Sustainability

14 pages, 4482 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Improving Residential Load Disaggregation for Sustainable Development of Energy via Principal Component Analysis

by Arash Moradzadeh, Omid Sadeghian, Kazem Pourhossein, Behnam Mohammadi-Ivatloo and Amjad Anvari-Moghaddam

Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3158; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083158 - 14 Apr 2020

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 4315

Abstract

The useful planning and operation of the energy system requires a sustainability assessment of the system, in which the load model adopted is the most important factor in sustainability assessment. Having information about energy consumption patterns of the appliances allows consumers to manage [...] Read more.

The useful planning and operation of the energy system requires a sustainability assessment of the system, in which the load model adopted is the most important factor in sustainability assessment. Having information about energy consumption patterns of the appliances allows consumers to manage their energy consumption efficiently. Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) is an effective tool to recognize power consumption patterns from the measured data in meters. In this paper, an unsupervised approach based on dimensionality reduction is applied to identify power consumption patterns of home electrical appliances. This approach can be utilized to classify household activities of daily life using data measured from home electrical smart meters. In the proposed method, the power consumption curves of the electrical appliances, as high-dimensional data, are mapped to a low-dimensional space by preserving the highest data variance via principal component analysis (PCA). In this paper, the reference energy disaggregation dataset (REDD) has been used to verify the proposed method. REDD is related to real-world measurements recorded at low-frequency. The presented results reveal the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method in comparison to conventional procedures of NILM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Microgrids: The Path to Sustainability)

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16 pages, 4122 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Deep Learning Approach to Forecasting Monthly Demand for Residential–Sector Electricity

by Hyojoo Son and Changwan Kim

Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3103; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083103 - 13 Apr 2020

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 4712

Abstract

Forecasting electricity demand at the regional or national level is a key procedural element of power-system planning. However, achieving such objectives in the residential sector, the primary driver of peak demand, is challenging given this sector’s pattern of constantly fluctuating and gradually increasing [...] Read more.

Forecasting electricity demand at the regional or national level is a key procedural element of power-system planning. However, achieving such objectives in the residential sector, the primary driver of peak demand, is challenging given this sector’s pattern of constantly fluctuating and gradually increasing energy usage. Although deep learning algorithms have recently yielded promising results in various time series analyses, their potential applicability to forecasting monthly residential electricity demand has yet to be fully explored. As such, this study proposed a forecasting model with social and weather-related variables by introducing long short-term memory (LSTM), which has been known to be powerful among deep learning-based approaches for time series forecasting. The validation of the proposed model was performed using a set of data spanning 22 years in South Korea. The resulting forecasting performance was evaluated on the basis of six performance measures. Further, this model’s performance was subjected to a comparison with the performance of four benchmark models. The performance of the proposed model was exceptional according to all of the measures employed. This model can facilitate improved decision-making regarding power-system planning by accurately forecasting the electricity demands of the residential sector, thereby contributing to the efficient production and use of resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Buildings)

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23 pages, 2693 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

How Can Sustainable Agriculture Increase Climate Resilience? A Systematic Review

by Daniel El Chami, André Daccache and Maroun El Moujabber

Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3119; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083119 - 13 Apr 2020

Cited by 81 | Viewed by 14865

Abstract

In the last few decades, a great deal has been written on the use of sustainable agriculture to improve the resilience of ecosystem services to climate change. However, no tangible and systematic evidence exists on how this agriculture would participate in alleviating impacts [...] Read more.

In the last few decades, a great deal has been written on the use of sustainable agriculture to improve the resilience of ecosystem services to climate change. However, no tangible and systematic evidence exists on how this agriculture would participate in alleviating impacts on vulnerable rural communities. This paper provides a narrative systematic review (SR) integrated with a bibliometric analysis and a concept network analysis to determine how, in this changing climate, sustainable agriculture can increase the resilience of agrosystems. Our search ranged from the date of the first relevant article until the end of 2018. The results generated demonstrated the following: (a) Only single practices and methods have been studied to assess the impacts on single ecosystem services; (b) Soil quality and health are considered a key indicator of sustainable agriculture; (c) Although the assessed practices and methods were shown to improve the biodiversity of agrosystems, which makes them more resilient to extreme climate events, we are still far from developing interdisciplinary and multidimensional agriculture that integrates all management aspects and generates a full range of ecosystem services. In conclusion, this study addressed the following recommendations for the scientific community and policymakers to orient future research strategies and efforts: (a) The integration of all agrosystem services into sustainable management using an ecosystem-based approach on a life-cycle basis using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method; (b) Improving the scientific understanding of traditional knowledge to facilitate greater synergy and further integration; (c) The unification of assessment methods and indicators for the quantification of impacts; (d) The creation of a platform to share, monitor, screen, and approve assessments and evaluations of sustainable agriculture by region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)

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16 pages, 582 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Empirical Study on Bikesharing Brand Selection in China in the Post-Sharing Era

by Guangnian Xiao and Zihao Wang

Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3125; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083125 - 13 Apr 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3907

Abstract

With the rapid popularization of mobile Internet technology and smart terminal equipment in recent years, the volume and usage of dockless bikesharing (hereafter referred to as bikesharing), which is green, environmentally friendly and convenient, have grown rapidly, making it one of the China’s [...] Read more.

With the rapid popularization of mobile Internet technology and smart terminal equipment in recent years, the volume and usage of dockless bikesharing (hereafter referred to as bikesharing), which is green, environmentally friendly and convenient, have grown rapidly, making it one of the China’s “new four major inventions.” The development of the bikesharing in China consists of a pre-sharing era and a post-sharing era. In the pre-sharing era, capital-driven vicious market competition and lack of precise control have led to the abuse of urban space. Since the post-sharing era, the industry structure has returned to rationality, and many participants have been forced out of the market. The bikesharing has formed an oligopoly market consisting of head players such as Hellobike, Mobike, and Ofo. Therefore, how to improve the level of refined operations, promote sustainable development, improve cyclist satisfaction, and contribute to China’s strength in transportation have become urgent problems for bikesharing companies and traffic management departments. From the perspective of the cyclist experience, the brand choice of the bikesharing is taken as the research object. An online revealed preference survey is used to collect data on cyclists’ socio-economic attributes and subjective evaluations on the bikesharing. The conditional Logit model is used to explore the important factors that influence cyclists on the choice of bikesharing brands. Research results include: (1) age, occupation type, after-tax monthly income of the faculty group, riding comfort, rent, picking up/returning convenience, word of mouth, and volume have a significant impact on cyclists’ bikesharing brand choices; (2) gender, educational background, monthly living expenses of the student group, appearance, deposit, deposit returning speed, rate of broken bikes, ease of use of software, and rent discount have no significant impact on cyclists’ bikesharing brand choices. The research results are of great significance for improving the service quality of bikesharing companies and promoting the healthy development of the shared economy in China. Based on the results of the study, policy recommendations are made on the improvement for riding comfort, human-centered design, and word of mouth, and the construction of shared facilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward Sustainability: Bike-Sharing Systems Design, Simulation and Management)

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23 pages, 4627 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sustainability Assessment of Goat and Sheep Farms: A Comparison between European Countries

by Christina Paraskevopoulou, Alexandros Theodoridis, Marion Johnson, Athanasios Ragkos, Lisa Arguile, Laurence Smith, Dimitrios Vlachos and Georgios Arsenos

Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3099; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083099 - 12 Apr 2020

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 9495

Abstract

European sheep and goat farming faces diverse challenges at global or local scales and constitutes an important sector for many countries, playing important sociocultural, economic and environmental roles. A closer examination of the overall sustainability of the sector is necessary to assess the [...] Read more.

European sheep and goat farming faces diverse challenges at global or local scales and constitutes an important sector for many countries, playing important sociocultural, economic and environmental roles. A closer examination of the overall sustainability of the sector is necessary to assess the performance of different farm types in various geographical settings. This comparative study evaluates the use of a common sustainability assessment (SA) tool for the major European countries in the sheep and goat sector. In particular, the study reports the results of a SA using the Public Goods (PG) Tool, adapted within the Innovation for Sustainable Sheep and Goat Production in Europe (iSAGE) Horizon 2020 project, which includes questions accounting for 13 dimensions of a sheep and goat farm sustainability. In total, 206 farmers from Greece, Italy, Spain, Finland, United Kingdom, France and Turkey were interviewed, all of which were typical of specific types of a pan-European sheep and goat farm typologies elaborated within iSAGE. The study resulted in composite indicators of performance in each dimension for each country. Finland, Italy and the United Kingdom performed better than other countries, while Turkey and Greece performed below average in most categories. The results highlight challenges for each country but also at the European level, the latter mainly relating to generational renewal and an unwillingness to invest in the adoption of a more sustainable approach with long-term results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Livestock Production)

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19 pages, 4406 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Proposing a Paradigm Shift in Rural Electrification Investments in Sub-Saharan Africa through Agriculture

by George Kyriakarakos, Athanasios T. Balafoutis and Dionysis Bochtis

Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3096; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083096 - 12 Apr 2020

Cited by 53 | Viewed by 5883

Abstract

Almost one billion people in the world still do not have access to electricity. Most of them live in rural areas of the developing world. Access to electricity in the rural areas of Sub-Saharan Africa is only 28%, roughly 600 million people. The [...] Read more.

Almost one billion people in the world still do not have access to electricity. Most of them live in rural areas of the developing world. Access to electricity in the rural areas of Sub-Saharan Africa is only 28%, roughly 600 million people. The financing of rural electrification is challenging and, in order to accomplish higher private sector investments, new innovative business models have to be developed. In this paper, a new approach in the financing of microgrid electrification activities is proposed and investigated. In this approach, agriculture related businesses take the lead in the electrification activities of the surrounding communities. It is shown that the high cost of rural electrification can be met through the increased value of locally produced products, and cross-subsidization can take place in order to decrease the cost of household electrification. The approach is implemented in a case study in Rwanda, through which the possibility of local agricultural cooperatives leading electrification activities is demonstrated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green, Closed Loop, Circular Bio-Economy)

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13 pages, 724 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Systematic Mapping of Research on Farm-Level Sustainability in Egg and Chicken Meat Production

by Stefan Gunnarsson, Katarina Arvidsson Segerkvist, Lina Göransson, Helena Hansson and Ulf Sonesson

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 3033; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12073033 - 10 Apr 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 7826

Abstract

The sustainability of future poultry production needs to be improved in order to meet global challenges. The global chicken population has expanded significantly in recent decades, due to increased human demand for eggs and chicken meat. Therefore, it is critically important to mitigate [...] Read more.

