Sustainability

25 pages, 358 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Perceived Role of CSR Activities in the Area of Human Rights in Employer Choice Decisions Among Generation Z

by Elżbieta Marcinkowska and Joanna Sawicka

Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7158; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147158 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

The aim of the article is to analyze the impact of selected corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the area of human rights on the decisions regarding employer choice made by representatives of Generation Z. A survey was conducted among students at Polish [...] Read more.

The aim of the article is to analyze the impact of selected corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the area of human rights on the decisions regarding employer choice made by representatives of Generation Z. A survey was conducted among students at Polish universities, who belong to Generation Z, including both those currently employed and those soon to enter the labor market, and builds on previous research and analyses conducted by the authors. The study focused on analyzing selected CSR initiatives related to respect for human rights and their potential impact on the respondents’ choice of employer. The varied results in the statistical models point to the complex nature of the relationships under study. The application of various analytical methods has shown that the impact of the analyzed variables is not always direct or linear. The results confirm the significance of all the CSR initiatives analyzed, and the evaluation of these initiatives varies both among employed and unemployed respondents and according to educational background. Respondents’ willingness to accept employment increases under the influence of factors such as salary and opportunities for professional development, while the impact of CSR is minimal. The results indicate that CSR initiatives in the area of human rights are perceived by employed members of Generation Z, as well as those who will soon enter the labor market, as a factor that has only a minor influence on employment decisions. The findings provide practical guidance for employers on shaping CSR strategies and employer branding initiatives tailored to the needs and values of Generation Z. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Economic Development)

25 pages, 6509 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Evolution of Energy Consumption Carbon Emissions and Regional Low-Carbon Sustainable Development in China

by Xiaodong Zhang and Zidong Wu

Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7157; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147157 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

Against the backdrop of optimizing national energy mix and advancing industrial low-carbon transformation to achieve sustainable socioeconomic development, this study adopts prefecture-level panel data covering 2005–2020 to reveal the spatiotemporal evolution law of carbon emissions generated by urban energy consumption. We systematically characterize [...] Read more.

Against the backdrop of optimizing national energy mix and advancing industrial low-carbon transformation to achieve sustainable socioeconomic development, this study adopts prefecture-level panel data covering 2005–2020 to reveal the spatiotemporal evolution law of carbon emissions generated by urban energy consumption. We systematically characterize emission disparities from three dimensions: total carbon output, per capita carbon emissions, and carbon emission intensity, and further adopt regression analysis to quantitatively identify core socioeconomic and industrial drivers behind energy-related carbon flows. The results indicate that China’s total urban energy carbon emissions kept rising over the research window with decelerating growth momentum. Driven by cross-regional industrial transfer and uneven energy resource endowments, high-emission zones gradually spread from eastern coastal agglomerations to northern and western inland territories, forming a stable spatial layout of high emissions in the east and north, and low emissions in the west and south. Per capita carbon emissions present striking regional differentiation: northwest resource-abundant provinces become concentrated high-value clusters, while populous southeast regions maintain relatively low levels, with inter-regional per capita emission gaps continuously widening. Nationwide carbon emission intensity maintained a persistent downward trend; high-intensity zones shrank markedly while low-carbon areas expanded continuously, and inter-regional efficiency gradients gradually converged, reflecting tangible achievements in nationwide energy conservation and low-carbon industrial transition. Overall, the gravity center of energy carbon emissions shifted northwestward, with Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, and Ningxia evolving into major high-emission hotspots relying on fossil energy exploitation and heavy industrial layout. Statistical regression associations suggest that urban construction land expansion, economic expansion, foreign capital agglomeration, and industrial energy carbon outputs are positively correlated with urban carbon emissions; by contrast, commercial housing scale and domestic enterprise development present significant negative correlational links with emission levels. The differentiated spatiotemporal carbon landscape arises from the joint interplay of regional resource endowment, coal-dominated energy structure, industrial layout restructuring, and tiered low-carbon policy implementation, demonstrating China’s overall shift from high-carbon extensive industrial growth toward energy-efficient, low-carbon intensive sustainable development. This research delivers empirical evidence for formulating zoned carbon abatement schemes, optimizing regional energy allocation and industrial layouts, and advancing long-term low-carbon sustainable development to fulfill China’s carbon peaking and carbon neutrality targets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Economics, Energy Transition and Environmental Sustainability)

34 pages, 5030 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Wind Power Forecasting via Multi-Farm Coupling Under Data Isolation: A Physics-Guided Personalized Federated Approach

by Yunjie Yang, Yue Xiang and Xinkang Liu

Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7156; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147156 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

Accurate wind power forecasting is critical for grid stability and long-term sustainability, but mountainous wind farms face challenges from complex micro-meteorology, restricted communication, and non-IID data, exacerbated by data silos that prevent centralized learning. Most federated learning relies on data-driven averaging that ignores [...] Read more.

