Sustainability

20 pages, 4272 KB

Open AccessArticle

Revitalisation in Polish Medium-Sized Cities and the 15-Min Cities Concept: A Spatial Approach to Delimitation

by Barbara Zgórska, Piotr Lorens and Dorota Kamrowska-Załuska

Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 5871; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18125871 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2026

Medium-sized cities play an important role in regional settlement systems as intermediary centres linking metropolitan areas with smaller towns and rural regions. Due to their relatively compact spatial structure, such cities are often associated with the principles of the 15-min city concept, which [...] Read more.

Medium-sized cities play an important role in regional settlement systems as intermediary centres linking metropolitan areas with smaller towns and rural regions. Due to their relatively compact spatial structure, such cities are often associated with the principles of the 15-min city concept, which promotes accessibility to key services and public spaces within walking distance. Urban regeneration is an important instrument supporting sustainable development and improving quality of life in these cities. This study examines the relationship between legal regulations, spatial delimitation patterns, and the spatial distribution of degraded and revitalised areas in medium-sized cities. The research is based on a comparative analysis of qualitative and quantitative criteria, GIS-based spatial analyses, and accessibility modelling conducted for five cities in the Pomeranian Voivodeship using planning documents and statistical data, verified through field surveys. The results indicate a high degree of spatial continuity of revitalisation areas despite changes in legal frameworks and delimitation methodologies. Revitalisation areas remained concentrated mainly within historic city centres and their multifunctional surroundings, while degraded areas gradually expanded toward residential districts. The findings also demonstrate a strong spatial relationship between revitalisation areas and 15 min walking accessibility zones. The study provides useful comparative insights for countries developing formal urban regeneration systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Ecology and Sustainability)

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28 pages, 38546 KB

Open AccessArticle

Urbanization-Driven Water Demand Outpacing Climate-Induced Supply Gains in Xiong’an New Area: A Coupled SD-PLUS-InVEST Assessment

by Xiao-Hui Dong, Jia-Hua Mao, Fan Ping, Tian-Hui Tao, Ning Wang, Rui-Kai Yan and Yi-Xue Jiang

Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 5870; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18125870 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2026

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and climate change are exerting unprecedented pressure on regional water resources, particularly in emerging megacities. This study examines the Xiong’an New Area (XNA) in the water-stressed North China Plain, where high-intensity urbanization coincides with rigorous ecological restoration mandates. To overcome the [...] Read more.

Rapid urbanization and climate change are exerting unprecedented pressure on regional water resources, particularly in emerging megacities. This study examines the Xiong’an New Area (XNA) in the water-stressed North China Plain, where high-intensity urbanization coincides with rigorous ecological restoration mandates. To overcome the limitations of single-model assessments, a coupled SD–PLUS–InVEST framework was developed, integrating System Dynamics for socio-economic and policy drivers, Patch-Generating Land-Use Simulation for fine-scale urban expansion, and InVEST for hydrological process assessment. Projecting spatiotemporal water dynamics to 2035 under three Shared Socio-Economic Pathways (SSPs), results reveal that urbanization-driven water demand growth consistently outpaces climate-induced supply gains. While precipitation increases are projected to raise water yield by 8.91–19.58% by 2035, demand surges by up to ~26% under the extensive expansion scenario (SSP5–8.5), driven predominantly by impervious surface proliferation. External water transfers are projected to sustain 40–45% of total supply by 2035, yet this dependency introduces systemic vulnerabilities. Quantitative assessment further indicates severe spatiotemporal mismatches, with Seasonal Water Shortage Rates of 26.1–27.3% and a Spatial Mismatch Index rising from 0.44 to 0.98. These findings indicate that climate-driven precipitation increments alone cannot offset water deficits induced by unregulated urban sprawl, and that integrating strategic land-use planning, resilient infrastructure, and adaptive governance is essential for water security in rapidly developing regions. Full article

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32 pages, 2856 KB

Open AccessReview

Digital Twin Architectures for Energy-Efficient Buildings and Renewable Energy Communities: A Systematic Scoping Review on Monitoring, Demand Response, and Net-Zero Readiness

by Fabrizio Cumo, Valentina Sforzini and Virginia Adele Tiburcio

Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 5869; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18125869 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2026

Abstract

Buildings are the primary energy consumption layer of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) and a key target for net-zero policy under the EPBD recast. This scoping review applies the PRISMA-ScR framework to map Digital Twin (DT) architectures for building-scale and community-scale energy management in [...] Read more.

