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Review on Biogeochemical Characteristics of Typical Antibiotics in Groundwater in China
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Use of Waste-Generated Syngas in the SI Engine
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Preliminary Approach for the Development of Sustainable University Campuses: A Case Study Based on the Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
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The Influence of Sewage Sludge Composts on the Enzymatic Activity of Reclaimed Post-Mining Soil
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Environmental Assessment of Local Food Policies through a Territorial Life Cycle Approach
Journal Description
Sustainability
Sustainability
is an international, cross-disciplinary, scholarly, peer-reviewed and open access journal of environmental, cultural, economic, and social sustainability of human beings. It provides an advanced forum for studies related to sustainability and sustainable development, and is published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC) and International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) are affiliated with Sustainability and their members receive discounts of the article processing charge.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE and SSCI (Web of Science), GEOBASE, GeoRef, Inspec, AGRIS, RePEc, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Environmental Sciences) / CiteScore - Q1 (Geography, Planning and Development)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 17.7 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.7 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2022).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Sustainability.
- Companion journals for Sustainability include: World, Sustainable Chemistry, Conservation, Future Transportation, Architecture, Standards, Merits and Wind.
Impact Factor:
3.889 (2021);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.089 (2021)
Latest Articles
Hyperspectral Detection of Moisture Content in Rice Straw Nutrient Bowl Trays Based on PSO-SVR
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8703; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118703 - 27 May 2023
Abstract
In the process of rice straw nutrient bowl tray drying, real-time detection of changes in moisture content to achieve automatic adjustment of drying factors is one of the important means to ensure its drying quality. At present, the main method for measuring the
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In the process of rice straw nutrient bowl tray drying, real-time detection of changes in moisture content to achieve automatic adjustment of drying factors is one of the important means to ensure its drying quality. At present, the main method for measuring the moisture content of rice straw nutrient bowl trays is the drying and weighing method. This method is not only time consuming, labor intensive, and complex to operate, but also has poor real-time performance, which cannot meet the demand for real-time detection of the moisture content in the production process of rice straw nutrient bowl trays. In this regard, a real-time moisture content detection method for rice straw nutrient bowl trays based on hyperspectral imaging technology was studied. In this study we took the rice straw nutrient bowl tray during the drying process as the research object, adopted a single factor experiment, took microwave power, hot air temperature, and hot air speed as the drying factors, and took the moisture content of the rice straw nutrient bowl tray as the drying index. The rice straw nutrient bowl tray was dried according to the designed drying conditions. When drying, we removed the rice straw nutrient bowl tray every 5 min for weighing and collected hyperspectral image data within the wavelength range of 400~1000 nm until its quality remained unchanged. A total of 204 samples were collected. Using the average spectrum of the region of interest as the sample for effective spectral information, spectral preprocessing was performed using multivariate scattering correction (MSC), standardization normal variables (SNV), and Savitzky–Golay convolution smoothing (SG) methods. Principal component analysis (PCA) and competitive adaptive reweighting (CARS) methods were adopted for the dimensionality reduction of the spectral data. Three prediction models of rice straw nutrient bowl tray moisture content, namely random forest regression (RF), particle swarm optimization support vector regression (PSO-SVR), and XGBoost model were constructed using the reduced dimension spectral data. Finally, the performance of the model was compared using the coefficient of determination (R2) and mean square error (RMSE) as evaluation indicators. The research results indicate that the PCA-PSO-SVR model established based on SG method preprocessing has the best predictive performance, with a training set decision coefficient R2C of 0.984, a training set mean square error RMSE-C of 2.775, a testing set decision coefficient R2P of 0.971, and a testing set mean square error RMSE-P of 3.448. The model therefore has a high accuracy. This study achieved rapid detection of water content in rice straw nutrition trays. This method provides a reliable theoretical basis and technical support for the rapid detection of rice straw nutrient bowl tray moisture content, and is of great significance for improving the quality of rice straw nutrient bowl trays; promoting the popularization and application of raising rice straw nutrient bowl tray seedlings and whole process mechanized planting technology system; improving soil structure; and protecting the ecological environment.
