementing greening measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Urban Green Infrastructure for Climate-Proof and Healthy Cities)
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16 pages, 9742 KiB  
Article
Social Sustainability and Ulaanbaatar’s ‘Ger Districts’: Access and Mobility Issues and Opportunities
by Iqbal Hamiduddin, Daniel Fitzpatrick, Rebekah Plueckhahn, Uurtsaikh Sangi, Enkhjin Batjargal and Erdenetsogt Sumiyasuren
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11470; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011470 - 17 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4892
Abstract
This paper explores the concept of social sustainability in Ulaanbaatar’s ger districts in relation to access and mobility. Although ger districts are well-established in Mongolian culture as ephemeral encampments with transient residents, contemporary ger districts have become large and permanent residential districts that [...] Read more.
This paper explores the concept of social sustainability in Ulaanbaatar’s ger districts in relation to access and mobility. Although ger districts are well-established in Mongolian culture as ephemeral encampments with transient residents, contemporary ger districts have become large and permanent residential districts that are now home to an estimated one-third of the country’s population. The more recent growth of the ger districts has taken place in three decades since Mongolia embraced market-based liberal economics, coinciding with waves of socially and economically-motivated urbanisation. More recently, difficult environmental conditions in rural Mongolia have created new waves of migration. The unfolding situation means that the ger districts have grown with little of the forward planning present in other built areas of the city. In turn, this has led to significant imbalances in the provision of transport services into the ger districts and the problems of access and mobility that this paper has highlighted. This paper has identified community-based local transport and delivery services as one potential means for addressing existing access and mobility shortcomings. Such approaches could provide temporary or complementary services alongside other public policy approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Social Sustainability and New Urban Residential Spaces)
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28 pages, 1491 KiB  
Article
The Right to Have Digital Rights in Smart Cities
by Igor Calzada
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11438; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011438 - 16 Oct 2021
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 12521
Abstract
New data-driven technologies in global cities have yielded potential but also have intensified techno-political concerns. Consequently, in recent years, several declarations/manifestos have emerged across the world claiming to protect citizens’ digital rights. In 2018, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and NYC city councils formed the Cities’ [...] Read more.
New data-driven technologies in global cities have yielded potential but also have intensified techno-political concerns. Consequently, in recent years, several declarations/manifestos have emerged across the world claiming to protect citizens’ digital rights. In 2018, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and NYC city councils formed the Cities’ Coalition for Digital Rights (CCDR), an international alliance of global People-Centered Smart Cities—currently encompassing 49 cities worldwide—to promote citizens’ digital rights on a global scale. People-centered smart cities programme is the strategic flagship programme by UN-Habitat that explicitly advocates the CCDR as an institutionally innovative and strategic city-network to attain policy experimentation and sustainable urban development. Against this backdrop and being inspired by the popular quote by Hannah Arendt on “the right to have rights”, this article aims to explore what “digital rights” may currently mean within a sample consisting of 13 CCDR global people-centered smart cities: Barcelona, Amsterdam, NYC, Long Beach, Toronto, Porto, London, Vienna, Milan, Los Angeles, Portland, San Antonio, and Glasgow. Particularly, this article examines the (i) understanding and the (ii) prioritisation of digital rights in 13 cities through a semi-structured questionnaire by gathering 13 CCDR city representatives/strategists’ responses. These preliminary findings reveal not only distinct strategies but also common policy patterns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Innovation in Sustainable Urban Development)
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20 pages, 1429 KiB  
Article
Tourism towards Sustainability and Innovation: A Systematic Literature Review
by Vasco Santos, Maria José Sousa, Carlos Costa and Manuel Au-Yong-Oliveira
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11440; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011440 - 16 Oct 2021
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 13966
Abstract
In this paper, we analyze the progress of tourism towards sustainability and innovation through a systematic literature review summarizing the last five years of research strictly focused on innovation and sustainability applied to tourism. This research comprises a range of theories, practices, methods, [...] Read more.