Buildings are the primary energy consumption layer of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) and a key target for net-zero policy under the EPBD recast. This scoping review applies the PRISMA-ScR framework to map Digital Twin (DT) architectures for building-scale and community-scale energy management in REC configurations. A Scopus search yielded a final analytical corpus of 102 studies, coded through an eight-dimensional thematic matrix covering lifecycle phases, digitalization objectives, enabling technologies, DT capability dimensions, and data realism. DT is the dominant enabling technology (55.9%), followed by IoT (23.5%) and machine learning (22.5%). Research is concentrated in the Planning and Design phase (77.5%) and markedly underrepresented in Implementation and Commissioning (16.7%). Notably, only 10.8% of studies integrate real-time operational data, exposing a significant gap between simulation-based research and the deployment conditions required under current EPBD mandates. The evidence base supports building energy monitoring, demand forecasting, and flexible grid operation but remains limited for retrofit verification, standardized net-zero KPIs, and operational workflows in existing stock. Critical DT capability gaps persist in Data Services (7.8%) and User Experience (18.6%). Overall, DT architectures show genuine potential for grid-interactive, net-zero building management, yet the field presents unresolved structural challenges for large-scale real-world deployment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Energy-Efficient Buildings for Net-Zero Carbon Emission Goals)

33 pages, 2642 KB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptive Rolling Horizon Optimization for Microgrid Energy Management Under Uncertainty

by Mai Elgazzar, Zakaria Yahia and Amr Eltawil

Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 5868; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18125868 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2026

Abstract

The increasing integration of renewable energy introduces uncertainty in microgrid operation, making effective energy management more challenging. Rolling-horizon optimization is used to address this challenge by enabling periodic decision updates; however, most existing approaches rely on fixed optimization horizons and predetermined update frequencies. [...] Read more.

The increasing integration of renewable energy introduces uncertainty in microgrid operation, making effective energy management more challenging. Rolling-horizon optimization is used to address this challenge by enabling periodic decision updates; however, most existing approaches rely on fixed optimization horizons and predetermined update frequencies. When prediction accuracy decay (PAD) is considered in adaptive rolling-horizon approaches, it is represented using a fixed decay value, not an online indicator that compares forecasted and actual renewable generation during operation. This leads to suboptimal re-optimization timing, unnecessary computational effort, excessive battery switching, or delayed corrective actions. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a PAD-driven adaptive rolling horizon (ARH) approach, in which re-optimization is triggered using an online PAD indicator computed from the percentage deviation between forecasted and realized renewable generation data. Re-optimization is activated when the PAD indicator exceeds a predefined threshold, enabling adaptive scheduling updates according to real-time forecasting degradation. The problem is formulated as a robust mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model of a high renewable penetration microgrid, including battery degradation and switching penalties. The energy self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) is used as a key sustainability performance indicator to assess the extent to which local renewable generation and storage satisfy microgrid demand. The proposed approach is first compared with a fixed rolling-horizon approach using a fixed re-optimization interval of 1 h, where the results show a profit improvement of 10.5%. A sensitivity analysis tested the proposed approach under bounded renewable forecast uncertainty levels up to ±15 and different battery capacities. The results indicate that performance is strongly influenced by forecast accuracy and battery capacity, with higher economic gains under low uncertainty and more conservative operation under high uncertainty. Full article

30 pages, 916 KB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Leadership and Sustainable Digital Innovation in SMEs: The Strategic Roles of Digital Capabilities, Digital Orientation, and Agility

by Maher Mostafa El Ozon and Asieh AkhlaghiMofrad

Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 5867; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18125867 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2026

Abstract

In the digital economy, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face growing pressure to align digital transformation with sustainability-oriented value creation. Yet, it remains unclear how and through which mechanisms digital leadership is associated with sustainable digital innovation in resource-constrained and turbulent contexts. This [...] Read more.

In the digital economy, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face growing pressure to align digital transformation with sustainability-oriented value creation. Yet, it remains unclear how and through which mechanisms digital leadership is associated with sustainable digital innovation in resource-constrained and turbulent contexts. This study investigates whether digital leadership is associated with sustainable digital innovation directly and indirectly through digital capabilities and digital orientation, and whether strategic agility strengthens these relationships. Drawing on the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Dynamic Capability Theory (DCT), the study develops an integrated framework that explains sustainable digital innovation as a strategically managed outcome of digital economy transformation rather than a simple result of technology adoption. Using survey data from 423 employees in Lebanese SMEs, the hypotheses were tested through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings show that digital leadership is positively associated with sustainable digital innovation both directly and indirectly, with digital orientation emerging as the stronger mediating pathway compared to digital capabilities. In addition, strategic agility strengthens the association between digital orientation and sustainable digital innovation, while its moderating role on the digital capabilities path is not significant. These findings contribute to the literature by identifying dual transformation mechanisms and revealing an asymmetric boundary role of agility in sustainability-oriented digital transformation. The study also offers practical implications for SME leaders seeking to align digital strategy with long-term environmental, social, and economic value creation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Economy Transformation: Driving Sustainability Through Innovative Management)

