Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (10414)

The most effective way to solve urban traffic congestion in mega cities is to develop rail transit, which is also an important strategy for sustainable urban development. Improving the service performance of rail transit equipment is the key to ensuring the sustainable operation of urban rail transit. Automatic fare collection (AFC) is an indispensable system in urban rail transit. AFC directly serves passengers, and its condition directly affects the sustainability and safety of urban rail transit. This study proposes remaining useful life (RUL) prediction framework for AFC systems. Firstly, it proposes the quantification of AFC health state based on health degree, and proposes a health state assessment method based on digital analog fusion, which compensates for the shortcomings of single data-driven or model driven health methods. Secondly, it constructs a multi feature extraction method based on multi-layer LSTM, which can capture long-term temporal dependencies and multi-dimensional feature, overcoming the limitation of low model accuracy because of the weak data features. Then, the SSA-XGBoost model for AFC RUL prediction is proposed, which effectively performs global and local searches, reduces the possibility of overfitting, and improves the accuracy of the prediction model. Finally, we put it into practice of the AFC system of Shanghai Metro Line 10. The experiment shows that the proposed model has an MSE of 0.00111 and MAE of 0.02869 on the test set, while on the validation set, MSE is 0.00004 and MAE is 0.00659. These indicators are significantly better than other comparative models such as XGBoost, random forest regression, and linear regression. In addition, the SSA-XGBoost model also performs well on R-squared, further verifying its effectiveness in prediction accuracy and model fitting. Full article

Urbanization is a major driver of land-use change, with significant implications for sustainable development in rapidly growing cities. In this study, we assess the spatiotemporal patterns of urban expansion in Lucknow, India, from 1991 to 2021, using geospatial techniques and Landsat satellite imagery. The key objective is to analyze urban growth patterns, identify contributing factors, and evaluate the sustainability implications of these trends. Results reveal a nearly fivefold increase in built-up area, from 53.86 km² in 1991 to 261.45 km² in 2021. Edge development accounted for 55.99% of total urban expansion from 1991 to 2001, while ribbon development increased from 18.06% to 21.03% by 2021. Leapfrog development, considered unsustainable, rose from 12.35% in 1991 to 17.35% in 2021. Compared to previous studies, findings highlight the significant influence of transportation infrastructure and industrialization on urban sprawl, particularly in the northeastern and northwestern zones. This study contributes by offering a zone-wise analysis of growth patterns, which provides deeper insights into the dynamics of urban expansion. The findings are crucial for urban planners, as they suggest the need for more stringent zoning regulations and targeted infrastructure investments to manage future growth sustainably while minimising environmental impact. Full article

The aim of this study is to indicate and evaluate the main risk challenges for the food security system from the perspective of a sustainability and adaptation pillar of the Global Food Security Index (GFSI) in the COVID-19 pandemic. The study contributes to both theory and practice in addressing contemporary global challenges. The study systematically identifies and evaluates the multidimensional risks to sustainable food security systems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It employs innovative methodologies such as the integration of the Global Food Security Index (GFSI) and the PESTLE framework, extending the latter with governance considerations within the ESG concept, a novel approach in this context. The findings provide actionable insights into building resilience in food supply chains and adapting policies for future crises, thereby filling critical gaps in the literature. Moreover, the study focuses on the intersection of sustainability, risk challenges, and well-being, fostering research that drives sustainable development globally. Full article

Brazil stands out as one of the main producers of dimension stones and, in order to maintain sustainable production, the principles of environmental sustainability have been increasingly desired. The importance of studying sludge from dimension stone processing is not only based on the economic and environmental burden that its waste disposal represents for the sector but also on the opportunity to use a material that can reduce the extraction of other mineral goods. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of this sludge at different stages of the processing to evaluate the differences between the material circulating in the production process and after dehydration, when it becomes a residue to be disposed of. Aluminum, iron, manganese, and barium concentrations were high in the liquid phase of the sludge, but they were reduced considerably in the solubilized extract. The hydrogen potential reduced, falling below the threshold of corrosivity, after the withdrawal of the liquid phase. Elements with concentrations higher than the maximum allowed value for inert wastes come from both the inputs used in the processing and the processed stone itself. Initiatives to segregate materials from different sources and investments for the creation of eco-products that can replace inputs, besides the use of wastes, should be encouraged to work towards sustainable production. Full article

This study investigates key demographic and behavioural factors influencing food waste behaviours among Greek consumers, offering insights into effective waste reduction strategies. Using k-means clustering, Greek consumers were segmented into three groups based on data from a structured online survey: ‘Moderate Consumers’, who demonstrate moderate awareness of food waste but lack consistent practices; ‘Indifferent Consumers’, primarily younger urban residents, with limited concern and significant contributions to waste; and ‘Conscious Consumers’, generally older individuals with structured habits that actively minimise waste. The findings reveal distinct engagement levels across these groups, highlighting the importance of tailored interventions. Conscious Consumers can serve as community advocates for sustainable practices, while Indifferent Consumers require targeted awareness campaigns to foster engagement. Moderate Consumers, with their sporadic efforts, could benefit from practical tools such as meal-planning apps. By exploring these unique consumer profiles, this research provides a culturally contextualised understanding of food waste attitudes in Greece and lays the groundwork for designing targeted strategies to encourage sustainable consumption. Full article