The sustainability of future poultry production needs to be improved in order to meet global challenges. The global chicken population has expanded significantly in recent decades, due to increased human demand for eggs and chicken meat. Therefore, it is critically important to mitigate challenges to the sustainability of modern poultry production, such as pollution, the depletion of finite natural resources and animal welfare issues. This study systematically mapped the scientific literature on farm-level sustainability in egg and chicken meat production. The concept of sustainability was considered holistically, covering its economic, environmental and social dimensions, each consisting of a broad range of different aspects that may contradict or reinforce each other. The literature published between January 2000 and March 2020 with a geographical focus on Europe, North America and Australia–New Zealand, were included. The literature search resulted in a total of 428 hits, but after the exclusion of articles that did not match the scope of the study, only 26 papers remained for the systematic mapping. Of these, only three papers covered all three dimensions of sustainability. Aspects of economic sustainability were addressed in 10 papers, aspects of environmental sustainability in 18 papers, and aspects of social sustainability in 23 papers. The findings in this study are an important foundation for the discussion and prioritisation of future actions to increase knowledge of farm-level sustainability in egg and chicken meat production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Livestock Production)

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17 pages, 8297 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Energy Efficiency and GHG Emissions Mapping of Buildings for Decision-Making Processes against Climate Change at the Local Level

by Edgar Lorenzo-Sáez, José-Vicente Oliver-Villanueva, Eloina Coll-Aliaga, Lenin-Guillermo Lemus-Zúñiga, Victoria Lerma-Arce and Antonio Reig-Fabado

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2982; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072982 - 8 Apr 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4213

Abstract

Buildings have become a key source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to the consumption of primary energy, especially when used to achieve thermal comfort conditions. In addition, buildings play a key role for adapting societies to climate change by achieving more energy [...] Read more.

Buildings have become a key source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to the consumption of primary energy, especially when used to achieve thermal comfort conditions. In addition, buildings play a key role for adapting societies to climate change by achieving more energy efficiency. Therefore, buildings have become a key sector to tackle climate change at the local level. However, public decision-makers do not have tools with enough spatial resolution to prioritise and focus the available resources and efforts in an efficient manner. The objective of the research is to develop an innovative methodology based on a geographic information system (GIS) for mapping primary energy consumption and GHG emissions in buildings in cities according to energy efficiency certificates. The developed methodology has been tested in a representative medium-sized city in Spain, obtaining an accurate analysis that shows 32,000 t of CO₂ emissions due to primary energy consumption of 140 GWh in residential buildings with high spatial resolution at single building level. The obtained results demonstrate that the majority of residential buildings have low levels of energy efficiency and emit an average of 45 kg CO₂/m². Compared to the national average in Spain, this obtained value is on the average, while it is slightly better at the regional level. Furthermore, the results obtained demonstrate that the developed methodology is able to directly identify city districts with highest potential for improving energy efficiency and reducing GHG emissions. Additionally, a data model adapted to the INSPIRE regulation has been developed in order to ensure interoperability and European-wide application. All these results have allowed the local authorities to better define local strategies towards a low-carbon economy and energy transition. In conclusion, public decision-makers will be supported with an innovative and user-friendly GIS-based methodology to better define local strategies towards a low-carbon economy and energy transition in a more efficient and transparent way based on metrics of high spatial resolution and accuracy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Buildings)

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22 pages, 3203 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessing Sustainability Performance at the Farm Level: Examples from Greek Agricultural Systems

by Irene Tzouramani, Stamatis Mantziaris and Pavlos Karanikolas

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2929; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072929 - 7 Apr 2020

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 7121

Abstract

In recent years, farmers and policymakers have faced ample challenges and have struggled to support the sustainability of the agricultural sector. Sustainable agriculture encompasses multiple concepts, and its performance produces extensive debate about data requirements, appropriate indicators, evaluation methods, and tools. Under the [...] Read more.

In recent years, farmers and policymakers have faced ample challenges and have struggled to support the sustainability of the agricultural sector. Sustainable agriculture encompasses multiple concepts, and its performance produces extensive debate about data requirements, appropriate indicators, evaluation methods, and tools. Under the European Union (EU) financed project FLINT (Farm Level Indicators for New Topics in policy evaluation), detailed data have been collected at the farm level to provide broader coverage of sustainability indicators on a wide range of relevant topics to facilitate the assessment of sustainability performance. The approach has been applied in a pilot network of representative farms at the EU level, considering the heterogeneity of the EU farming sector to provide data infrastructure with up to date information for sustainability indicators. This study aims to assess sustainability performance at the farm level in Greece. Representative and dominant agricultural systems, such as permanent crops, olive trees, arable crops, and livestock (sheep) farms, comprise the Greek sample. It uses the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) methodology and attempts to gain insights into the sustainability performance of agricultural systems. The outcome of the sustainability assessment reveals knowledge and develops support for strategic farm choices in order to support both farmers and policymakers towards more sustainable development plans. The results indicate that three typical Mediterranean farming systems, namely permanent crops, olive trees, and extensive livestock systems (sheep farms), are more sustainable in contrast to intensive and arable crop farms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)

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30 pages, 686 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Expanding the Scope of the Bicycle Level-of-Service Concept: A Review of the Literature

by Khashayar Kazemzadeh, Aliaksei Laureshyn, Lena Winslott Hiselius and Enrico Ronchi

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2944; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072944 - 7 Apr 2020

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 9972

Abstract

Research into the bicycle level-of-service (BLOS) has been extensively conducted over the last three decades. This research has mostly focused on user perceptions of comfort to provide guidance for decision-makers and planners. Segments and nodes were studied first, followed by a network evaluation. [...] Read more.

Research into the bicycle level-of-service (BLOS) has been extensively conducted over the last three decades. This research has mostly focused on user perceptions of comfort to provide guidance for decision-makers and planners. Segments and nodes were studied first, followed by a network evaluation. Besides these investigations, several variables have also been utilized to depict the users’ perspectives within the BLOS field, along with other cycling research domains that simultaneously scrutinized the users’ preferences. This review investigates the variables and indices employed in the BLOS area in relation to the field of bicycle flow and comfort research. Despite general agreement among existing BLOS variables and the adopted indices, several important research gaps remain to be filled. First, BLOS indices are often categorized based on transport components, while scarce attention has been paid to BLOS studies in trip-end facilities such as bicycle parking facilities. The importance of these facilities has been highlighted instead within research related to comfort. Second, the advantages of separated bike facilities have been proven in many studies; however, scarce research has addressed the challenges associated with them (e.g., the heterogeneity within those facilities due to the presence of electric bikes and electric scooters). This issue is clearly noticeable within the research regarding flow studies. Furthermore, network evaluation (in comparison to segment and node indices) has been studied to a lesser extent, whereas issues such as connectivity can be evaluated mainly through a holistic approach to the system. This study takes one step toward demonstrating the importance of the integration of similar research domains in the BLOS field to eliminate the aforementioned shortcomings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Transportation)

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19 pages, 746 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Technology Characteristics, Stakeholder Pressure, Social Influence, and Green Innovation: Empirical Evidence from Chinese Express Companies

by Hao Zhang, Jie He, Xiaomeng Shi, Qiong Hong, Jie Bao and Shuqi Xue

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2891; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072891 - 5 Apr 2020

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 6415

Abstract

Over the past decade, the rapid development of e-commerce and express industries in China has resulted in huge environmental costs. Compared with manufacturing industries, the values of green innovation are less recognized in logistics industries. To promote the green practices in logistic enterprises, [...] Read more.

Over the past decade, the rapid development of e-commerce and express industries in China has resulted in huge environmental costs. Compared with manufacturing industries, the values of green innovation are less recognized in logistics industries. To promote the green practices in logistic enterprises, it is imperative to have a thorough understanding of the determinants of green innovation adoption. To this end, this paper performs an empirical investigation into the intentions to adopt green innovation from 196 Chinese express companies. The determinant variables were constructed from the perspective of technology characteristics (perceived green usefulness and perceived integration ease of use), stakeholder pressure (government, customer, and platform pressures), and social influence. Then, a 20-item scale was designed based on the literature review and expert opinions. The results revealed the significant positive effects of technology characteristics and social influence on the intentions to adopt green innovation. Meanwhile, only the platform pressure was significant with the adopting intentions among the variables from stakeholder pressure. Moreover, variables from technology characteristics were found to have meditation effects between social influence and adopting intentions. Based on the findings, theoretical and practical implications are proposed to promote the green and sustainable development of express companies in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Transportation)

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14 pages, 2655 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Mechanisms of Endogenous Fires Occurring in Extractive Waste Dumping Facilities

by Krzysztof Gogola, Tomasz Rogala, Małgorzata Magdziarczyk and Adam Smoliński

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2856; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072856 - 3 Apr 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 2974

Abstract

The processes of hard coal extraction and processing are accompanied by the generation of a considerable amount of post-mining extractive waste, which in most cases is deposited on the ground surface. In the past, such waste was disposed of by deposition in bings [...] Read more.

The processes of hard coal extraction and processing are accompanied by the generation of a considerable amount of post-mining extractive waste, which in most cases is deposited on the ground surface. In the past, such waste was disposed of by deposition in bings and spoil piles of various kinds. The application of modern technologies makes it possible to recycle, reuse or reclaim extractive waste in engineering works or as a substitute of natural aggregates used for the construction of different kinds of banks and embankments. Regardless of whether the waste is deposited or reused, the basic target method of waste management consists of depositing it on the ground surface. This form of extractive waste management is always associated with the risk of the occurrence of coal self-heating phenomena, which may consequently lead to an endogenous fire. Therefore, it is of critical importance to apply appropriate technologies for the construction of coal waste embankments on the one hand, and on the other hand to recognize the mechanisms responsible for the occurrence of fires in extractive waste dumps, which constitutes the subject matter of this paper. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)

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19 pages, 1303 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Trends in the Fashion Industry. The Perception of Sustainability and Circular Economy: A Gender/Generation Quantitative Approach

by Patrizia Gazzola, Enrica Pavione, Roberta Pezzetti and Daniele Grechi

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2809; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072809 - 2 Apr 2020

Cited by 306 | Viewed by 203814

Abstract

The significant changes which have occurred in the competitive scenario in which fashion companies operate, combined with deep transformation in the lifestyles of final consumers, translate into the need to redefine the business models. Starting from a general overview of the emerging trends [...] Read more.

The significant changes which have occurred in the competitive scenario in which fashion companies operate, combined with deep transformation in the lifestyles of final consumers, translate into the need to redefine the business models. Starting from a general overview of the emerging trends today affecting the fashion industry, the paper will devote particular attention to the analysis of the most important phenomena that are influencing this market and the drivers for long-lasting competitiveness: sustainability and attention to the so-called circular economy. According to the literature, from the consumer behavior’s point of view, the younger generations are paying growing attention to these issues. In light of these considerations, this paper aimed to analyze how sustainability and circular economy principles are influencing the perception of the fashion world among the new generations of consumers. After mapping the emerging trends in the fashion industry and analyzing the role of sustainability from both the demand and supply side, this paper presents the results of a survey conducted through an anonymous questionnaire made in collaboration with Insubria University. The results of the survey describe the students’ behaviour as regards fashion’s emerging trends, with particular attention to sustainability issues and the application of circular economy principles. The survey results were analyzed from both a descriptive and quantitative point of view with the aim to check the different perceptions as regards sustainable fashion and circular economy in fashion, focusing mainly on the so-called Generation Z. The results of the analysis proved to be consistent with the theoretical framework and confirm the relevance of sustainability issues in the fashion industry today in driving the demand of Generation Z, by considering a gender perspective. Moreover, the circular economy is descriptively analyzed with the aim to understand the relevance of the different facets for the entire sample of respondents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Fashion Brands)

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15 pages, 2753 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Optimal Placement of TCSC for Congestion Management and Power Loss Reduction Using Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm

by Thang Trung Nguyen and Fazel Mohammadi

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2813; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072813 - 2 Apr 2020

Cited by 59 | Viewed by 4716

Abstract

Electricity demand has been growing due to the increase in the world population and higher energy usage per capita as compared to the past. As a result, various methods have been proposed to increase the efficiency of power systems in terms of mitigating [...] Read more.