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24 pages, 1177 KB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Platforms and Routine–Emergency Compatibility: Evidence from Shanghai

by Xiaogang Zhu, Yichun Li and Wuxiao Teng

Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 5866; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18125866 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2026

Abstract

Urban resilience research increasingly recognizes that emergency response cannot be separated from routine urban governance. However, less is known about how digital platforms institutionalize this connection in everyday urban operations. This study develops the concept of routine–emergency compatibility to explain how routine governance [...] Read more.

Urban resilience research increasingly recognizes that emergency response cannot be separated from routine urban governance. However, less is known about how digital platforms institutionalize this connection in everyday urban operations. This study develops the concept of routine–emergency compatibility to explain how routine governance and emergency management remain connected. Drawing on a qualitative case study of District A in Shanghai, this study uses field observations, policy and platform materials, and semi-structured interviews to examine how a district-level digital platform supports this model. The findings show that the platform enables routine–emergency compatibility through three interrelated dimensions: spatial congruence between physical and digital governance spaces, resource elasticity across routine and emergency scenarios, and actor integration through coordination among government departments, social actors, and the public. These dimensions operate through a closed loop of identification and warning, linkage and dispatch, and feedback and learning. The study contributes to urban resilience and digital governance by clarifying how digital platforms support this connection. It also highlights the importance of risk visibility, resource readiness, and cross-level coordination in platform-enabled emergency governance. Full article

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

29 pages, 10350 KB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Biochar Production and Performance for Sustainable Environment and Energy Applications

by Adnan Abbas, Saiqa Afzal, Muhammad Waseem, Muhammad Ahmad and Dayong Xu

Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 5865; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18125865 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2026

Abstract

The urgent demand for sustainable carbon management and environmental remediation has accelerated research on biochar as a multifunctional material. This review critically evaluated over 250 peer-reviewed studies to elucidate the relationships between feedstock composition, thermochemical conversion processes, and the resulting physicochemical properties of [...] Read more.

The urgent demand for sustainable carbon management and environmental remediation has accelerated research on biochar as a multifunctional material. This review critically evaluated over 250 peer-reviewed studies to elucidate the relationships between feedstock composition, thermochemical conversion processes, and the resulting physicochemical properties of biochar. The analysis revealed that pyrolysis temperature is the dominant parameter governing biochar yield and structure, contributing up to ~50% of the variability, while feedstock composition strongly influences surface functionality and pore architecture. Low-temperature biochar (300–400 °C) exhibits higher cation exchange capacity and functional group density, whereas high-temperature biochar (>600 °C) demonstrates enhanced aromaticity, stability, and carbon sequestration potential. Advanced modification strategies significantly improve the adsorption capacity, catalytic activity, and energy applications. Despite these advances, major challenges remain, including lack of process standardization, limited long-term field validation, and uncertainties in carbon stability. This review identifies key research gaps and proposes future directions focusing on scalable production, life-cycle assessment, and integration into circular economy systems, thereby providing a comprehensive framework for the development of high-performance biochar technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy Technologies and Sustainable Agricultural Waste Utilization)

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18 pages, 426 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Underlying Causes of Energy Poverty in Rural Micro-Enterprises

by Nikolaos Apostolopoulos, Panagiotis Liargovas, Giorgos Papadopoulos, Panos Dimitrakopoulos, Sotiris Apostolopoulos and Vasilios Stouraitis

Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 5864; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18125864 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2026

Abstract

Small rural businesses face significant challenges due to geographical constraints, transportation costs, small market size, and low population density. On top of that, the energy crisis that arose after the start of the 2022 Russia–Ukraine war and the sanctions imposed by the EU [...] Read more.