After a period of rapid growth, China’s pharmaceutical industry is facing multiple challenges, including insufficient innovation and severe pollution. Current research on the efficiency of pharmaceutical companies in China primarily focuses on financial or innovation aspects. Therefore, a holistic approach to operational efficiency is needed. To measure the operational efficiency of pharmaceutical companies in China more accurately and holistically, while accounting for environmental pollution, this study employs a three-stage Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model with undesirable outputs to evaluate efficiency across five dimensions: market performance, profitability, financial risk control, innovation, and sustainability. This approach integrates financial, innovation, and sustainability indicators to provide a more industry-specific framework for efficiency measurement. Furthermore, integrating with Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) allows for revealing the impact of environmental factors on efficiency. The results show that both technical efficiency (TE) and pure technical efficiency (PTE) are relatively low in the first and third stages, with significant regional disparities. After excluding environmental factors, some regions—typically economically developed areas—showed improved overall efficiency. This indicates that the local environment in these regions is not conducive to the development of pharmaceutical enterprises. The SFA results further demonstrate that investments in education and high-level talent significantly enhance efficiency, whereas pollutant emissions and per capita income reduce operational efficiency. The findings suggest that local governments should enhance the operational efficiency of pharmaceutical enterprises by investing in education, attracting skilled talent, and improving waste infrastructure. Additionally, less efficient firms are encouraged to optimize resource allocation to achieve higher efficiency. Full article

Ecosystems, water supplies, and tourism all benefit from the protection of forest regions. All the above affect the possibility for tourism to prosper in forested areas. Tikvara Nature Park (TNP) has significant tourist potential for the development of specific and sustainable forms of tourism because it has direct contact with the Danube River, which forms the Upper Danube Region. This nature park has a significant forested area, inhabited by rare species of flora and fauna. In addition, there are wetlands, which are inhabited by rare species of birds, aquatic animals, and plants. Ecological and socio-cultural sustainability are the subjects of research in this article. It was possible to observe all possibilities for the growth of tourism based on nature by analyzing sustainable tourism by applying an extended PoS study method. The results of this research indicate that the two examined dimensions have a significant impact on the state and perspective of tourism development in this nature park. Also, sustainable tourism has an impact on the satisfaction of respondents through ecological and socio-cultural factors of the destination. Analysis of the results indicates that the respondents are ready to harmonize their activities with ecological principles in this protected area. Researching these two dimensions of sustainable tourism development (STuD) is important for tourism planning, growth, and nature protection control. This study’s significant results demonstrate the importance of environmental and socio-cultural elements for tourism development (ToD), and their substantial influence on tourism sustainability (ToS) and local and visitor satisfaction. Plans for the growth of sustainable tourism might be significantly influenced by research findings. Full article

As global environmental challenges intensify, promoting green agricultural production technologies (GAPTs) that balance ecological and economic benefits at the farmer level has become a crucial pathway to achieving sustainable agricultural development. To achieve this goal, this study uses an Ordered Probit model, which empirically tests the impact and mechanisms of digital supply and marketing (DSM) participation on farmers’ adoption of GAPTs, based on a micro-survey of 1272 farmers from Shaanxi Province, Gansu Province, and the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in China. The findings reveal the following: (1) Participation in DSM effectively encourages farmers to adopt GAPTs. (2) Such participation enhances household per capita income, strengthens risk management, lowers entry barriers to high-value markets, and improves farmers’ access to information, thereby promoting the adoption of GAPTs. (3) Compared to low-capital, high-labor, and low-risk technologies, participation in DSM has a stronger incentivizing effect on the adoption of high-capital, low-labor, and high-risk technologies. This study offers novel empirical insights into the impact and mechanisms of DSM on farmers’ adoption of GAPTs. It provides micro-level evidence supporting the application of digital technologies in agriculture and safeguarding agricultural ecological sustainability. Full article

Educational cooperation in higher education offers valuable opportunities for students and institutions alike. However, it also introduces significant challenges, particularly regarding student enrollment processes. Traditional centralized systems for managing this task can pose issues around authority, transparency, accountability, security, and cost, often hindering scalability and sustainable growth. This paper introduces the Cross-Institutional Blockchain Enrollment System (BCHEEN), a novel decentralized platform designed to streamline and enhance cross-institutional enrollment processes. Un-like existing solutions, BCHEEN employs a unique hybrid architecture that leverages blockchain technology to ensure transparency and security while maintaining scalability through innovative off-chain data management using the “replicate when used” approach. The platform was prototyped as a permissioned blockchain platform using the Hyperledger Composer framework and evaluated through functional, performance, and security analyses using tools such as Cucumber and Hyperledger Caliper. Evaluation results show that BCHEEN achieved a peak throughput of 18 tps at a send rate of 47 tps, with an average latency of 4.32 s under the same conditions, demonstrating its scalability and reliability. Furthermore, a computational cost analysis highlights the efficiency of the “replicate when used” approach in reducing storage overhead while preserving data integrity. BCHEEN’s practical impact includes streamlining enrollment processes, reducing administrative costs, and fostering secure, scalable, and transparent inter-institutional collaboration. These contributions position BCHEEN as a transformative tool for higher education, supporting policy advancements and promoting resilience and sustainability in educational practices. Full article