Electricity demand has been growing due to the increase in the world population and higher energy usage per capita as compared to the past. As a result, various methods have been proposed to increase the efficiency of power systems in terms of mitigating congestion and minimizing power losses. Power grids operating limitations result in congestion that specifies the final capacity of the system, which decreases the conventional power capabilities between coverage areas. Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) can help to decrease flows in heavily loaded lines and lead to lines loadability improvements and cost reduction. In this paper, total power loss reduction and line congestion improvement are assessed by determining the optimal locations and compensation rates of Thyristor-Controlled Series Compensator (TCSC) devices using the Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA). The results of applying the proposed method on the IEEE 30-bus test system confirmed the efficiency of the proposed procedure. In addition, to check the performance, applicability, and effectiveness of the proposed method, different heuristic algorithms, such as the multi-objective Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm, and Mixed-Integer Non-Linear Program (MINLP) technique, are used for comparison. The obtained results show the accuracy and fast convergence of the proposed method over the other heuristic techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integration of AC/DC Microgrids into Power Grids)

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21 pages, 2015 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

An Examination of Last Mile Delivery Practices of Freight Carriers Servicing Business Receivers in Inner-City Areas

by Khalid Aljohani and Russell G. Thompson

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2837; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072837 - 2 Apr 2020

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 16191

Abstract

Freight carriers experience major challenges while operating in highly dense inner-city areas. Timely deliveries are crucial for the success of businesses and for the long-term economic growth of metropolitan areas. Previous freight studies have paid little attention to the characteristics of freight movements [...] Read more.

Freight carriers experience major challenges while operating in highly dense inner-city areas. Timely deliveries are crucial for the success of businesses and for the long-term economic growth of metropolitan areas. Previous freight studies have paid little attention to the characteristics of freight movements in a highly dense urban context. Accordingly, this study sought to quantify the operational practices for freight carriers that deliver light parcels to inner-city business receivers. Direct insights were collected using semistructured interviews and an online survey with freight carriers in Melbourne, Australia. The intent was to describe the delivery trips and vehicle types involved in this unique segment. An assessment of operational challenges to the efficiency of freight carriers is presented in the study. In general, freight deliveries to inner-city receivers are characterised by underutilised transport capacity along with a large number of delivery stops. The findings shed light on the challenges that couriers encounter in congested inner-city areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Last Mile Logistics)

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19 pages, 1097 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Electric Bus Selection with Multicriteria Decision Analysis for Green Transportation

by Mustafa Hamurcu and Tamer Eren

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2777; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072777 - 1 Apr 2020

Cited by 84 | Viewed by 9641

Abstract

Multicriteria decision-making tools are widely used in complex decision-making problems. There are also numerous points of decision-making in transportation. One of these decision-making points regards clean technology vehicle determination. Clean technology vehicles, such as electric buses, have some advantages compared to other technologies [...] Read more.

Multicriteria decision-making tools are widely used in complex decision-making problems. There are also numerous points of decision-making in transportation. One of these decision-making points regards clean technology vehicle determination. Clean technology vehicles, such as electric buses, have some advantages compared to other technologies like internal combustion engine vehicles. Notably, electric vehicles emit zero tailpipe emissions, thereby ensuring cleaner air for cities and making these clean technologies preferable to other technologies, especially in highly populated areas for better air quality and more livable cities. In this study, we propose a multicriteria decision-making process using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) in the context of an electric bus in the center of Ankara. Six potential electric bus alternatives were evaluated under seven specific criteria. Overall, EV-2 electric buses outperformed other electric bus alternatives based on the chosen criteria. In addition, the stability of the results obtained under different scenarios using this method was established via sensitivity analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Operations and Logistics)

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29 pages, 6024 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Life Cycle Analysis of a Geothermal Power Plant: Comparison of the Environmental Performance with Other Renewable Energy Systems

by Riccardo Basosi, Roberto Bonciani, Dario Frosali, Giampaolo Manfrida, Maria Laura Parisi and Franco Sansone

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2786; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072786 - 1 Apr 2020

Cited by 64 | Viewed by 12612

Abstract

A life cycle analysis was performed for the assessment of the environmental performances of three existing Italian power plants of comparable nominal power operating with different sources of renewable energy: Geothermal, solar, and wind. Primary data were used for building the life cycle [...] Read more.

A life cycle analysis was performed for the assessment of the environmental performances of three existing Italian power plants of comparable nominal power operating with different sources of renewable energy: Geothermal, solar, and wind. Primary data were used for building the life cycle inventories. The results are characterized by employing a wide portfolio of environmental indicators employing the ReCiPe 2016 and the ILCD 2011 Midpoint+ methods; normalization and weighting are also applied using the ReCiPe 2016 method at the endpoint level. The midpoint results demonstrate a good eco-profile of the geothermal power plant compared to other renewable energy systems and a definite step forward over the performance of the national energy mix. The Eco-Point single score calculation showed that wind energy is the best technology with a value of 0.0012 Eco-points/kWh, a result in line with previously documented life cycle analysis studies. Nevertheless, the geothermal power plant achieved a value of 0.0177 Eco-points/kWh which is close to that calculated for the photovoltaic plant (0.0087 Eco-points/kWh) and much lower than the national energy mix one (0.1240 Eco-points/kWh). Also, a scenario analysis allowed for a critical discussion about potential improvements to the environmental performance of the geothermal power plant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Geothermal Energy Conversion—Life Cycle Analysis)

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22 pages, 1871 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Review of the Impact of Green Building Certification on the Cash Flows and Values of Commercial Properties

by Niina Leskinen, Jussi Vimpari and Seppo Junnila

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2729; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072729 - 31 Mar 2020

Cited by 81 | Viewed by 25598

Abstract

This study aims to review empirical research concerning the impact of green certificates on property cash flows and values, particularly from professional property investors’ perspective. The study uses discounted cash flows (DCF), a widely used property valuation method in income-generating properties, as a [...] Read more.

This study aims to review empirical research concerning the impact of green certificates on property cash flows and values, particularly from professional property investors’ perspective. The study uses discounted cash flows (DCF), a widely used property valuation method in income-generating properties, as a methodological framework. In this study, over 70 peer-reviewed studies were identified, categorized, and analyzed in the DCF framework. The reviewed studies indicated that certificates might increase the rental income and decrease the operating expenses, vacancy, and risks of a property. Together with the brand value of certificates, these enhancements should lead to an increase in property value. The number of studies has grown rapidly during the 2010s. Lately, studies have developed from asset-level to portfolio-level examinations. Although the reviewed studies found certification to be beneficial, the range of reported benefits was wide, and over half of the studies concentrated on U.S. commercial real estate markets, with a strong focus on LEED and ENERGY STAR certificates. From a property valuation perspective, applying these results to other markets and certificates might be challenging. Property values that fully reflect the environmental performance of properties would be a key to motivate mainstream investors to adopt sustainable property features. Full article

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

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22 pages, 4669 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Comparison of Energy Efficiency Indicators of Road Transportation for Modeling Environmental Sustainability in “Green” Circular Industry

by Teijo Palander, Hanna Haavikko, Emma Kortelainen and Kalle Kärhä

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2740; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072740 - 31 Mar 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4674

Abstract

The Finnish forest industry is committed to applying novel technologies for increasing carbon-neutral development and environmental sustainability in “green” circular industry. This study compares the energy efficiency indicators of road freight transportation. Additionally, effects of four mass limits of vehicle combinations are analyzed [...] Read more.

The Finnish forest industry is committed to applying novel technologies for increasing carbon-neutral development and environmental sustainability in “green” circular industry. This study compares the energy efficiency indicators of road freight transportation. Additionally, effects of four mass limits of vehicle combinations are analyzed after a three-year adaptation process that took place in a wood procurement region of 100% renewable resources. The wood-based energy efficiency model (load’s wood energy/fossil transport energy) was the most accurate and precise measure as the development indicator. The indicator showed that the transportation systems (60, 64, 68, and 76 t) and (64, 68, and 76 t) were carbon negative (122, 133, 144, and 108) (142, 147, and 133) in 2014 and 2016, respectively. The numbers reveal positive energy ratio of renewable wood and fossil fuels. In comparison to 60 t, the use of 68 t vehicles increased energy efficiency most effectively in the systems, by 18.0% and 20.5%, respectively. The indicator robustly revealed the energy efficiency of a partial system in the smaller supply region, which depended on the region’s transportation conditions. This novel knowledge can be applied for advancing the adaptation toward carbon-neutral supply networks. There is also the development potential of an industrial ecosystem model for optimizing the environmental sustainability of “green” circular industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Green Circular Economy: Forest and Agriculture Industry)

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16 pages, 1401 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Spatial Diversity of Tourism in the Countries of the European Union

by Michał Roman, Monika Roman and Arkadiusz Niedziółka

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2713; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072713 - 30 Mar 2020

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 4684

Abstract

The aim of the article is to present the spatial diversity of tourism in the countries of the European Union (EU). The main objective of the article can be divided into three immediate goals, each of which is to determine countries that are [...] Read more.

The aim of the article is to present the spatial diversity of tourism in the countries of the European Union (EU). The main objective of the article can be divided into three immediate goals, each of which is to determine countries that are similar by means of: (1) accommodation base; (2) tourism traffic; and (3) tourism-related expenditures and revenues. In order to group countries, Ward’s cluster analysis method is used. The aim is verified with the use of 2017 United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Eurostat data. The analysis covers all EU member states. The research conducted confirms, inter alia, the key role of the accommodation base in the development of tourism in those countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimal Tourism Development)

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23 pages, 2056 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Microfinance Institutions Fostering Sustainable Development by Region

by Icíar García-Pérez, María Ángeles Fernández-Izquierdo and María Jesús Muñoz-Torres

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2682; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072682 - 29 Mar 2020

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 10965

Abstract

In the last few years, considerable attention has been paid to microfinance as a relevant participant in the formal financial system, whose target audience is people who are otherwise at risk of financial exclusion. In parallel, sustainability and the promotion of Sustainable Development [...] Read more.