Small rural businesses face significant challenges due to geographical constraints, transportation costs, small market size, and low population density. On top of that, the energy crisis that arose after the start of the 2022 Russia–Ukraine war and the sanctions imposed by the EU and the US have created a stifling energy environment. The latter has exposed the businesses to the risk of energy poverty. The current study examines energy poverty within three business sectors that are prominent in the Greek countryside. These are entities firstly involved in the processing, manufacturing, and standardization of agricultural products; secondly, involved in the trade of agricultural products; and lastly, certain businesses operating in the tourist area. More specifically, this research examines the energy needs and energy obligations of these businesses as well as the energy efficiency of their facilities by simultaneously exploring the impact of European and national energy policies on addressing energy poverty in rural micro-businesses. To detect the opinions, experiences, perceptions, estimations, and expectations of entrepreneurs who maintain these businesses in rural areas, a qualitative approach was adopted utilizing personal in-depth interviews. Overall, fifteen micro-entrepreneurs were interviewed. Findings revealed that energy costs for rural businesses are becoming a major issue for their survival. Moreover, they have a substantial effect on their operational costs, exceeding other expenses and leading to an increase in energy poverty. These findings have also been confirmed by statistical data. Energy costs for small businesses range from 15% to 35% depending on the business, and during peak periods or crises, they exceed 40%. In addition, fees and taxes account for over 40% of electricity bills. Full article

31 pages, 730 KB

Open AccessReview

Kappaphycus alvarezii-Based Bioinputs for Sustainable Agriculture: Advances in Biofertilizers, Biostimulants and Controlled-Release Technologies

by Natália Fernandes Rodrigues, Danielle França de Oliveira Torchia, Tadeu Augusto van Tol de Castro, Rafael Gomes da Mota Gonçalves, Domingos Sávio Neto and Andrés Calderín García

Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 5863; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18125863 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2026

Abstract

The red macroalga Kappaphycus alvarezii, widely cultivated for carrageenan extraction, has emerged as a promising blue economy resource of bioactive compounds for sustainable agriculture. However, knowledge regarding the composition, mechanisms of action, agronomic effects, and large-scale applicability of K. alvarezii-based products [...] Read more.

The red macroalga Kappaphycus alvarezii, widely cultivated for carrageenan extraction, has emerged as a promising blue economy resource of bioactive compounds for sustainable agriculture. However, knowledge regarding the composition, mechanisms of action, agronomic effects, and large-scale applicability of K. alvarezii-based products remains fragmented. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the potential of K. alvarezii and its by-products for the development of agricultural bioinputs, addressing species diversity, cultivation practices, chemical characterization of bioactive compounds, and their agronomic applications. Literature evidence indicates that K. alvarezii biomass is rich in sulfated polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, photoprotective pigments, fatty acids, and metabolites with hormone-like activity, which have been associated with enhanced plant growth, increased photosynthetic efficiency, and improved tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, resulting in productivity gains in crops such as rice, maize, sugarcane, soybean, and vegetables. In addition, biomass represents a potential source of potassium and micronutrients that can complement conventional fertilization. Recent technological advances, as well as regulatory aspects and challenges related to the integration of these products into the global agricultural market, are also discussed. Overall, the evidence highlights the potential of K. alvarezii as a renewable resource for the development of innovative agricultural bioinputs, as biofertilizers and plant biostimulants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Macroalgae as Innovative Agricultural Inputs and Climate-Smart Agroecosystems: From the Sea to the Soil)

38 pages, 2937 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Data-Driven Risk-Informed Decision Support Framework for Sustainable Municipal Organic Waste Management in Smart Cities

by Anatoliу Tryhuba, Nazarii Koval, Inna Tryhuba, Ihor Firman, Volodymyr Famuliak, Andriy Tatomyr, Bohdan Hulko, Ivanna Rozhko, Mykola Rudynets and Valentyna Fedorchuk-Moroz

Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 5862; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18125862 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2026

Abstract

The rapid growth of organic waste volumes in urban areas and increasing environmental pressures necessitate the transition toward sustainable and risk-informed municipal waste management systems. This study aims to develop a data-driven decision support framework for the risk-informed management of municipal organic waste [...] Read more.

