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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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17 pages, 2797 KiB  
Article
Spatial Heterogeneity and Complexity of the Impact of Extreme Climate on Vegetation in China
by Shuang Li, Feili Wei, Zheng Wang, Jiashu Shen, Ze Liang, Huan Wang and Shuangcheng Li
Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5748; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105748 - 20 May 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3106
Abstract
The impact of extreme climate on natural ecosystems and socioeconomic systems is more serious than that of the climate’s mean state. Based on the data of 1698 meteorological stations in China from 2001 to 2018, this study calculated the 27 extreme climate indices [...] Read more.
The impact of extreme climate on natural ecosystems and socioeconomic systems is more serious than that of the climate’s mean state. Based on the data of 1698 meteorological stations in China from 2001 to 2018, this study calculated the 27 extreme climate indices of the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI). Through correlation analysis and collinearity diagnostics, we selected two representative extreme temperature indices and three extreme precipitation indices. The spatial scale of the impact of extreme climate on Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in China during the growing season from 2001 to 2018 was quantitatively analyzed, and the complexity of the dominant factors in different regions was discussed via clustering analysis. The research results show that extreme climate indices have a scale effect on vegetation. There are spatial heterogeneities in the impacts of different extreme climate indices on vegetation, and these impacts varied between the local, regional and national scales. The relationship between the maximum length of a dry spell (CDD) and NDVI was the most spatially nonstationary, and mostly occurred on the local scale, while the effect of annual total precipitation when the daily precipitation amount was more than the 95th percentile (R95pTOT) showed the greatest spatial stability, and mainly manifested at the national scale. Under the current extreme climate conditions, extreme precipitation promotes vegetation growth, while the influence of extreme temperature is more complicated. As regards intensity and range, the impact of extreme climate on NDVI in China over the past 18 years can be categorized into five types: the humidity-promoting type, the cold-promoting and drought-inhibiting compound type, the drought-inhibiting type, the heat-promoting and drought-inhibiting compound type, and the heat-promoting and humidity-promoting compound type. Drought is the greatest threat to vegetation associated with extreme climate in China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Air, Climate Change and Sustainability)
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17 pages, 365 KiB  
Article
Stochastic Expansion Planning of Various Energy Storage Technologies in Active Power Distribution Networks
by Reza Sabzehgar, Diba Zia Amirhosseini, Saeed D. Manshadi and Poria Fajri
Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5752; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105752 - 20 May 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2363
Abstract
This work aims to minimize the cost of installing renewable energy resources (photovoltaic systems) as well as energy storage systems (batteries), in addition to the cost of operation over a period of 20 years, which will include the cost of operating the power [...] Read more.
This work aims to minimize the cost of installing renewable energy resources (photovoltaic systems) as well as energy storage systems (batteries), in addition to the cost of operation over a period of 20 years, which will include the cost of operating the power grid and the charging and discharging of the batteries. To this end, we propose a long-term planning optimization and expansion framework for a smart distribution network. A second order cone programming (SOCP) algorithm is utilized in this work to model the power flow equations. The minimization is computed in accordance to the years (y), seasons (s), days of the week (d), time of the day (t), and different scenarios based on the usage of energy and its production (c). An IEEE 33-bus balanced distribution test bench is utilized to evaluate the performance, effectiveness, and reliability of the proposed optimization and forecasting model. The numerical studies are conducted on two of the highest performing batteries in the current market, i.e., Lithium-ion (Li-ion) and redox flow batteries (RFBs). In addition, the pros and cons of distributed Li-ion batteries are compared with centralized RFBs. The results are presented to showcase the economic profits of utilizing these battery technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Management of Multi-Energy Storage Systems)
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34 pages, 1664 KiB  
Review
The Role of Biochar in Regulating the Carbon, Phosphorus, and Nitrogen Cycles Exemplified by Soil Systems
by Shu-Yuan Pan, Cheng-Di Dong, Jenn-Fang Su, Po-Yen Wang, Chiu-Wen Chen, Jo-Shu Chang, Hyunook Kim, Chin-Pao Huang and Chang-Mao Hung
Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5612; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105612 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 80 | Viewed by 8815
Abstract
Biochar is a carbon-rich material prepared from the pyrolysis of biomass under various conditions. Recently, biochar drew great attention due to its promising potential in climate change mitigation, soil amendment, and environmental control. Obviously, biochar can be a beneficial soil amendment in several [...] Read more.
Biochar is a carbon-rich material prepared from the pyrolysis of biomass under various conditions. Recently, biochar drew great attention due to its promising potential in climate change mitigation, soil amendment, and environmental control. Obviously, biochar can be a beneficial soil amendment in several ways including preventing nutrients loss due to leaching, increasing N and P mineralization, and enabling the microbial mediation of N2O and CO2 emissions. However, there are also conflicting reports on biochar effects, such as water logging and weathering induced change of surface properties that ultimately affects microbial growth and soil fertility. Despite the voluminous reports on soil and biochar properties, few studies have systematically addressed the effects of biochar on the sequestration of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in soils. Information on microbially-mediated transformation of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) species in the soil environment remains relatively uncertain. A systematic documentation of how biochar influences the fate and transport of carbon, phosphorus, and nitrogen in soil is crucial to promoting biochar applications toward environmental sustainability. This report first provides an overview on the adsorption of carbon, phosphorus, and nitrogen species on biochar, particularly in soil systems. Then, the biochar-mediated transformation of organic species, and the transport of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in soil systems are discussed. This review also reports on the weathering process of biochar and implications in the soil environment. Lastly, the current knowledge gaps and priority research directions for the biochar-amended systems in the future are assessed. This review focuses on literatures published in the past decade (2009–2021) on the adsorption, degradation, transport, weathering, and transformation of C, N, and P species in soil systems with respect to biochar applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Soil and Water Management Challenges & Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture under Climate Change)
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25 pages, 705 KiB  
Review
Rooftop PV and the Renewable Energy Transition; a Review of Driving Forces and Analytical Frameworks
by Sam Wilkinson, Michele John and Gregory M. Morrison
Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5613; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105613 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3870
Abstract
Rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) are accelerating the transition towards low carbon electricity systems in many countries, particularly in Australia. This review paper provides an overview of the (1) technical, (2) economic, (3) socio-political, and (4) regulatory and institutional aspects that should be considered [...] Read more.
Rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) are accelerating the transition towards low carbon electricity systems in many countries, particularly in Australia. This review paper provides an overview of the (1) technical, (2) economic, (3) socio-political, and (4) regulatory and institutional aspects that should be considered concurrently when navigating the transition towards a rooftop PV-dominated electricity system. We consider the suitability of two prominent long-range transitions theories for understanding the importance and interaction of elements within these four aspects during the transition. The multi-level perspective (MLP) of transitions theory is considered best suited for this task as it addresses fundamental shifts in the socio-technical systems, rather than being weighted towards technological and/or economic solutions. We find that relatively little research has been undertaken where the renewable energy transition is being driven by the uptake of rooftop PV within the distribution network of established islanded electricity systems. These islanded electricity systems will be the first to experience system impacts from high levels of rooftop PV. This review provides further analysis of important gaps in understanding the rooftop-PV-led energy transition and the implications for policy makers in maintaining stable electricity supplies during the transition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)
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14 pages, 1156 KiB  
Article
Towns, High Streets and Resilience in Scotland: A Question for Policy?
by Leigh Sparks
Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5631; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105631 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5049
Abstract
The “death of the high street” has become a common refrain, particularly in the United Kingdom, often accompanied by calls for action and demands for improved resilience in town centres and high streets. This paper considers the policy context for towns and town [...] Read more.
The “death of the high street” has become a common refrain, particularly in the United Kingdom, often accompanied by calls for action and demands for improved resilience in town centres and high streets. This paper considers the policy context for towns and town centres in Scotland and the recent review of the country’s approach to towns, town centres and places. With the adoption of National Outcomes linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the declaration of a Climate Emergency, the conclusion is drawn that a more fundamental and radical shift in policy is needed, if the resilience of town centres is to have any meaning, and that a clearer and more widely understood conceptualisation of resilience needs to be developed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Retail Systems: Vulnerability, Resilience and Sustainability)
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20 pages, 3278 KiB  
Article
Urban Planning Policies to the Renewal of Riverfront Areas: The Lisbon Metropolis Case
by Eduardo Medeiros, Ana Brandão, Paulo Tormenta Pinto and Sara Silva Lopes
Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5665; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105665 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 7649
Abstract
Urban planning offers various design possibilities to solve fundamental challenges faced in urban areas. These include the need to physically renew old industrial and harbour riverside areas into liveable, inclusive and sustainable living spaces. This paper investigates the way urban planning policies have [...] Read more.
Urban planning offers various design possibilities to solve fundamental challenges faced in urban areas. These include the need to physically renew old industrial and harbour riverside areas into liveable, inclusive and sustainable living spaces. This paper investigates the way urban planning policies have helped to renew the waterfront areas in the Lisbon metropolis in the past decades. For this purpose, the contribution of the European Union (EU) and national urban development plans over the past decades are analysed. The results demonstrate an intense renewal of the waterfront areas in the Lisbon metropolitan area (LMA), particularly in Lisbon over the past three decades into leisure, ecologic and touristic areas, vis-à-vis the previous industrial and harbour vocation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Legacies of the Late 20th Century)
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15 pages, 1562 KiB  
Article
Stakeholder Expectations of Future Policy Implementation Compared to Formal Policy Trajectories: Scenarios for Agricultural Food Systems in the Mekong Delta
by Craig W. Hutton, Oliver Hensengerth, Tristan Berchoux, Van P. D. Tri, Thi Tong, Nghia Hung, Hal Voepel, Stephen E. Darby, Duong Bui, Thi N. Bui, Nguyen Huy and Daniel Parsons
Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5534; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105534 - 15 May 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5159
Abstract
The development of a coherent and coordinated policy for the management of large socio-agricultural systems, such as the Mekong delta in southern Vietnam, is reliant on aligning the development, delivery, and implementation of policy on national to local scales. Effective decision making is [...] Read more.