Accurate wind power forecasting is critical for grid stability and long-term sustainability, but mountainous wind farms face challenges from complex micro-meteorology, restricted communication, and non-IID data, exacerbated by data silos that prevent centralized learning. Most federated learning relies on data-driven averaging that ignores multi-farm coupling, or adopt complex local models that increase communication overhead. To address these, a physics-guided personalized federated approach is proposed to enhance wind power forecasting. Its core is a physics-guided aggregation mechanism that constructs a dynamic weight matrix from distance, elevation, and real-time wind direction to enable personalized aggregation capturing multi-farm coupling. The federated framework combines a shared CNN-LSTM with multi-head attention for regional patterns and a personalized layer for local microclimate. A risk-aware asymmetric loss is incorporated to penalize high-power errors, enhancing operational reliability under high-power conditions. Validation on mountainous wind farms for 3-day forecasting under typical and extreme scenarios across wet, dry, and normal seasons shows that the average R² exceeds 0.95, and the average RMSE is reduced by more than 24% compared to baselines, achieving high accuracy under strict privacy preservation. By enabling multi-farm coupling under data isolation, this approach achieves high forecasting accuracy on the studied wind farms, showing promise for similar ones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Forecasting Methods for Sustainable Power Systems)

24 pages, 2789 KB

Open AccessArticle

LCZ-Informed Analysis of Surface Urban Heat Island Intensity and Daily Thermal Dynamics Using CNN-Based Mapping and ECOSTRESS Data

by Yantao Xi, Yunxia Zou and Shuangqiao Wang

Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7155; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147155 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

To evaluate the application potential of convolutional neural network (CNN)-based Local Climate Zone (LCZ) mapping in urban thermal environment studies, this study employed a lightweight convolutional neural network model (Light-model) to classify LCZs within the area enclosed by the Fourth Ring Road of [...] Read more.

To evaluate the application potential of convolutional neural network (CNN)-based Local Climate Zone (LCZ) mapping in urban thermal environment studies, this study employed a lightweight convolutional neural network model (Light-model) to classify LCZs within the area enclosed by the Fourth Ring Road of Xuzhou City. ECOSTRESS data obtained from summer (June to September) at different times were integrated to analyze the temporal and spatial changes of surface temperature (LST) and surface urban heat island intensity (SUHII). The classification results demonstrate that the Light-model achieved an overall accuracy of 84.46%, which is markedly higher than that of the random forest model (72.07%). It also outperformed random forest in built-up area identification (built-up overall accuracy: 69.41% vs. 46.91%) and non-built-up area identification (natural overall accuracy: 91.85% vs. 84.43%), as well as in Kappa coefficient and mean F1-score. Time-series analysis based on ECOSTRESS observations revealed a typical diurnal LST pattern characterized by the lowest temperatures before dawn, a peak in the afternoon, and a decline at night. High-density built-up zones (LCZ1–LCZ3) and large impervious areas (LCZ8) exhibited the highest daytime temperatures and the slowest nocturnal cooling, whereas bare soil areas (LCZF) showed the largest diurnal temperature range and the greatest fluctuations. Vegetation-covered and bare land zones (LCZA and LCZD) generally maintained lower temperatures, while water bodies (LCZG) functioned as persistent cooling sources throughout the day due to their high specific heat capacity. Overall, the findings suggest that CNN-based LCZ classification, when integrated with high-temporal-resolution LST observations, provides a reliable technical framework for urban thermal environment monitoring and regulation at the regional scale. Full article

28 pages, 1409 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Rebound-Aware Net-Reduction Accounting Framework for Sustainable Demand Response Measurement and Verification in Grid-Interactive Commercial Buildings

by Eunsung Oh

Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7154; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147154 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

Commercial building demand response can support sustainable grid operation by providing demand-side flexibility for renewable-rich power systems; however, baseline-based measurement and verification usually report only event-period gross load reduction. Post-event rebound from heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and lighting controls can cause gross-only reporting, resulting [...] Read more.