In the last few years, considerable attention has been paid to microfinance as a relevant participant in the formal financial system, whose target audience is people who are otherwise at risk of financial exclusion. In parallel, sustainability and the promotion of Sustainable Development (SD) are imposed as the theoretical frame when facing any study. This, connected with cultural and organizational dimensions theories, are the analytical framework for the analysis of the relationship between the context of performance in which Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) operate and their activity in promoting sustainability. A holistic approach is necessary to make operational these concepts; for that reason, financial, environmental, social and governance dimensions (FESG), and the balance among them, have to be considered. The main objective of the paper is to explore to what extent MFIs are fostering SD, and how this promotion is performed by region. For the analysis, two different sources of information have been studied: sectoral academic literature that focuses on the different sustainability dimensions, and MIX Market sustainability data obtained from the MFIs. A keyword analysis of the selected papers has been executed to be conscious of the most investigated aspects by region; on the data provided by the institutions, a Kruskal-Wallis H test has been performed to learn what the main Sustainability Indicators (SIs) are that are reported affirmatively. To obtain comprehensive research, a comparative study of the results offers the convergences, divergences and gaps of information in each of the regions. The findings show significant differences depending on the region, and confirm that operationalization should be adjusted at the regional context of the MFIs. The paper, with the inherent limitations due to data quality, also offers recommendations for the better promotion of sustainability in each of the regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microfinance and Sustainable Development)

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25 pages, 1106 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evaluating Innovation in European Rural Development Programmes: Application of the Social Return on Investment (SROI) Method

by Paul Courtney and John Powell

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2657; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072657 - 27 Mar 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 9547

Abstract

The quest for innovation lies at the heart of European rural development policy and is integral to the Europe 2020 strategy. While social innovation has become a cornerstone of increased competitiveness and the rural situation legitimizes public intervention to encourage innovation, the challenges [...] Read more.

The quest for innovation lies at the heart of European rural development policy and is integral to the Europe 2020 strategy. While social innovation has become a cornerstone of increased competitiveness and the rural situation legitimizes public intervention to encourage innovation, the challenges of its effective evaluation are compounded by the higher ‘failure’ rate implied by many traditional performance measures. Social Return on Investment (SROI) is employed to assess the social innovation outcomes arising from implementation of Axes 1 and 3 of the 2007-13 Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE). Analysis of primary data gathered through structured face-to-face interviews from a weighted sample of 196 beneficiaries reveal that social innovation outcomes generate a total of £170.02 million of benefits from Axis 1 support measures, compared to £238.1 million of benefits generated from innovation outcomes from Axis 3 measures. Benefits are generated through four social innovation outcome categories: individual, operational, relational, and system; and range from changes in attitudes and behaviour to institutional change and new ways of structuring social relations. The paper calls for more comprehensive evaluation approaches that can capture, and value, the multiple benefits arising from social innovation, and further bespoke applications of SROI to help develop and legitimise innovation indicators that will enable stronger linkages back into the policy process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fostering Inclusivity in Rural Economic Development)

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15 pages, 1841 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Artificial Neural Networks to Estimate the Influence of Vehicular Emission Variables on Morbidity and Mortality in the Largest Metropolis in South America

by Yslene Kachba, Daiane Maria de Genaro Chiroli, Jônatas T. Belotti, Thiago Antonini Alves, Yara de Souza Tadano and Hugo Siqueira

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2621; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072621 - 26 Mar 2020

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 3150

Abstract

The emission of pollutants from vehicles is presented as a prime factor deteriorating air quality. Thus, seeking public policies encouraging the use and the development of more sustainable vehicles is paramount to preserve populations’ health. To better understand the health risks caused by [...] Read more.

The emission of pollutants from vehicles is presented as a prime factor deteriorating air quality. Thus, seeking public policies encouraging the use and the development of more sustainable vehicles is paramount to preserve populations’ health. To better understand the health risks caused by air pollution and exclusively by mobile sources urges the question of which input variables should be considered. Therefore, this research aims to estimate the impacts on populations’ health related to road transport variables for São Paulo, Brazil, the largest metropolis in South America. We used three Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) (Multilayer Perceptron—MLP, Extreme Learning Machines—ELM, and Echo State Neural Networks—ESN) to estimate the impacts of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter on outcomes for respiratory diseases (morbidity—hospital admissions and mortality). We also used unusual inputs, such as road vehicles fleet, distributed and sold fuels amount, and vehicle average mileage. We also used deseasonalization and the Variable Selection Methods (VSM) (Mutual Information Filter and Wrapper). The results showed that the VSM excluded some variables, but the best performances were reached considering all of them. The ELM achieved the best overall results to morbidity, and the ESN to mortality, both using deseasonalization. Our study makes an important contribution to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: 3—good health and well-being, 7—affordable and clean energy, and 11—sustainable cities and communities. These research findings will guide government about future legislations, public policies aiming to warranty and improve the health system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Transportation)

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15 pages, 3696 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Biocorrosion of Concrete Sewers in Greece: Current Practices and Challenges

by Georgios Fytianos, Vasilis Baltikas, Dimitrios Loukovitis, Dimitra Banti, Athanasios Sfikas, Efthimios Papastergiadis and Petros Samaras

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2638; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072638 - 26 Mar 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5288

Abstract

This paper is intended to review the current practices and challenges regarding the corrosion of the Greek sewer systems with an emphasis on biocorrosion and to provide recommendations to avoid it. The authors followed a holistic approach, which included survey data obtained by [...] Read more.

This paper is intended to review the current practices and challenges regarding the corrosion of the Greek sewer systems with an emphasis on biocorrosion and to provide recommendations to avoid it. The authors followed a holistic approach, which included survey data obtained by local authorities serving more than 50% of the total country’s population and validated the survey answers with field measurements and analyses. The exact nature and extent of concrete biocorrosion problems in Greece are presented for the first time. Moreover, the overall condition of the sewer network, the maintenance frequency, and the corrosion prevention techniques used in Greece are also presented. Results from field measurements showed the existence of H₂S in the gaseous phase (i.e., precursor of the H₂SO₄ formation in the sewer) and acidithiobacillus bacteria (i.e., biocorrosion causative agent) in the slime, which exists at the interlayer between the concrete wall and the sewage. Biocorrosion seems to mainly affect old concrete networks, and the replacement of the destroyed concrete pipes with new polyvinyl chloride (PVC) ones is currently common practice. However, in most cases, the replacement cost is high, and the authors provide some recommendations to increase the current service life of concrete pipes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Municipal Wastewater Management)

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20 pages, 3810 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Bromatological, Proximate and Ultimate Analysis of OFMSW for Different Seasons and Collection Systems

by Isabella Pecorini, Elena Rossi and Renato Iannelli

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2639; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072639 - 26 Mar 2020

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4734

Abstract

In order to study the quality of organic fractions of municipal solid waste (OFMSW), five different municipalities in Tuscany were chosen for sampling according to the peculiarities of their collection systems. The five collection systems selected were sampled four times: during March, June, [...] Read more.

In order to study the quality of organic fractions of municipal solid waste (OFMSW), five different municipalities in Tuscany were chosen for sampling according to the peculiarities of their collection systems. The five collection systems selected were sampled four times: during March, June, September and December, for a total of 20 picking analyses. In addition, emphasis was also given to the study of the variability of OFMSW composition related to ultimate, proximate and bromatological analyses. Road container collection systems proved to have a higher content of non-compostable and undesirable fractions (22%±1%) when compared to door-to-door systems (6% ± 1%). During months with lower temperature (March and December), the garden waste content in the OFMSW was negligible, with kitchen waste prevailing. This altered the physical chemical composition of OFMSW, which had a lower lignin content and higher methane production in the months with lower temperatures (272 ± 23 NLCH₄ kg_TVS⁻¹) compared to June and September (238 ± 14 NLCH₄ kg_TVS⁻¹). In general, the Tuscan OFMSW had a higher dry matter content (42%) than observed in previous studies. In conclusion, the result could direct possible future operators of anaerobic digestion plants towards the choice of dry and semi-dry technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Municipal Solid Waste Management in a Circular Economy)

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30 pages, 9789 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

CityScapeLab Berlin: A Research Platform for Untangling Urbanization Effects on Biodiversity

by Moritz von der Lippe, Sascha Buchholz, Anne Hiller, Birgit Seitz and Ingo Kowarik

Sustainability 2020, 12(6), 2565; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062565 - 24 Mar 2020

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 16963

Abstract

Urban biodiversity conservation requires an understanding of how urbanization modulates biodiversity patterns and the associated ecosystem services. While important advances have been made in the conceptual development of urban biodiversity research over the last decades, challenges remain in understanding the interactions between different [...] Read more.

Urban biodiversity conservation requires an understanding of how urbanization modulates biodiversity patterns and the associated ecosystem services. While important advances have been made in the conceptual development of urban biodiversity research over the last decades, challenges remain in understanding the interactions between different groups of taxa and the spatiotemporal complexity of urbanization processes. The CityScapeLab Berlin is a novel experimental research platform that allows the testing of theories on how urbanization affects biodiversity patterns and biotic interactions in general and the responses of species of conservation interest in particular. We chose dry grassland patches as the backbone of the research platform because dry grasslands are common in many urban regions, extend over a wide urbanization gradient, and usually harbor diverse and self-assembled communities. Focusing on a standardized type of model ecosystem allowed the urbanization effects on biodiversity to be unraveled from effects that would otherwise be masked by habitat- and land-use effects. The CityScapeLab combines different types of spatiotemporal data on (i) various groups of taxa from different trophic levels, (ii) environmental parameters on different spatial scales, and (iii) on land-use history. This allows for the unraveling of the effects of current and historical urban conditions on urban biodiversity patterns and the related ecological functions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Urban Development)

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21 pages, 752 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Strategies for Sustainable and Circular Management of Phosphorus in the Baltic Sea Region: The Holistic Approach of the InPhos Project

by Marzena Smol, Michał Preisner, Augusto Bianchini, Jessica Rossi, Ludwig Hermann, Tanja Schaaf, Jolita Kruopienė, Kastytis Pamakštys, Maris Klavins, Ruta Ozola-Davidane, Daina Kalnina, Elina Strade, Viktoria Voronova, Karin Pachel, Xiaosheng Yang, Britt-Marie Steenari and Magdalena Svanström

Sustainability 2020, 12(6), 2567; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062567 - 24 Mar 2020

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6937

Abstract

Despite the significant reduction of phosphorus (P) discharge in the Baltic Sea in the last decades, obtained through the implementation of some approaches within the Helsinki Convention, eutrophication is still considered the biggest problem for the Baltic Sea environment. Consequently, the reduction of [...] Read more.