The development of a coherent and coordinated policy for the management of large socio-agricultural systems, such as the Mekong delta in southern Vietnam, is reliant on aligning the development, delivery, and implementation of policy on national to local scales. Effective decision making is linked to a coherent, broadly-shared vision of the strategic management of socio-agricultural systems. However, when policies are ambiguous, and at worst contradictory, long-term management and planning can consequently suffer. These potential adverse impacts may be compounded if stakeholders have divergent visions of the current and future states of socio-agricultural systems. Herein we used a transferable, scenario-based methodology which uses a standard quadrant matrix in order to explore both anticipated and idealized future states. Our case study was the Mekong delta. The scenario matrix was based upon two key strategic choices (axis) for the delta, derived from analysis of policy documents, literature, stakeholder engagement, and land use models. These are: (i) who will run agriculture in the future, agri-business or the established commune system; and (ii) to what degree sustainability will be incorporated into production. During a workshop meeting, stakeholders identified that agri-business will dominate future agricultural production in the delta but showed a clear concern that sustainability might consequently be undermined despite policy claims of the contrary. As such, our study highlights an important gap between national expectations and regional perspectives. Our results suggest that the new development plans for the Mekong delta (which comprise a new Master Plan and a new 5-year socio-economic development plan), which emphasize agro-business development, should adopt approaches that address concerns of sustainability as well as a more streamlined policy formulation and implementation that accounts for stakeholder concerns at both provincial and national levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding the Society-Environmental Policy-Practice Nexus and Its Implications for Sustainability Transformations under Uncertain Futures)
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18 pages, 7157 KiB  
Article
Geo-Crowdsourced Sound Level Data in Support of the Community Facilities Planning. A Methodological Proposal
by Gabriella Graziuso, Simona Mancini, Antonella Bianca Francavilla, Michele Grimaldi and Claudio Guarnaccia
Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5486; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105486 - 14 May 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3546
Abstract
To reduce environmental noise pollution and to safeguard people’s well-being, it is urgently necessary to move towards sustainable urban development and reconcile demographic and economic growth with the protection and restoration of the environment and the improvement of the quality of human lives. [...] Read more.
To reduce environmental noise pollution and to safeguard people’s well-being, it is urgently necessary to move towards sustainable urban development and reconcile demographic and economic growth with the protection and restoration of the environment and the improvement of the quality of human lives. This challenge should be a concern to policymakers, who must issue regulations and define the appropriate actions for noise monitoring and management, and citizens, who must be sensitive to the problem and act accordingly. Starting from an analysis of several crowdsourcing noise data collection tools, this paper focuses on the definition of a methodology for data analysis and mapping. The sound sensing system, indeed, enables mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to become a low-cost data collection for monitoring environmental noise. For this study, the “NoiseCapture” application developed in France by CNRS and IFSTTAR has been utilized. The measurements acquired in 2018 and 2019 at the Fisciano Campus at the University of Salerno were integrated with the kernel density estimation. This is a spatial analysis technique that allows for the elaboration of sound level density maps, defined spatially and temporally. These maps, overlaid on a campus facilities map, can become tools to support the appropriate mitigation actions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Planning for Sustainable Development of Cities in the Geospatial (Big) Data ERA)
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22 pages, 3120 KiB  
Article
Analysis of District Heating and Cooling Energy Systems in Spain: Resources, Technology and Management
by Beatriz María Paredes-Sánchez, José Pablo Paredes, Natalia Caparrini and Elena Rivo-López
Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5442; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105442 - 13 May 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6244
Abstract
District heating and cooling (DHC) systems play an important role under the new European Union (EU) energy transition strategy. Thermal energy networks are helping to stimulate the development of alternative technologies based on a broad range of renewable energy sources. The present study [...] Read more.
District heating and cooling (DHC) systems play an important role under the new European Union (EU) energy transition strategy. Thermal energy networks are helping to stimulate the development of alternative technologies based on a broad range of renewable energy sources. The present study analysed the current situation of DHC systems in Spain and provides an overview of the challenges and future opportunities that their use will entail. Its objective is to assess thermal energy conversion and management from a holistic perspective, including a study of existing energy infrastructures. The focus of this study lies on Spain given the country’s abundance of natural resources such as renewable energy sources including solar energy, biomass and geothermal energy, among others, as well as its strategic location on the map of the EU. Based on the analysis of the three factors for energy conversion in a district heating system, namely resources, technology, and management, the methodology provided an assessment of the different factors involved in running a DHC system. The results show an estimated total production for DHC networks of 1448 MWth, of which 72% is supplied purely by renewable energy sources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass for Sustainability: Resource, Technology Conversion and Energy Management)
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19 pages, 15181 KiB  
Article
Perceived Sensory Dimensions of Green Areas: An Experimental Study on Stress Recovery
by Sanaz Memari, Mahdieh Pazhouhanfar and Patrik Grahn
Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5419; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105419 - 12 May 2021
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6848
Abstract
Natural environments have been shown to promote health, and are, therefore, important for achieving social sustainability in cities. As cities grow and become denser, it is important to develop knowledge about the characteristics of natural environments that work to promote health. Perceived Sensory [...] Read more.
Natural environments have been shown to promote health, and are, therefore, important for achieving social sustainability in cities. As cities grow and become denser, it is important to develop knowledge about the characteristics of natural environments that work to promote health. Perceived Sensory Dimensions (PSDs) is a tool that defines eight different cultural ecosystem services. They correspond to different human needs (rest, exercise, socialising, pleasure, or security) resulting in rehabilitation and health and well-being promotion. An experiment was conducted to study the potential of PSDs to restore people who experienced stressful accidents. One hundred and fifty-seven participants were recruited and asked first to watch a film clip of serious accidents, then to look at the pictures, depicting one particular type of PSDs, while listening to its respective audio recording. Their stress levels were measured before exposure to the stressor (baseline), after exposure to the stressor (pre-test), and after exposure to a particular type of PSDs (post-test). The results show that all eight PSDs effectively provide mental recovery, but there are statistical differences in their potentials. As such, it is proposed that the combined potential of the PSDs is needed, and should be used to increase the capacity and supply of health-promoting urban green areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Architecture Design to Promote Well-Being)
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17 pages, 4410 KiB  
Article
Transport Airships for Scheduled Supply and Emergency Response in the Arctic
by Barry E. Prentice, Yui-Yip Lau and Adolf K. Y. Ng
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5301; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095301 - 10 May 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5192
Abstract
As climate change progresses, the Arctic Ocean creates opportunities for new resource development and navigation routes. Such economic opportunities are attractive, but carry with them an increased risk of accidents and oil spills. Existing methods of emergency response face enormous challenges in the [...] Read more.
As climate change progresses, the Arctic Ocean creates opportunities for new resource development and navigation routes. Such economic opportunities are attractive, but carry with them an increased risk of accidents and oil spills. Existing methods of emergency response face enormous challenges in the Arctic because of its lack of transportation infrastructure and support services. Cargo airships offer a practical solution. Many airship designs are proposed that can carry over 30 tons, travel long distances at 150 km per hour, and land close to the emergency site. However, it is difficult to justify the economics of having enough capacity waiting and available to be marshaled in response to infrequent events. One solution is to develop a synergy with a new civilian cargo airship industry that can serve the regular transport needs of remote communities and mining operations. Through contingency contracts with these civilian operations, the Government of Canada could stretch its budgets and have access to the latest airship models and trained crews at locations across the Arctic. This paper gives valuable insight into the development of cargo airships. Advances in technology that make cargo airships a practical option in the 21st century are reviewed, and five competing airship designs are discussed. A case study of an existing rare earth mine proposal is used to illustrate the cost comparison of roads versus airships that could provide contingency services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Development of the Arctic: Consequences of Pollutant in the Arctic)
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22 pages, 3145 KiB  
Article
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of an Innovative Compact Hybrid Electrical-Thermal Storage System for Residential Buildings in Mediterranean Climate
by Gabriel Zsembinszki, Noelia Llantoy, Valeria Palomba, Andrea Frazzica, Mattia Dallapiccola, Federico Trentin and Luisa F. Cabeza
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5322; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095322 - 10 May 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5544
Abstract
The buildings sector is one of the least sustainable activities in the world, accounting for around 40% of the total global energy demand. With the aim to reduce the environmental impact of this sector, the use of renewable energy sources coupled with energy [...] Read more.
The buildings sector is one of the least sustainable activities in the world, accounting for around 40% of the total global energy demand. With the aim to reduce the environmental impact of this sector, the use of renewable energy sources coupled with energy storage systems in buildings has been investigated in recent years. Innovative solutions for cooling, heating, and domestic hot water in buildings can contribute to the buildings’ decarbonization by achieving a reduction of building electrical consumption needed to keep comfortable conditions. However, the environmental impact of a new system is not only related to its electrical consumption from the grid, but also to the environmental load produced in the manufacturing and disposal stages of system components. This study investigates the environmental impact of an innovative system proposed for residential buildings in Mediterranean climate through a life cycle assessment. The results show that, due to the complexity of the system, the manufacturing and disposal stages have a high environmental impact, which is not compensated by the reduction of the impact during the operational stage. A parametric study was also performed to investigate the effect of the design of the storage system on the overall system impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Life-Cycle Assessment of Energy Storage in Building Applications)
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15 pages, 1960 KiB  
Article
Automatic Detection of Photovoltaic Farms Using Satellite Imagery and Convolutional Neural Networks
by Konstantinos Ioannou and Dimitrios Myronidis
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5323; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095323 - 10 May 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3554
Abstract
The number of solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays in Greece has increased rapidly during the recent years. As a result, there is an increasing need for high quality updated information regarding the status of PV farms. This information includes the number of PV farms, [...] Read more.