Commercial building demand response can support sustainable grid operation by providing demand-side flexibility for renewable-rich power systems; however, baseline-based measurement and verification usually report only event-period gross load reduction. Post-event rebound from heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and lighting controls can cause gross-only reporting, resulting in overstating the net reduction at the building–grid interface. Standard baseline estimators have not been systematically evaluated in the post-event window. This study formulates a rebound-aware net-reduction accounting framework that reports the event-period gross reduction, post-event rebound, and rebound-adjusted net effect under the same eligible-day baseline structure. The framework was evaluated on the paired ComStock 2025 Release 2 Actual Meteorological Year 2018 profiles for commercial buildings in California, Texas, and New York with five baseline estimators and three rebound-window definitions. In a balanced 3960-building sample, the median true gross reduction was 62.7 kWh and the 2 h rebound was 5.49 kWh. The pooled median post-minus-event mean absolute error was −0.209 kWh per 15 min interval. The material gross-as-net reporting risk affected 70.9% of building-event-method cases, but rebound-aware net reporting was conditionally valuable rather than uniformly superior. These results show that rebound diagnostics can improve transparent and auditable demand response reporting for sustainable grid-interactive building programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Energy Buildings and Low-Carbon Grid Systems)

44 pages, 25990 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Systematic Review of Vertical Greenery: Environmental Impacts, Architectural Innovations, and Future Directions

by Yiming Shao, Ding Ding and Jingyang Zhao

Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7153; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147153 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

Vertical greenery is increasingly applied in modern cities for environmental improvement and landscape enhancement. Given the insufficient coverage of recent developments in research and practice by prior reviews, this paper conducts a systematic review based on literature from Web of Science and global [...] Read more.

Vertical greenery is increasingly applied in modern cities for environmental improvement and landscape enhancement. Given the insufficient coverage of recent developments in research and practice by prior reviews, this paper conducts a systematic review based on literature from Web of Science and global patent databases following PRISMA guidelines, with CiteSpace used for bibliometric analysis. This study summarizes the theoretical achievements of vertical greenery in ecological environment, building energy efficiency and technical materials. It also analyzes practical innovations via patent mining—a new supplement compared with traditional reviews. The environmental impacts of both outdoor and indoor vertical greenery are elaborated on: outdoor systems improve urban microclimate, noise control and air quality; indoor systems enhance indoor comfort, air purification and people’s mental status. Current innovations are categorized into structure and equipment, intelligent management, and social–cultural values. The outcomes of this work offer practical guidance for the design, construction and maintenance of vertical greenery in real projects. This paper also identifies future research priorities for the long-term development of vertical greenery. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 1967 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping Apiculture in Lebanon: A National Survey of Practices, Challenges, and Management Strategies

by Dany Yammouni, Abdo Tannouri, Ziad Rizk, Selma P. Snini, Florence Mathieu, Sofi G. Julien and Youssef El Rayess

Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7152; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147152 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study provides the first nationwide assessment of the apiculture sector in Lebanon. It integrates socio-economic characteristics, technical practices, and disease and pest prevalence and management. A structured questionnaire was administered to 5775 beekeepers representing 91.1% of the registered population across all Lebanese [...] Read more.

This study provides the first nationwide assessment of the apiculture sector in Lebanon. It integrates socio-economic characteristics, technical practices, and disease and pest prevalence and management. A structured questionnaire was administered to 5775 beekeepers representing 91.1% of the registered population across all Lebanese governorates. The sector is predominantly small-scale, male-dominated, with low cooperative participation, limited product diversification and heterogeneous management practices. Honey is the main product, while other hive products remain marginal. Queen replacement practices are inconsistent, and most beekeepers reported limited awareness of pests and diseases. The most recognized threat is Varroa; however, multiple stressors such as pesticides, poor nutrition, and climate variability contribute to colony health constraints. Chi-square analyses revealed statistically significant associations between disease occurrence and geographic and socio-economic variables (χ² = 129.99–2251.78, df 12–30, p < 0.001), with small to moderate effect sizes (Cramer’s V = 0.08–0.37), reflecting the multifactorial nature of colony health determinants. Overall, Lebanese apiculture demonstrates strong ecological potential but limited technical and organizational optimization. Strengthening extension services, improving disease diagnostics, and promoting diversification are critical to enhance sector sustainability. Full article

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

39 pages, 2838 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Biomass-Integrated Alkali-Activated Binders for Sustainable Construction: A Systematic Review of Performance, Carbon Reduction, and Adoption Challenges

by Roohollah Kalatehjari, Funmilayo Ebun Rotimi, Sachin Markose and Taofeeq Durojaye Moshood

Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7151; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147151 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) production is a major source of global CO₂ emissions, driving growing interest in sustainable binder alternatives. This systematic review examines biomass-integrated geopolymer and alkali-activated binder (AAB) systems as low-carbon construction materials, drawing on peer-reviewed literature and expert validation [...] Read more.