Despite the significant reduction of phosphorus (P) discharge in the Baltic Sea in the last decades, obtained through the implementation of some approaches within the Helsinki Convention, eutrophication is still considered the biggest problem for the Baltic Sea environment. Consequently, the reduction of P load is an urgent need to solve, but the complexity of both the environmental and legislative context of the area makes this process difficult (more than in the past). Eutrophication is an intricate issue requiring a proper framework of governance that is not easy to determine in the Baltic Sea Region where the needs of several different countries converge. To identify the most suitable strategy to reduce the eutrophication in the Baltic Sea, the InPhos project (no. 17022, 2018–2019, funded by the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) Raw Materials) adopted a holistic approach considering technical, political, economic, environmental and social aspects of P management. With the aims to raise awareness about the P challenge, foster the dialogue among all the stakeholders, and find solutions already developed in other countries (such as Germany and Switzerland) to be transferred in the Baltic Sea Region, the InPhos project consortium applied the methodology proposed in this paper, consisting of three main phases: (i) analysis of the available technologies to remove P from waste streams that contribute to eutrophication; (ii) analysis of the main streams involving P in Baltic Sea countries to highlight the potential of more sustainable and circular P management; (iii) study of the current context (e.g., already-existing initiatives and issues). This approach allowed us to identify four categories of recommendations and practical actions proposed to improve P management in the Baltic Sea region. During the project, the consortium mainly addressed social aspects. Following steps beyond the project will be more quantitative to determine the techno-economic feasibility of circular P management in selected demo cases in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Eutrophication and Sustainable Management of Water)

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17 pages, 6271 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Air Pollution Prediction Using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Deep Autoencoder (DAE) Models

by Thanongsak Xayasouk, HwaMin Lee and Giyeol Lee

Sustainability 2020, 12(6), 2570; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062570 - 24 Mar 2020

Cited by 176 | Viewed by 12762

Abstract

Many countries worldwide have poor air quality due to the emission of particulate matter (i.e., PM₁₀ and PM_2.5), which has led to concerns about human health impacts in urban areas. In this study, we developed models to predict fine PM [...] Read more.

Many countries worldwide have poor air quality due to the emission of particulate matter (i.e., PM₁₀ and PM_2.5), which has led to concerns about human health impacts in urban areas. In this study, we developed models to predict fine PM concentrations using long short-term memory (LSTM) and deep autoencoder (DAE) methods, and compared the model results in terms of root mean square error (RMSE). We applied the models to hourly air quality data from 25 stations in Seoul, South Korea, for the period from 1 January 2015, to 31 December 2018. Fine PM concentrations were predicted for the 10 days following this period, at an optimal learning rate of 0.01 for 100 epochs with batch sizes of 32 for LSTM model, and DAEs model performed best with batch size 64. The proposed models effectively predicted fine PM concentrations, with the LSTM model showing slightly better performance. With our forecasting model, it is possible to give reliable fine dust prediction information for the area where the user is located. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Monitoring and Environmental Sustainability)

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22 pages, 6297 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessment of the Possible Reuse of Extractive Waste Coming from Abandoned Mine Sites: Case Study in Gorno, Italy

by Neha Mehta, Giovanna Antonella Dino, Iride Passarella, Franco Ajmone-Marsan, Piergiorgio Rossetti and Domenico Antonio De Luca

Sustainability 2020, 12(6), 2471; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062471 - 21 Mar 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4913

Abstract

Supply of resources, a growing population, and environmental pollution are some of the main challenges facing the contemporary world. The rapid development of mining activities has produced huge amounts of waste. This waste, found in abandoned mine sites, provides the potential opportunity of [...] Read more.

Supply of resources, a growing population, and environmental pollution are some of the main challenges facing the contemporary world. The rapid development of mining activities has produced huge amounts of waste. This waste, found in abandoned mine sites, provides the potential opportunity of extracting raw material. The current study, therefore, focuses on testing the validation of a shared methodology to recover extractive waste from abandoned mines, and applies this methodology to a case study in Gorno, northwest Italy. The methods focused on: (1) analyzing the impact of tailings and fine fraction of waste rock (<2 mm) on plants (Cress - Lepidium Sativum) to assess usability of both as soil additive, and (2) recovering raw materials from tailings and coarse fraction (>2 mm) of waste rock, by means of dressing methods like wet shaking table and froth flotation. The results indicated that the fine fraction of waste rock and tailings did not have detrimental effects on seed germination; however, there was marked decrease in plant growth. As for the recovery of raw materials, the coarse waste rock samples, crushed to <0.5 mm, produced a recovery of Cd, Ga, and Zn—as much as 66%, 56%, and 64%, respectively—using the wet shaking table. The same samples when crushed to 0.063–0.16 mm and used for froth flotation produced a recovery of Cd, Ga, and Zn of up to 61%, 72%, and 47%, respectively. The flotation experiment on tailings showed a recovery of Cd, Ga and Zn at pH 7 of 33%, 6% and 29% respectively. The present investigation highlights the methodologies used for extracting raw materials from extractive waste. Full article

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

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13 pages, 3928 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sustainability-Based Lifecycle Management for Bridge Infrastructure Using 6D BIM

by Sakdirat Kaewunruen, Jessada Sresakoolchai and Zhihao Zhou

Sustainability 2020, 12(6), 2436; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062436 - 20 Mar 2020

Cited by 106 | Viewed by 12334

Abstract

A number of bridge infrastructures are rising significantly due to economic expansion and growing numbers of railway and road infrastructures. Owing to the complexity of bridge design, traditional design methods always create tedious and time-consuming construction processes. In recent years, Building Information Modelling [...] Read more.

A number of bridge infrastructures are rising significantly due to economic expansion and growing numbers of railway and road infrastructures. Owing to the complexity of bridge design, traditional design methods always create tedious and time-consuming construction processes. In recent years, Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been developed rapidly to provide a faster solution to generate and process the integration of information in a shared environment. This paper aims to highlight an innovative 6D BIM approach for the lifecycle asset management of a bridge infrastructure by using Donggou Bridge as a case study. This paper adopts 6D modelling, incorporating 3D model information with time schedule, cost estimation, and carbon footprint analysis across the lifecycle of the bridge project. The results of this paper reveal that raw materials contribute the most embodied carbon emissions, and as the 6D BIM model was developed in the early stage of the lifecycle, stakeholders can collaborate within the BIM environment to enhance a more sustainable and cost-effective outcome in advance. This study also demonstrates the possibility of BIM applications to bridge infrastructure projects throughout the whole lifecycle. The 6D BIM can save time by transforming 2D information to 3D information and reducing errors during the pre-construction and construction stages through better visualisation for staff training. Moreover, 6D BIM can promote efficient asset and project management since it can be applied for various purposes simultaneously, such as sustainability, lifecycle asset management and maintenance, condition monitoring and real-time structural simulations. In addition, BIM can promote cooperation among working parties and improve visualisation of the project for various stakeholders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Cities: Urban Planning, Infrastructure and Sustainability)

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15 pages, 302 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceDiscussion

Increasing Grazing in Dairy Cow Milk Production Systems in Europe

by Deirdre Hennessy, Luc Delaby, Agnes van den Pol-van Dasselaar and Laurence Shalloo

Sustainability 2020, 12(6), 2443; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062443 - 20 Mar 2020

Cited by 82 | Viewed by 10459

Abstract

In temperate regions of Europe where grass grows for most of the year, grazed pasture is the lowest cost feed for milk production. Grazed pasture can make a contribution to dairy cow feeding systems in other parts of Europe, but is less important. [...] Read more.

In temperate regions of Europe where grass grows for most of the year, grazed pasture is the lowest cost feed for milk production. Grazed pasture can make a contribution to dairy cow feeding systems in other parts of Europe, but is less important. While there are many challenges to maintaining or increasing the proportion of grazed grass in dairy cow diets, there are also opportunities to increase its contribution. Grass use and quality can be challenging for several reasons, including the cow and sward interaction, and factors influencing dry matter intake. Adapting grazing management strategies can provide opportunities for incorporating grazing and perhaps increase grazing in dairy cow milk production systems. Pasture management tools and techniques offer the opportunity to increase herbage use at grazing. While there are many benefits of grazing including economic, environmental, animal welfare and social, there are also the challenges to maintaining grazed pasture in dairy cow diets. The objective of this paper is to present an overview of the challenges and opportunities for grazing in dairy milk production systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Grazing Systems)

16 pages, 1442 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Risks Without Borders: A Cultural Consensus Model of Risks to Sustainability in Rapidly Changing Social–Ecological Systems

by Berill Blair and Amy L. Lovecraft

Sustainability 2020, 12(6), 2446; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062446 - 20 Mar 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5181

Abstract

Global sustainability goals cannot realistically be achieved without strategies that build on multiscale definitions of risks to wellbeing. Particularly in geographic contexts experiencing rapid and complex social and environmental changes, there is a growing need to empower communities to realize self-identified adaptation goals [...] Read more.

Global sustainability goals cannot realistically be achieved without strategies that build on multiscale definitions of risks to wellbeing. Particularly in geographic contexts experiencing rapid and complex social and environmental changes, there is a growing need to empower communities to realize self-identified adaptation goals that address self-identified risks. Meeting this demand requires tools that can help assess shared understandings about the needs for, and barriers to, positive change. This study explores consensus about risks and uncertainties in adjacent boroughs grappling with rapid social–ecological transformations in northern Alaska. The Northwest Arctic and North Slope boroughs, like the rest of the Arctic, are coping with a climate that is warming twice as fast as in other regions. The boroughs are predominantly inhabited by Iñupiat people, for whom the region is ancestral grounds, whose livelihoods are still supported by subsistence activities, and whose traditional tribal governance has been weakened through multiple levels of governing bodies and institutions. Drawing on extensive workshop discussions and survey experiments conducted with residents of the two boroughs, we developed a model of the northern Alaska region’s social–ecological system and its drivers of change. Using cultural consensus analysis, we gauged the extent of consensus across the boroughs about what key risks threaten the sustainability of their communities. Though both boroughs occupy vast swaths of land, each with their own resource, leadership, and management challenges, we found strong consensus around how risks that impact the sustainability of communities are evaluated and prioritized. Our results further confirmed that rapid and complex changes are creating high levels of uncertainties for community planners in both boroughs. We discuss the mobilizing potential of risk consensus toward collective adaptation action in the civic process of policy making. We note the contribution of cultural consensus analysis as a tool for cross-scale learning in areas coping with rapid environmental changes and complex social challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socio-Ecological Systems Sustainability)

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17 pages, 3448 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Life Cycle Cost Assessment of Electric Vehicles: A Review and Bibliometric Analysis

by Bamidele Victor Ayodele and Siti Indati Mustapa

Sustainability 2020, 12(6), 2387; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062387 - 19 Mar 2020

Cited by 58 | Viewed by 12633

Abstract

The transportation sector has been reported as a key contributor to the emissions of greenhouse gases responsible for global warming. Hence, the need for the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) into the transportation sector. However, the competitiveness of the EVs with the conventional [...] Read more.