In this paper, we analyze the progress of tourism towards sustainability and innovation through a systematic literature review summarizing the last five years of research strictly focused on innovation and sustainability applied to tourism. This research comprises a range of theories, practices, methods, and results pursuing innovation and sustainability across different levels, stages, and drivers, and in many tourism contexts. Wide, in-depth, and structured analysis, evaluation, and examination (using the PRISMA and VOSviewer tools) of a final sample of 50 scholarly papers from 27 journals, published between 2017 and the first quarter of 2021, were undertaken. Current publications emphasize qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methods, as well as statistical and econometric methods, such as descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. This study categorizes the four major topics identified, sustainability, innovation, sustainable development, and sustainable tourism, which comprised the contextual dimensions and relevant stages of the subject areas examined. This systematic literature review highlights advances and the significantly increasing overall number of papers over recent years. Currently, sustainability is in a more advanced state compared to innovation. The outcomes highlight that the indicators of sustainability and innovation still need further analysis within the tourism context. However, more concrete process indicators are needed for continuous improvement of the front-end of innovation and sustainable tourism. The results help in better understanding the sustainability and innovation process as applied to tourism. In particular, this study explores further direct linkages between sustainability and innovation and tourism, discussing and providing new future directions aligned with the closing remarks as well as a strategic agenda for future action post-COVID-19. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Sustainable Innovation in Tourism and Hospitality)
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17 pages, 1031 KiB  
Article
Spanish Tourist Sector Sustainability: Recovery Plan, Green Jobs and Wellbeing Opportunity
by Esther González Arnedo, Jesús Alberto Valero-Matas and Antonio Sánchez-Bayón
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11447; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011447 - 16 Oct 2021
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4954
Abstract
This paper presents an overview on political economy and economic policies into the European Green Deal framework and the Spanish recovery plan, with special attention to the tourism sector and actual opportunities for green jobs in the Spanish tourism market. Firstly, there is [...] Read more.
This paper presents an overview on political economy and economic policies into the European Green Deal framework and the Spanish recovery plan, with special attention to the tourism sector and actual opportunities for green jobs in the Spanish tourism market. Firstly, there is a literature review, combining the scientific production with professional and institutional literature, to understand the topic development, from the former restrictive point to the wider current view. Secondly, a case study about the green jobs opportunity in the Spanish hotel industry is presented, taking into account wellbeing economics, for the renewal of the Spanish tourism industry. Methodology combines the qualitative analysis of literature and the qualitative review of the CSR reports from top Spanish hotel chains as well as the feedback of sustainability experts at the hotel industry. This paper provides valuable information to improve the sectorial recovery plan and coordinate the policymakers and the business managers and entrepreneurs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural Routes for Sustainable and Regenerative Development)
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37 pages, 817 KiB  
Review
Review of Transit Data Sources: Potentials, Challenges and Complementarity
by Liping Ge, Malek Sarhani, Stefan Voß and Lin Xie
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11450; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011450 - 16 Oct 2021
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 7762
Abstract
Public transport has become one of the major transport options, especially when it comes to reducing motorized individual transport and achieving sustainability while reducing emissions, noise and so on. The use of public transport data has evolved and rapidly improved over the past [...] Read more.
Public transport has become one of the major transport options, especially when it comes to reducing motorized individual transport and achieving sustainability while reducing emissions, noise and so on. The use of public transport data has evolved and rapidly improved over the past decades. Indeed, the availability of data from different sources, coupled with advances in analytical and predictive approaches, has contributed to increased attention being paid to the exploitation of available data to improve public transport service. In this paper, we review the current state of the art of public transport data sources. More precisely, we summarize and analyze the potential and challenges of the main data sources. In addition, we show the complementary aspects of these data sources and how to merge them to broaden their contributions and face their challenges. This is complemented by an information management framework to enhance the use of data sources. Specifically, we seek to bridge the gap between traditional data sources and recent ones, present a unified overview of them and show how they can all leverage recent advances in data-driven methods and how they can help achieve a balance between transit service and passenger behavior. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Transportation)
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24 pages, 2984 KiB  
Article
Land to the Tiller: The Sustainability of Family Farms
by Anthony M. Fuller, Siyuan Xu, Lee-Ann Sutherland and Fabiano Escher
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11452; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011452 - 16 Oct 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5061
Abstract
This paper on family farms is in the form of an historical review complemented by current and future perspectives from North America, China, Brazil and Europe. The literature review demonstrates the multiple discourses, concepts and methodologies which underpin contemporary understandings of the family [...] Read more.