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) production is a major source of global CO₂ emissions, driving growing interest in sustainable binder alternatives. This systematic review examines biomass-integrated geopolymer and alkali-activated binder (AAB) systems as low-carbon construction materials, drawing on peer-reviewed literature and expert validation interviews. This study, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and expert validation interviews, examines biomass-integrated geopolymer and alkali-activated binder (AAB) systems as low-carbon construction materials through the systematic screening and analysis of peer-reviewed literature (37 eligible studies identified from an initial pool of 195 records) and expert validation interviews. The review focused on well-studied biomass residues such as rice husk ash (RHA), sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA), and biochar, which can contribute reactive silica and alumina and thereby influence geopolymerisation and pozzolanic reactions. The reviewed studies indicate that optimal biomass incorporation, typically at replacement levels of 20 to 30%, can achieve compressive strengths comparable to or higher than conventional systems while also improving durability through pore refinement, reduced permeability, and denser reaction products, including C-S-H and N-A-S-H gels. The reviewed studies collectively indicate carbon footprint reductions of 40 to 60% relative to OPC under efficient processing and localised supply conditions, synthesised across multiple life-cycle assessment studies in the dataset, primarily through reduced reliance on clinker and the valorisation of agricultural waste, with additional relevance to circular economy and waste-to-value strategies. Synthesised economic findings from the reviewed literature further suggest material cost reductions of 15 to 35% under localised production models. However, widespread implementation remains constrained by feedstock variability, processing energy demand, supply chain reliability, and limited regulatory standardisation. The 37-study systematic review indicates that biomass-integrated AAB systems offer compressive strengths comparable to conventional materials, with substantial carbon footprint and cost reductions. Expert interviews corroborated these findings while highlighting feedstock inconsistency, regulatory gaps, and supply chain limitations as key barriers. Both evidence streams conclude that standardisation and scale-up research remain essential for broader adoption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction Through Utilization of Optimization Tools and Experimental Methods: 2nd Edition)

26 pages, 1144 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Sustainable Development System of the Low-Altitude Economy Industry from the Perspective of New Quality Productive Forces

by Xingqun Xue, Xinying Yang and Yifei Liu

Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7150; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147150 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

This paper systematically examines the core of new quality productive forces underpinning the sustainable development of the low-altitude economy industry. Based on the Triple Bottom Line theory, it analyzes the interrelationships among various factors of new quality productive forces and reveals the underlying [...] Read more.

This paper systematically examines the core of new quality productive forces underpinning the sustainable development of the low-altitude economy industry. Based on the Triple Bottom Line theory, it analyzes the interrelationships among various factors of new quality productive forces and reveals the underlying mechanism through which new quality productive forces drive sustainable development in this sector. By employing an integrated Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory—Interpretive Structural Modeling (Fuzzy-DEMATEL-ISM) approach, this study establishes a hierarchical structure for sustainable development in the low-altitude economy industry grounded in the logical framework of new quality productive forces. The findings indicate that: (1) the strategic origin layer represents the prerequisite and most critical task for the emergence of the low-altitude economy industry; (2) the technological breakthrough layer constitutes the core competitive strength enabling its development; (3) the resource guarantee layer provides essential resource support for operational sustainability; (4) the institutional synergy layer enhances industrial efficiency through coordinated governance; and (5) the value realization layer signifies the ultimate form of industrial evolution. These research outcomes offer significant forward-looking insights for advancing sustainable development in the low-altitude economy industry. Full article

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

32 pages, 13822 KB

Open AccessArticle

Efficiency-Driven Land Use Spatial Dynamics and Multi-Scenario Simulation: A Case Study of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region

by Bo Zhang and Yizhou Wu

Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7149; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147149 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

Amid rapid urbanization, the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region has experienced substantial land use restructuring. This spatial evolution has created conflicts between development and conservation, challenging regional sustainability. Using 2005–2020 data, this research incorporates urban land use efficiency (ULUE) and the closeness centrality of spatial correlation [...] Read more.

Amid rapid urbanization, the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region has experienced substantial land use restructuring. This spatial evolution has created conflicts between development and conservation, challenging regional sustainability. Using 2005–2020 data, this research incorporates urban land use efficiency (ULUE) and the closeness centrality of spatial correlation network into the Patch-generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model to reveal driving mechanisms. It simulates 2035 land use patterns under four scenarios: Business as Usual (BAU), Food Security (FS), Ecological Security (ES), and Efficiency-Driven Optimization (EDO). The findings reveal: (1) Regional land use transitioned from rapid expansion to structural adjustment, with cultivated land acting as the primary source for new construction land. (2) ULUE and the closeness centrality of its spatial correlation network exhibited high feature importance in land use transitions, confirming that land allocation efficiency and network structures significantly reshape regional patterns. (3) Compared to BAU or single baseline constraints, the EDO scenario effectively limits inefficient county expansion and promotes compact core city development, balancing construction land control with cultivated and blue-green space preservation. For large urban agglomerations, a spatial governance pathway integrating efficiency-driven strategies and stock optimization is optimal for coordinating multi-dimensional spatial objectives. Full article