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(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)
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Opportunities of IoT in Fog Computing for High Fault Tolerance and Sustainable Energy Optimization
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8702; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118702 - 27 May 2023
Abstract
Today, the importance of enhanced quality of service and energy optimization has promoted research into sensor applications such as pervasive health monitoring, distributed computing, etc. In general, the resulting sensor data are stored on the cloud server for future processing. For this purpose,
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Today, the importance of enhanced quality of service and energy optimization has promoted research into sensor applications such as pervasive health monitoring, distributed computing, etc. In general, the resulting sensor data are stored on the cloud server for future processing. For this purpose, recently, the use of fog computing from a real-world perspective has emerged, utilizing end-user nodes and neighboring edge devices to perform computation and communication. This paper aims to develop a quality-of-service-based energy optimization (QoS-EO) scheme for the wireless sensor environments deployed in fog computing. The fog nodes deployed in specific geographical areas cover the sensor activity performed in those areas. The logical situation of the entire system is informed by the fog nodes, as portrayed. The implemented techniques enable services in a fog-collaborated WSN environment. Thus, the proposed scheme performs quality-of-service placement and optimizes the network energy. The results show a maximum turnaround time of 8 ms, a minimum turnaround time of 1 ms, and an average turnaround time of 3 ms. The costs that were calculated indicate that as the number of iterations increases, the path cost value decreases, demonstrating the efficacy of the proposed technique. The CPU execution delay was reduced to a minimum of 0.06 s. In comparison, the proposed QoS-EO scheme has a lower network usage of 611,643.3 and a lower execution cost of 83,142.2. Thus, the results show the best cost estimation, reliability, and performance of data transfer in a short time, showing a high level of network availability, throughput, and performance guarantee.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Sustainability via Climate Change Mitigation for Sustainable Development Goals)
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Evolution and Impacting Factors of Global Renewable Energy Products Trade Network: An Empirical Investigation Based on ERGM Model
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8701; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118701 - 27 May 2023
Abstract
Global trade of renewable energy products has increased significantly in recent years. This paper constructs an analytical framework of a global trade network for renewable energy products based on bilateral trade data between 2009 and 2019. It analyses its structural evolution at the
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Global trade of renewable energy products has increased significantly in recent years. This paper constructs an analytical framework of a global trade network for renewable energy products based on bilateral trade data between 2009 and 2019. It analyses its structural evolution at the global and local levels and investigates the influencing factors of the network with the Exponential Random Graph Model. The empirical results indicate that countries in the trade network have become more closely connected, featuring a core-periphery and increasing reciprocity relationship. China, Germany, and Japan have remained in the position of core countries; China has especially been prominent among core countries. Our empirical results verify that the sender-receiver effects can explain the evolution of this global trade network. The empirical results also indicate that the climate change agreement network and the common border network have positive effects on the formation of the trade network. As regards political implications, the core countries in the trade network should optimize the layout of renewable energy development and improve infrastructure accordingly. Countries should also jointly build a more fair and reasonable multilateral system that fulfills their responsibilities.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Resources and Environmental Management for Regional High-Quality Development)
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The Impacts of Biochar-Assisted Factors on the Hydrophysical Characteristics of Amended Soils: A Review
by
, , , , , and
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8700; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118700 - 27 May 2023
Abstract
Biochar is known as a well-developed porous carbonaceous material with multifunctional abilities that can enhance the physical properties of soils. However, the lack of certainty about the consequences of biochar application to soils has limited its acceptability. Application of biochar can lead to
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Biochar is known as a well-developed porous carbonaceous material with multifunctional abilities that can enhance the physical properties of soils. However, the lack of certainty about the consequences of biochar application to soils has limited its acceptability. Application of biochar can lead to a series of changes in the physical functions of soil, which are crucial in both agricultural and environmental management. The type of feedstock, pyrolysis conditions, size of particles, and rate of amendments are responsible for biochar effectiveness. Concurrently, the physical characteristics of soil, such as particle-size distribution, can intensify the impacts. Beside the physical attributes, the chemical components and interactions between biochar and the soil interface may play an important role. The chemical properties, such as the value of electrical conductivity, pH and zeta potential, are