The rapid growth of organic waste volumes in urban areas and increasing environmental pressures necessitate the transition toward sustainable and risk-informed municipal waste management systems. This study aims to develop a data-driven decision support framework for the risk-informed management of municipal organic waste within the context of sustainable urban development. The proposed approach integrates multi-source municipal data, advanced preprocessing techniques, entropy-based feature weighting, and an ensemble of machine learning models, including Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, and XGBoost. An integrated environmental risk index is formulated to quantify the state of the waste management system and to support predictive analytics. The results demonstrate high predictive performance and reveal that key risk drivers include demographic pressure, transport accessibility, infrastructure characteristics, and seasonal variability of waste generation. The developed framework enables the integration of predictive risk analytics into municipal decision support systems, facilitating optimized waste collection logistics, infrastructure planning, and early identification of critical conditions. The findings confirm that data-driven approaches can significantly enhance the efficiency and adaptability of urban waste management systems. The proposed framework contributes to sustainable urban development by supporting circular economy principles and enabling proactive, risk-aware governance of municipal organic waste systems. Full article

23 pages, 2332 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Collaborative Optimal Scheduling Strategy for Multiple Virtual Power Plants Based on Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning

by Mingbo Wu, Yadong Wen, Yuhao Duan, Jianping Zhao, Yaojie Jin, Weiran Li and Yuanji Cai

Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 5861; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18125861 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2026

Abstract

With the increasing penetration of electric vehicles (EVs), multi-virtual power plant (multi-VPP) systems face growing challenges in coordinating heterogeneous flexible resources, managing stochastic EV charging and discharging behaviors, and maintaining distribution network security. This paper develops an integrated collaborative scheduling strategy for multi-VPPs [...] Read more.

With the increasing penetration of electric vehicles (EVs), multi-virtual power plant (multi-VPP) systems face growing challenges in coordinating heterogeneous flexible resources, managing stochastic EV charging and discharging behaviors, and maintaining distribution network security. This paper develops an integrated collaborative scheduling strategy for multi-VPPs with EV cluster participation. In the proposed framework, EV clusters, energy storage systems, and distributed generation units are coordinated under distribution-network operational constraints. The regulation capability of EV clusters is characterized by considering state of charge (SOC) dynamics, charging/discharging power limits, arrival and departure times, vehicle availability, and user travel requirements and is further embedded into the scheduling decision space of each VPP. To coordinate operational economy and nodal voltage security, a voltage-security-aware optimization objective is formulated and transformed into a Markov game. A multi-agent deep reinforcement learning (MADRL) method is then adopted to learn coordinated scheduling policies among multiple VPP agents. Case studies show that the proposed method achieves stable convergence after approximately 3500 training episodes, with a normalized reward exceeding 0.92, and outperforms TD3, DDPG, and PPO in terms of convergence speed and training stability. The scheduling results further indicate that the proposed strategy effectively coordinates EV clusters and energy storage systems, maintains nodal voltages within safe limits, and improves the operational performance of multi-VPP systems. These results demonstrate the applicability of the proposed framework for secure and economic collaborative scheduling in distribution networks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Techniques for Safe Operation and Control in Power and Sustainable Energy Systems)

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28 pages, 2793 KB

Open AccessArticle

Techno-Economic and Environmental Performance of Electric Drive Trailers in Heavy-Duty Commercial Vehicles: A Coordinated Torque Control Approach

by Ziyu Tong, Gang Li, Hongyu Zheng, Yakun Zhang, Zhiming Li, Tingneng Yang and Ben Niu

Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 5860; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18125860 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2026

Abstract

Although critical to modern logistics, heavy-duty commercial vehicles face mounting pressure to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the techno-economic and environmental performance of four vehicle configurations: internal combustion engine (ICE) tractors and battery electric [...] Read more.

Although critical to modern logistics, heavy-duty commercial vehicles face mounting pressure to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the techno-economic and environmental performance of four vehicle configurations: internal combustion engine (ICE) tractors and battery electric tractors (BETs), each respectively paired with either a conventional or an electrified trailer. To optimize energy utilization while proactively mitigating the longitudinal impact risks that trigger vehicle instability, a coordinated control strategy based on power decoupling and a real-time, efficiency-oriented torque distribution strategy were designed. Simulations under C-WTVC and CHTC-TT cycles revealed that electrified trailers substantially improved the system efficiency. Under fully loaded conditions, BETs paired with electrified trailers reduced the direct energy expenditures by 76.5% compared to conventional ICE vehicles. Notably, compared to pure electric tractors with conventional trailers, the addition of electrified trailers further reduced the energy consumption by 29.1%. Meanwhile, ICE tractors paired with electrified trailers achieved a 35.6% energy cost reduction. Furthermore, a fuel-cycle well-to-wheels (WTW) assessment of the use phase, based on a specified regional grid emission factor, demonstrated that the BETs and hybrid configurations reduced the operational greenhouse gas emissions by 64.9% and 29.3%, respectively, compared to the baseline. These findings indicate that trailer electrification offers consistent economic and environmental benefits under the simulated scenarios, thereby providing a robust theoretical foundation for the low-carbon transition, transportation sustainability, and selection of sustainable technologies in road freight. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)