The transportation sector has been reported as a key contributor to the emissions of greenhouse gases responsible for global warming. Hence, the need for the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) into the transportation sector. However, the competitiveness of the EVs with the conventional internal combustion engine vehicles has been a bone of contention. Life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) is an important tool that can be employed to determine the competitiveness of a product in its early stage of production. This review examines different published articles on LCCA of EVs using Scopus and Web of Science databases. The time trend of the published articles from 2001 to 2019 was examined. Moreover, the LCC obtained from the different models of EVs were compared. There was a growing interest in research on the LCC of EVs as indicated by the upward increase in the number of published articles. A variation in the LCC of the different EVs studied was observed to depend on several factors. Based on the LCC, EVs were found not yet competitive with conventional internal combustion engine cars due to the high cost of batteries. However, advancement in technologies with incentives could bring down the cost of EV batteries to make it competitive in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Electric Vehicles: New Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainability)

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21 pages, 1566 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Impacts of Mainstream Hydropower Dams on Fisheries and Agriculture in Lower Mekong Basin

by Yuichiro Yoshida, Han Soo Lee, Bui Huy Trung, Hoang-Dung Tran, Mahrjan Keshlav Lall, Kifayatullah Kakar and Tran Dang Xuan

Sustainability 2020, 12(6), 2408; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062408 - 19 Mar 2020

Cited by 98 | Viewed by 18350

Abstract

The riverine ecosystems of the Mekong River Basin possess the world’s most productive inland fishery and provide highly productive food crops for millions of people annually. The development of hydropower potential in the Mekong River has long been of interest to governments in [...] Read more.

The riverine ecosystems of the Mekong River Basin possess the world’s most productive inland fishery and provide highly productive food crops for millions of people annually. The development of hydropower potential in the Mekong River has long been of interest to governments in the region. Among the existing 64 dams, 46 dams have been built in the Lower Mekong Basin (LMB) to produce up to 8650 MW of electricity. Additionally, of the 123 proposed built hydropower dams, eleven hydropower plants have been nominated for the river mainstream and are expected to install a total of 13,000 MW in the LMB countries. However, serious concerns have intensified over the potential negative economic consequences, especially on fisheries and agriculture in Cambodia and Vietnam. To date, most of the concerns have concentrated on the impacts on hydrology, environment, livelihood, and diversity in the LMB attributed to hydropower development. This paper, however, discusses the fishery and agricultural sectors of the LMB and focuses on the downstream floodplains of Cambodia and Vietnam. The dam construction has caused greater losses of biodiversity and fisheries than climate change in the LMB. The reduction of 276,847 and 178,169 t of fish, 3.7% and 2.3% of rice, 21.0% and 10.0% of maize will contribute to a decrease of 3.7% and 0.3% of the GDP of Cambodia and Vietnam, respectively. Lao PDR may benefit the most revenue from electricity generation than the other country in the LMB, as most of the proposed dams are projected in the country. Cambodia burdens 3/4 of the reduction of total capture fishery destruction, whilst Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam endure the remaining 1/3 losses. The tradeoff analyses reveal that losses of capture fisheries, sediment or nutrients, and social mitigation costs are greater than the benefits from electricity generation, improved irrigation, and flood control of the LMB region. The socioeconomic and environmental damage caused by hydropower dams in developing countries, including the Mekong, is greater than the early costs in North America and Europe. It is proposed that dam construction for hydropower in the Mekong River, as well as other rivers in developing countries, should be gradually removed and shifted toward solar, wind, and other renewable resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)

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26 pages, 683 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Corporate Social Responsibility and Performance in SMEs: Scientific Coverage

by Claudia Patricia Maldonado-Erazo, José Álvarez-García, María de la Cruz del Río-Rama and Ronny Correa-Quezada

Sustainability 2020, 12(6), 2332; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062332 - 17 Mar 2020

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 10445

Abstract

The objective of this research is to analyze the scientific production indexed in the international Scopus database on the subject of “corporate social responsibility and corporate social performance” in small and medium-sized enterprises. In the literature, it is currently possible to observe how [...] Read more.

The objective of this research is to analyze the scientific production indexed in the international Scopus database on the subject of “corporate social responsibility and corporate social performance” in small and medium-sized enterprises. In the literature, it is currently possible to observe how large corporations undertake social responsibility actions as a usual practice. However, in the case of small and medium-sized enterprises, the reality is different due to their high heterogeneity. To fulfil the proposed objective, a bibliometric analysis is carried out, identifying 277 articles on the subject. It is observed that scientific production is concentrated in a period of 18 years (2000–2018), the majority being qualitative studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Developing Countries: Current Trends and Development)

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25 pages, 6275 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicles: Plotting a Scientific and Technological Knowledge Map

by Izaskun Alvarez-Meaza, Enara Zarrabeitia-Bilbao, Rosa Maria Rio-Belver and Gaizka Garechana-Anacabe

Sustainability 2020, 12(6), 2334; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062334 - 17 Mar 2020

Cited by 58 | Viewed by 8629

Abstract

The fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) has been defined as a promising way to avoid road transport greenhouse emissions, but nowadays, they are not commercially available. However, few studies have attempted to monitor the global scientific research and technological profile of FCEVs. For this [...] Read more.

The fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) has been defined as a promising way to avoid road transport greenhouse emissions, but nowadays, they are not commercially available. However, few studies have attempted to monitor the global scientific research and technological profile of FCEVs. For this reason, scientific research and technological development in the field of FCEV from 1999 to 2019 have been researched using bibliometric and patent data analysis, including network analysis. Based on reports, the current status indicates that FCEV research topics have reached maturity. In addition, the analysis reveals other important findings: (1) The USA is the most productive in science and patent jurisdiction; (2) both Chinese universities and their authors are the most productive in science; however, technological development is led by Japanese car manufacturers; (3) in scientific research, collaboration is located within the tri-polar world (North America–Europe–Asia-Pacific); nonetheless, technological development is isolated to collaborations between companies of the same automotive group; (4) science is currently directing its efforts towards hydrogen production and storage, energy management systems related to battery and hydrogen energy, Life Cycle Assessment, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The technological development focuses on technologies related to electrically propelled vehicles; (5) the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy and SAE Technical Papers are the two most important sources of knowledge diffusion. This study concludes by outlining the knowledge map and directions for further research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2020 Perspectives on Electric Mobility Research, What’s Next?)

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29 pages, 4803 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Extreme Learning Machine Based Prediction of Soil Shear Strength: A Sensitivity Analysis Using Monte Carlo Simulations and Feature Backward Elimination

by Binh Thai Pham, Trung Nguyen-Thoi, Hai-Bang Ly, Manh Duc Nguyen, Nadhir Al-Ansari, Van-Quan Tran and Tien-Thinh Le

Sustainability 2020, 12(6), 2339; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062339 - 17 Mar 2020

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 5483

Abstract

Machine Learning (ML) has been applied widely in solving a lot of real-world problems. However, this approach is very sensitive to the selection of input variables for modeling and simulation. In this study, the main objective is to analyze the sensitivity of an [...] Read more.

Machine Learning (ML) has been applied widely in solving a lot of real-world problems. However, this approach is very sensitive to the selection of input variables for modeling and simulation. In this study, the main objective is to analyze the sensitivity of an advanced ML method, namely the Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) algorithm under different feature selection scenarios for prediction of shear strength of soil. Feature backward elimination supported by Monte Carlo simulations was applied to evaluate the importance of factors used for the modeling. A database constructed from 538 samples collected from Long Phu 1 power plant project was used for analysis. Well-known statistical indicators, such as the correlation coefficient (R), root mean squared error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE), were utilized to evaluate the performance of the ELM algorithm. In each elimination step, the majority vote based on six elimination indicators was selected to decide the variable to be excluded. A number of 30,000 simulations were conducted to find out the most relevant variables in predicting the shear strength of soil using ELM. The results show that the performance of ELM is good but very different under different combinations of input factors. The moisture content, liquid limit, and plastic limit were found as the most critical variables for the prediction of shear strength of soil using the ML model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Modeling Techniques in Sustainable Materials, Systems and Structures)

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16 pages, 3343 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Total Brood Removal and Other Biotechniques for the Sustainable Control of Varroa Mites in Honey Bee Colonies: Economic Impact in Beekeeping Farm Case Studies in Northwestern Italy

by Teresina Mancuso, Luca Croce and Monica Vercelli

Sustainability 2020, 12(6), 2302; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062302 - 16 Mar 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6517

Abstract

Honey bee colonies are affected by many threats, and the Varroa mite represents one of the most important causes of honey bee disease. The control of the Varroa population is managed by different methods, and in recent years, biotechnical practices are considered preferable [...] Read more.

Honey bee colonies are affected by many threats, and the Varroa mite represents one of the most important causes of honey bee disease. The control of the Varroa population is managed by different methods, and in recent years, biotechnical practices are considered preferable to chemical approaches in order to safeguard honey bee health and avoid residues in bee products as well as the appearance of acaricide resistance. However, little is known about the economic performance of beekeeping exploitations in relation to the methods used for tackling Varroa. This study aims to investigate the economic impact of total brood removal (TBR) as a biotechnique to keep Varroa mites under control, and compare this to other common biotechniques and chemical Varroa control in numerous Italian beekeeping case studies. A pool of economic and technical indexes was proposed. The proposed index pool can be included in the development of an expert system (such as a decision support system) able to address the optimal management of this very complex activity, which requires natural resources, land protection, capital and high technical skills. The result showed that the adoption of the TBR biotechnique vs. other biotechniques led to an increase in terms of total revenue (increase values ranging from 11% to 28%) even though more labor is needed (increase values ranging from 43 to 83 min/hive) and a loss of honey production could be recorded in some cases. Additionally, the total expenses, represented mainly by supplemental nutrition and treatments with oxalic acid, affected the economic results of the biotechnical practices. The use of biotechniques vs. chemical control resulted in decreased treatment costs and increased feeding costs. The advantages resulting from not using synthetic acaricides (which are dangerous for honey bee and human health as well as the environment) as well as the advantages linked to the production of new nuclei (which are involved in the maintenance of bee stock and counteract the decline in honey bee population) and pollination ecosystem services could make beekeeping farms more resilient over time. Full article

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

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17 pages, 2524 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Urban Digital Twins for Smart Cities and Citizens: The Case Study of Herrenberg, Germany

by Fabian Dembski, Uwe Wössner, Mike Letzgus, Michael Ruddat and Claudia Yamu

Sustainability 2020, 12(6), 2307; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062307 - 16 Mar 2020

Cited by 430 | Viewed by 35039

Abstract

Cities are complex systems connected to economic, ecological, and demographic conditions and change. They are also characterized by diverging perceptions and interests of citizens and stakeholders. Thus, in the arena of urban planning, we are in need of approaches that are able to [...] Read more.