the remarkable parameters in the hydrophysical behavior. The summary proposes that biochar has a great contribution In enhancing the definite range of aggregation formation, reduction of compaction and shear strength frequency and/or intensity, improvement of microorganisms activity, and abundance. Simultaneously, biochar plays a devastating role by filling the pores, blocking the water flow pathways, and inhibiting macro fauna growth. Particle size of biochar as a major factor, and surface functional groups as a minor factor, affect the performance of biochar in improving the hydrophysical properties of amended soils. The increment in the dosage of biochar application is not promising to enhance the physical properties of soils. Therefore, it is necessary to find a balance between the consumption of biochar and promotion of the soil-water dynamic. This review provides an overview of fastidious perspectives on how to achieve an efficient and sustainable use of biochar in hydrophysical properties.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management of Agriculture with a Focus on Water and Soil)
Open AccessArticle
Relationship between Job Satisfaction and Employee Performance in the Construction Industry of Pakistan
by
, , , and
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8699; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118699 - 27 May 2023
Abstract
Organizations focus on human resources to improve performance as a result of high global competition and a dynamic business environment. In today’s competitive environment, employee performance and job satisfaction are critical to the achievement of a company’s goals. Job satisfaction is an organization’s
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Organizations focus on human resources to improve performance as a result of high global competition and a dynamic business environment. In today’s competitive environment, employee performance and job satisfaction are critical to the achievement of a company’s goals. Job satisfaction is an organization’s unnoticed success. Employee performance and job satisfaction are powerful tools that help in continuously developing and improving organizational performance to achieve strategic objectives. Job satisfaction is critical to the overall productivity of any given industry. Job satisfaction is important for both the employer and the employee. According to studies, employers greatly benefit from satisfied employees because they are more productive. One of the most important goals of a company is to maximize employee performance to achieve those goals. As a result, the focus of this study was on identifying the factors of job satisfaction and employee performance. It also evaluated the relationship between job satisfaction and employee performance in Pakistani construction projects. A detailed literature review was used to identify various factors, which were then shortlisted based on their relevance to the Pakistani construction industry by interviewing ten experienced practitioners. Totals of 11 job satisfaction and eight employee performance parameters were discovered. In total, 85 samples were collected as part of the data collection process via a questionnaire survey and statistically analyzed using multiple regression analysis. According to the results, all of the models have a high ability to compute the increase in employee performance criteria via the predicting variables. The overall models are significant because a value less than 0.05 indicates that they are. The study’s findings will assist practitioners in understanding the critical criteria that will increase employer satisfaction and improve performance.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction Management Practices and Productivity)
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Response of Fish Habitat Quality to Weir Distribution Change in Mountainous River Based on the Two-Dimensional Habitat Suitability Model
by
, , , , , , and
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8698; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118698 - 27 May 2023
Abstract
Weirs are often constructed on mountainous rivers because of their low construction costs and their ability to provide irrigation and facilitate landscaping, yet there is little research on how fish habitat quality in mountainous rivers responds to weir distribution. This study categorized the
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Weirs are often constructed on mountainous rivers because of their low construction costs and their ability to provide irrigation and facilitate landscaping, yet there is little research on how fish habitat quality in mountainous rivers responds to weir distribution. This study categorized the distribution characteristics of weirs on typical reaches according to their sinuosity and calculated the corresponding habitat suitability index (HSI) and weighted usable area (WUA) under various discharge conditions using a coupled MIKE21 and habitat suitability model. Then, the relationship between the distribution characteristics of weirs and the quality of fish habitats under different discharge conditions was analyzed. The results show that weirs in mountainous rivers can affect the habitat suitability of the rivers, but this effect is closely related to discharge conditions and layout mainly because the key hydraulic factors that determine habitat quality for different sinuous reaches vary under different discharge conditions. This study found that in high-sinuosity rivers with high discharge conditions, water depth is the key factor determining the quality of fish habitats, so weirs can improve habitat quality by improving the suitability of downstream water depth. However, in other conditions, velocity is the key factor determining habitat quality, in which case weirs cannot improve habitat quality and can even degrade it. Therefore, other methods of improving velocity are needed to enhance habitat quality. The results of this study provide a reference for the protection of fish habitats in mountainous river channels and the determination of suitable locations for weir construction.