The number of solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays in Greece has increased rapidly during the recent years. As a result, there is an increasing need for high quality updated information regarding the status of PV farms. This information includes the number of PV farms, power capacity and the energy generated. However, access to this data is obsolete, mainly due to the fact that there is a difficulty tracking PV investment status (from licensing to investment completion and energy production). This article presents a novel approach, which uses free access high resolution satellite imagery and a deep learning algorithm (a convolutional neural network—CNN) for the automatic detection of PV farms. Furthermore, in an effort to create an algorithm capable of generalizing better, all the current locations with installed PV farms (data provided from the Greek Energy Regulator Authority) in the Greek Territory (131,957 km2) were used. According to our knowledge this is the first time such an algorithm is used in order to determine the existence of PV farms and the results showed satisfying accuracy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Transition and Climate Change in Decision-making Processes)
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16 pages, 1259 KiB  
Article
How to Sustain Sustainability Monitoring in Cities: Lessons from 49 Community Indicator Initiatives across 10 Latin American Countries
by Ludger Niemann and Thomas Hoppe
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5133; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095133 - 4 May 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3103
Abstract
Since the 1990s, many countries have witnessed the emergence of organizations publishing environmental, social, and quality-of-life indicators at a city level in order to promote public awareness, democratic participation, and sustainability policies. Many such initiatives are short-lived, however, and reasons for their success [...] Read more.
Since the 1990s, many countries have witnessed the emergence of organizations publishing environmental, social, and quality-of-life indicators at a city level in order to promote public awareness, democratic participation, and sustainability policies. Many such initiatives are short-lived, however, and reasons for their success and failure under-researched. Using interviews, surveys, and documental data, we explored the survival rates, obstacles, and achievements of 49 initiatives in 10 Latin American countries. Contrary to those in other world regions, most initiatives have civil society stakeholders (notably universities, media, and businesses), excluding governments. Implementing citizen perception surveys proved effective to gain public attention. Several initiatives obtained name recognition and policy influence, which are significant achievements in megacities such as Bogotá, São Paulo, and Lima, where numerous NGOs vie for attention. Frequent obstacles include a lack of finances. After a seven-year period (2014–2021), 55% of the sampled initiatives remained active, ranging from 90% in Colombia to none in other countries. Organizational continuity appeared to be associated with network membership and discontinuity with diverging obstacles, including political pressures in some countries (e.g., Mexico), data scarcity in poorer ones (e.g., Bolivia), and a lack of sustained interest in relatively richer ones (e.g., Chile). Recent increases in socio-economic inequalities are strengthening the potential of community indicators. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art and Future Perspectives in Smart and Sustainable Urban Development)
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22 pages, 756 KiB  
Article
Nature-Based Solutions and Sustainable Urban Planning in the European Environmental Policy Framework: Analysis of the State of the Art and Recommendations for Future Development
by Claudia de Luca, Sandra Naumann, McKenna Davis and Simona Tondelli
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5021; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095021 - 29 Apr 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5795
Abstract
Sustainable urban planning (SUP) is crucial in the development of sustainable cities, as also underlined by the New Urban Agenda. Nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly being recognized for their potential to offer multiple benefits that are necessary in order to cope with present [...] Read more.
Sustainable urban planning (SUP) is crucial in the development of sustainable cities, as also underlined by the New Urban Agenda. Nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly being recognized for their potential to offer multiple benefits that are necessary in order to cope with present and future urban challenges. The European policy framework, including the recently released European Green Deal, could strongly boost the role and recognition of NBS and SUP as drivers of sustainable and inclusive urban transition. Through a content analysis of current environmental European policies, strategies and agreements, this paper provides (i) an overview of the state of the art of the environmental European policy framework and the recognized role of NBS and SUP in reaching defined objectives, and (ii) insights on where NBS and SUP could play a larger role within this framework. On this basis, the paper identifies gaps and develops recommendations for a better integration of such concepts into the current framework. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards a Sustainable Urban Planning for the Green Deal Era)
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13 pages, 4494 KiB  
Article
Environmental Sustainability of Building Retrofit through Vertical Greening Systems: A Life-Cycle Approach
by Katia Perini, Fabio Magrassi, Andrea Giachetta, Luca Moreschi, Michela Gallo and Adriana Del Borghi
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 4886; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13094886 - 27 Apr 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4837
Abstract
Urban greening provides a wide range of ecosystem services to address the main challenges of urban areas, e.g., carbon sequestration, evapotranspiration and shade, thermal insulation, and pollution control. This study evaluates the environmental sustainability of a vertical greening system (VGS) built in 2014 [...] Read more.
Urban greening provides a wide range of ecosystem services to address the main challenges of urban areas, e.g., carbon sequestration, evapotranspiration and shade, thermal insulation, and pollution control. This study evaluates the environmental sustainability of a vertical greening system (VGS) built in 2014 in Italy, for which extensive monitoring activities were implemented. The life-cycle assessment methodology was applied to quantify the water–energy–climate nexus of the VGS for 1 m2 of the building’s wall surface. Six different scenarios were modelled according to three different end-of-life scenarios and two different useful lifetime scenarios (10 and 25 years). The environmental impact of global-warming potential and generated energy consumption during the use phase in the VGS scenarios were reduced by 56% in relation to the baseline scenario (wall without VGS), and showed improved environmental performance throughout the complete life cycle. However, the water-scarcity index (WSI) of the VGS scenarios increased by 42%. This study confirms that the installation of VGSs offers a relevant environmental benefit in terms of greenhouse-gas emissions and energy consumption; however, increased water consumption in the use phase may limit the large-scale application of VGSs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation and Mitigation through Sustainable Energy Solutions)
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18 pages, 726 KiB  
Article
Local and Application-Specific Geodemographics for Data-Led Urban Decision Making
by Amanda Otley, Michelle Morris, Andy Newing and Mark Birkin
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 4873; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13094873 - 26 Apr 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2818
Abstract
This work seeks to introduce improvements to the traditional variable selection procedures employed in the development of geodemographic classifications. It presents a proposal for shifting from a traditional approach for generating general-purpose one-size-fits-all geodemographic classifications to application-specific classifications. This proposal addresses the recent [...] Read more.
This work seeks to introduce improvements to the traditional variable selection procedures employed in the development of geodemographic classifications. It presents a proposal for shifting from a traditional approach for generating general-purpose one-size-fits-all geodemographic classifications to application-specific classifications. This proposal addresses the recent scepticism towards the utility of general-purpose applications by employing supervised machine learning techniques in order to identify contextually relevant input variables from which to develop geodemographic classifications with increased discriminatory power. A framework introducing such techniques in the variable selection phase of geodemographic classification development is presented via a practical use-case that is focused on generating a geodemographic classification with an increased capacity for discriminating the propensity for Library use in the UK city of Leeds. Two local classifications are generated for the city, one a general-purpose classification, and the other, an application-specific classification incorporating supervised Feature Selection methods in the selection of input variables. The discriminatory power of each classification is evaluated and compared, with the result successfully demonstrating the capacity for the application-specific approach to generate a more contextually relevant result, and thus underpins increasingly targeted public policy decision making, particularly in the context of urban planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Modelling Tools to Support Urban and Regional Planning)
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25 pages, 392 KiB  
Article
Cycling in the Era of COVID-19: Lessons Learnt and Best Practice Policy Recommendations for a More Bike-Centric Future
by Alexandros Nikitas, Stefanos Tsigdinos, Christos Karolemeas, Efthymia Kourmpa and Efthimios Bakogiannis
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 4620; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13094620 - 21 Apr 2021
Cited by 144 | Viewed by 26798
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our cities in monumental ways with no sector likely being more severely impacted than transport. Lockdowns, physical spacing, transport restrictions and stay-at-home guidelines have transformed personal mobility and highlighted the mistakes of an unbalanced pro-car culture that defined [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our cities in monumental ways with no sector likely being more severely impacted than transport. Lockdowns, physical spacing, transport restrictions and stay-at-home guidelines have transformed personal mobility and highlighted the mistakes of an unbalanced pro-car culture that defined a century of urban planning. One immediate effect of the virus in relation to travel demand and supply was the emergence of active travel modes because of their unique ability to provide a socially distanced way of transport. Cycling is one of the modes that has enjoyed significant attention. Numerous cities have reallocated street and public space to cyclists and introduced pro-bike interventions like pop-up cycle lanes, e-bike subsidies, free bike-share use and traffic calming measures. This newly found outbreak-induced momentum creates an opportunity to establish a new ethos that allows the promotion of potentially permanent strategies that may help cycling to be (re-)established as a robust, mainstream and resilient travel mode for inner city trips and not as a second-class alternative operating under the automobile’s giant shadow. This paper provides a state-of-the-art description of the anti-COVID cycling-friendly initiatives that have been introduced globally, the successes and failures of these initiatives, the lessons learnt that can help us redefine the bicycle’s role in local societies today and a best cycling practice policy guide for planning a more bike-centric future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Bicycling Today: Establishing and Learning from the State of the Art)
17 pages, 5046 KiB  
Article
Particulate Matter Short-Term Exposition, Mobility Trips and COVID-19 Diffusion: A Correlation Analyses for the Italian Case Study at Urban Scale
by Armando Cartenì, Furio Cascetta, Luigi Di Francesco and Felisia Palermo
Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4553; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084553 - 20 Apr 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3597
Abstract
The conjecture discussed in this paper was that the daily number of certified cases of COVID-19 is direct correlated to the average particular matter (PM) concentrations observed several days before when the contagions occurred (short-term effect), and this correlation is higher for areas [...] Read more.