The fact that many mountain communities, including Tengger in Indonesia, face multiple socioecological vulnerabilities, has become a particularly important concept in the context of sustainable development. This paper attempts to analyze how bonding, bridging, and linking forms of social capital support agricultural sustainability in the Tengger region. The data were collected with a qualitative descriptive approach through a case study method, including in-depth interviews with 52 informants, observations, and document analysis across two villages within the region of the Tengger Mountains. Data analysis was facilitated using nVivo software 12 to analyze interactions between social capital dimensions and agricultural sustainability. The results indicate that bonding social capital has the strongest interactions across all aspects (26–29 interactions or 24.6–27.4%), particularly in relation to economic aspects. Bridging social capital shows dominance in socio-economic aspects (24–26 interactions or 22.6–24.6%), while linking social capital has the strongest influence on economic aspects (22 interactions or 20.8%). The findings contribute to the literature on how social capital contributes to agricultural sustainability in mountain communities and provide insights into the development of more effective interventions. This work generally contributes significantly to an in-depth understanding of how social capital works within the resilience and sustainability of farming communities in mountainous areas. Full article

This study integrates life cycle assessment (LCA) and system dynamics (SD) modeling to evaluate the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enhanced anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) technology in industrial wastewater treatment. The research examines the environmental, economic, and social benefits of AI optimization, with a focus on its long-term implications for sustainable development. By constructing a detailed LCA model, the study analyzes the environmental impacts of wastewater treatment across its lifecycle, from raw material acquisition to final waste disposal. The integration of the SD model simulates dynamic feedback mechanisms, predicting the long-term effects of AI optimization on resource efficiency and environmental performance. Specifically, the AI system employs a convolutional neural network (CNN) to analyze real-time pollutant levels and a reinforcement learning algorithm to optimize operational parameters such as aeration rates, chemical dosing, and sludge retention time. This optimization achieves a 7.02% reduction in energy consumption, an 18% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, and a 15% reduction in total nitrogen concentrations in treated water. Economically, AI predictive maintenance reduces operating costs by 10% and extends equipment lifespan by 20%, while socially, it enhances the public perception of corporate social responsibility, particularly in regions with stringent environmental regulations. This study underscores the effectiveness of combining LCA and SD models to evaluate sustainable wastewater treatment technologies, providing scientific evidence for policymakers and industry stakeholders to use to promote green technologies and social responsibility. Full article

Plastic waste (PW) presents a significant environmental challenge due to its persistent accumulation and harmful effects on ecosystems. According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), global plastic production in 2024 is estimated to reach approximately 500 million tons. Without effective intervention, most of this plastic is expected to become waste, potentially resulting in billions of tons of accumulated PW by 2060. This study explores innovative approaches to convert PW into high-value carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) such as graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and other advanced carbon structures. Various methods including pyrolysis, arc discharge, catalytic degradation, and laser ablation have been investigated in transforming PW into CNMs. However, four primary methodologies are discussed herein: thermal decomposition, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), flash joule heating (FJH), and stepwise conversion. The scalability of the pathways discussed for industrial applications varies significantly. Thermal decomposition, particularly pyrolysis, is highly scalable due to its straightforward setup and cost-effective operation, making it suitable for large-scale waste processing plants. It also produces fuel byproducts that can be used as an alternative energy source, promoting the concept of energy recovery and circular economy. CVD, while producing high-quality carbon materials, is less scalable due to the high cost and required complex equipment, catalyst, high temperature, and pressure, which limits its use to specialized applications. FJH offers rapid synthesis of high-quality graphene using an economically viable technique that can also generate valuable products such as green hydrogen, carbon oligomers, and light hydrocarbons. However, it still requires optimization for industrial throughput. Stepwise conversion, involving multiple stages, can be challenging to scale due to higher operational complexity and cost, but it offers precise control over material properties for niche applications. This research demonstrates the growing potential of upcycling PW into valuable materials that align with global sustainability goals including industry, innovation, and infrastructure (Goal 9), sustainable cities and communities (Goal 11), and responsible consumption and production (Goal 12). The findings underscore the need for enhanced recycling infrastructure and policy frameworks to support the shift toward a circular economy and mitigate the global plastic crisis. Full article

Amidst the rapid evolution of digital technologies and the strategic imperative of achieving dual-carbon objectives, this paper empirically investigates how digital–green fusion (DGF) enhances corporate sustainable development performance (SDP), fostering a “harmonious symbiosis” between economic growth and environmental protection. Utilizing data from China’s A-share listed companies over the period 2010–2022, the analysis reveals that DGF significantly boosts SDP, with results remaining robust through a series of endogeneity and robustness tests. Mechanism analysis further demonstrates that digital-green integration not only drives green technology innovation and enhances information transparency but also optimizes labor resource allocation efficiency, collectively contributing to improved corporate sustainability performance. Additionally, heterogeneity analysis indicates that the positive impact of DGF on SDP is particularly pronounced in large enterprises, state-owned enterprises, and firms operating in industries with low environmental uncertainty. This offers a strategic blueprint for harnessing digital–green fusion to achieve long-term synergies between environmental sustainability and economic growth. Full article