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Open AccessArticle
Adaptability Evaluation of the Spatiotemporal Fusion Model of Sentinel-2 and MODIS Data in a Typical Area of the Three-River Headwater Region
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8697; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118697 - 27 May 2023
Abstract
The study of surface vegetation monitoring in the “Three-River Headwaters” Region (TRHR) relies on satellite data with high spatial and temporal resolutions. The spatial and temporal fusion method for multiple data sources can effectively overcome the limitations of weather, the satellite return period,
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The study of surface vegetation monitoring in the “Three-River Headwaters” Region (TRHR) relies on satellite data with high spatial and temporal resolutions. The spatial and temporal fusion method for multiple data sources can effectively overcome the limitations of weather, the satellite return period, and funding on research data to obtain data higher spatial and temporal resolutions. This paper explores the spatial and temporal adaptive reflectance fusion model (STARFM), the enhanced spatial and temporal adaptive reflectance fusion model (ESTARFM), and the flexible spatiotemporal data fusion (FSDAF) method applied to Sentinel-2 and MODIS data in a typical area of the TRHR. In this study, the control variable method was used to analyze the parameter sensitivity of the models and explore the adaptation parameters of the Sentinel-2 and MODIS data in the study area. Since the spatiotemporal fusion model was directly used in the product data of the vegetation index, this study used NDVI fusion as an example and set up a comparison experiment (experiment I first performed the band spatiotemporal fusion and then calculated the vegetation index; experiment II calculated the vegetation index first and then performed the spatiotemporal fusion) to explore the feasibility and applicability of the two methods for the vegetation index fusion. The results showed the following. (1) The three spatiotemporal fusion models generated high spatial resolution and high temporal resolution data based on the fusion of Sentinel-2 and MODIS data, the STARFM and FSDAF model had a higher fusion accuracy, and the R2 values after fusion were higher than 0.8, showing greater applicability. (2) The fusion accuracy of each model was affected by the model parameters. The errors between the STARFM, ESTARFM, and FSDAF fusion results and the validation data all showed a decreasing trend with an increase in the size of the sliding window or the number of similar pixels, which stabilized after the sliding window became larger than 50 and the similar pixels became larger than 80. (3) The comparative experimental results showed that the spatiotemporal fusion model can be directly fused based on the vegetation index products, and higher quality vegetation index data can be obtained by calculating the vegetation index first and then performing the spatiotemporal fusion. The high spatial and temporal resolution data obtained using a suitable spatial and temporal fusion model are important for the identification and monitoring of surface cover types in the TRHR.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Remote Sensing Technology for Land Use and Land Cover Change Analysis)
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The Impact of Eco-Innovation Adoption on Business Performance—A Study of the Hospitality Sector in Brazil
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8696; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118696 - 27 May 2023
Abstract
The objective of this study was to explore the impact of adopting eco-innovation on the performance of companies in the hotel sector in Brazil, since a large part of the growth in this sector is evidenced by concern for the environment, which is
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The objective of this study was to explore the impact of adopting eco-innovation on the performance of companies in the hotel sector in Brazil, since a large part of the growth in this sector is evidenced by concern for the environment, which is also reflected in the increase in demand for this leisure service and contact with nature. To carry out this study, quantitative research was carried out through the application of a questionnaire, which was sent to the managers of hotels and inns and analyzed through hypothesis tests with structural equation modeling of partial least squares (PLS-SEM). The results show that environmental pressure is positively related to the adoption of environmental practices, and this adoption is positively related to operational improvements and the competitiveness of companies in the hotel sector. Furthermore, the adoption of environmental practices is indirectly positively related to competitiveness, mediated by an operational improvement. Finally, the adoption of environmental practices, although positively related to performance mediated by competitiveness, was not statistically significant, and therefore, it cannot be said that this adoption would generate better performance in companies in the hotel sector in Brazil. Thus, in a broader context, the objective of this study was to provide useful empirical evidence and bring elements, perceptions, and support to the discussion of the theme that the adoption of eco-innovation positively impacts companies in the hotel sector.
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(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Management)
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Airbnb’s Negative Externalities from the Consumer’s Perspective: How the Effects Influence the Booking Intention of Potential Guests
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8695; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118695 - 27 May 2023
Abstract
Local governments worldwide have been making efforts to regulate Airbnb and its negative externalities (NEs), as peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodations have grown exponentially. This study seeks to explore the perceptions of potential guests regarding the NEs of Airbnb accommodation by using a contextual approach
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Local governments worldwide have been making efforts to regulate Airbnb and its negative externalities (NEs), as peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodations have grown exponentially. This study seeks to explore the perceptions of potential guests regarding the NEs of Airbnb accommodation by using a contextual approach and multiple methodologies to understand the effects of their choice. Through an experiment involving the collection of data on the responses of 296 participants from Taiwan’s post-Millennials and ordered probit model estimations, this study provides a quantitative analysis to distinguish the factors and NEs affecting the likelihood of choosing Airbnb. Under the circumstance where concern for NEs was not included, the results indicated that the accommodation environments and interactive experiences were among the significant Airbnb service features that attracted consumers. However, when NE factors were added a potential effect was identified, with the community environment and security assurances being factors that decreased the likelihood of choosing Airbnb. Previous experiences of staying in hotels were also found to reduce the acceptance of Airbnb as an accommodation mode. These research findings provide insights into Airbnb preferences which could assist in improving the administrative and managerial efforts of P2P accommodation platforms.