This paper on family farms is in the form of an historical review complemented by current and future perspectives from North America, China, Brazil and Europe. The literature review demonstrates the multiple discourses, concepts and methodologies which underpin contemporary understandings of the family farm. The authors argue that family-based farming units are ubiquitous in most agricultural systems and take on many different forms and functions, conditioned by the structure of agriculture in different locations and political systems. Our review accepts this diversity and seeks to identify some key elements that inform our understanding of the sustainability of family farming, now and in the future. The term ‘family’ is the differentiating variable and behooves a sociological approach. However, economists can view the family farm as an economic unit, a business and even a firm. Geographers see family farms consigned to the margins of good land areas, and political scientists have seen family farms as a class. What emerges is a semantic enigma. As an imaginary term, ‘family farming’ is useful as a positive, universally valued ideal; as a definable entity on the ground, however, it is difficult to classify and measure for comparative policy and research purposes. This ambiguity is utilized by governments to manage the increasing capitalization of farm units while projecting the image of wholesome production of food. The case studies demonstrate the diversity of ways in which family farming ideologies are being mobilized in contemporary agrarian change processes. The notion of ‘land to the tiller’ is resonant with historic injustices in Scotland and Brazil, where family-based agriculture is understood as the ‘natural’ order of agricultural production and actively supported as an historic ideal. In contrast, in the Chinese context, ‘land to the tiller’ is a political means of increasing capital penetration and economic sustainability. Evidence from China, Brazil and Scotland demonstrates the active role of governments, coupled with symbolic ideologies of farming, which suggest that the longevity (i.e., sustainability) of family farming will continue. 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, 7048 KiB  
Article
Environmental and Economic Impact of Retrofitting Techniques to Prevent Out-of-Plane Failure Modes of Unreinforced Masonry Buildings
by Linda Giresini, Claudia Casapulla and Pietro Croce
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11383; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011383 - 15 Oct 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3037
Abstract
This paper presents an innovative methodology to assess the economic and environmental impact of integrated interventions, namely solutions that improve both structural and energy performance of existing masonry buildings, preventing out-of-plane modes and increasing their energy efficiency. The procedure allows the assessment of [...] Read more.
This paper presents an innovative methodology to assess the economic and environmental impact of integrated interventions, namely solutions that improve both structural and energy performance of existing masonry buildings, preventing out-of-plane modes and increasing their energy efficiency. The procedure allows the assessment of the environmental and the economic normalized costs of each integrated intervention, considering seismic and energy-saving indicators. In addition, the work introduces in relative or absolute terms two original indicators, associated with seismic displacement and thermal transmittance. The iso-cost curves so derived are thus a powerful tool to compare alternative solutions, aiming to identify the most advantageous one. In fact, iso-cost curves can be used with a twofold objective: to determine the optimal integrated intervention associated with a given economic/environmental impact, or, as an alternative, to derive the pairs of seismic and energy performance indicators associated with a given budget. The analysis of a somehow relevant case study reveals that small energy savings could imply excessive environmental impacts, disproportionally increasing the carbon footprint characterizing each intervention. Iso-cost curves in terms of absolute indicators are more suitable for assessing the effects of varying acceleration demands on a given building, while iso-cost curves in terms of relative indicators are more readable to consider a plurality of cases, located in different sites. The promising results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method, stimulating further studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Strategies for the Sustainable Strengthening of Existing Buildings)
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19 pages, 10841 KiB  
Article
Spatial and Seasonal Dynamics of Inorganic Nitrogen and Phosphorous Compounds in an Orchard-Dominated Catchment with Anthropogenic Impacts
by Krzysztof Stępniewski and Maksym Łaszewski
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11337; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011337 - 14 Oct 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3100
Abstract
The influence of various types of agricultural activities on the dynamics of biogenic compounds of flowing water was broadly recognized in many spatial and temporal scales. However, relatively minor attention was paid to the hydrochemical functioning of horticultural catchments despite their importance and [...] Read more.