The conjecture discussed in this paper was that the daily number of certified cases of COVID-19 is direct correlated to the average particular matter (PM) concentrations observed several days before when the contagions occurred (short-term effect), and this correlation is higher for areas with a higher average seasonal PM concentration, as a measure of prolonged exposure to a polluted environment (long-term effect). Furthermore, the correlations between the daily COVID-19 new cases and the mobility trips and those between the daily PM concentrations and mobility trips were also investigated. Correlation analyses were performed for the application case study consisting in 13 of the main Italian cities, through the national air quality and mobility monitoring systems. Data analyses showed that the mobility restrictions performed during the lockdown produced a significant improvement in air quality with an average PM concentrations reduction of about 15%, with maximum variations ranging between 25% and 42%. Estimation results showed a positive correlation (stronger for the more highly polluted cities) between the daily COVID-19 cases and both the daily PM concentrations and mobility trips measured about three weeks before, when probably the contagion occurred. The obtained results are original, and if confirmed in other studies, it would lay the groundwork for the definition of the main context variables which influenced the COVID-19 spread. The findings highlighted in this research also supported by the evidence in the literature and allow concluding that PM concentrations and mobility habits could be considered as potential early indicators of COVID-19 circulation in outdoor environments. However, the obtained results pose significant ethical questions about the proper urban and transportation planning; the most polluted cities have not only worst welfare for their citizens but, as highlighted in this research, could lead to a likely greater spread of current and future respiratory and/or pulmonary health emergencies. The lesson to be learned by this global pandemic will help planners to better preserve the air quality of our cities in the post-COVID-19 era. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transportation Planning, Mobility Habits and Sustainable Development in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic)
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21 pages, 4443 KiB  
Article
How the SP System May Promote Sustainability in Energy Consumption in IT Systems
by J. Gerard Wolff
Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4565; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084565 - 20 Apr 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2063
Abstract
The SP System (SPS), referring to the SP Theory of Intelligence and its realisation as the SP Computer Model, has the potential to reduce demands for energy from IT, especially in AI applications and in the processing of big data, in addition [...] Read more.
The SP System (SPS), referring to the SP Theory of Intelligence and its realisation as the SP Computer Model, has the potential to reduce demands for energy from IT, especially in AI applications and in the processing of big data, in addition to reductions in CO2 emissions when the energy comes from the burning of fossil fuels. The biological foundations of the SPS suggest that with further development, the SPS may approach the extraordinarily low (20 W)energy demands of the human brain. Some of these savings may arise in the SPS because, like people, the SPS may learn usable knowledge from a single exposure or experience. As a comparison, deep neural networks (DNNs) need many repetitions, with much consumption of energy, for the learning of one concept. Another potential saving with the SPS is that like people, it can incorporate old learning in new. This contrasts with DNNs where new learning wipes out old learning (‘catastrophic forgetting’). Other ways in which the mature SPS is likely to prove relatively parsimonious in its demands for energy arise from the central role of information compression (IC) in the organisation and workings of the system: by making data smaller, there is less to process; because the efficiency of searching for matches between patterns can be improved by exploiting probabilities that arise from the intimate connection between IC and probabilities; and because, with SPS-derived ’Model-Based Codings’ of data, there can be substantial reductions in the demand for energy in transmitting data from one place to another. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Smart Energy for a Sustainable Future. Experiences in Photovoltaic System Monitoring)
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13 pages, 11638 KiB  
Article
A Comparison of Different Approaches for Assessing Energy Outputs of Combined Heat and Power Geothermal Plants
by Daniele Fiaschi, Giampaolo Manfrida, Barbara Mendecka, Lorenzo Tosti and Maria Laura Parisi
Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4527; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084527 - 19 Apr 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2835
Abstract
In this paper, we assess using two alternative allocation schemes, namely exergy and primary energy saving (PES) to compare products generated in different combined heat and power (CHP) geothermal systems. In particular, the adequacy and feasibility of the schemes recommended for allocation are [...] Read more.
In this paper, we assess using two alternative allocation schemes, namely exergy and primary energy saving (PES) to compare products generated in different combined heat and power (CHP) geothermal systems. In particular, the adequacy and feasibility of the schemes recommended for allocation are demonstrated by their application to three relevant and significantly different case studies of geothermal CHPs, i.e., (1) Chiusdino in Italy, (2) Altheim in Austria, and (3) Hellisheidi in Iceland. The results showed that, given the generally low temperature level of the cogenerated heat (80–100 °C, usually exploited in district heating), the use of exergy allocation largely marginalizes the importance of the heat byproduct, thus, becoming almost equivalent to electricity for the Chiusdino and Hellisheidi power plants. Therefore, the PES scheme is found to be the more appropriate allocation scheme. Additionally, the exergy scheme is mandatory for allocating power plants’ environmental impacts at a component level in CHP systems. The main drawback of the PES scheme is its country dependency due to the different fuels used, but reasonable and representative values can be achieved based on average EU heat and power generation efficiencies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Geothermal Energy)
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25 pages, 351 KiB  
Article
Public Norms in Practices of Transitional Planning—The Case of Energy Transition in The Netherlands
by Willem Salet
Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4454; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084454 - 16 Apr 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3547
Abstract
The fallibility of intervening in complex realities is widely recognized in planning theory. The prevailing planning approaches of the last two decades may be summarized as attempts to make planning more responsive, corrective, and resilient, and also more sociocratic vis à vis the [...] Read more.
The fallibility of intervening in complex realities is widely recognized in planning theory. The prevailing planning approaches of the last two decades may be summarized as attempts to make planning more responsive, corrective, and resilient, and also more sociocratic vis à vis the traditional government-centric rationalization of planning. These adaptations make sense, yet keep planning within the pragmatic scope of purposive aspirations and pragmatic problem solving. The pivotal statement of the article is that purposive systems run down in complex societies when not adequately sustained by institutionalizing sets of public norms. Public norms fulfil a different function than goal orientation. They provide a normative compass in times of uncertainty and set conditions to social interaction rather than organizing the performance of objectives or solving problems. The article aims to highlight the interrelationships of public norms and pragmatic strategies of planning. Empirically, the article addresses the major turning points of Dutch climate policy concerning the transitions of the electricity market, the major municipal–entrepreneurial initiatives of city-heating, and the decentralization of climate policies. The method of analysis is based on policy analysis of legislation, policy documents, and published contributions to public debates. The results of the analysis highlight the differences between the high policy aspirations and the outcomes. The results give evidence of the wicked problems in the complex energy transition. The discussion questions the mischievousness of ‘good’ planning intentions in complex social figurations, and critically examines the institutionalization of the material norms and the norms of politico-ordinance. The conclusions suggest that the social normalization of public norms in Dutch climate policies is not yet adequately materialized to effectively cope with wicked problems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural, Legal and Political Dimensions of Public Norms in Sustainable Metropolitan Spaces)
16 pages, 5248 KiB  
Article
Flood Hazard Assessment Mapping in Burned and Urban Areas
by Hariklia D. Skilodimou, George D. Bathrellos and Dimitrios E. Alexakis
Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4455; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084455 - 16 Apr 2021
Cited by 54 | Viewed by 5665
Abstract
This study proposes a simple method to produce a flood hazard assessment map in burned and urban areas, where primary data are scarce. The study area is a municipal unit of Nea Makri, a coastal part of the eastern Attica peninsula (central Greece), [...] Read more.
This study proposes a simple method to produce a flood hazard assessment map in burned and urban areas, where primary data are scarce. The study area is a municipal unit of Nea Makri, a coastal part of the eastern Attica peninsula (central Greece), which has been strongly urbanized and suffered damage from urban fires in 2018. Six factors were considered as the parameters most controlling runoff when it overdraws the drainage system’s capacity. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method and a geographical information system (GIS) were utilized to create the flood hazard assessment map. The outcome revealed that the areas with highest flood hazard are distributed in the eastern and southern parts of the study area, as a result of the combination of lowlands with gentle slopes, torrential behavior of the streams, streams covered by construction, increasing urbanization and burned areas. The uncertainty and the verification analyses demonstrate a robust behavior for the model predictions, as well as reliability and accuracy of the map. Comparing the existing urban fabric and road network to the potential flood hazard areas showed that 80% of the urban areas and 50% of the road network were situated within areas prone to flood. The method may be applied to land use planning projects, flood hazard mitigation and post-fire management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural and Technological Hazards in Urban Areas: Assessment, Planning and Solutions)
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17 pages, 1694 KiB  
Article
Adaptive Volt-Var Control Algorithm to Grid Strength and PV Inverter Characteristics
by Toni Cantero Gubert, Alba Colet, Lluc Canals Casals, Cristina Corchero, José Luís Domínguez-García, Amelia Alvarez de Sotomayor, William Martin, Yves Stauffer and Pierre-Jean Alet
Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4459; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084459 - 16 Apr 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3576
Abstract
The high-penetration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) in low voltage distribution grids, mainly photovoltaics (PV), might lead to overvoltage in the point of common coupling, thus, limiting the entrance of renewable sources to fulfill the requirements from the network operator. Volt-var is a [...] Read more.
The high-penetration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) in low voltage distribution grids, mainly photovoltaics (PV), might lead to overvoltage in the point of common coupling, thus, limiting the entrance of renewable sources to fulfill the requirements from the network operator. Volt-var is a common control function for DER power converters that is used to enhance the stability and reliability of the voltage in the distribution system. In this study, a centralized algorithm provides local volt-var control parameters to each PV inverter, which are based on the electrical grid characteristics. Because accurate information of grid characteristics is typically not available, the parametrization of the electrical grid is done using a local power meter data and a voltage sensitivity matrix. The algorithm has different optimization modes that take into account the minimization of voltage deviation and line current. To validate the effectiveness of the algorithm and its deployment in a real infrastructure, the solution has been tested in an experimental setup with PV emulators under laboratory conditions. The volt-var control algorithm successfully adapted its parameters based on grid topology and PV inverter characteristics, achieving a voltage reduction of up to 25% of the allowed voltage deviation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integration and Control of Renewable Energy and Power Electronics for Future Power Systems)
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21 pages, 6623 KiB  
Article
An Approach to the Operation Modes and Strategies for Integrated Hybrid Parabolic Trough and Photovoltaic Solar Systems
by José A. López-Álvarez, Miguel Larrañeta, Elena Pérez-Aparicio, Manuel A. Silva-Pérez and Isidoro Lillo-Bravo
Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4402; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084402 - 15 Apr 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2553
Abstract
Concentrated solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) solar systems can be hybridized, creating synergies: on one hand procuring dispatchability by storing thermal energy, and on the other hand generating electricity at a highly competitive prize. In this paper, we present an approach to [...] Read more.