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(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
Enhancing Operating Efficiency in China’s High-End Equipment Manufacturing Industry: Insights from Listed Enterprises
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8694; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118694 - 27 May 2023
Abstract
The high-end equipment manufacturing industry is a strategic sector for China’s manufacturing transformation and upgrading. However, this industry is facing a series of challenges, such as insufficient innovation capabilities and poor business operations. This paper uses the super-efficiency SBM model to calculate the
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The high-end equipment manufacturing industry is a strategic sector for China’s manufacturing transformation and upgrading. However, this industry is facing a series of challenges, such as insufficient innovation capabilities and poor business operations. This paper uses the super-efficiency SBM model to calculate the operating efficiency of listed companies in this industry from a micro perspective and conducts in-depth multi-angle analysis of their operating efficiency. Furthermore, Tobit regression is utilized to identify the factors that affect operating efficiency. The aim is to provide a pathway for companies in this industry to achieve efficiency maximization and sustainable development. The research shows that the average operating efficiency of high-end equipment manufacturing companies was around 0.7 from 2016 to 2021, and nearly 70% of companies were in a non-DEA efficient state. The operating efficiency of the intelligent manufacturing equipment industry is far higher than other industries, and the western region has great development potential. In addition to government subsidies, factors such as company age, equity concentration, regional GDP, and regional openness all have a positive impact on the operational efficiency of high-end equipment manufacturing companies. This paper combines the characteristics of the equipment manufacturing industry and analyzes their operating efficiency from multiple dimensions, providing decision support and pathways for the high-quality and efficient development of this industry.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business, Innovation, and Economics Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
Comparative Experiment and Analysis of a Base-Isolated Structure with Small Aspect Ratio on Multi-Layered Soft Soil Foundation and Rigid Foundation
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8693; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118693 - 27 May 2023
Abstract
Through conducting a comparative experimental study of small-aspect-ratio isolated structure models on multi-layered soft soil foundations and rigid foundations, this paper investigates the influence of soil–structure interaction (SSI) effects on the seismic response of small-aspect-ratio isolated structures on multi-layered soft soil foundations. An
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Through conducting a comparative experimental study of small-aspect-ratio isolated structure models on multi-layered soft soil foundations and rigid foundations, this paper investigates the influence of soil–structure interaction (SSI) effects on the seismic response of small-aspect-ratio isolated structures on multi-layered soft soil foundations. An energy balance equation for isolated structure systems considering SSI effects is proposed, and the impact of SSI effects on the energy dissipation response of small-aspect-ratio isolated structures on multi-layered soft soil foundations is analyzed in depth. The analysis results reveal that SSI effects on multi-layered soft soil foundations reduce the first-order natural frequency of the isolated structure system and significantly increase the damping ratio of the system. Furthermore, the rotational effect of the isolated structure foundation is significant on multi-layered soft soil foundations, and the isolation layer has a certain amplification effect on the rotational effect of the foundation. The study shows that SSI effects on multi-layered soft soil foundations may either increase or decrease the seismic response of isolated structures. Moreover, due to the influence of SSI effects, the ratios of kinetic energy, damping energy dissipation, and hysteresis deformation energy dissipation of the isolated structure on multi-layered soft soil foundations are significantly different from those on rigid foundations. The research concludes that the influence of SSI effects is more significant during large earthquakes, where the ratios of kinetic energy and damping energy dissipation of the isolated structure increase, the hysteresis deformation energy dissipation ratio of the isolation layer decreases, and the magnitude of the decrease is related to the characteristics of the input seismic motion. This research has significant implications for improving the seismic design theory of small-aspect-ratio isolated structures on multi-layered soft soil foundations.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geotechnical Disaster Risk Mitigation and Sustainable Development in Complex Geo-Environment)
Open AccessArticle
Synergetic Benefits for a Pig Farm and Local Bioeconomy Development from Extended Green Biorefinery Value Chains
by
, , , , , , , , , , and
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8692; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118692 - 27 May 2023
Abstract
As the global population rises, agriculture and industry are under increasing pressure to become more sustainable in meeting this growing demand, while minimizing impacts on global emissions, land use change, and biodiversity. The development of efficient and symbiotic local bioeconomies can help to