Sustainable milk processing is essential to minimize negative environmental impacts. The purpose of this study was to determine the carbon footprint (CF) of the production of milk products in an industrial plant in Poland. Annual production and technological processes were analyzed, and relevant parameters were determined, as well as the method of data collection according to the chosen method of analysis and the developed database. It was found that each process is a source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and affects the CF of the product. The total carbon footprint of the production of milk products was 0.367 kgCO_2eq/kg. The average GHG emissions associated with production came mainly from indirect emissions (electricity consumption) and accounted for 50% of the total emissions. The determined relationship between the CF and monthly production volume also allows production planning in the context of sustainability. An increase in the monthly production volume by about 12% results in a reduction in the carbon footprint by about 18%. Decarbonization of dairies is possible through the use of renewable energy sources. Determining the CF of milk processing is the first step toward reducing GHG emissions, improving the sustainability of the sector and aligning with global trends and regulations. Full article

The paper explores the impact of digital transformation on young people’s interaction with digital leisure and its ecological footprint. The study highlights the increasing awareness of ecological sustainability in digital consumption among university students. It also delves into the concept of emotional sustainability, a term proposed to address the psychological and emotional effects of digital entertainment consumption. The digitalization of leisure has led to significant changes, including the rise in digital dependency, anxiety disorders, and the dehumanization of human relationships. The paper underscores the need for emotional sustainability in managing digital leisure to mitigate these negative consequences. Additionally, it discusses students’ awareness of the ecological footprint associated with digital activities, pointing out gaps in knowledge regarding the environmental impact of maintaining digital infrastructure. The authors advocate for integrating emotional sustainability into digital consumption practices to promote healthier and more sustainable digital lifestyles. This exploratory study provides a framework for understanding the dual aspects of sustainability in digital leisure, emphasizing the importance of both ecological and emotional dimensions in fostering a balanced and sustainable digital future. This context has generated needs that must be addressed from the perspective of the emotional sustainability of digital entertainment consumption. Full article

Three-dimensional printing technology is transforming the construction industry, which is increasingly turning to advanced materials and techniques to meet environmental and economic challenges. This comprehensive literature review evaluated various binder materials, including cement, geopolymers, earthen materials, supplementary cementitious materials, polymers, and biopolymers, with a focus on their environmental impacts and rheological properties. The study revealed an increasing interest in cementitious binders, which deliver essential structural strength and exhibit a wide range of yield stress values (15 to 6500 Pa), influenced by binder type and supplementary materials such as nanoclay. However, the significant CO₂ emissions associated with cement pose major sustainability challenges. As a sustainable alternative, geopolymers demonstrate lower yield stress values (800 to 3000 Pa) while ensuring adequate buildability for vertical printing and reducing environmental impact. These findings underscore the need to adopt sustainable binder matrices to align 3D printing construction practices with global sustainability goals. Full article

Amid accelerating globalization and resource scarcity, rapid urbanization and population mobility have made sustainable development a critical issue for cities. Frequent relocations pose furniture disposal challenges for many young migrants, with high transportation costs and furniture wear increasing their economic burden and resource waste. Origami design effectively addresses these needs with its portability, easy storage, simplified manufacturing, and reduced failure rates. However, most furniture designers lack origami expertise, limiting their ability to leverage these benefits. This study integrates the existing literature and presents a sustainable furniture design method combining Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper, and Crane, enabling designers to incorporate origami principles with limited prior knowledge. The results show that this method not only enhances the economic feasibility of furniture but also balances user needs, commercial interests, and environmental sustainability, offering new insights for urban sustainable development. Full article

This research demonstrates that penny-wise acumen in costonomics can lead to significant financial gains, transforming costs into entrepreneurial gold for enterprises. The study aims to explore how effective financial management, through the application of cost management factors, can convert costs into entrepreneurial opportunities and drive long-term business sustainability. The research utilized exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA), along with reliability analysis (Cronbach’s alpha), employing SPSS and AMOS software to examine the relationships between critical cost management factors. The findings reveal strong correlations among these factors, each playing a vital role in optimizing cost efficiency and enhancing business performance. Cost Management Effectiveness (CME) emphasizes clear cost structures, supplier evaluations, and overall cost control. Strategic Cost Management (SCM) focuses on identifying cost drivers and benchmarking against industry standards to uncover cost reduction opportunities. Cost Optimization Mastery (COM) involves monitoring production costs and assessing cost quality to ensure financial stability, while Cost Management Policy (CMP) stresses the importance of robust policies and employee engagement in controlling costs. Lastly, Cost Management Vigilance (CMV) highlights the need for the active monitoring of variable and overhead costs to maintain financial discipline. This research underscores that businesses in the manufacturing, hospitality, and commercial sectors can successfully leverage these cost management practices to foster competitive entrepreneurship and sustainable growth. Future studies should explore the role of emerging technologies in cost management to uncover new strategies for profitability and sustainability. Full article