Concentrated solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) solar systems can be hybridized, creating synergies: on one hand procuring dispatchability by storing thermal energy, and on the other hand generating electricity at a highly competitive prize. In this paper, we present an approach to the operation strategies and modes for integrated hybrid CSP + PV systems. We focus on parabolic trough (PT) solar plants, especially those operating in the south of Spain. Our study consists in the definition of suitable states for each of the subsystems that constitute a hybrid solar plant. We then propose modes from the combination of suitable states and establish the conditions for the transition between modes depending on the operation strategy. We propose two operation strategies: demand coverage and base load production. The results of this paper can be used in decision making for hybrid solar system simulation programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solar Power System and Sustainability)
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25 pages, 1519 KiB  
Article
Improving Energy Efficiency in Buildings Using an Interactive Mathematical Programming Approach
by Christina Diakaki and Evangelos Grigoroudis
Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4436; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084436 - 15 Apr 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2077
Abstract
Improving energy efficiency in buildings is a major priority and challenge worldwide. The employed measures vary in nature, and the decision analyst, who is typically the architect, the engineer, or the building expert that has undertaken the task to suggest energy efficient solutions, [...] Read more.
Improving energy efficiency in buildings is a major priority and challenge worldwide. The employed measures vary in nature, and the decision analyst, who is typically the architect, the engineer, or the building expert that has undertaken the task to suggest energy efficient solutions, faces a complex decision problem comprising numerous decision variables and multiple, usually competitive objectives. The solution of such multi-objective problems typically involves some sort of objectives aggregation, which reflects the preferences of the involved final decision maker that is the building’s user, occupant, and/or owner. The preferences elicitation, however, is a difficult task, and this paper aims to provide an interactive framework that will allow their consideration in a relatively easy manner. More specifically, a mathematical programming approach is proposed herein, which allows the elicitation and incorporation of the decision maker’s preferences in the decision model via the assessment of his/her utility function with the assistance of the multicriteria decision aid method UTASTAR. To study the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed approach, the case of a simple building is examined as an application example. The study results suggest that the proposed approach is capable of helping the decision analyst to suggest energy measures that satisfy, as much as possible, the decision maker’s preferences, without having to precisely prescribe them beforehand. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Transition and Climate Change in Decision-making Processes)
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22 pages, 2527 KiB  
Article
Aerodynamic Characteristics of Airfoil and Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Employed with Gurney Flaps
by Yosra Chakroun and Galih Bangga
Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4284; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084284 - 12 Apr 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4415
Abstract
In the present studies, the effects of Gurney flaps on aerodynamic characteristics of a static airfoil and a rotating vertical axis wind turbine are investigated by means of numerical approaches. First, mesh and time step studies are conducted and the results are validated [...] Read more.
In the present studies, the effects of Gurney flaps on aerodynamic characteristics of a static airfoil and a rotating vertical axis wind turbine are investigated by means of numerical approaches. First, mesh and time step studies are conducted and the results are validated with experimental data in good agreement. The numerical solutions demonstrate that the usage of Gurney flap increases the airfoil lift coefficient CL with a slight increase in drag coefficient CD. Furthermore, mounting a Gurney flap at the trailing edge of the blade increases the power production of the turbine considerably. Increasing the Gurney flap height further increases the power production. The best performance found is obtained for the maximum height used in this study at 6% relative to the chord. This is in contrast to the static airfoil case, which shows no further improvement for a flap height greater than 0.5%c. Increasing the angle of the flap decreases the power production of the turbine slightly but the load fluctuations could be reduced for the small value of the flap height. The present paper demonstrates that the Gurney flap height for high solidity turbines is allowed to be larger than the classical limit of around 2% for lower solidity turbines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Consistent Computational Approaches for Wind Energy Applications)
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16 pages, 2449 KiB  
Article
Energy Transition toward Cleaner Energy Resources in Nepal
by Tika Ram Pokharel and Hom Bahadur Rijal
Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4243; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084243 - 11 Apr 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 9407
Abstract
Energy is an important input for socioeconomic development and human well-being. The rationality of energy transitions toward cleaner energy resources is not only to improve individual living conditions, but also to enhance the economic growth of a nation. Nepal is considered to be [...] Read more.
Energy is an important input for socioeconomic development and human well-being. The rationality of energy transitions toward cleaner energy resources is not only to improve individual living conditions, but also to enhance the economic growth of a nation. Nepal is considered to be one of the countries with a low per-capita electricity use, heavily relying on traditional energy resources such as firewood and agricultural residues. The country is rich in hydropower resources. However, various economic and socioeconomic constraints have left the significant potential for hydroelectricity untapped. This study describes the energy transition patterns in Nepal based on a literature review and field survey of household energy use in the winter. We collected data from 516 households in the Solukhumbu, Panchthar, and Jhapa districts of Nepal. The rate of per-capita electricity consumption was 330 kWh/capita/year, which is significantly lower than that of other contemporary global societies such as India 1000 and China 4900 kWh/capita/year. The increasing trend in hydroelectricity production has optimistically transformed the energy sector toward cleaner resources; this correlates with the GDP per capita. Solar home systems, mini- and micro-hydropower plants, biogas technology, and improved cook stoves have been widely used, which has lowered the health and environmental burdens in rural areas. By analysing the survey data, we found that 25% of the households only relied on traditional cooking fuel, while 67% and 8% of the households relied on mixed and commercial cooking fuels, respectively. Moreover, 77% and 48% of traditional and mixed-fuel-using households were unhappy with current cooking fuels while 40% and 66% of these households preferred to use clean cooking fuels. The share of traditional energy resources decreased from 78% to 68%, while that of commercial energy resources increased from 20% to 28% from 2014/15 to 2019/20. This study suggests that future energy policies and programs should acknowledge the reality of energy transition to achieve sustainability by establishing reliable and clean sources of energy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Integration of Renewable Power Generation Systems)
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38 pages, 651 KiB  
Article
Economizing the Uneconomic: Markets for Reliable, Sustainable, and Price Efficient Electricity
by Mohammad Rasouli and Demosthenis Teneketzis
Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4197; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084197 - 9 Apr 2021
Viewed by 2446
Abstract
Current electricity markets do not efficiently achieve policy targets i.e., sustainability, reliability, and price efficiency. Thus, there are debates on how to achieve these targets by using either market mechanisms e.g., carbon and capacity markets, or non-market mechanisms such as offer-caps, price-caps, and [...] Read more.
Current electricity markets do not efficiently achieve policy targets i.e., sustainability, reliability, and price efficiency. Thus, there are debates on how to achieve these targets by using either market mechanisms e.g., carbon and capacity markets, or non-market mechanisms such as offer-caps, price-caps, and market-monitoring. At the same time, major industry changes including demand response management technologies and large scale batteries bring more elasticity to demand; such changes will impact the methodology needed to achieve the above mentioned targets. This work provides market solutions that capture all three policy targets simultaneously and take into account the above-mentioned industry changes. The proposed solutions are based on: (i) a model of electricity markets that captures all the above mentioned electricity policy targets; (ii) mechanism design and the development of a framework for design of efficient auctions with constraints (individual, joint homogeneous, and joint non-homogeneous). The results show that, within the context of the proposed model, all policy targets can be achieved efficiently by separate capacity and carbon markets in addition to efficient spot markets. The results also highlight that all three policy targets can be achieved without any offer-cap, price-cap, or market monitoring. Thus, within the context of the proposed model, they provide clear answers to the above-mentioned policy debates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development)
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24 pages, 47457 KiB  
Article
Human Dimensions of Urban Blue and Green Infrastructure during a Pandemic. Case Study of Moscow (Russia) and Perth (Australia)
by Diana Dushkova, Maria Ignatieva, Michael Hughes, Anastasia Konstantinova, Viacheslav Vasenev and Elvira Dovletyarova
Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4148; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084148 - 8 Apr 2021
Cited by 57 | Viewed by 9079
Abstract
Significant challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that features of a modern, sustainable and resilient city should not only relate to fulfilling economic and social urban strategies, but also to functional urban design, in particular, related to urban blue and green infrastructure (BGI). [...] Read more.
Significant challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that features of a modern, sustainable and resilient city should not only relate to fulfilling economic and social urban strategies, but also to functional urban design, in particular, related to urban blue and green infrastructure (BGI). Using results from a web-based questionnaire survey conducted May–July 2020 in Moscow (Russia) and Perth (Australia), this paper provides insights regarding citizens’ needs for and values of urban BGI as well as their changes during and after the COVID-19 restrictions. Survey data collected during the lockdown period have captured information about people’s ability to access green and blue spaces within urban BGI, inequalities in access, feelings, and values as well as needs and perceived pathways of future development of urban natural environment. In both cities, lockdowns limited access of people to green spaces which affected their mental and physical health. Survey results revealed that the quality, functionality, and location of open green spaces illustrated a disparity in distribution, meaning that in many cases several communities from particular neighborhoods suffered from limited access to BGI. Furthermore, in addition to analyzing perceptions and values of urban nature during the COVID-19 pandemic, some suggestions for improvement of urban BGI based on the survey responses are provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)
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17 pages, 2675 KiB  
Article
Cogeneration Supporting the Energy Transition in the Italian Ceramic Tile Industry
by Lisa Branchini, Maria Chiara Bignozzi, Benedetta Ferrari, Barbara Mazzanti, Saverio Ottaviano, Marcello Salvio, Claudia Toro, Fabrizio Martini and Andrea Canetti
Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 4006; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13074006 - 3 Apr 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4973
Abstract
Ceramic tile production is an industrial process where energy efficiency management is crucial, given the high amount of energy (electrical and thermal) required by the production cycle. This study presents the preliminary results of a research project aimed at defining the benefits of [...] Read more.