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As the global population rises, agriculture and industry are under increasing pressure to become more sustainable in meeting this growing demand, while minimizing impacts on global emissions, land use change, and biodiversity. The development of efficient and symbiotic local bioeconomies can help to respond to this challenge by using land, resources, and side streams in efficient ways tailored to the needs of different regions. Green biorefineries offer a unique opportunity for regions with abundant grasslands to use this primary resource more sustainably, providing feed for cows, while also generating feed for monogastric animals, along with the co-production of biomaterials and energy. The current study investigates the impact of a green biorefinery co-product, leaf protein concentrate (LPC), for input to a pig farm, assessing its impact on pig diets, and the extended impact on the bioenergy performance of the pig farm. The study found that LPC replaced soya bean meal at a 50% displacement rate, with pigs showing positive performance in intake and weight gain. Based on laboratory analysis, the resulting pig slurry demonstrated a higher biogas content and 26% higher biomethane potential compared with the control slurry. The findings demonstrate some of the local synergies between agricultural sectors that can be achieved through extended green biorefinery development, and the benefits for local bioeconomy actors.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prospects and Challenges of Bioeconomy Sustainability Assessment)
Open AccessArticle
Assessment of Economic Sustainability of Cropping Systems in the Salt–Affected Coastal Zone of West Bengal, India
by
, , , , , , , , , , and
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8691; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118691 - 27 May 2023
Abstract
Identifying productive, profitable, and less risky cropping systems is pivotal for ensuring sustainable farm–based livelihoods in the context of climatic uncertainties and market volatility, particularly in many developing nations. Conventional field crop research often identifies the best or optimal solutions based on treatment
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Identifying productive, profitable, and less risky cropping systems is pivotal for ensuring sustainable farm–based livelihoods in the context of climatic uncertainties and market volatility, particularly in many developing nations. Conventional field crop research often identifies the best or optimal solutions based on treatment replicates at a specific point in time without considering the influence of market volatility and climatic uncertainties. To address this gap, we conducted an assessment of productivity profitability and climate– and market–uncertainty-driven risk for eleven different rice-based cropping systems (eight existing and three potential systems) in the coastal region of Gosaba Block, West Bengal, India. Farmers’ observations of the best, typical, and worst seasonal yields and price data for the selected cropping systems over the last five to seven years were collected from fifty farm households. Irrespective of the scenarios, the rice–lathyrus systems, followed by rice–onion and rice–lentil systems, recorded the lowest rice equivalent yields and system yields. However, the highest rice equivalent yields and system yields were recorded for rice–chilli systems, followed by rice–tomato and rice–potato–green-gram systems. Per hectare, total paid–out cost (TPC) of rice–tomato systems was higher, followed by rice–chilli, rice–potato–green–gram, and rice–potato systems. However, irrespective of seasonal conditions (best, normal, and worst), rice–chilli systems gave a higher net return followed by rice–tomato and rice–potato–green–gram systems. The rice–fallow system recorded the lowest value for both parameters. Under the worst seasonal conditions, the rice–onion system gave a negative net return. Under all the scenarios, the rice–chilli system gave the highest benefit over cost, followed by the rice–tomato, rice–potato–green-gram, and rice–potato systems. The cumulative probability distribution (CDF) of per ha net income of the rice–tomato system showed first–degree stochastic dominance over other systems, implying that the system is economically the most profitable and less risky. Additionally, the CDF of net income per ha of the rice–chilli system showed second–degree stochastic dominance over the rest of the systems, indicating that the system is economically more profitable and less risky than other rice/non–rice cropping systems except for the rice–tomato system. Furthermore, the risk analysis results suggest that the likelihood of obtaining negative net income was nil for the selected cropping systems, except the rice–onion system had a slight chance (<1%) of providing a negative net return. Considering the productivity and economic viability (e.g., profitability and risk) of different rice–based systems, it is recommended to promote the adoption of the rice–vegetable systems, especially rice–tomato and rice–chilli from among the existing systems and rice–potato–green-gram systems from among the potential systems, for achieving sustainable intensification in these coastal saline tracts of the region.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Farmers’ Socioeconomic Factors in Sustainable Production and Livelihoods under Climate Change)
Open AccessArticle
MaaS Adoption and Sustainability for Systematic Trips: Estimation of Environmental Impacts in a Medium-Sized City
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8690; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118690 - 27 May 2023
Abstract
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is often seen as a promising solution to address societal and environmental challenges. Despite the importance of quantifying its potential benefits, few previous works have focused on the impacts on the environment, and all of them considered large
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Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is often seen as a promising solution to address societal and environmental challenges. Despite the importance of quantifying its potential benefits, few previous works have focused on the impacts on the environment, and all of them considered large cities. This study aims to forecast the diffusion of MaaS in a medium-sized city and quantify the consequent reduction in pollutant emissions for commuting trips. Answers from a mobility survey administered to employees of the Municipality of Padua (Italy) were used to calibrate a model predicting MaaS adoption, which was applied to real working trips to estimate daily vehicle emissions savings in future scenarios with different MaaS bundles. The results indicated that the opportunity to have multimodal mobility options providing door-to-door travel is a fundamental element to ensure wide MaaS diffusion. Furthermore, public transport was confirmed to be the backbone of such a system. Compared to the current scenario, we observed up to a 41% reduction in pollutant emissions. The analysis pointed out that MaaS adoption is highly dependent on the characteristics of the proposed bundles, thus highlighting the importance of a proper design of the service and ex ante evaluation of emission savings.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Looking Back, Looking Ahead: Vehicle Sharing and Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