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a valuable fruit crop for fresh consumption. Due to its early availability in season, it achieves relatively high prices on the market. Self-fertile cultivar Lapins is one of the world’s leading sweet cherry varieties. Intensive cherry production seeks for new technologies such as using more adaptable rootstocks and microbiological products that could help plants adopt more sustainable growth in different soils/climates. The aim of this work is to determine the substrate properties, vegetative growth, leaf chlorophyll and mineral content of maiden trees grafted on three different rootstocks due to the application of growth-promoting rhizobacteria. A pot experiment was carried out on one-year-old maiden trees of cv. Lapins grafted on SL 64, MaxMa 14 and Gisela 5 and grown in 12 L plant pots filled with commercial substrate. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria Azospirillum brasilense was added by watering the plants with 1.12 g L⁻¹ per pot once a month (T₁) or every two months (T₂) from March to September with seven treatments in T₁ and four treatments in T₂. At the same time, control (C) plants were watered with rainwater. Plant height, trunk circumference and leaf chlorophyll content index (CCI) were measured. In addition, shoot growth and internode number were measured in three development stages (BBCH 34, 39 and 91). The substrate and leaf samples were collected and analyzed in the laboratory in accordance with established procedures. Data were processed by ANOVA and the Tukey test. Results have showed that rootstock affected substrate electrical conductivity (EC); nitrate (NO₃⁻), phosphorous (P₂O₅), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) content, including mineral nitrogen (N) content; tree height, circumference, shoot length and internode number; the leaf chlorophyll content index (CCI); and leaf potassium (K), Ca and Mg content. Furthermore, treatment significantly affected the CCI, average internode length, ammonia (NH₄⁺) and Ca content in the substrate and leaf N, Ca and Mg content. Rhizobacteria A. brasilense can be used as an additional biofertilizer in sustainable agricultural practices for obtaining healthier sweet cherry maiden trees, but microbial biotechnology rules must be respected. Full article

This study addresses the critical challenge of the limited understanding of environmental factors influencing cocoa cultivation in Colombia, a region with significant production potential but diverse agroecological conditions. The fragmented nature of the existing agricultural data and the lack of targeted research hinder efforts to optimize productivity and sustainability. To bridge this gap, this research employs a data-driven approach, using advanced machine learning techniques such as supervised, unsupervised, and ensemble models, to analyze environmental datasets and provide actionable recommendations. By integrating data from official Colombian sources, as well as the NASA POWER database, and geographical APIs, the present study proposes a methodology to systematically assess environmental conditions and classify regions for optimal cocoa cultivation. The use of an assembled model, combining clustering with targeted machine learning for each cluster, offers a more precise and scalable understanding of cocoa establishment under diverse conditions. Despite challenges such as limited dataset resolution and localized climate variability, this research provides valuable insights for a more comprehensive understanding of the environmental conditions impacting cocoa plantation establishment in a given location. The key findings reveal that temperature, humidity, and wind speed are crucial determinants of cocoa growth, with complex interactions affecting regional suitability. The results offer valuable guidance for the implementation of adaptive agricultural practices and resilience strategies, enabling sustainable cocoa production systems. By implementing better practices, countries such as Colombia can achieve higher market shares under growing global cocoa demand conditions. Full article

The concept of competitiveness has had a notable influence on the strategies and policies adopted recently. In particular, the concept of regional competitiveness has attracted significant interest from policymakers due to its capacity to assess and compare different territories in the absence of an established policy or conceptual framework. Nevertheless, the concept of regional competitiveness itself has been a topic of debate among scholars, along with the dimensions that should be included in such a concept. The aim of this study is to examine and evaluate the competitive landscape at the regional level in Saudi Arabia. In this regard, the Regional Competitiveness Index (RCI), as proposed by the European Union, provides an appropriate framework for analysis. The index is made up of eleven pillars classified into three sub-indices: basic, efficiency, and innovation assess factors pertinent to businesses that extend beyond those relevant to the residents of the regions in question and their quality of life. The findings indicate that the RCI indicator performs robustly to the variable reduction methods employed. Moreover, the study’s results indicate that Riyadh and Makkah are the two regions with the highest scores of the index, with values of 18.705 and 17.949, respectively. In contrast, the Hail region exhibits an average performance in comparison to the other regions. The RCI scores indicate notable disparities in competitiveness between provinces. In light of these findings, it can be proposed that efforts to enhance a region’s competitive standing should be accompanied by efficacious enhancements to its economic and social facets to ensure sustainability. Full article

This research explores the perceptions of tourists regarding the state and sustainable management of tangible cultural heritage in the city of Porto (Portugal), the destination recognised for its historical and cultural heritage. Porto attracts a growing number of tourists due to its rich heritage, encompassing cultural, architectural, and scenic elements. This rising demand necessitates sustainable management practices to protect the city’s heritage and ensure long-term sustainability. With the increase in tourism and the need to preserve cultural and environmental resources, sustainable management becomes essential to balance economic development and heritage conservation. The study’s main objective is to analyse tourists’ perspectives on the sustainable management of the cultural heritage of the city of Porto. It focuses on analysing current tourism management practices and calls for new strategies to promote sustainability. Structured questionnaires were distributed to a random sample of tourists in strategic locations between January and April 2023, obtaining quantitative data. The sample consists of 264 respondents. The results revealed four main factors, showing that most respondents show a high level of awareness and appreciation of sustainability and its relevance for heritage conservation. Regarding tourism, the majority agree that it contributes positively to the conservation and restoration of the city’s heritage. Full article

This study evaluates the environmental impact of alkali-activated concrete materials (AACMs) as alternatives to conventional concrete. The influence of binder and activator content and type, along with other mix parameters, is analysed using a probabilistic embodied carbon assessment on a large dataset that includes 580 mixes. Using a cradle-to-gate approach with region-specific life-cycle inventory data, emissions are analysed against binder intensity, activator-to-binder and water-to-binder ratios, and fresh/mechanical properties. A multicriteria assessment quantifies the best-performing mix in terms of embodied carbon, compressive strength, and slump. AACM environmental impact is compared to conventional concrete through existing classification schemes and literature. AACM emissions vary between 41 and 261 kgCO₂eq/m³, with activators contributing the most (3–198 kgCO₂eq/m³). Uncertainty in transport-related emissions could shift these values by ±38%. AACMs can achieve up to four-fold less emissions for high-strength materials compared to conventional concrete, although this benefit decreases with lower mechanical properties. AACM environmental sustainability depends on activator characteristics, curing, mix design, and transportation. Full article