Ceramic tile production is an industrial process where energy efficiency management is crucial, given the high amount of energy (electrical and thermal) required by the production cycle. This study presents the preliminary results of a research project aimed at defining the benefits of using combined heat and power (CHP) systems in the ceramic sector. Data collected from ten CHP installations allowed us to outline the average characteristics of prime movers, and to quantify the contribution of CHP thermal energy supporting the dryer process. The electric size of the installed CHP units resulted in being between 3.4 MW and 4.9 MW, with an average value of 4 MW. Data revealed that when the goal is to maximize the generation of electricity for self-consumption, internal combustion engines are the preferred choice due to higher conversion efficiency. In contrast, gas turbines allowed us to minimize the consumption of natural gas input to the spray dryer. Indeed, the fraction of the dryer thermal demand (between 600–950 kcal/kgH2O), covered by CHP discharged heat, is strictly dependent on the type of prime mover installed: lower values, in the range of 30–45%, are characteristic of combustion engines, whereas the use of gas turbines can contribute up to 77% of the process’s total consumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industrial Energy Management and Sustainability)
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22 pages, 9567 KiB  
Article
The Importance of Stud Flanges Size and Shape on the Thermal Performance of Lightweight Steel Framed Walls
by Paulo Santos and Keerthan Poologanathan
Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3970; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073970 - 2 Apr 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3633
Abstract
Energy production still relies considerably on fossil fuels, and the building sector is a major player in the energy consumption market, mainly for space heating and cooling. Thermal bridges (TBs) in buildings are very relevant for the energy efficiency of buildings and may [...] Read more.
Energy production still relies considerably on fossil fuels, and the building sector is a major player in the energy consumption market, mainly for space heating and cooling. Thermal bridges (TBs) in buildings are very relevant for the energy efficiency of buildings and may have an impact on heating energy needs of up to 30%. Given the high thermal conductivity of steel, the relevance of TBs in lightweight steel framed (LSF) components could be even greater. No research was found in the literature for evaluating how important the size and shape of steel studs are on the thermal performance of LSF building elements, which is the main objective of this work. This assessment is performed for the internal partitions and exterior façade of load-bearing LSF walls. The accuracy of the numerical model used in the simulations was verified and validated by comparison experimental measurements. Three reference steel studs were considered, six stud flange lengths and four steel thicknesses were evaluated, and five flange indentation sizes and four indent filling materials were assessed, corresponding to a total of 246 modelled LSF walls. It was concluded that the R-value decreases when the flange length and the steel studs’ thickness increases, being that these variations are more significant for bigger flange sizes and for thicker steel studs. Additionally, it was found that a small indentation size (2.5 or 5 mm) is enough to provide a significant R-value increase and that it is preferable not to use any flange indentation filling material rather than using a poor performance one (recycled rubber). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Behavior and Energy Efficiency of Buildings)
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22 pages, 10136 KiB  
Article
Aiming Strategy on a Prototype-Scale Solar Receiver: Coupling of Tabu Search, Ray-Tracing and Thermal Models
by Benjamin Grange and Gilles Flamant
Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3920; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073920 - 1 Apr 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2484
Abstract
An aiming point strategy applied to a prototype-scale power tower is analyzed in this paper to define the operation conditions and to preserve the lifetime of the solar receiver developed in the framework of the Next-commercial solar power (CSP) H2020 project. This innovative [...] Read more.
An aiming point strategy applied to a prototype-scale power tower is analyzed in this paper to define the operation conditions and to preserve the lifetime of the solar receiver developed in the framework of the Next-commercial solar power (CSP) H2020 project. This innovative solar receiver involves the fluidized particle-in-tube concept. The aiming solution is compared to the case without the aiming strategy. Due to the complex tubular geometry of the receiver, results of the Tabu search for the aiming point strategy are combined with a ray-tracing software, and these results are then coupled with a simplified thermal model of the receiver to evaluate its performance. Daily and hourly aiming strategies are compared, and different objective normalized flux distributions are applied to quantify their influence on the receiver wall temperature distribution, thermal efficiency and particle outlet temperature. A gradual increase in the solar incident power on the receiver is analyzed in order to keep a uniform outlet particle temperature during the start-up. Results show that a tradeoff must be respected between wall temperature and particle outlet temperature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Solar Thermal Energy)
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24 pages, 3007 KiB  
Article
Improvement of Self-Starting Capabilities of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines with New Design of Turbine Blades
by Samuel Mitchell, Iheanyichukwu Ogbonna and Konstantin Volkov
Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3854; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073854 - 31 Mar 2021
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4445
Abstract
A lift-driven vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) generates peak power when it is rotating at high tip-speed ratios (TSR), at which time the blades encounter angles of attack (AOA) over a small range from zero to 30 degrees. However, its ability to self-start [...] Read more.
A lift-driven vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) generates peak power when it is rotating at high tip-speed ratios (TSR), at which time the blades encounter angles of attack (AOA) over a small range from zero to 30 degrees. However, its ability to self-start is dependent upon its performance at low TSRs, at which time the blades encounter a range of AOAs from zero to 180 degrees. A novel vented aerofoil is presented with the intention of improving the performance of a lift-driven VAWT at low TSRs without hampering the performance of the wind turbine at high TSRs. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation is used to predict the aerodynamic characteristics of a new vented aerofoil based on the well documented NACA0012 profile. Simulations are performed using the SST turbulence model. The results obtained show a reduction in the coefficient of tangential force (the force that generates torque on the wind turbine) at low AOAs (less than 90 degrees) of no more than 30%, while at high AOAs (more than 90 degrees) an improvement in the tangential force of over 100% is observed. Using a simple momentum based performance prediction model, these results suggest that this would lead to an increase in torque generation by a theoretical three-bladed VAWT of up to 20% at low TSRs and a minor reduction in coefficient of performance of up to 9% at TSR of 2 and closer to 1% at higher TSRs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Optimization of Renewable Energy Systems)
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34 pages, 2186 KiB  
Review
Survey on e-Powered Micro Personal Mobility Vehicles: Exploring Current Issues towards Future Developments
by Stefania Boglietti, Benedetto Barabino and Giulio Maternini
Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3692; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073692 - 26 Mar 2021
Cited by 87 | Viewed by 9141
Abstract
Nowadays, the diffusion of electric-powered micro Personal Mobility Vehicles (e-PMVs) worldwide—i.e., e-bikes, e-scooters, and self-balancing vehicles—has disrupted the urban transport sector. Furthermore, this topic has captured many scholars and practitioners’ interest due to multiple issues related to their use. Over the past five [...] Read more.
Nowadays, the diffusion of electric-powered micro Personal Mobility Vehicles (e-PMVs) worldwide—i.e., e-bikes, e-scooters, and self-balancing vehicles—has disrupted the urban transport sector. Furthermore, this topic has captured many scholars and practitioners’ interest due to multiple issues related to their use. Over the past five years, there has been strong growth in the publication of e-PMV studies. This paper reviews the existing literature by identifying several issues on the impact that e-PMVs produce from different perspectives. More precisely, by using the PRIMA’s methodological approach and well-known scientific repositories (i.e., Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar), 90 studies between 2014 and 2020 were retrieved and analyzed. An overview and classification into endogenous issues (e.g., impact on transport and urban planning) and exogenous issues (e.g., impact on safety and the environment) are provided. While several issues are deeply investigated, the findings suggest that some others need many improvements. Therefore, the status quo of these studies is being assessed to support possible future developments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Service Quality in Public Transport Systems and Personal Mobility Vehicles)
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30 pages, 15746 KiB  
Article
Applying PCA to Deep Learning Forecasting Models for Predicting PM2.5
by Sang Won Choi and Brian H. S. Kim
Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3726; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073726 - 26 Mar 2021
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 5837
Abstract
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is one of the main air pollution problems that occur in major cities around the world. A country’s PM2.5 can be affected not only by country factors but also by the neighboring country’s air quality factors. [...] Read more.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is one of the main air pollution problems that occur in major cities around the world. A country’s PM2.5 can be affected not only by country factors but also by the neighboring country’s air quality factors. Therefore, forecasting PM2.5 requires collecting data from outside the country as well as from within which is necessary for policies and plans. The data set of many variables with a relatively small number of observations can cause a dimensionality problem and limit the performance of the deep learning model. This study used daily data for five years in predicting PM2.5 concentrations in eight Korean cities through deep learning models. PM2.5 data of China were collected and used as input variables to solve the dimensionality problem using principal components analysis (PCA). The deep learning models used were a recurrent neural network (RNN), long short-term memory (LSTM), and bidirectional LSTM (BiLSTM). The performance of the models with and without PCA was compared using root-mean-square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE). As a result, the application of PCA in LSTM and BiLSTM, excluding the RNN, showed better performance: decreases of up to 16.6% and 33.3% in RMSE and MAE values. The results indicated that applying PCA in deep learning time series prediction can contribute to practical performance improvements, even with a small number of observations. It also provides a more accurate basis for the establishment of PM2.5 reduction policy in the country. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)
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18 pages, 1204 KiB  
Review
Mobility as a Service and Public Transport: A Rapid Literature Review and the Case of Moovit
by Georgina Santos and Nikolay Nikolaev
Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3666; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073666 - 25 Mar 2021
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 8987
Abstract
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is often proposed as a tool for achieving sustainable mobility and, in particular, increasing the share of public transport trips in cities. In this paper we conduct a rapid review of the literature on MaaS and, using Moovit [...] Read more.