28 pages, 5073 KB

Open AccessArticle

Energy, Economic, and Environmental Assessment of Wind Turbine Blade Thermal Recycling Coupled with Organic Rankine Cycle Heat Recovery and Power Generation

by Ramin Moradi and Liu Yang

Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 5859; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18125859 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2026

Abstract

Wind turbine blade (WTB) end-of-life waste is projected to increase significantly, yet no sustainable recycling solution with a clear energy, economic, and environmental (3E) assessment exists. This paper presents a validated 3E model of a WTB thermal recycling pilot (1 t/day) to benchmark [...] Read more.

Wind turbine blade (WTB) end-of-life waste is projected to increase significantly, yet no sustainable recycling solution with a clear energy, economic, and environmental (3E) assessment exists. This paper presents a validated 3E model of a WTB thermal recycling pilot (1 t/day) to benchmark recycled glass fibre (rGF) against virgin glass fibre (vGF) and identifies the throughput at which rGF becomes competitive. This subsequently leads to a projection of 3E performance at 5000 t/y plant capacity, at which rGF achieves approximately 46% lower specific primary thermal energy, 92% of the CO₂ emissions of vGF, and a selling price of 80% of vGF for a financial break-even. Building on this baseline, a novel combined material, heat, and power system is proposed and simulated, integrating the WTB recycling pilot with a 20 kWₑₗ/130 kWₜₕ organic Rankine cycle to serve residential buildings. Results show that coupling the pilot with 3000 m² of apartments yields a near net-zero CO₂ and energy-cost residential complex, with overall CO₂ emissions falling below those of standalone residential buildings combined with vGF production when more than 25 apartments are integrated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wind Turbine Decommissioning: Dismantling, Demolition, Recycling, Reuse and Repurposing (2nd Edition))

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22 pages, 1739 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Spatiotemporal Correlation Characteristics Between Artificial Intelligence and Energy Transition in China

by Delin Xin, Sansan Zhang, Rui Zhang, Tuantuan Chen, Qiang Zhao, Chen Li, Lijuan Chen and Bo Zhao

Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 5858; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18125858 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2026

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI), which is advancing rapidly, offers a novel and important tool for driving sustainable energy transition, although the spatiotemporal correlation between the two is complex. Taking China’s 30 provinces as the study subjects, this research constructs an evaluation index system from [...] Read more.

Artificial intelligence (AI), which is advancing rapidly, offers a novel and important tool for driving sustainable energy transition, although the spatiotemporal correlation between the two is complex. Taking China’s 30 provinces as the study subjects, this research constructs an evaluation index system from the perspective of energy transition outcomes to assess the level of China’s energy transition. It evaluates the level of AI development based on the foundation of AI development, AI technological innovation, and AI application, and analyzes its spatiotemporal evolution characteristics. Pearson correlation analysis and bivariate local spatial autocorrelation are employed to investigate the spatiotemporal associations between energy transition and AI. In addition, the dynamic mechanisms linking the two are further investigated using a geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) model. The results indicate that, first, innovation and application in AI were on the rise, while regional disparities were widening and a polarization phenomenon was emerging; AI development was concentrated in the eastern regions, with a decreasing trend toward the northwestern inland areas. Second, the overall level of China’s energy transition continued to rise, with a box-shaped clustering pattern observed across regions; Beijing, Inner Mongolia, Jiangsu, and Shandong had achieved a relatively high level of energy transition. Third, the development of AI did not always correlate positively with the energy transition. There was a significant positive correlation between AI technological innovation and application and the energy transition. There were significant differences in the spatial patterns linking AI development and the energy transition. The positive correlation between the two was significant and widespread, concentrated in the central and eastern provinces. Full article

27 pages, 2704 KB

Open AccessArticle

Quantifying the Cross-Regional Spillover Effects of Offshore Wind Power on National Carbon Footprint: Insights from China’s Two Largest Installed Capacity Provinces

by Zhenfeng Zhang, Chong Jiang, Aiyun Song, Yixin Wang, Yangling Chen, Shiqiao Ruan and Ying Zhao

Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 5857; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18125857 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2026

Abstract

As a clean and renewable energy source, wind energy offers lower development and utilization costs than solar energy, making it the most promising renewable option. However, the carbon footprint of offshore wind power and its external impacts on cross-regional carbon emissions have not [...] Read more.