The influence of various types of agricultural activities on the dynamics of biogenic compounds of flowing water was broadly recognized in many spatial and temporal scales. However, relatively minor attention was paid to the hydrochemical functioning of horticultural catchments despite their importance and dominance in some regions of Europe. Thus, the current study investigated spatial and seasonal variations in inorganic nitrogen and phosphorous compounds in stream water in the Mogielanka River catchment, with 72% covered by apple orchards. Water samples were collected from fifteen sites distributed across the catchment in the monthly timescale from March 2020 to February 2021. Concentrations of NO3−, NO2−, NH4+, and PO43− were determined photometrically, while in situ water temperature, oxygen saturation, electrical conductivity, and pH, were measured with the use of portable devices. The impact of horticulture was mainly documented in the higher concentration of NO3− during the winter months; however, maximum values did not exceed 15 mg·dm−3 and were relatively low in comparison to catchments dominated by arable lands. The authors also found a clear impact of unstratified reservoirs and inflows from wastewater treatment plants on the dynamics of biogenic compounds. The correlations of PO43− with the sums of precipitation suggested, in turn, that increased PO43− concentration mainly results from poor sewage management. The results provided preliminary but unique and spatially extensive insight into the functioning of an orchard-dominated lowland catchment and allowed the researchers to point out the main recommendations for improving water quality in similar regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Management in Agriculture and Industry: Challenges, Trends and Opportunities)
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20 pages, 1817 KiB  
Article
A Life Cycle Assessment Approach for Vegetables in Large-, Mid-, and Small-Scale Food Systems in the Midwest US
by Tiffanie F. Stone, Janette R. Thompson, Kurt A. Rosentrater and Ajay Nair
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11368; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011368 - 14 Oct 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 10350
Abstract
Although vegetables are important for healthy diets, there are concerns about the sustainability of food systems that provide them. For example, half of fresh-market vegetables sold in the United States (US) are produced in California, leading to negative impacts associated with transportation. In [...] Read more.
Although vegetables are important for healthy diets, there are concerns about the sustainability of food systems that provide them. For example, half of fresh-market vegetables sold in the United States (US) are produced in California, leading to negative impacts associated with transportation. In Iowa, the focus of this study, 90% of food is imported from outside the state. Previous life cycle assessment (LCA) studies indicate that food consumption patterns affect global warming potential (GWP), with animal products having more negative impacts than vegetables. However, studies focused on how GWP, energy, and water use vary between food systems and vegetable types are less common. The purpose of this study was to examine these environmental impacts to inform decisions to buy locally or grow vegetables in the Midwest. We used a life cycle approach to examine three food systems (large-, mid-, and small-scale) and 18 vegetables commonly grown in/near Des Moines, Iowa. We found differences in GWP, energy, and water use (p ≤ 0.001 for each) for the three food systems with the large-scale scenario producing more emissions. There were also differences among vegetables, with the highest GWP for romaine lettuce (1.92 CO2eq/kg vegetable) approximately three times that of leaf lettuce (0.65 CO2eq/kg vegetable) at the large scale. Hotspots and tradeoffs between GWP, energy, and water use were also identified and could inform vegetable production/consumption based on carbon and water use footprints for the US Midwest. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Impact Assessment of Food Systems: From Farm to Fork and Beyond)
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33 pages, 2490 KiB  
Article
Measures to Promote Olive Grove Biomass in Spain and Andalusia: An Opportunity for Economic Recovery against COVID-19
by Jesús Marquina, María José Colinet and María del P. Pablo-Romero
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11318; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011318 - 13 Oct 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2865
Abstract
Olive grove biomass presents an opportunity to reduce greenhouse gases and meet the sustainability objectives set by Europe. Given the relevance of this organic matter, this paper analyzes the evolution and current situation of the regulations that regulate olive grove biomass as a [...] Read more.