28 pages, 3354 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping Regenerative Technologies in Livestock Systems: Emerging Technologies and Strategic Frontiers

by Nevardo Sánchez Suarez, Elder José Tejada Bula, Jhon Wilder Zartha Sossa, Juan Carlos Palacio Piedrahita, Luis Horacio Botero Montoya and Gina Lía Orozco Mendoza

Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7148; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147148 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

Livestock production, encompassing both meat and dairy industries, constitutes a sector of significant global economic value, providing livelihoods for numerous families and communities worldwide. This paper presents a mixed-methods systematic review of scientific literature published between 2015 and 2026 to map emerging regenerative [...] Read more.

Livestock production, encompassing both meat and dairy industries, constitutes a sector of significant global economic value, providing livelihoods for numerous families and communities worldwide. This paper presents a mixed-methods systematic review of scientific literature published between 2015 and 2026 to map emerging regenerative technology archetypes. While regenerative livestock farming is gaining ground as a sustainable alternative, a significant research gap persists regarding the systematic identification of emerging technologies and the lack of specific frameworks for their technical implementation in tropical regions. This article addresses this gap by mapping the strategic frontiers of regenerative technologies using high-resolution text mining software (Vantage Point V15.1) combined with advanced bibliometric analysis and advanced searches in specialized databases. Fifty-six high-impact publications in Scopus and ScienceDirect were analyzed, and the results identified 14 key regenerative activities, highlighting silvopastoral systems, integrated pasture management, and crop–livestock integration as the most prominent solutions. An additional analysis was applied, identifying 10 variables in regenerative livestock farming as well as their alignment with seminal authors on regenerativity issues. A crucial finding is the existing disconnect between the theoretical benefits of regeneration and its practical application in diverse geographical contexts. To mitigate this gap, the study proposes technical implementation models and a step-by-step procedural sequence specifically designed for the Colombian context, although these can be replicated in other regions, particularly in tropical zones. By synthesizing technical limitations and local adaptability, this research provides a strategic roadmap for the transition to sustainable livestock systems, offering valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers committed to regenerative innovation. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 513 KB

Open AccessReview

Empowering Citizens Through Co-Learning: A Conceptual and Methodological Framework for Transitions Toward Sustainable and Resilient Communities

by Hideaki Kurishima, Fumihiko Miyazaki, Rumi Yatagawa and Takehiro Hatakeyama

Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7147; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147147 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

Environmental challenges, such as climate change, resource circulation, and biodiversity loss, are closely interrelated with regional issues, including population decline, aging, youth outmigration, and the maintenance of local industries. Addressing these challenges requires not only scientific and technological innovation but also educational and [...] Read more.

Environmental challenges, such as climate change, resource circulation, and biodiversity loss, are closely interrelated with regional issues, including population decline, aging, youth outmigration, and the maintenance of local industries. Addressing these challenges requires not only scientific and technological innovation but also educational and participatory approaches that empower citizens to engage with complex regional issues. This paper conceptualizes co-learning as a framework for environmental education and citizen engagement in transitions toward sustainable and resilient communities. Co-learning is defined as a multi-actor learning process in which participants with diverse forms of knowledge and social positions revise their understandings, relationships, and orientations toward action through dialogic and reflective interaction. The paper organizes co-learning into a conceptual and methodological framework that connects environmental education, citizen engagement, science communication, technology assessment, community-based projects, and policy-oriented learning. It proposes four types of co-learning—interdisciplinary, bridging, project-based, and policy co-learning—and identifies design principles and analytical dimensions for examining learning outcomes and empowerment processes. Illustrative practices in Tanegashima, Japan, help clarify how the proposed framework can connect science, education, and citizen engagement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Empowering Citizens Through Science: Innovative Approaches in Environmental Education and Engagement)

21 pages, 5079 KB

Open AccessArticle

Coupling FR-AHP with Information Value Model for Landslide Susceptibility Assessment in the Yanhe River Basin, China

by Ke Zhang, Jiake Li and Weifeng Xie

Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7146; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147146 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

The Yanhe River Basin on the Loess Plateau suffers frequent landslides, threatening sustainable development and ecological security. This study employs correlation and multicollinearity analyses to select evaluation factors and construct an index system. The information value (IV) model determines indicator values, while the [...] Read more.