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is often proposed as a tool for achieving sustainable mobility and, in particular, increasing the share of public transport trips in cities. In this paper we conduct a rapid review of the literature on MaaS and, using Moovit as a case study, we explore the association between the popularity of searches in Google using the term “Moovit” and the share of workers that commute by public transport. The exercise focuses on metropolitan areas in the United States over the period 2010 to 2019. We find a positive correlation, and we speculate that metropolitan areas with pre-existing higher shares of workers commuting by public transport tend to be metropolitan areas where use of Moovit is more likely. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Sustainability in Urban Transportation Planning)
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20 pages, 40809 KiB  
Article
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) Plant in Tower Configuration with and without Thermal Energy Storage (TES)
by Gemma Gasa, Anton Lopez-Roman, Cristina Prieto and Luisa F. Cabeza
Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3672; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073672 - 25 Mar 2021
Cited by 44 | Viewed by 10747
Abstract
Despite the big deployment of concentrating solar power (CSP) plants, their environmental evaluation is still a pending issue. In this paper, a detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) of a CSP tower plant with molten salts storage in a baseload configuration is carried out [...] Read more.
Despite the big deployment of concentrating solar power (CSP) plants, their environmental evaluation is still a pending issue. In this paper, a detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) of a CSP tower plant with molten salts storage in a baseload configuration is carried out and compared with a reference CSP plant without storage. Results show that the plant with storage has a lower environmental impact due to the lower operational impact. The dependence on grid electricity in a CSP tower plant without storage increases its operation stage impact. The impact of the manufacturing and disposal stage is similar in both plants. When analyzed in detail, the solar field system and the thermal energy storage (TES) and heat transfer fluid (HTF) systems are the ones with higher impact. Within the storage system, the molten salts are those with higher impact. Therefore, in this study the impact of the origin of the salts is evaluated, showing that when the salts come from mines their impact is lower than when they are synthetized. Results show that storage is a key element for CSP plants not only to ensure dispatchability but also to reduce their environmental impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Renewable Energy Technologies for Distributed Generation)
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21 pages, 451 KiB  
Review
Vertically Integrated Supply Chain of Batteries, Electric Vehicles, and Charging Infrastructure: A Review of Three Milestone Projects from Theory of Constraints Perspective
by Michael Naor, Alex Coman and Anat Wiznizer
Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3632; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073632 - 24 Mar 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 40942
Abstract
This research utilizes case study methodology based on longitudinal interviews over a decade coupled with secondary data sources to juxtapose Tesla with two high-profile past mega-projects in the electric transportation industry, EV-1 and Better Place. The theory of constraints serves as a lens [...] Read more.
This research utilizes case study methodology based on longitudinal interviews over a decade coupled with secondary data sources to juxtapose Tesla with two high-profile past mega-projects in the electric transportation industry, EV-1 and Better Place. The theory of constraints serves as a lens to identify production and market bottlenecks for the dissemination of electric vehicles. The valuable lessons learned from EV1 failure and Better Place bankruptcy paved the way for Tesla’s operations strategy to build gigafactories which bears a resemblance to Ford T mass production last century. Specifically, EV1 relied on external suppliers to develop batteries, while Better Place was dependent on a single manufacturer to build cars uniquely compatible with its charging infrastructure, whereas Tesla established a closed-loop, green, vertically integrated supply chain consisting of batteries, electric cars and charging infrastructure to meet its customers evolving needs. The analysis unveils several limitations of the Tesla business model which can impede its worldwide expansion, such as utility grid overload and a shortage of raw material, which Tesla strives to address by innovating advanced batteries and further extending its vertically integrated supply chain to the mining industry. The study concludes by sketching fruitful possible avenues for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Business Transaction, Product Development or Service Design for Advancement of Sustainable Transportation in the 21st Century)
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20 pages, 700 KiB  
Article
Different Levels of Smart and Sustainable Cities Construction Using e-Participation Tools in European and Central Asian Countries
by Laura Alcaide Muñoz and Manuel Pedro Rodríguez Bolívar
Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3561; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063561 - 23 Mar 2021
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5409
Abstract
Cities are developing strategies to deal with the complex challenges of global change and sustainability. These initiatives have involved the implementation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as a good driver for achieving sustainability because digital transformation can boost sustainable development strategies, providing [...] Read more.
Cities are developing strategies to deal with the complex challenges of global change and sustainability. These initiatives have involved the implementation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as a good driver for achieving sustainability because digital transformation can boost sustainable development strategies, providing opportunities to accelerate transformation. Smart City (SC) models built on empowering people in making public decisions favor access to sustainable development solutions based on knowledge and innovation. Nonetheless, SC experiences around the world denote divergent conceptions of SCs which could lead to different SCs construction. It deserves a more thorough understanding of the nature of collaboration in different settings. Therefore, this paper contributes to the debate on the different uses of ICTs in SCs construction in developing vs. developed countries, by examining the use of ICTs for creating collaborative environments in a sample of SCs in different countries, depending on their economic level, and seeking to identify differences in the objectives pursued by city governments with the use of these technologies. To achieve this aim, e-participation platforms, apps or social media platforms (European and Central Asia SCs) are examined for identifying SCs construction differences between developed vs. developing countries. The findings of this paper put an emphasis on the need for taking into account the differences among SCs in developed vs. developing countries when raking or when performance measurement is designed, because the assessment should be tailored to the cities’ particular visions and priorities for achieving their objectives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Smart and Sustainable Cities: Emerging Technologies and Innovation for Digital-Era Governance and Long-Term Impacts)
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17 pages, 3424 KiB  
Article
Optimal Operation of a Hydrogen Storage and Fuel Cell Coupled Integrated Energy System
by Oscar Utomo, Muditha Abeysekera and Carlos E. Ugalde-Loo
Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3525; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063525 - 22 Mar 2021
Cited by 41 | Viewed by 5436
Abstract
Integrated energy systems have become an area of interest as with growing energy demand globally, means of producing sustainable energy from flexible sources is key to meet future energy demands while keeping carbon emissions low. Hydrogen is a potential solution for providing flexibility [...] Read more.
Integrated energy systems have become an area of interest as with growing energy demand globally, means of producing sustainable energy from flexible sources is key to meet future energy demands while keeping carbon emissions low. Hydrogen is a potential solution for providing flexibility in the future energy mix as it does not emit harmful gases when used as an energy source. In this paper, an integrated energy system including hydrogen as an energy vector and hydrogen storage is studied. The system is used to assess the behaviour of a hydrogen production and storage system under different renewable energy generation profiles. Two case studies are considered: a high renewable energy generation scenario and a low renewable energy generation scenario. These provide an understanding of how different levels of renewable penetration may affect the operation of an electrolyser and a fuel cell against an electricity import/export pricing regime. The mathematical model of the system under study is represented using the energy hub approach, with system optimisation through linear programming conducted via MATLAB to minimise the total operational cost. The work undertaken showcases the unique interactions the fuel cell has with the hydrogen storage system in terms of minimising grid electricity import and exporting stored hydrogen as electricity back to the grid when export prices are competitive. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Hydrogen Energy Systems: Electric Applications)
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16 pages, 1950 KiB  
Article
The Unsustainable Use of Sand: Reporting on a Global Problem
by Walter Leal Filho, Julian Hunt, Alexandros Lingos, Johannes Platje, Lara Werncke Vieira, Markus Will and Marius Dan Gavriletea
Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3356; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063356 - 18 Mar 2021
Cited by 80 | Viewed by 18877
Abstract
Sand is considered one of the most consumed natural resource, being essential to many industries, including building construction, electronics, plastics, and water filtration. This paper assesses the environmental impact of sand extraction and the problems associated with its illegal exploitation. The analysis indicates [...] Read more.
Sand is considered one of the most consumed natural resource, being essential to many industries, including building construction, electronics, plastics, and water filtration. This paper assesses the environmental impact of sand extraction and the problems associated with its illegal exploitation. The analysis indicates that extracting sand at a greater rate than that at which it is naturally replenished has adverse consequences for fauna and flora. Further, illicit mining activities compound environmental damages and result in conflict, the loss of taxes/royalties, illegal work, and losses in the tourism industry. As sea-level rise associated with climate change threatens coastal areas, sand in coastal areas will play an increasingly greater role in determining the amount of damage from floods and erosion. The present analysis points to the need for swift action to regulate sand mining, monitoring, law enforcement, and international cooperation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Impact and Nature Conservation)
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18 pages, 2160 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Potential of a Gamified Approach to Reduce Energy Use and Carbon Emissions in the Household Sector
by Marta Gangolells, Miquel Casals, Marcel Macarulla and Núria Forcada
Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3380; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063380 - 18 Mar 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3573
Abstract
This paper analyzes the impact of an innovative approach based on gamification to promote reduced energy consumption in social housing. The game was developed and validated under the auspices of the EU-funded project EnerGAware-Energy Game for Awareness of energy efficiency in social housing [...] Read more.
This paper analyzes the impact of an innovative approach based on gamification to promote reduced energy consumption in social housing. The game was developed and validated under the auspices of the EU-funded project EnerGAware-Energy Game for Awareness of energy efficiency in social housing communities in an affordable housing pilot located in Plymouth (United Kingdom). The results showed that the future exploitation of the game holds important energy- and emissions-saving potential. Assuming that the game is distributed freely by European energy providers to their domestic end-users, the game was found to be able to save more than 48.9 secondary terawatt-hours per year (TWhs) and 18.8 million tons of CO2e annually, contributing up to around 8% to the target set for the European buildings sector to keep global warming under 2 °C. The results also showed that the game is highly feasible from the energy point of view, even when we consider the energy consumed upstream, due to its low cumulative energy demand and its potential for household energy reduction. The results of this research provide helpful information for private and public stakeholders, as they contribute to determining the sustainability of promoting energy saving through gaming. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next Energy Efficiency Solutions for Sustainable Buildings)
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20 pages, 1493 KiB  
Review
City Digital Twin Potentials: A Review and Research Agenda
by Ehab Shahat, Chang T. Hyun and Chunho Yeom
Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3386; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063386 - 18 Mar 2021
Cited by 331 | Viewed by 23971
Abstract
The city digital twin is anticipated to accurately reflect and affect the city’s functions and processes to enhance its realization, operability, and management. Although research on the city digital twin is still in its infancy, the advancement of the digital twin technology is [...] Read more.