As a clean and renewable energy source, wind energy offers lower development and utilization costs than solar energy, making it the most promising renewable option. However, the carbon footprint of offshore wind power and its external impacts on cross-regional carbon emissions have not been investigated sufficiently. Using the provinces of Guangdong and Jiangsu as case studies, this study employs socioeconomic and environmental statistical data. It applies the environmentally extended multi-regional input–output (EE-MRIO) method to quantify cross-regional environmental spillover effects associated with offshore wind power development. The findings show that China’s power structure has been continuously optimized, with offshore winds achieving leapfrog growth since 2010. Through a “local consumption” model, offshore wind power in Guangdong and Jiangsu has effectively replaced coal-fired generation, substantially reducing carbon emissions locally and in neighboring areas. Jiangsu has reduced CO₂ emissions by 16.72 million tons annually, and Guangdong by about 7.23 million tons annually. Furthermore, offshore wind development drives the green transformation of upstream industries (e.g., steel, non-ferrous metals, and chemicals). It extends carbon-reduction benefits to resource-rich regions such as the Northwest and North China. As major manufacturing hubs, both provinces lowered the embodied carbon intensity of their export products by using clean electricity, thereby indirectly reducing the national carbon footprint through cross-regional trade. This study offers scientific insights to help policymakers optimize offshore wind layouts, facilitate coordinated regional emission reductions, and advance sustainable energy transitions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advancements and Challenges in Marine Renewable Energy and Marine Structures)

18 pages, 260 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Sustainable Development in China’s Pilot Free Trade Zones: Based on PCA-AHP Comprehensive Evaluation

by Fang Ju, Li Yang and Jian Xu

Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 5856; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18125856 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2026

Abstract

This paper aims to scientifically evaluate the sustainable development level of China’s pilot free trade zones (FTZs) and provide empirical support for policy optimization. Taking 22 Chinese FTZs from 2013 to 2022 as research samples, we construct a six-dimensional evaluation system, including environmental [...] Read more.

This paper aims to scientifically evaluate the sustainable development level of China’s pilot free trade zones (FTZs) and provide empirical support for policy optimization. Taking 22 Chinese FTZs from 2013 to 2022 as research samples, we construct a six-dimensional evaluation system, including environmental optimization, economic development, opening-up, radiation-driven capacity, business environment, and scientific and technological innovation, and use principal component analysis (PCA) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for comprehensive measurement. The results show the following: (1) The overall sustainable development level of FTZs presents an upward trend with significant regional differences—coastal FTZs grow rapidly, inland FTZs grow steadily, and border FTZs grow slowly. (2) The 2022 comprehensive scores show a gradient distribution, and regional development imbalance is prominent. (3) Economic development and opening-up are the core driving dimensions, while environmental optimization and radiation-driven capacity have relatively low weights and weak contributions. The marginal contribution of this paper is the construction of a multi-dimensional standardized evaluation system for FTZ sustainable development and clarification of regional differentiation characteristics and driving mechanisms. Based on this, this paper puts forward targeted policy suggestions: implementing differentiated empowerment according to coastal, inland and border FTZ positioning, promoting cross-regional experience sharing, and establishing a dynamic monitoring mechanism to narrow the development gap and achieve high-quality coordinated development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Development Goals towards Sustainability)

35 pages, 3750 KB

Open AccessArticle

Education and Training for Emerging Technology Adoption and Expertise: Insights from Australian Construction

by Stella McPhee, Anjuhan Saravana, Faham Tahmasebinia and Samad Sepasgozar

Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 5855; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18125855 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2026

Abstract

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry has significant potential to improve productivity, quality, and sustainability of its projects through emerging digital technologies. Advances in technology and the complexity of what new graduates need to learn have resulted in persistent training gaps and [...] Read more.

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry has significant potential to improve productivity, quality, and sustainability of its projects through emerging digital technologies. Advances in technology and the complexity of what new graduates need to learn have resulted in persistent training gaps and have highlighted new needs to be addressed in education. One of the new needs is the level of learners’ awareness of new technologies and their adoption practices. This research examines how current education and training practices in the selected sample of the Australian AEC sector support or hinder the development of digital capabilities. The set of technologies considered in this study focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Twins (DTs), Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR), and the Internet of Things (IoT). A mixed-method design integrates a structured survey of industry professionals and students, along with semi-structured interviews of industry and academic stakeholders, to evaluate exposure, self-rated capability, training participation, organisational support, and perceptions of graduate preparedness. Findings show comparatively higher maturity in BIM, but limited capability in other technologies, inconsistent formal training, and barriers linked to time, cost, organisational priorities, and rapid technological change. Qualitative findings and interpretation of preparedness-related survey responses indicate that stakeholders place greater value on transferable, interdisciplinary digital competencies than on narrow tool-specific proficiency. The research delivers statistically robust findings and actionable recommendations that address the identified barriers and promote the development of a skilled workforce in the AEC industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safe and Sustainable Built Environment: Education, Policy and Practice)