The Potential of Battery Electric Taxis in Santiago de Chile
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8689; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118689 - 27 May 2023
Abstract
Given the semi-private nature of the mode, the conversion of taxi vehicles to electric requires a feasibility analysis, as it can impact their operations and revenues. In this research, we assess the feasibility of taxi companies in Santiago de Chile operating with battery
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Given the semi-private nature of the mode, the conversion of taxi vehicles to electric requires a feasibility analysis, as it can impact their operations and revenues. In this research, we assess the feasibility of taxi companies in Santiago de Chile operating with battery electric vehicles (BEVs), considering the current electric mobility infrastructure of the city. We used a large database of GPS pulses provided by a taxi app to obtain a complete picture of typical taxi trips and operations in the city. Then, we performed an assessment of the feasibility of the fleet conversion by considering battery capacity, driving range, proximity to recharging stations, and charging power. The results are promising, as the number of completed trips ranges from 87.35% to 94.34%, depending on the BEV driving range. The analysis shows the importance of installing fast charging points in the locations or BEV driving ranges.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable City Logistics and Urban Freight Transport: Data-Driven and Field-Driven Methods and Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
Uncovering Equity and Travelers’ Behavior on the Expressway: A Case Study of Shandong, China
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8688; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118688 - 27 May 2023
Abstract
Understanding equity and travelers’ behavior plays a key role in creating suitable strategies to promote the development of the expressway. Especially, finding clusters of expressway users could help managers provide targeted policies in order to enhance service quality. However, it is challenging to
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Understanding equity and travelers’ behavior plays a key role in creating suitable strategies to promote the development of the expressway. Especially, finding clusters of expressway users could help managers provide targeted policies in order to enhance service quality. However, it is challenging to identify expressway travel behaviors, such as traffic flow distribution and users’ classification. Electronic toll collection (ETC) has been widely applied to improve expressway management, because it can record the origin–destination information of users. This paper proposes a framework to analyze the equity and travel behavior of expressway users with a large amount of ETC data. In the first stage, the Gini coefficient is adopted to analyze expressway equity. In the second stage, 12 kinds of indicators are extracted, including number of trips, car type, mean distance, etc. In the third stage, kmeans algorithm is adopted to cluster the users, based on the introduced indicators. Finally, we analyze the traffic flow distribution of each group by constructing a traffic flow network. The results show that the Gini coefficient is 0.4193, which demonstrates evident inequity in the expressway service. Moreover, statistical analysis shows that expressway flow is complicated and 70.77% of travelers do not make repeat trips. It is demonstrated that expressway users can be divided into six groups, and the flow networks of cluster 2 and cluster 3 are connected more closely and evenly than other clusters are.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promotion and Optimization toward Sustainable Urban Logistics Systems)
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Open AccessArticle
Microclimatic Conditions Restrict the Radial Growth of Nothofagus antarctica Regeneration Based on the Type of Forest Environment in Tierra del Fuego
by
, , , , , , and
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8687; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118687 - 27 May 2023
Abstract
Regeneration is crucial for forest continuity in natural and managed stands. Analyzing intra-annual dynamics can improve the understanding between growth and climate, identifying regeneration survival thresholds. The objective of this study was to determine the microclimate constraints (rainfall, air, and soil temperatures) of
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Regeneration is crucial for forest continuity in natural and managed stands. Analyzing intra-annual dynamics can improve the understanding between growth and climate, identifying regeneration survival thresholds. The objective of this study was to determine the microclimate constraints (rainfall, air, and soil temperatures) of Nothofagus antarctica regeneration growth in closed, open, and edge forests in Southern Patagonia. We measured stand characteristics (forest structure, understory plants, soil properties, animal use), microclimate, and the daily growth of regeneration using dendrometers (n = 6) during two growing seasons. We found significant differences in the studied variables (e.g., overstory, light, soil, understory plants, animal use) in the following order: closed primary forests > open forests > edge forests with openlands. These changes defined the microclimate across the overstory gradient (e.g., soil moisture), influencing the daily growth of regeneration across the growing season (lag, exponential, stationary). Rainfall (the F factor varied from 6.93 to 21.03) influenced more than temperature (the F factor varied from 0.03 to 0.34). Daily growth in closed forests indicated shrinkage (−0.0082 mm day−1 without rain and −0.0008 mm day−1 with 0.0–0.2 mm day−1 rainfall), while for more than 0.2 mm day−1 of rainfall, growth always increased. Open forests presented shrinkage during days without rain (−0.0051 mm day−1), showing positive growth according to rainfall. Edge forests always presented positive daily growth. The resilience of regeneration under these changed conditions was directly related to the overstory. The main outputs indicated that regeneration was vulnerable during non-rainy days at the middle or closed overstory (>40% crown cover), suggesting the need for long-term monitoring to develop better silvicultural proposals.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Sustainable Use of the Environment and Resources)