Olive grove biomass presents an opportunity to reduce greenhouse gases and meet the sustainability objectives set by Europe. Given the relevance of this organic matter, this paper analyzes the evolution and current situation of the regulations that regulate olive grove biomass as a source of energy in Europe, in Spain and in Andalusia. Likewise, its effect on the evolution of the use of biomass in the Andalusian region, especially the olive grove, is analyzed. The analysis is novel, since there are no previous studies that reveal this type of information for the olive grove biomass sector. The results show that, as of 2005, the development of biomass for thermal and electrical uses is favorable, reaching the objectives set by the PASENER 2007–2013. However, this situation is reversed as of 2012, with the abolition of the feed-in tariff system for renewables. Besides this, the olive grove biomass sector faces other obstacles such as the cost of residue collection and the few incentives for this sector. The reorientation of the measures, in order to enhance this energy source, would generate a positive effect for the economy of the region that has been affected by COVID-19. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy and Sustainable Economy Transition)
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24 pages, 692 KiB  
Article
Identifying Institutional Barriers and Enablers for Sustainable Urban Planning from a Municipal Perspective
by Camilo A. Ramírez Rincón, João Santos, Leentje Volker and Robert Rouwenhorst
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11231; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011231 - 12 Oct 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4138
Abstract
Steering towards a path of sustainability and resilience in urban environments depends greatly on effective institutions, governance and strategic planning. National governments are increasingly expanding municipal institutions’ mandates by delegating decision making on land-use planning and urban development to local and regional levels. [...] Read more.
Steering towards a path of sustainability and resilience in urban environments depends greatly on effective institutions, governance and strategic planning. National governments are increasingly expanding municipal institutions’ mandates by delegating decision making on land-use planning and urban development to local and regional levels. This trend poses municipalities with a complex challenge of setting clear sustainability targets and lifting the institutional barriers inside and outside of their organisation. Based on the business motivation model (BMM), this study presents the results of a thematic analysis identifying barriers and enablers characterizing the institutional capacity base of a municipal organisation in the context of sustainability at an urban level. The results show that the most relevant barrier is the lack of standardisation in sustainability-related working practices, whereas the main institutional enablers relate to flexible working directives that promote the development of innovative projects. This points towards a strong need for a more integrated, dynamic and powerful development approach for sustainable urban areas on a local level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Guide for Climate-Resilient Cities)
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16 pages, 2508 KiB  
Article
Purpose Adequacy as a Basis for Sustainable Building Design: A Post-Occupancy Evaluation of Higher Education Classrooms
by Vicente López-Chao and Vicente López-Pena
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11181; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011181 - 11 Oct 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3354
Abstract
Building design is one of the essential elements to consider for maximizing the sustainability of construction. Prior studies on energy and resource consumption and on indoor environmental quality indicators (IEQs) are increasingly frequent; however, attention has not been focused on design as supporting [...] Read more.
Building design is one of the essential elements to consider for maximizing the sustainability of construction. Prior studies on energy and resource consumption and on indoor environmental quality indicators (IEQs) are increasingly frequent; however, attention has not been focused on design as supporting the function performed within architecture. Educational buildings have specific conditions related to teaching methodologies, including activating students and promoting participation and interaction in the classroom. This manuscript aims to explore whether the social dimension of physical space in educational settings can explain a student’s academic outcome. For this, the Learning Environment and Social Interaction Scale was designed and validated and applied to 796 undergraduate students at the University of Coruña, and multiple linear regression analysis was applied to the academic results. The results display a structure comprising five factors; these include novelties such as the division of conventional IEQs into two groups: the workspace and the classroom environment. In addition, place attachment, the design of the classroom as a facilitator of social interaction, the learning value of social interaction, and the satisfaction of the IEQ demonstrated their influence on the academic result. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Environment Quality and Health in Energy-Efficient Buildings)
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