Sustainability

The construction sector’s significant energy consumption poses a substantial challenge to achieving global “Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality” goals. This study addresses this challenge by proposing a sustainable design framework to optimize atrium spaces in commercial complexes within severe cold regions, where the conflict between high heating energy demands and the pursuit of high-quality spatial experiences is acute. Our climate-adaptive method integrates parametric modeling (Grasshopper) with building performance simulation (Ladybug Tools and Honeybee) to form a multi-objective optimization process using the NSGA-II algorithm. The goal is to simultaneously minimize operational energy (by reducing the seasonal solar heat gain difference, D-RAD) and enhance occupant well-being (by improving useful daylight illuminance, SUMUDI, and thermal discomfort, SUMPPD). Results demonstrate that our framework generated design solutions that significantly improve environmental performance compared to a baseline model: aggregate useful daylight illuminance (SUMUDI) increased by 90.2%, the solar heat gain difference (D-RAD) was reduced by 40.8%, and thermal discomfort (SUMPPD) decreased by 22.7%. This research provides a quantifiable and replicable methodology for sustainable architectural design, contributing directly to the measurement and monitoring of sustainability in the built environment by balancing energy conservation with human-centric design.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) is rapidly transforming higher education, yet its integration within Mechanical Engineering Education (MEE) remains insufficiently explored, particularly regarding the perspectives of faculty and students on its enablers, challenges, strategies, and psychological dimensions. This study addresses this gap through a sequential mixed-methods design that combines semi-structured interviews with faculty and students, along with a large-scale survey (N = 105) compromising 61 students and 44 faculty members primarily from universities in the UAE. Quantitative analyses employed the Relative Importance Index (RII) to prioritize factors, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to test construct validity, and Partial Least Squared Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine interrelationships. Results indicate convergence across groups: the top enablers include students’ willingness and tool availability for time efficiency; the main challenges concern ethical misuse and over-reliance reducing critical thinking; and the most effective strategies involve clear policies, training, and gradual adoption. CFA confirmed construct reliability after excluding low-loading items (SRMR ≈ 0.11; RMSEA ≈ 0.08; CFI ≈ 0.70). PLS-SEM revealed that enablers, challenges, and strategies significantly influence overall perceptions of successful integration, whereas psychological factors exert no significant effect. The study offers empirically grounded priorities and validated measures to guide curriculum design, faculty development, and policy formulation for the responsible and effective adoption of GAI in MEE.

Excessive corporate use of fossil fuels has significantly worsened global air quality. In response, many governments, including China’s, have implemented tax incentives to promote sustainable development, though their effectiveness at the firm level remains unclear. This study empirically examines the relationship between tax incentives and corporate green transition using a panel of 30,483 firm-year observations from Chinese A-share non-financial listed firms spanning 2009–2023. We construct a Green Sustainable Development Performance (GSDP) index based on green patent applications and environmental disclosure and identify innovation investment as the main transmission mechanism. The results show that stronger tax incentives are associated with higher GSDP scores. This relationship is largely driven by innovation: after controlling R&D input, the direct effect of tax incentives declines, while the indirect effect through innovation remains both statistically and economically significant. The effect is more evident in large firms and those in eastern provinces, but weaker in regions with higher financial constraints with limited time lags. The findings offer practical implications for designing targeted, verifiable, and innovation-oriented tax instruments to foster high-quality, sustainable corporate development.