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Open AccessArticle
Women’s Participation in Firms’ Management and Their Impact on Financial Performance: Pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 Period Evidence
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8686; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118686 - 27 May 2023
Abstract
At a time when gender equality is a key priority of all international organizations, this paper can be considered a remarkable contribution to the role of women executives in firms’ performance. More specifically, this study focuses on the effect of women holding positions
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At a time when gender equality is a key priority of all international organizations, this paper can be considered a remarkable contribution to the role of women executives in firms’ performance. More specifically, this study focuses on the effect of women holding positions of responsibility on firms’ performance worldwide. For the purposes of our research, we applied cross-sectional and panel data analysis for all sectors at an international level from 2019, the year preceding the breakout of the pandemic crisis, to 2021, while the indicators used to measure the participation of women in executive positions are classified as ESG indices. The empirical analysis findings end up showing that the participation of women in executive positions positively affects firms’ performance over time, while there is no material change observed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic period. More specifically, when the percent of women processing job positions of responsibility increases by 10%, then the index of profitability will increase from 1.4% to 1.8%, regardless of the measurement of female participation in executive positions used. The results of this study constitute a remarkable contribution to the promotion of the creative economy, the progress of societies, and sustainable development. The research’s outcome can be primarily used by policymakers drawing up policies for achieving gender equality in the labor market and workplaces and by shareholders and firms’ managers in order to trust females in executive positions in favor of their firms’ financial performance. The current study is unique in that it focuses on the period before and during the COVID-19 period, as a period of high volatility in economic activity worldwide, while the sample includes firms from large and mid-cap companies belonging to developed and emerging markets. The above approach will contribute to providing more credible information related to the role of women executives in firms’ performance.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Creative Economy for Sustainable Development)
Open AccessArticle
Recruitment of Oysters by Different Collection Devices at a Longline Shellfish Farm in the Central Adriatic Sea
by
, , , , and
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8685; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118685 - 27 May 2023
Abstract
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In 2020–2021, a trial to recruit flat oysters was implemented at a longline farm in the central Adriatic, whereby the efficiency recruitment (n. oyster/dm2) of different suspended substrates was evaluated. Two lantern nets (50 cm diameter; 145 cm h) had different
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In 2020–2021, a trial to recruit flat oysters was implemented at a longline farm in the central Adriatic, whereby the efficiency recruitment (n. oyster/dm2) of different suspended substrates was evaluated. Two lantern nets (50 cm diameter; 145 cm h) had different substrates composed of 8 mm wide wrinkled ribbon and empty oyster shells positioned in the upper levels of the lanterns. The tumbling evaluation and the presence of mud were also considered. The efficiency recruitment was similar between the wrinkled ribbon and the oyster shell. Recruitment was in the same proportion on the external rough part of the shells as on the internal smooth part of the shells. No significant differences were shown when comparing the different substrates in terms of recruitment efficiency.
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Open AccessArticle
Role of Renewable Energy and Financial Innovation in Environmental Protection: Empirical Evidence from UAE and Saudi Arabia
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8684; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118684 - 27 May 2023
Abstract
In modern times, many countries are committed to achieving climate neutrality and environmental sustainability. Without financial innovation and green financing, switching to clean energy, reducing carbon emissions, and mitigating climate change will be impossible. The main objective of this study is to obtain
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In modern times, many countries are committed to achieving climate neutrality and environmental sustainability. Without financial innovation and green financing, switching to clean energy, reducing carbon emissions, and mitigating climate change will be impossible. The main objective of this study is to obtain zero carbon to protect the environment. To analyze sustainable development pathways, this research examines the impact of renewable energy and financial innovation on the environmental protection of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia from 2010 to 2021. The use of renewable energy sources, pollution, and climate change are all significant elements. Innovation can help slow the rate of global warming by lowering carbon emissions and expanding the usage of renewable energy sources. Green financing and innovation are powerful tools for environmental safety and deterioration. The acceleration of renewable energy growth is the primary driver of sustainable development. Moreover, green financing balances the innovation–energy–environment–climate nexus. Similarly, green finance amplifies the positive effects of innovation on using renewable energy. This study provides valuable insights into achieving zero carbon by producing renewable energy sources and modern green technology. Further research is possible by adding more dimensions of renewable energy sources.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy and Environment: Policy, Economics and Modeling)

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