The economic decline of some rural areas is leading to the development of strategies to enhance the value of local economies. This is particularly important in protected natural spaces, where the aim is to encourage the provision of ecosystem services and strengthen commitment to sustainable development and economic growth. One of the rural development strategies with a growing interest in promoting the sustainability of rural areas in protected natural spaces is the use of territorial brands. The objective of this work is to analyse the social demand for territorial-branded products in protected natural spaces. The territorial brand of Sierra Espuña Regional Park (southeastern Spain) was selected as a pragmatic case, with the aim of promoting the production and consumption of sustainable local products. To this end, a contingent valuation survey of consumers was carried out to study the demand for honey, one of the most characteristic products of this territorial brand. The results demonstrate the high social demand for honey under the Sierra Espuña Territorial Brand, with an average surcharge of almost thirty percent compared to the conventional product, and a positive influence of the perception of supporting ecosystem services on this social demand. These results provide an empirical basis for the integration and promotion of production and marketing strategies with territorial brands, in the interests of rural development from and for the territory. Full article

The article describes the results obtained by the authors in sludge dewatering through new processes and evaluating their performance. The research is part of sustainable development by valorizing the sludge and agricultural waste in composite materials with applicability in the constructions from rural areas. The main method of sludge dewatering tested in this research is vibratory sieving dewatering. The experimental research examined three variable parameters: initial sludge moisture, sieve angle, and the engine speed causing sieve vibration. A three-factorial experiment was performed with four values for each of the three parameters considered, and the results were processed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Absolute and relative dewatering depend the most on the initial sludge moisture and sieve tilt angle. In conclusion, it was found that dewatering by vibrating sieving can achieve an almost double range of values for absolute performance, compared to pressing dewatering. However, the efficiency of dewatering by pressing is superior to dewatering by vibratory sieving. As a matter of absolute values, the two dewatering processes that were studied and described in this article perform below the values achieved by the classical processes: natural, thermal, and mechanical. Full article

The leather industry is experiencing a significant rise in production, resulting in an increase in discarded materials–often classified as urban waste—that end up in landfills or are incinerated. Given the geographical proximity of the leather goods sector in Ubrique to the cork stopper manufacturing industry in El Puerto de Santa María/Jerez and to the viticulture sector in Jerez/Sanlúcar/Chiclana, it is essential to explore synergies that can address environmental challenges by contemplating a circular economy approach. This study focuses on the existing potential of repurposing discarded materials, such as reinforcements and linings, by meticulously recording, classifying, and characterizing them. The aim is to valorize these by-products in line with the circular economy principles set out by the European Union. Specifically, the research investigates the feasibility of using these materials as raw inputs, in combination with resins, to produce bottle stoppers for the high-end spirits industry. Findings indicate that a single company generates over six tons of textile waste per month, which equates to approximately EUR 25,000 annually in landfill disposal costs. By implementing a circular alternative that uses just 8.75% of these materials, an economic saving of around EUR 750 per year was reached. In addition, a low-cost vacuum molding method was tested for producing stoppers, yielding aesthetically pleasing and durable prototypes. The application of a materials circularity index enabled the identification of optimal remnants for reintroduction into the production cycle. This re-integration not only reduces the reliance on virgin plastic materials, but also has the potential to significantly reduce the overall environmental impact across interconnected sectors. Ultimately, this study highlights the viability of adopting circular economy practices within the leather goods sector to promote sustainability and economic efficiency. Full article

This paper investigates how the present paths support massive manufacturing by evaluating the existing state of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technologies, examining technology readiness levels (TRL), fuel readiness levels (FRL), costs, economic conditions, emissions, etc. This assessment summarizes major conclusions about bio-jet replacements for conventional jet fuels. In order for SAF to play a sustainable role, a full life cycle emissions assessment, techno-economic analysis (TEA), and discussions about the sustainability of SAF materials are required. The life cycle assessment (LCA) discusses the capability of SAF in cutting down emissions, TEA argues for its economic viability, and the sustainable supply of SAF feedstock is a third critical factor determining the sustainability of the industry. With all the analyses, this overview provides recommendations for the sustainable development of the SAF industry and calls on industry stakeholders to enhance cooperation. Full article

Regulation and customer awareness pressurize manufacturers to use recycled plastic (RP) in the production system to reduce the negative environmental impact of plastic waste for sustainable production. Compared to virgin materials, the RP available in the market shows high variation in quality, composition, and properties, and often experiences higher variability in lead time. This renders the supply chain of RP and the production systems more vulnerable, making it difficult for material requirement planning (MRP) to decide the optimal quantity and reorder time. This paper first examines the RP supply chain and the sources of variations therein, identifies the associated uncertainties for operations management, reviews the current MRP design elements in managing supply uncertainty, and finally aligns strategies and design elements with the dimensions of the uncertainties. A set of valuable propositions is drawn for the plastic firms to manage variation from upstream suppliers and promote a high-value chain of plastic circularity. MRP practices at the operational level including safety stock, optimization techniques, and alternative bills of material are proposed to mitigate the variations in the supply chain. The work provides a conceptual foundation for the circular economy of plastic, which opens a new paradigm of future research in managing RP in the production system for sustainability. Full article