The Yanhe River Basin on the Loess Plateau suffers frequent landslides, threatening sustainable development and ecological security. This study employs correlation and multicollinearity analyses to select evaluation factors and construct an index system. The information value (IV) model determines indicator values, while the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), frequency ratio (FR), and their combination, FR-AHP, establish relative weights of influencing factors, thereby constructing weighted IV models validated by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. Results demonstrate that: (1) slope, aspect, curvature, lithology, average annual precipitation, NDVI, distance from rivers, distance from roads, and land use type are key influencing factors; (2) compared with IV, AHP-IV, and FR-IV models, the FR-AHP-IV model achieves the highest prediction accuracy with an AUC = 0.818; and (3) areas of low, moderate, high, and very high susceptibility account for 32.01%, 40.69%, 18.49%, and 8.80%, respectively, with higher susceptibility along both banks of the middle and lower reaches. The landslide-prone hotspot in the southern Baota District aligns with actual survey conditions. The methodological framework proposed in this study can serve as a reference for basins with similar geographic settings and hazard backgrounds, yet the specific zoning results should be adapted and validated in accordance with the actual conditions of individual basins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hazards and Sustainability)

56 pages, 1249 KB

Open AccessArticle

Country ESG Sustainability Index as a Management and Regulatory Feedback Tool

by Venera Zarubina, Mikhail Zarubin, Zhauhar Yessenkulova, Zhanar Dyussembekova, Olga Valentinovna Andreeva and Artur Zarubin

Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7145; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147145 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

Contemporary ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) regulation creates costs and risks for businesses, which are associated with the stringency of requirements. This article demonstrates that the key source of these problems is the fragmentation of legal regulation, the inconsistency of reporting standards, and [...] Read more.

Contemporary ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) regulation creates costs and risks for businesses, which are associated with the stringency of requirements. This article demonstrates that the key source of these problems is the fragmentation of legal regulation, the inconsistency of reporting standards, and the methodological heterogeneity of ESG indices. Based on a comparative legal analysis of eight jurisdictions (the US, EU, China, India, Brazil, Russia, South Africa, and Kazakhstan), three models of ESG regulation are identified: prescriptive, market-oriented, and state-centralized. It is shown that extraterritorial pressure (CBAM, CSDDD) and internal regulatory conflicts (e.g., in the US) are associated with increased compliance costs, especially for emerging economies. An empirical analysis revealed significant divergence in the assessments and dynamics of ESG ratings from various agencies. The results obtained are consistent with the findings of other researchers who document discrepancies in ESG assessments reaching approximately 50–60%. This makes global indices of limited applicability for regulatory purposes. In response to the identified issues, a country-specific ESG index integrated into a closed-loop feedback management system was proposed. A two-stage methodology was developed: calculating a company index (taking into account regulatory burden, extraterritorial pressure, and adaptability) and aggregating it into a country index based on macrostatistics, with the ability to transition to big data aggregation. The results can be used by national regulators to improve the comparability of ESG data and differentiate government support measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Policy and Economic Analysis in Sustainability Transitions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 803 KB

Open AccessArticle

Recalibrating Coastal and Marine Environmental Governance Through Integrated Data Infrastructures: The EMMERA Platform

by Angelos Menelaou, Michalis Makrominas, Evi Plomaritou and Carola Hein

Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7144; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147144 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

Maritime transportation, a traditionally polluting sector, is engaged in sustainable innovation; advanced detection of marine pollution incidents can help control improvements in this sector. However, coastal and marine environmental governance is increasingly constrained by fragmented monitoring architectures in which environmental, operational, and regulatory [...] Read more.

Maritime transportation, a traditionally polluting sector, is engaged in sustainable innovation; advanced detection of marine pollution incidents can help control improvements in this sector. However, coastal and marine environmental governance is increasingly constrained by fragmented monitoring architectures in which environmental, operational, and regulatory datasets remain distributed across institutions and jurisdictions. Comprehensive governance mechanisms that cross the sea–land continuum are limited. Public authorities, port administrations, research institutes, and private operators independently monitor marine pollution, vessel movements, coastal pressures, and urban and ecological risks; however, these data streams remain siloed across organizational, sectoral, and jurisdictional boundaries. The absence of interoperability, real-time exchange, and coordinated analytics generates a gap between monitoring capacity and regulatory effectiveness, resulting in delayed detection of multi-risks, such as pollution incidents. Weak governance and assignment of responsibility and largely reactive enforcement practices further reinforce the problem. Anticipatory interventions are needed to improve coastal and marine sustainability. This paper examines the EMMERA (East Med Cross-border Marine Environmental Risk Assessment through E-Platform Integrated Data Management) platform established by three port authorities as a data-centric intervention designed to address some of these structural limitations. Implemented in port and coastal environments in Cyprus, Greece, and Israel, EMMERA integrates heterogeneous static and dynamic data sources—including satellite observations, administrative records, vessel information, and drone-based monitoring—into a unified operational framework accessible to competent authorities. Through data fusion, cross-validation, and automated anomaly detection combined with targeted drone verification, the platform aims to transform fragmented monitoring streams into coherent, actionable environmental intelligence, strengthening the evidentiary basis for regulatory intervention. The paper presents the platform design and provides a baseline assessment. It argues that EMMERA’s primary contribution lies not in the introduction of additional monitoring tools, but in enabling more effective coastal and marine environmental governance through integrated data infrastructures. EMMERA is proposed as a governance-oriented integrated data infrastructure whose anticipated contribution lies in improving institutional interoperability, risk visibility, and evidence generation for environmental oversight, even as operational effectiveness will require future evaluation following sustained deployment. More broadly, the paper proposes that integrated data architectures can recalibrate environmental governance, shifting emphasis from post hoc documentation toward anticipatory, coordinated, and performance-oriented regulatory practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Shipping and Sustainable Operational Strategies of Clean Energy)