Cities are complex systems connected to economic, ecological, and demographic conditions and change. They are also characterized by diverging perceptions and interests of citizens and stakeholders. Thus, in the arena of urban planning, we are in need of approaches that are able to cope not only with urban complexity but also allow for participatory and collaborative processes to empower citizens. This to create democratic cities. Connected to the field of smart cities and citizens, we present in this paper, the prototype of an urban digital twin for the 30,000-people town of Herrenberg in Germany. Urban digital twins are sophisticated data models allowing for collaborative processes. The herein presented prototype comprises (1) a 3D model of the built environment, (2) a street network model using the theory and method of space syntax, (3) an urban mobility simulation, (4) a wind flow simulation, and (5) a number of empirical quantitative and qualitative data using volunteered geographic information (VGI). In addition, the urban digital twin was implemented in a visualization platform for virtual reality and was presented to the general public during diverse public participatory processes, as well as in the framework of the “Morgenstadt Werkstatt” (Tomorrow’s Cities Workshop). The results of a survey indicated that this method and technology could significantly aid in participatory and collaborative processes. Further understanding of how urban digital twins support urban planners, urban designers, and the general public as a collaboration and communication tool and for decision support allows us to be more intentional when creating smart cities and sustainable cities with the help of digital twins. We conclude the paper with a discussion of the presented results and further research directions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities, City Dashboards, Planning and Evaluation of Urban Performances)

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47 pages, 5935 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Decarbonizing the Galapagos Islands: Techno-Economic Perspectives for the Hybrid Renewable Mini-Grid Baltra–Santa Cruz

by Andrea A. Eras-Almeida, Miguel A. Egido-Aguilera, Philipp Blechinger, Sarah Berendes, Estefanía Caamaño and Enrique García-Alcalde

Sustainability 2020, 12(6), 2282; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062282 - 14 Mar 2020

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 9309

Abstract

The fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands is being affected by population growth, intensive tourism, the exploitation of local resources and the high consumption of imported fossil fuels. This unsustainable development model makes the provision of services such as electricity a challenge. This [...] Read more.

The fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands is being affected by population growth, intensive tourism, the exploitation of local resources and the high consumption of imported fossil fuels. This unsustainable development model makes the provision of services such as electricity a challenge. This research investigates the hybrid renewable mini-grid Baltra–Santa Cruz, which represents 62% of the electricity generation mix of the archipelago. This study aims to support the Galapagos Zero Fossil Fuel Initiative and the Sustainable Development Goal 7 through the reduction in diesel consumption and electricity generation costs. To do so, HOMER Pro, a specialized hybrid renewable mini-grid planning tool, is used to perform several techno-economic assessments, focusing on different electricity demand scenarios. Therefore, multiple pathways are compared to identify the most reliable alternatives towards the progressive decarbonization of this hybrid system. The results indicate that installing 18.25 MWp of photovoltaic and 20.68 MWh of battery capacity could reduce the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) from 32.06 to 18.95 USc/kWh, increasing the renewable energy (RE) share from 18% to 39%. Additionally, the successful application of energy efficiency measures would even reduce the LCOE to 17.10 USc/kWh. What is more, distributed energy is considered the most attractive way to involve islanders in the energy transition process. Finally, this paper offers a comprehensive business model proposal to achieve a resilient energy supply, based on a combination of auctions and energy community models, which demands high political will, reliable and innovative regulations and social awareness about energy use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy and Climate Change Policy and Governance in Small Island States)

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34 pages, 3437 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Energy Renovation of Residential Buildings in Cold Mediterranean Zones Using Optimized Thermal Envelope Insulation Thicknesses: The Case of Spain

by Luis M. López-Ochoa, Jesús Las-Heras-Casas, Luis M. López-González and César García-Lozano

Sustainability 2020, 12(6), 2287; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062287 - 14 Mar 2020

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 4548

Abstract

The residential sector of the European Union consumes 27% of the final energy of the European Union, and approximately two-thirds of the existing dwellings in the European Union were built before 1980. For this reason, the European Union aims to transform the existing [...] Read more.

The residential sector of the European Union consumes 27% of the final energy of the European Union, and approximately two-thirds of the existing dwellings in the European Union were built before 1980. For this reason, the European Union aims to transform the existing residential building stock into nearly zero-energy buildings by 2050 through energy renovation. The most effective method to achieve this goal is to increase the thermal insulation of opaque elements of the thermal envelope. This study aims to assess the energy, environmental and economic impacts of the energy renovation of the thermal envelopes that are typical of the existing multi-family buildings of the 26 provincial capitals in the cold climate zones of Spain. To achieve this goal, the insulation thickness to be added to the walls, roof and first floor framework is optimized by a life cycle cost analysis, and the existing building openings are replaced, thus minimizing both the total heating costs and the total heating and cooling costs. The study uses four thermal insulation materials for four different heating and cooling systems in 10 different models. The results obtained will be used to propose energy renovation solutions to achieve nearly zero-energy buildings both in Spain and in similar Mediterranean climate zones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)

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26 pages, 2978 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Analysis of the Risk Factors Affecting the Severity of Traffic Accidents on Spanish Crosstown Roads: The Driver’s Perspective

by Natalia Casado-Sanz, Begoña Guirao and Maria Attard

Sustainability 2020, 12(6), 2237; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062237 - 13 Mar 2020

Cited by 66 | Viewed by 12808

Abstract

Globally, road traffic accidents are an important public health concern which needs to be tackled. A multidisciplinary approach is required to understand what causes them and to provide the evidence for policy support. In Spain, one of the roads with the highest fatality [...] Read more.

Globally, road traffic accidents are an important public health concern which needs to be tackled. A multidisciplinary approach is required to understand what causes them and to provide the evidence for policy support. In Spain, one of the roads with the highest fatality rate is the crosstown road, a particular type of rural road in which urban and interurban traffic meet, producing conflicts and interference with the population. This paper contributes to the previous existing research on the Spanish crosstown roads, providing a new vision that had not been analyzed so far: the driver’s perspective. The main purpose of the investigation is to identify the contributing factors that increment the likelihood of a fatal outcome based on single-vehicle crashes, which occurred on Spanish crosstown roads in the period 2006-2016. In order to achieve this aim, 1064 accidents have been analyzed, applying a latent cluster analysis as an initial tool for the fragmentation of crashes. Next, a multinomial logit (MNL) model was applied to find the most important factors involved in driver injury severity. The statistical analysis reveals that factors such as lateral crosstown roads, low traffic volumes, higher percentages of heavy vehicles, wider lanes, the non-existence of road markings, and finally, infractions, increase the severity of the drivers’ injuries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Traffic Engineering and Sustainable Transportation)

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17 pages, 3454 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Examining Hybrid and Single SVM Models with Different Kernels to Predict Rock Brittleness

by Danial Jahed Armaghani, Panagiotis G. Asteris, Behnam Askarian, Mahdi Hasanipanah, Reza Tarinejad and Van Van Huynh

Sustainability 2020, 12(6), 2229; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062229 - 12 Mar 2020

Cited by 92 | Viewed by 5531

Abstract

The aim of this study was twofold: (1) to assess the performance accuracy of support vector machine (SVM) models with different kernels to predict rock brittleness and (2) compare the inputs’ importance in different SVM models. To this end, the authors developed eight [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was twofold: (1) to assess the performance accuracy of support vector machine (SVM) models with different kernels to predict rock brittleness and (2) compare the inputs’ importance in different SVM models. To this end, the authors developed eight SVM models with different kernel types, i.e., the radial basis function (RBF), the linear (LIN), the sigmoid (SIG), and the polynomial (POL). Four of these models were developed using only the SVM method, while the four other models were hybridized with a feature selection (FS) technique. The performance of each model was assessed using five performance indices and a simple ranking system. The results of this study show that the SVM models developed using the RBF kernel achieved the highest ranking values among single and hybrid models. Concerning the importance of variables for predicting the brittleness index (BI), the Schmidt hammer rebound number (R_n) was identified as the most important variable by the three single-based models, developed by POL, SIG, and LIN kernels. However, the single SVM model developed by RBF identified density as the most important input variable. Concerning the hybrid SVM models, three models that were developed using the RBF, POL, and SIG kernels identified the point load strength index as the most important input, while the model developed using the LIN identified the R_n as the most important input. All four single-based SVM models identified the p-wave velocity (V_p) as the least important input. Concerning the least important factors for predicting the BI of the rock in hybrid-based models, V_p was identified as the least important factor by FS-SVM-POL, FS-SVM-SIG, and FS-SVM-LIN, while the FS-SVM-RBF identified R_n as the least important input. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Modeling Techniques in Sustainable Materials, Systems and Structures)

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30 pages, 10685 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) in Dense Urban Watersheds. The Case of the Medrano Stream Basin (MSB) in Buenos Aires

by Daniel Kozak, Hayley Henderson, Alejandro de Castro Mazarro, Demián Rotbart and Rodolfo Aradas

Sustainability 2020, 12(6), 2163; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062163 - 11 Mar 2020

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 12716

Abstract

Conventional urban drainage approaches have historically focused on the volume of stormwater to be displaced with the aim of moving it as fast and as far as possible from the city. They have also been negligent regarding water quality and the inherent value [...] Read more.

Conventional urban drainage approaches have historically focused on the volume of stormwater to be displaced with the aim of moving it as fast and as far as possible from the city. They have also been negligent regarding water quality and the inherent value of watercourses to distinct forms of life in cities, from maintaining biodiversity to providing recreational space for residents. Contemporary responses to these issues point to a paradigm change: They seek to replicate the natural mechanisms of absorption and retention, with the aim of addressing pluvial drainage needs closer to the site of origin. This article aims to explore the extent to which such an approach could be accommodated in one dense and highly impervious setting in the Global South. Specifically, it compares urban morphology, land value, hydraulic performance, and politico-institutional conditions of grey and Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) scenarios in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The findings suggest that even in very dense and impervious urban basins it is possible to implement BGI with a significant effect in achieving urban-sustainability goals. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that it is possible to deculvert watercourses in line with Compact City principles through the development of hybrid BGI/grey-infrastructure systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathways to Sustainable Urban Form: Compact Cities Re-Imagined)

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23 pages, 6806 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sustainable Thermal Energy Generation at Universities by Using Loquat Seeds as Biofuel

by Miguel-Angel Perea-Moreno, Francisco Manzano-Agugliaro, Quetzalcoatl Hernandez-Escobedo and Alberto-Jesus Perea-Moreno

Sustainability 2020, 12(5), 2093; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12052093 - 9 Mar 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4479

Abstract

Global energy consumption has increased the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG), these being the main cause of global warming. Within renewable energies, bioenergy has undergone a great development in recent years. This is due to its carbon neutral balance and the fact that [...] Read more.