The study of bubble growth and collapse is of great significance in the context of sustainability due to its influence on numerous energy-related processes and technologies. Understanding the dynamics of bubble behavior is vital for optimising heat transfer efficiency, which has an energetic role in improving the performance of sustainable systems such as nuclear reactors, thermal inkjet printing, and nucleate boiling. Indeed, researchers can progress strategies to enhance the efficiency of these technologies by analysing the parameters influencing bubble growth and collapse, which can lead to reduced energy consumption and environmental impact. Although several theoretical models and experimental investigations have been achieved in the past to inspect bubble growth and collapse, a thorough review and critical assessment of the studies conducted have not yet been achieved. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between bubble dynamics and sustainability, highlighting the potential for further research and development in this area. Specifically, the scope and limitations of past research on bubble growth and collapse is conducted to fill this gap in the open literature. The review covers both numerical and experimental studies of bubble growth and collapse in a wide set of innovative industrial applications including nuclear reactors, thermal inkjet printing, nucleate boiling, hydrodynamic erosion, and ultrasonic and medicinal therapy. The current review also attempts to illustrate and evaluate the numerical methods used and underlines the most relevant results from the studies that were looked at in order to provide researchers with a clear picture of the growth and collapse of bubbles in different applications. The results give a precise understanding of the dynamics of bubble growth and collapse and the related temperature change and cumulative heat transmission from the thermal boundary layer. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that simulation-based models can effectively predict transport coefficients. However, the review observes a number of limitations of the past research on bubble growth and collapse. Due to numerical instability, very little work with respect to dynamic modelling has been carried out on the mechanisms of bubble collapse. Accordingly, a number of recommendations are made for the improvement of heat transmission during bubble growth and collapse. Specifically, future criteria for the highest heat transmission will demand more precise experimental and numerical approaches. Full article

This study presents an automated control system for wastewater treatment, developed using machine learning (ML) models integrated into a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) framework. The experimental setup focused on a laboratory-scale Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS) reactor, which utilized synthetic wastewater to model real-world conditions. The machine learning models, specifically N-BEATS and Temporal Fusion Transformers (TFTs), were trained to predict Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD₅) values using historical data and real-time influent contaminant concentrations obtained from online sensors. This predictive approach proved essential due to the absence of direct online BOD₅ measurements and an inconsistent relationship between BOD₅ and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), with a correlation of approximately 0.4. Evaluation results showed that the N-BEATS model demonstrated the highest accuracy, achieving a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.988 and an R² of 0.901. The integration of the N-BEATS model into the SCADA system enabled precise, real-time adjustments to reactor parameters, including sludge dose and aeration intensity, leading to significant improvements in granulation stability. The system effectively reduced the standard deviation of organic load fluctuations by 2.6 times, from 0.024 to 0.006, thereby stabilizing the granulation process within the AGS reactor. Residual analysis suggested a minor bias, likely due to the limited number of features in the model, indicating potential improvements through additional data inputs. This research demonstrates the value of machine learning-driven predictive control for wastewater treatment, offering a resilient solution for dynamic environments. By facilitating proactive management, this approach supports the scalability of wastewater treatment technologies while enhancing treatment efficiency and operational sustainability. Full article

Improving the rural living environment is of great significance in enhancing the life quality of rural residents and promoting rural sustainable development. The Chinese government initiated a nationwide three-year action in 2018, followed by a five-year campaign starting in 2021, to improve the rural living environment. Despite these efforts, comprehensive assessment covering multiple facets of the rural living environment at the national level remained scarce. A novel evaluation method was proposed in this study that included seven aspects and nineteen indicators, applied AHP for weighting, and PLS-SEM to analyze the relationships between variables. Then, the completion of key tasks of rural living environment improvement in 37 counties, which were incentivized by the State Council on account of its excellent governance results, was comprehensively investigated and evaluated. The assessment of key tasks in the 37 incentivized counties revealed high completion in rural household solid waste disposal, domestic sewage treatment, and toilet improvement. However, the level of the rural living environment was uneven among different regions, and the progress varied in different key tasks. The funds input had a greater impact on the comprehensive level of rural living environment than social and economic factors. Accordingly, the government should provide more targeted financial and policy support to underdeveloped areas. And priority should be given to the sewage treatment and sanitation, especially in rural and remote areas. Furthermore, local governments should diversify funding sources to ensure the sustainability of rural living environment development. These findings provide a theoretical basis for developing policies and specific plans to address the challenges of financial investment and rural living environment management in China and other developing countries and regions worldwide. Full article

Phenolic compounds present in plants and foods are receiving increasing attention for their bioactive and sensory properties, accompanied by consumers’ interest in products with health benefits derived from natural rather than artificial sources. This, together with the sustainable development goals for the 21st century, has driven the development of green extraction techniques that allow obtaining these compounds with the safety and quality required to be applied in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Green extraction of natural products involves practices aiming at reducing the environmental impact of the preparation processes, based on using natural or less-polluting solvents, lower energetic requirements and shorter extraction times, while providing greater efficiency in the recovery of target compounds. In this article, the principles of sustainable extraction techniques and the advances produced in recent years regarding green isolation of polyphenols from plants, food and food waste are reviewed. Full article