30 pages, 7606 KB

Open AccessArticle

Screening-Level Emission Factors and Semi-Quantitative Toxic Equivalency of Polycyclic and Nitro-Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Residential Biomass Combustion in Chile

by Flavio Ñanco, Jorge Jiménez, Karina Crisóstomo, Jorge Acuña, Lisdelys González-Rodríguez, Oscar Farias, Víctor Hernández and José Becerra

Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7143; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147143 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

Residential heater replacement programs in Chile have been evaluated primarily through fine particulate matter (PM) reduction metrics, without considering chemical speciation of the organic aerosols. This screening-level study characterized and compared particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and nitro-PAH emission factors from a residential [...] Read more.

Residential heater replacement programs in Chile have been evaluated primarily through fine particulate matter (PM) reduction metrics, without considering chemical speciation of the organic aerosols. This screening-level study characterized and compared particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and nitro-PAH emission factors from a residential firewood and a wood pellet heater, under controlled combustion conditions, and assessed their potential toxic equivalency (BaP-TEQ). Compound quantification used 1-nitropyrene as an index calibration compound; all results are semi-quantitative estimates with a combined analytical uncertainty of approximately 13–32%. Firewood combustion yielded a PAH-dominated emission profile with a total BaP-TEQ EF of 187.8 ng/kg, driven primarily by benzo[a]pyrene (BaP; individual contribution: 183.9 ng/kg). Wood pellet combustion showed a nitro-PAH-dominated profile under the applied semi-quantitative analytical conditions, with concentrations expressed as 1-nitropyrene-equivalent estimates and several compounds identified tentatively by NIST library matching, yielding a total screening-level BaP-TEQ EF of 972.1 ng/kg, approximately five-fold higher than firewood under the applied TEF framework and driven primarily by 6-nitrochrysene (toxic equivalency factor, TEF = 10). This screening-level estimate should not be interpreted as a direct human health risk between the two heating systems. Mean PM emission factors were 1.05 ± 0.55 g/kg for firewood combustion and 0.69 ± 0.15 g/kg for pellet combustion (approximately 1.5-fold difference). These results are reported descriptively given the screening-level nature of the analysis. The shift in particulate chemical profile from PAH-dominated in the firewood system to nitro-PAH-dominated in the pellet system suggests that wood pellets from pine may not be a sustainable approach to address air quality problems in Chile, since reductions in PM emissions alone may not capture relevant differences in the organic toxicological profile between these combustion systems. These findings provide a regional baseline for the chemical speciation of residential biomass emissions in Chile. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 1014 KB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptive Evolution of NEVI Implementation Across the East North Central States: A Comparative Longitudinal Analysis

by Saddam Alkhamaiesh

Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7142; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147142 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study examines the evolution of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) implementation across the East North Central states—Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin—between 2022 and 2026 under a shared federal policy framework. The analysis is based on official federal and state documents published [...] Read more.

This study examines the evolution of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) implementation across the East North Central states—Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin—between 2022 and 2026 under a shared federal policy framework. The analysis is based on official federal and state documents published through 2025, with 2026 representing planned implementation targets described in the most recent state NEVI annual updates. A qualitative comparative longitudinal research design was employed using NEVI plans, annual implementation updates, Federal Highway Administration guidance, state Department of Transportation reports, and publicly available infrastructure data. Thematic analysis supported by NVivo 14 software (Lumivero, Denver, CO, USA) identified six dimensions of implementation evolution: governance, infrastructure deployment, transportation connectivity, freight mobility, operational sustainability, and institutional adaptation. The findings indicate that all states progressed beyond initial corridor deployment toward more adaptive and coordinated implementation approaches, although their priorities differed. Michigan and Ohio placed greater emphasis on freight mobility and interstate connectivity, Illinois strengthened institutional coordination and network expansion, Indiana focused on operational reliability and phased deployment, and Wisconsin prioritized rural accessibility and statewide coverage. This study provides a comparative longitudinal understanding of how shared federal objectives evolved into regionally distinct implementation pathways, offering insights for future EV infrastructure planning and policy implementation. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 12153 KB