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25 pages, 30575 KB

Open AccessArticle

INFRARES Tool: A Fully Parametrized, Interactive Tool for Multi-Hazard Resilience Assessment of Bridges and Tunnels in Transportation Networks

by Anna Karatzetzou, Sotiria Stefanidou and Grigorios Tsinidis

Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 5854; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18125854 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2026

Abstract

This paper presents the INFRARES tool, a fully parameterized, interactive, and freely available tool for the resilience assessment of bridges and tunnels within Greece’s transportation networks, under the impact of single or multiple hazards, including earthquakes and floods. The tool facilitates the application [...] Read more.

This paper presents the INFRARES tool, a fully parameterized, interactive, and freely available tool for the resilience assessment of bridges and tunnels within Greece’s transportation networks, under the impact of single or multiple hazards, including earthquakes and floods. The tool facilitates the application of a comprehensive methodology developed through the INFRARES project: Towards resilient transportation infrastructure in a multi-hazard environment research project. The resilience of each examined asset is quantified for the selected hazard scenario using a resilience index and a corresponding resilience grade. The INFRARES tool introduces two key innovations over previous approaches: first, it incorporates both structural and geotechnical components of bridges, overpasses, and tunnels in the vulnerability assessment step; second, it enables GIS-based visualization of the resilience index across selected single- or multi-hazard scenarios. In this context, INFRARES serves as a proactive decision-support tool, supporting authorities, infrastructure operators, and stakeholders to effectively assess, manage, and mitigate the impacts of diverse hazards on transportation systems, thereby enhancing the safety, reliability, resilience, and sustainability of transportation infrastructure under multi-hazard conditions. The proposed tool and the obtained results may support resilience-informed decision-making, prioritization of mitigation measures, and sustainable management of transportation infrastructure exposed to multiple natural hazards. Full article

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31 pages, 1428 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multidimensional Coordinated Development of Technological Innovation in Optoelectronic Information Industry

by Zhenzhao Li, Zhaolin Duan, Chanyuan Wu and Kunqiang Zhao

Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 5853; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18125853 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2026

Abstract

The optoelectronic information industry is a typical high-tech industry whose technological innovation capacity depends not only on internal industrial factors, such as R&D input, innovation output, technology commercialization, and economic performance, but also on support from the regional macro-level innovation environment. To comprehensively [...] Read more.

The optoelectronic information industry is a typical high-tech industry whose technological innovation capacity depends not only on internal industrial factors, such as R&D input, innovation output, technology commercialization, and economic performance, but also on support from the regional macro-level innovation environment. To comprehensively evaluate the technological innovation level of China’s optoelectronic information industry, this study constructs an evaluation framework that includes both industry-level indicators and macro-level innovation environment indicators, drawing on domestic and international innovation evaluation systems. Using the correlation coefficient method and the coefficient of variation method, 20 core evaluation indicators are selected from an initial pool of 48 candidate indicators. The composite index, coordination index, and coordinated development index are then used to measure the technological innovation level of the optoelectronic information industry in 20 typical Chinese provinces and municipalities from 2000 to 2022. In addition, scenario analysis, weight sensitivity analysis, global simulation, and segmented simulation are conducted to examine the relationship between the overall development level and the coordination structure among subsystems. The results show that the coordinated development level of technological innovation in China’s optoelectronic information industry exhibits an overall upward trend, with the national coordinated development index increasing from 0.132 in 2000 to 0.627 in 2022. However, regional disparities remain evident. Guangdong, Beijing, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Shandong have remained in the high-value group, whereas Liaoning, Hebei, Shaanxi, Jilin, and Guangxi have lagged behind. Further analysis indicates that the composite index mainly reflects the overall development level of the system, while the coordinated development index additionally characterizes the coordination structure among the input, output, benefit, and environmental support subsystems. It can help identify situations such as low-level equilibrium, structural imbalance, and cases where regions have similar development levels but different coordination states. The findings provide a reference for optimizing innovation resource allocation, identifying systemic weaknesses, and formulating differentiated innovation support policies for the optoelectronic information industry across regions. Full article

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

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