The city digital twin is anticipated to accurately reflect and affect the city’s functions and processes to enhance its realization, operability, and management. Although research on the city digital twin is still in its infancy, the advancement of the digital twin technology is growing fast and providing viable contributions to augmenting smart city developments. This study reviews the literature to identify the current and prospective potentials and challenges of digital twin cities. A research agenda is also proposed to guide future research on the city digital twincity digital twin to reach the utmost level of a comprehensive and complete city digital twin. Enhancing the efficiency of data processing, promoting the inclusion of socio-economic components of the city, and developing mutual integration between the two counterparts of the digital twin are proposed to be the future research directions to achieve and utilize a completely mirrored city digital twin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart City Development and Sustainability)
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25 pages, 4752 KiB  
Article
Innovative Box-Wing Aircraft: Emissions and Climate Change
by Andrea Luca Tasca, Vittorio Cipolla, Karim Abu Salem and Monica Puccini
Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3282; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063282 - 16 Mar 2021
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 8645
Abstract
The PARSIFAL project (Prandtlplane ARchitecture for the Sustainable Improvement of Future AirpLanes) aims to promote an innovative box-wing aircraft: the PrandtlPlane. Aircraft developed adopting this configuration are expected to achieve a payload capability higher than common single aisle analogues (e.g., Airbus 320 and [...] Read more.
The PARSIFAL project (Prandtlplane ARchitecture for the Sustainable Improvement of Future AirpLanes) aims to promote an innovative box-wing aircraft: the PrandtlPlane. Aircraft developed adopting this configuration are expected to achieve a payload capability higher than common single aisle analogues (e.g., Airbus 320 and Boeing 737 families), without any increase in the overall dimensions. We estimated the exhaust emissions from the PrandtlPlane and compared the corresponding impacts to those of a conventional reference aircraft, in terms of Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Global Temperature Potential (GTP), on two time-horizons and accounted for regional sensitivity. We considered carbon dioxide, carbonaceous and sulphate aerosols, nitrogen oxides and related ozone production, methane degradation and nitrate aerosols formation, contrails, and contrail cirrus. Overall, the introduction of the PrandtlPlane is expected to bring a considerable reduction of climate change in all the source regions considered, on both the time-horizons examined. Moreover, fuel consumption is expected to be reduced by 20%, as confirmed through high-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. Sensitivity of data, models, and metrics are detailed. Impact reduction and mitigation strategies are discussed, as well as the gaps to be addressed in order to develop a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment on aircraft emissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Transportation)
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15 pages, 2094 KiB  
Article
Verifying the Effectiveness of Sports Event Policies for a City’s Sustainable Growth: Focusing on the Multiple Effects
by Jae-Gu Yu, Yun-Duk Jeong and Suk-Kyu Kim
Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3285; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063285 - 16 Mar 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3688
Abstract
This article presents empirical evidence that suggests that there are multiple effects of local government sports event hosting policies. This study is predicated on the notion that the attraction of sports events is a feature of city-level policies. The empirical analysis used a [...] Read more.
This article presents empirical evidence that suggests that there are multiple effects of local government sports event hosting policies. This study is predicated on the notion that the attraction of sports events is a feature of city-level policies. The empirical analysis used a multiple effects model, and the research employed a dual model approach: (a) a sponsorship effect model and (b) a tourism effect model. A questionnaire was administered online, and 383 cases were used for data processing. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were performed using SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 25.0. (a) In the “business model”, it was confirmed that event satisfaction affected sustainable purchase intention only through the sponsor’s social image. (b) The “tourism model” confirmed that event satisfaction affected the intention to engage in positive word of mouth to recommend the destination through both forming a psychological attachment and experiencing emotional satisfaction. Among the event satisfaction factors, service satisfaction was identified as more important than facility satisfaction. As shown by the above results, satisfaction with sports events had simultaneous effects on the persistence of the sponsorship effects model and the persistence of tourism effects. The study concluded that attractive sports events promoted sustainable urban growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)
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8 pages, 2090 KiB  
Article
Research of the Behavior of Clay Materials with Double Porosity
by Hynek Lahuta and Luis Andrade Pais
Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3219; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063219 - 15 Mar 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2066
Abstract
This contribution presents results from a series of compression and undrained triaxial tests to study the mechanical behavior of dump clay from the north of Bohemia. The use of these materials as a foundation for construction can’t be achieved without the adoption of [...] Read more.
This contribution presents results from a series of compression and undrained triaxial tests to study the mechanical behavior of dump clay from the north of Bohemia. The use of these materials as a foundation for construction can’t be achieved without the adoption of some precautions. This comes from embankment, formed by digging the ground (altered claystone), up to the level of coal mining which is in a sub horizontal stratigraphic layer. A potential static liquefaction behavior was observed in undrained tests for high confinement stress. A structural collapse was noticed with the results obtained in the triaxial test. This collapse is characterized by an unexpected large decrease in deviator and mean effective stress. The soils formed have strength properties that are potentially dangerous. These concepts can improve the use of these kinds of soils in geotechnical engineering work. It continues and expands the results obtained in previous research, especially the future problematic use of these materials as the foundation soil for line or building structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Environmental, Economic and Social Challenges for Raw Materials Supply: Sustainable Mining and Extractive Waste Exploitation)
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23 pages, 7525 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Urban Greening and Cooling Strategies for Thermal Comfort at Pedestrian Level
by Maurizio Detommaso, Antonio Gagliano, Luigi Marletta and Francesco Nocera
Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3138; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063138 - 12 Mar 2021
Cited by 48 | Viewed by 5472
Abstract
The increase of the urban warming phenomenon all over the world is gaining increasing attention from scientists as well as planners and policymakers due to its adverse effects on energy consumption, health, wellbeing, and air pollution. The protection of urban areas from the [...] Read more.
The increase of the urban warming phenomenon all over the world is gaining increasing attention from scientists as well as planners and policymakers due to its adverse effects on energy consumption, health, wellbeing, and air pollution. The protection of urban areas from the outdoor warming phenomenon is one of the challenges that policy and governments have to tackle as soon as possible and in the best possible way. Among the urban heat island mitigation techniques, cool materials and urban greening are identified as the most effective solutions in reducing the urban warming phenomenon. The effects produced by the adoption of cool materials and urban forestation on the urban microclimate were investigated through a computational fluid-dynamic (CFD) model. The CFD model was calibrated and validated thanks to experimental surveys within the Catania University campus area. The urban microclimate thermal comfort analysis and assessment were carried out with the Klima–Michel Model (KMM) and Munich Energy Balance Model for Individuals (MEMI). In particular, three scenarios were performed: cool, low, and high levels of urban greening. The cool scenario, although it produces air temperature at around 1.00 °C, determines the worst condition of outdoor thermal comfort, especially at the pedestrian level. On the contrary, a high level of urban greening, obtained by the extensive green roofs together with an urban forestation, guarantees the wellbeing of pedestrians, showing more convenient values of PMV and PET. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation to Global Change: Modeling and Decision Support Tools in Urban Planning)
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23 pages, 3021 KiB  
Article
Determinants of Sustainability Reporting in the Present Institutional Context: The Case of Port Managing Bodies
by Magali Geerts, Michaël Dooms and Lara Stas
Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3148; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063148 - 12 Mar 2021
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5704
Abstract
Research on the practice of sustainability reporting that is specifically focused on the approach applied by port authorities (or port managing bodies—PMBs) and based on surveys as a data collection method, is very limited. Most research consists of single-case studies, only partly covers [...] Read more.
Research on the practice of sustainability reporting that is specifically focused on the approach applied by port authorities (or port managing bodies—PMBs) and based on surveys as a data collection method, is very limited. Most research consists of single-case studies, only partly covers the different dimensions related to the implementation of sustainability reporting, or is based on content analysis. This paper offers a multidimensional approach of the concept of sustainability reporting based on a global survey yielding 97 complete and valid answers of PMBs. A binomial logistic regression has been conducted to identify those organizational characteristics, whether or not under the control of the PMB, that have the largest explanatory power when it comes to the adoption of the practice of sustainability reporting. The research results present new variables compared to the findings of previous studies, such as proximity to a city, the history of data gathering, and the presence of environmental/social certifications. Furthermore, this paper also investigates how these organizational characteristics are interlinked with external, contextual forces by making use of Institutional Theory. By combining organizational characteristics with information on the institutional environment in which the PMB operates, a more complete image is obtained. The results of this analysis show that myriad different institutional pressures are in play when it comes to having influence over the decision making of PMBs with regard to the adoption of sustainability reporting. Furthermore, several prominent associations between one of the isomorphisms and certain organizational characteristics can be observed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Port Governance)
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23 pages, 32536 KiB  
Article
Hydrologic Performance of an Extensive Green Roof under Intense Rain Events: Results from a Rain-Chamber Simulation
by Elena Giacomello and Jacopo Gaspari
Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3078; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063078 - 11 Mar 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3424
Abstract
The water storage capacity of a green roof generates several benefits for the building conterminous environment. The hydrologic performance is conventionally expressed by the runoff coefficient, according to international standards and guidelines. The runoff coefficient is a dimensionless number and defines the water [...] Read more.
The water storage capacity of a green roof generates several benefits for the building conterminous environment. The hydrologic performance is conventionally expressed by the runoff coefficient, according to international standards and guidelines. The runoff coefficient is a dimensionless number and defines the water retention performance over a long period. At the scale of single rain events, characterized by varying intensity and duration, the reaction of the green roof is scarcely investigated. The purpose of this study is to highlight how an extensive green roof—having a supposed minimum water performance, compared to an intensive one—responds to real and repetitive rain events, simulated in a rain chamber with controlled rain and runoff data. The experiment provides, through cumulative curve graphs, the behavior of the green roof sample during four rainy days. The simulated rain events are based on a statistical study (summarized in the paper) of 25 years of rain data for a specific location in North Italy characterized by an average rain/year of 1100 mm. The results prove the active response of the substrate, although thin and mineral, and quick draining, in terms of water retention and detention during intense rain events. The study raises questions about how to better express the water performance of green roofs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)
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