Global energy consumption has increased the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG), these being the main cause of global warming. Within renewable energies, bioenergy has undergone a great development in recent years. This is due to its carbon neutral balance and the fact that bioenergy can be obtained from a range of biomass resources, including residues from forestry, agricultural or livestock industries, the rapid rotation of forest plantations, the development of energy crops, organic matter from urban solid waste, and other sources of organic waste from agro-food industries. Processing factories that use loquats to make products such as liqueurs and jams generate large amounts of waste mainly in the form of skin and stones or seeds. These wastes are disposed of and sent to landfills without making environmentally sustainable use of them. The University of Almeria Sports Centre is made up of indoor spaces in which different sports can be practiced: sports centre pavilion (central court and two lateral courts), rocodrome, fitness room, cycle inner room, and indoor swimming pool. At present, the indoor swimming pool of the University of Almeria (UAL) has two fuel oil boilers, with a nominal power of 267 kW. The main objective of this study is to propose an energetic analysis to determine, on the one hand, the energetic properties of the loquat seed and, on the other hand, to evaluate its suitability to be used as a solid biofuel to feed the boilers of the heated swimming pool of the University of Almeria (Spain), highlighting the significant energy and environmental savings obtained. Results show that the higher calorific value of loquat seed (17.205 MJ/kg), is like other industrial wastes such as wheat straw, or pistachio shell, which demonstrates the energy potential of this residual biomass. In addition, the change of the fuel oil boiler to a biomass (loquat seed) boiler in the UAL’s indoor swimming pool means a reduction of 147,973.8 kg of CO₂ in emissions into the atmosphere and an annual saving of 35,739.5 €, which means a saving of 72.78% with respect to the previous fuel oil installation. A sensitivity analysis shows that fuel cost of base case is the variable with the most sensitivity changing the initial cost and net present value (NPV). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Energy Sustainability at Universities)

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13 pages, 405 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sustainable Banking: New Forms of Investing under the Umbrella of the 2030 Agenda

by Mariano Méndez-Suárez, Abel Monfort and Fernando Gallardo

Sustainability 2020, 12(5), 2096; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12052096 - 9 Mar 2020

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 6312

Abstract

(1) Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) foster the relationships between public and private sectors while adding value to new forms of investment that are closely linked to Socially Responsible Investments (SRIs). In this context, Sustainable Developments Goals (SDGs) aim to strengthen global partnerships in [...] Read more.

(1) Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) foster the relationships between public and private sectors while adding value to new forms of investment that are closely linked to Socially Responsible Investments (SRIs). In this context, Sustainable Developments Goals (SDGs) aim to strengthen global partnerships in order to achieve the 2030 Agenda. Sustainable banking should consider its role in both new responsible investment products and the 2030 Agenda. This study aims to: (i) estimate the ROI of SIBS, (ii) define a financial formulation and a measurement system, and (iii) explain the relationship between SIBs and SDGs. (2) This research analyzes SIBs from an SDG approach, and proposes a valuation model based on a financial options valuation methodology that clarifies the financial value of the world’s first SIB (Peterborough Prison, UK). (3) Findings suggest that investors expect to have a negative return of 16.48%, and that this expected loss may be compensated for by the short- and long-term positive impact of an intervention in society. (4) It is shown that SIBs provide an opportunity to reach SDG 17 and improve sustainable investment portfolios, while providing an opportunity to strengthen a company’s Corporate Social Responsibility policy and its corporate reputation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Banking: Issues and Challenges)

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14 pages, 2709 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Hybridized Intelligent Home Renewable Energy Management System for Smart Grids

by Yonghong Ma and Baixuan Li

Sustainability 2020, 12(5), 2117; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12052117 - 9 Mar 2020

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 15499

Abstract

The incorporation of renewable energies and power storage at distribution facilities are one of the important features in the smart grid. In this paper, a hybridized intelligent home renewable energy management system (HIHREM) that combines solar energy and energy storage services with the [...] Read more.

The incorporation of renewable energies and power storage at distribution facilities are one of the important features in the smart grid. In this paper, a hybridized intelligent home renewable energy management system (HIHREM) that combines solar energy and energy storage services with the smart home is planned based on the demand response and time of consumption pricing is applied to programs that offer discounts to consumers that reduce their energy consumption during high demand periods. The system is designed and handled with minimal energy requirements at home through installation of renewable energy, preparation, and arrangement of power stream during peak and off-peak periods. The best energy utilization of residential buildings with various overlapping purposes is one of the most difficult issues correlated with the implementation of intelligent micro-network systems. A major component of the smart grid, the domestic energy control system (HIHREM) provides many benefits, such as power bill reductions, reduction in wind generation, and demand compliance. This showed that the proposed energy scheduling method minimizes the energy consumption by 48% and maximizes the renewable energy consumed at the rate 65% of the total energy generated. A new model for smart homes with renewable energies is introduced in this report. The proposed HIHREM method achieves high performance and reduces cost-utility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Energy and Smart Systems)

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14 pages, 410 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of Feed Concentrate Intake on the Environmental Impact of Dairy Cows in an Alpine Mountain Region Including Soil Carbon Sequestration and Effect on Biodiversity

by Emilio Sabia, Sarah Kühl, Laura Flach, Christian Lambertz and Matthias Gauly

Sustainability 2020, 12(5), 2128; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12052128 - 9 Mar 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6098

Abstract

Several studies on the environmental impacts of livestock enterprises are based on the application of life cycle assessments (LCA). In Alpine regions, soil carbon sequestration can play an important role in reducing environmental impacts. However, there is no official methodology to calculate this [...] Read more.

Several studies on the environmental impacts of livestock enterprises are based on the application of life cycle assessments (LCA). In Alpine regions, soil carbon sequestration can play an important role in reducing environmental impacts. However, there is no official methodology to calculate this possible reduction. Biodiversity plays an important role in the Alpine environment and is affected by human activities, such as cattle farming. Our aim was to estimate the carbon footprint (CF) of four different dairy production systems (different in breeds and feeding intensity) by using the LCA approach. The present study included 44 dairy Alpine farms located in the autonomous province of Bolzano in northern Italy. Half of the farms (n = 22) kept Alpine Grey and the other half (n = 22) Brown Swiss cattle. Within breeds, the farms were divided by the amount of concentrated feed per cow and day into high concentrate (HC) and low concentrate (LC). This resulted in 11 Alpine Grey low concentrate (AGLC) farms feeding an average amount of 3.0 kg concentrated feed/cow/day and 11 Alpine Grey high concentrate (AGHC) farms with an average amount of 6.3 kg concentrated feed/cow/day. Eleven farms kept Brown Swiss cows with an average amount of 3.7 kg concentrated feed/cow/day (BSLC) and another 11 farms feeding on average 7.6 kg concentrated feed/cow/day (BSHC). CF for the four systems was estimated using the LCA approach. The functional unit was 1 kg of fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM). Furthermore, two methodologies have been applied to estimate soil carbon sequestration and effect on biodiversity. The system with the lowest environmental impact in terms of CF was BSHC (1.14 kg CO₂-eq/kg of FPCM), while the most impactful system was the AGLC group (1.55 kg CO₂-eq/kg of FPCM). Including the CF reduction due to soil carbon sequestered from grassland, it decreased differently for the two applied methods. For all four systems, the main factor for CF was enteric emission, while the main pollutant was biogenic CH₄. Conversely, AGLC had the lowest impact when the damage to biodiversity was considered (damage score = 0.41/kg of FPCM, damage to ecosystem diversity = 1.78 E-07 species*yr/kg FPCM). In comparison, BSHC had the greatest impact in terms of damage to biodiversity (damage score = 0.56/kg of FPCM, damage to ecosystem diversity = 2.49 E-07 species*yr/kg FPCM). This study indicates the importance of including soil carbon sequestration from grasslands and effects on biodiversity when calculating the environmental performance of dairy farms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Livestock Production)

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17 pages, 2663 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Tillage Intensity Effects on Soil Structure Indicators—A US Meta-Analysis

by Márcio R. Nunes, Douglas L. Karlen and Thomas B. Moorman

Sustainability 2020, 12(5), 2071; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12052071 - 8 Mar 2020

Cited by 87 | Viewed by 10748

Abstract

Tillage intensity affects soil structure in many ways but the magnitude and type (+/−) of change depends on site-specific (e.g., soil type) and experimental details (crop rotation, study length, sampling depth, etc.). This meta-analysis examines published effects of chisel plowing (CP), no-tillage (NT) [...] Read more.

Tillage intensity affects soil structure in many ways but the magnitude and type (+/−) of change depends on site-specific (e.g., soil type) and experimental details (crop rotation, study length, sampling depth, etc.). This meta-analysis examines published effects of chisel plowing (CP), no-tillage (NT) and perennial cropping systems (PER) relative to moldboard plowing (MP) on three soil structure indicators: wet aggregate stability (AS), bulk density (BD) and soil penetration resistance (PR). The data represents four depth increments (from 0 to >40-cm) in 295 studies from throughout the continental U.S. Overall, converting from MP to CP did not affect those soil structure indicators but reducing tillage intensity from MP to NT increased AS in the surface (<15-cm) and slightly decreased BD and PR below 25-cm. The largest positive effect of NT on AS was observed within Inceptisols and Entisols after a minimum of three years. Compared to MP, NT had a minimal effect on soil compaction indicators (BD and PR) but as expected, converting from MP to PER systems improved soil structure at all soil depths (0 to >40-cm). Among those three soil structure indicators, AS was the most sensitive to management practices; thus, it should be used as a physical indicator for overall soil health assessment. In addition, based on this national meta-analysis, we conclude that reducing tillage intensity improves soil structure, thus offering producers assurance those practices are feasible for crop production and that they will also help sustain soil resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)

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14 pages, 1895 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Urban Vegetation Types are Not Perceived Equally in Providing Ecosystem Services and Disservices

by Zuzana Drillet, Tze Kwan Fung, Rachel Ai Ting Leong, Uma Sachidhanandam, Peter Edwards and Daniel Richards

Sustainability 2020, 12(5), 2076; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12052076 - 8 Mar 2020

Cited by 63 | Viewed by 9317

Abstract

Urban vegetation is important in providing ecosystem services to people. Different urban vegetation types provide contrasting suites of ecosystem services and disservices. Understanding public perceptions of the ecosystem services and disservices can therefore play an important role in shaping the planning and management [...] Read more.

Urban vegetation is important in providing ecosystem services to people. Different urban vegetation types provide contrasting suites of ecosystem services and disservices. Understanding public perceptions of the ecosystem services and disservices can therefore play an important role in shaping the planning and management of urban areas. We conducted an online survey (n = 1000) to understand how residents in the tropical city of Singapore perceived urban vegetation and the associated ecosystem services and disservices. The questionnaire was designed to explore whether different urban vegetation types (grass, shrubs, trees, trees over shrubs, and secondary forest) were perceived as equal in providing benefits. Respondents considered ecosystem services provided by urban vegetation to be more important than disservices. Among ecosystem services, regulating services were most highly rated, with more than 80% of the respondents appreciating urban vegetation for providing shade and improving air quality. Respondents recognized that different vegetation types provided different ecosystem services. For example, secondary forest was most commonly associated with education and wildlife, while trees were strongly associated with cooling and air quality. We conclude that in developing plans and designs for urban vegetation and ecosystem services, it is important to understand the perceptions, priorities, and concerns of residents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)

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