Open AccessArticle

Node Identification and Dynamic Interaction of the Synergetic Network of Ice–Snow Tourism in Northeast China

by Yarou Tan, Yingyue Sun, Peng Chen and Huarong Li

Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7141; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147141 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

Ice–snow tourism in Northeast China is developing rapidly. Against this backdrop, revealing the spatial network structure of ice–snow tourism cities and assessing their disturbance resistance capacity is of great significance for achieving high-quality development of regional ice–snow tourism. This study takes 25 cities [...] Read more.

Ice–snow tourism in Northeast China is developing rapidly. Against this backdrop, revealing the spatial network structure of ice–snow tourism cities and assessing their disturbance resistance capacity is of great significance for achieving high-quality development of regional ice–snow tourism. This study takes 25 cities across the three northeastern provinces as network nodes, using data covering the period from January 2024 to March 2025. Integrating a complex network analysis framework, this paper comprehensively employs an accessibility model, tourism symbiotic linkage intensity model, and core–periphery model to distinguish core and peripheral cities within the network, analyze its structural characteristics and spatial patterns, and evaluate network vulnerability by simulating two scenarios: random attacks and deliberate attacks. The results indicate that: (1) Accessibility presents a concentric zonal pattern that attenuates gradually from the center to the periphery, accompanied by pronounced north–south disparities. Urban symbiosis intensity is strongly influenced by transportation distance, exhibiting a distinct proximity symbiosis pattern. (2) An ice–snow tourism symbiotic network has initially taken shape among northeastern cities. The network displays small-world properties; however, urban development is unbalanced, with marked hierarchical differentiation. Based on geographic location and resource endowments, the network can be divided into four cohesive subgroups. (3) The symbiotic network proves robust under random attacks, whereas connectivity declines sharply under deliberate attacks, embodying typical “robust-yet-vulnerable” structural characteristics. Both expanding the scale of core nodes and optimizing inter-node connection weights can significantly enhance network robustness. The static identification and dynamic dependency evaluation framework constructed in this study can effectively identify key nodes and vulnerable links within ice–snow city networks, and can serve as a reference for the coordinated development and structural optimization of ice-snow tourism in Northeast China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Tourism, Culture, and Heritage)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 5100 KB

Open AccessArticle

Key Factors Influencing the Operation of Logistics Companies in Self-Operation and Outsourcing Cooperation Mode: An LDA-TISM-SNA Approach

by Yangyang He, Yuli Gao, Zhengqiu He, Xiaoyu Shi, Jing Xue and Shaohui Ge

Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7140; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147140 (registering DOI) - 13 Jul 2026

Abstract

The self-operation and outsourcing cooperation mode has become an important approach for logistics companies to cope with demand fluctuations and resource constraints. However, the hierarchical mechanisms and network characteristics of the factors driving the development of logistics companies in this cooperative mode remain [...] Read more.

The self-operation and outsourcing cooperation mode has become an important approach for logistics companies to cope with demand fluctuations and resource constraints. However, the hierarchical mechanisms and network characteristics of the factors driving the development of logistics companies in this cooperative mode remain underexplored. A three-stage analytical framework integrating Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), Total Interpretive Structural Modeling (TISM), and Social Network Analysis (SNA) was developed in this study to systematically identify core influencing factors and reveal their interactive structural relationships. The results reveal seven key determinants of enterprise development: the resource management level, the logistics service level, market competition, the outsourcing service level, risk factors, operational costs, and sustainability benefits. The quantitative SNA results demonstrate that operational costs achieve the highest point centrality value of 83.333, acting as the most direct and core outcome factor in the influence network. By contrast, the resource management level, the logistics service level, market competition, and the outsourcing service level are the fundamental root factors of the entire influencing system and generate prominent spillover effects. Accordingly, logistics companies should prioritize refined cost control while enhancing resource integration, service capacity cultivation, and outsourcing management to improve operational resilience and sustainable competitive advantages. This study not only deepens theoretical understanding of the hybrid self-operation and outsourcing operation mode but also provides targeted practical guidance for the transformation, upgrading, and high-quality development of modern logistics companies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in Supply Chain Operations Management for Sustainable Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Description

Sustainability

Latest Articles

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Highly Accessed Articles

Latest Books

E-Mail Alert

News

Topics

Conferences

Special Issues

Topical Collections

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI