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Green Deal Strategies Towards Sustainability of Water, Raw Materials and Energy—2nd Edition

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 745

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-261 Cracow, Poland
Interests: green deal strategies; circular economy; raw materials; water and wastewater; nutrients; roadmaps; policy recommendations; indicators; life cycle assessment (LCA); sustainable development goals
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Green deal strategies (GDSs) have dynamically developed in recent years as a response to progression of global climate change, and their main objective is to improve citizens’ well-being by integrating environmental, economic, and social aspects into all economic activities. Therefore, GDSs can be understood as tools for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); the pursuit of climate neutrality and the protection of the environment are the main challenges for the implementation of GDSs measures, which refer to green solutions in all sectors of the economy. The strategic importance of a green transition has led to the bioeconomy, which aims to mobilize industry to achieve a clean and circular economy.

This Special Issue (SI) is dedicated, therefore, to presenting ways to support the green transition through innovative solutions (technological, environmental, economic, and social) that can be implemented as green deal strategies. The SI aims to provide an important contribution by presenting the state of the art in terms of the implementation of green deal strategies through an inventory of multidisciplinary knowledge with high scientific and practical importance, which can contribute to improving the quality of the environment and achieving a balance between human activities and nature. We invite research papers, critical reviews or case studies that are relevant to green deal strategies regarding water, raw materials, and energy.

Prof. Dr. Marzena Smol
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • green deal strategies (GDSs)
  • green transition
  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • circular economy (CE) in water, raw materials and energy
  • climate change and strategies toward climate neutrality
  • toxic-free environment (water–soil–air)
  • bioeconomy, ecosystems and biodiversity
  • sustainable agriculture and nutrients recovery
  • waste-free and environmentally friendly food system
  • life cycle assessment (LCA)–environmental, social, economic
  • circular business models (CBMs)/circular economy business models (CEBM)

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Research

21 pages, 2687 KB  
Article
Towards Sustainable Agriculture: Understanding Farmers’ Perspective on the Use of Bio-Based Fertilisers
by Marzena Smol, Magdalena Andrunik and Paulina Marcinek
Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010138 - 22 Dec 2025
Viewed by 438
Abstract
Bio-based fertilisers (BBFs), produced from various types of biological waste using different processing methods, have demonstrated encouraging levels of agronomic efficiency and environmental benefits, consistent with the principles of sustainable development (SD). Nevertheless, bringing these newly developed products to market remains difficult due [...] Read more.
Bio-based fertilisers (BBFs), produced from various types of biological waste using different processing methods, have demonstrated encouraging levels of agronomic efficiency and environmental benefits, consistent with the principles of sustainable development (SD). Nevertheless, bringing these newly developed products to market remains difficult due to limited farmer awareness, perceived risks, and regulatory uncertainties. In this paper, we examine the attitudes, opinions, and awareness of farmers regarding the use of various BBFs in their fertilisation practices. We applied a survey research method, using the Paper and Pen Personal Interview (PAPI), and answers were collected by agricultural advisors. A questionnaire, consisting of open, closed, and Likert scale questions, focusing on general information about farmers, current practices regarding fertiliser use, and the determinants of fertiliser choice, was used. Descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, chi-square tests, Cramer’s V coefficients, 95% confidence intervals, and McNemar’s test were used to analyse the data. This study was conducted in all 16 voivodeships in Poland, collecting a total of 800 responses. Factors influencing the negative or positive attitude of farmers toward this practice were identified. Currently, mineral fertilisers remain the dominant choice among Polish farmers due to their accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and agronomic performance. There is observed growing, albeit cautious, interest in alternative fertilisation strategies and the correct understanding of sustainable agriculture practices. About half of farmers expressed willingness to partially replace mineral fertilisers with organic options, but only a minority showed interest in adopting BBFs. The findings indicate that concerns about contaminants, heterogeneous quality, limited availability, and regulatory uncertainty continue to constrain interest in BBFs. Although respondents recognised potential environmental benefits, economic and agronomic considerations remained the primary drivers of decision-making. As the survey was conducted in late 2021, the results reflect pre-2022 market conditions and should be interpreted as a baseline rather than a direct indication of current attitudes. Overall, this study provides insights into behavioural and structural factors influencing fertiliser use in Poland and highlights areas where further policy, advisory, and market developments may help support more sustainable nutrient management. Full article
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