The shift toward a sustainable future demands substantial investments in green technologies and infrastructure, with green finance emerging as a pivotal driver for mobilizing such investments. This paper introduces a novel framework for green investment models and platforms tailored specifically to Qatar’s unique economic landscape. Through an extensive literature review, we identify essential policy levers and principles that can enhance the effectiveness of green finance initiatives. An experimental assessment utilizing a simulation model evaluates the potential impact of various policy scenarios on key metrics such as green investment volume, job creation, and environmental impact reduction. This study advocates for a comprehensive investment policy framework that includes alignment with Qatar’s national development objectives, targeted incentives for diverse economic sectors, collaborative stakeholder engagement, and robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Our findings demonstrate that implementing these design principles can dramatically accelerate green finance in Qatar, aligning initiatives with the country’s National Vision 2030 and broader sustainability goals. This paper emphasizes the critical role of fiscal incentives tailored to specific sectors, the importance of collaboration among financial institutions and governmental bodies, and the necessity of continuous performance evaluations to inform adaptive policy adjustments. Ultimately, we propose a dynamic platform that not only facilitates green investments but also fosters innovation and mitigates the risks associated with sustainable projects in Qatar. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been on the agenda worldwide for at least 10 years. As more evidence of industry applications becomes apparent, it continues to gain momentum. In aviation, AI is seen as a new generation of “stealth engines” that drive the industry. This paper explores the application of AI technology in the aviation industry and its impact on the sustainable development of the industry. Through the method of systematic literature review, it has been found that while AI contributes to making more informed decisions and optimizing operational efficiency, addressing challenges such as regulatory compliance, ethical considerations, and cyber security is crucial to realizing its full potential responsibly and sustainably. By examining current trends and future prospects, this paper provides an overview of AI’s role in shaping the future aviation, aiming to balance technological progress with industry resilience and sustainability. Full article

As a core business strategy, sustainability has become increasingly important in today’s rapidly evolving world. The improvement of a firm’s total factor productivity (TFP) is necessary for the realization of sustainable development. The wide variation in the types and sizes of China’s firms can reflect the differences in financial capital allocation among firms. In addition, as the second largest economy in the world, China has a large number of firm data to be examined. Based on this, this paper selects China’s A-share non-financial listed companies from 2010 to 2023 as research samples to empirically test the impact of financial asset allocation on the TFP of firms. It is found that excessive financialization negatively affects both TFP and innovation, but that innovation can increase TFP, thus weakening the negative impact of financialization on TFP. Therefore, to enhance the productivity of firms and reach the sustainability of development, firms should invest more in innovation and reduce the level of financialization. By emphasizing innovation, firms can promote the application of green technologies and the production of green products, and achieve win–win economic and social benefits while protecting the environment, and sustainability can be realized. Full article

This paper evaluates whether and how tax reduction policies affect public–private partnership (PPP) projects in China by using the complete conversion from business tax to value-added tax (BT-to-VAT) as a significant case. This reform enhances overall productivity and intensifies fiscal pressure on local governments through substantial tax reductions. Utilizing a sample of PPP projects from 2014 to 2019 and a difference-in-differences methodology, this paper treats the BT-to-VAT reform’s full rollout as a quasi-natural experiment to estimate its impact on PPPs. The results indicate that the full rollout of this reform results in a 20.93% increase in the number of PPP projects and an 11.43% rise in investment values, notably accelerating project execution. Mechanism tests reveal that this reform exacerbates fiscal disparities among cities while boosting total factor productivity (TFP) at the city level. Consequently, it increases local government demand for PPP initiatives and strengthens social capital’s capacity to engage in such partnerships—ultimately facilitating broader adoption and implementation of the PPP model. Furthermore, the effect is more pronounced for PPPs in the transportation and urban development sectors. Additionally, stronger impacts are observed in cities characterized by larger fiscal gaps, higher infrastructure demands, and greater prior PPP experience, as well as those located in central and western regions. This paper is one of the first to quantitatively assess the effect of fully implementing BT-to-VAT transition on PPPs, which is crucial for sustainable development concerning infrastructure and fiscal sustainability. Full article

The growing demand for lithium, driven by the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems, has sparked interest in developing low-grade lithium resources. This comprehensive review explores the types, distribution, extraction technologies, challenges, and future prospects of low-grade lithium resources. This article focuses on low-grade lithium sources such as clays, brines, coal, and coal by-products, and analyzes the principles, advantages, and limitations of key extraction techniques, including acid-alkaline leaching, bioleaching, adsorption, and membrane separation. Furthermore, this review discusses the technical, economic, and environmental sustainability challenges associated with developing low-grade lithium resources and proposes corresponding strategies. Future research should focus on improving the selectivity and efficiency of extraction and processing technologies, optimizing separation processes, and developing green and cost-effective extraction methods. Establishing supportive policy frameworks, strengthening international cooperation, and knowledge sharing are crucial for promoting the sustainable development of low-grade lithium resources. This review provides stakeholders with comprehensive insights and recommendations for addressing the growing lithium demand and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

Governments and politicians are very concerned about the environmental sustainability of the energy sector, particularly with regard to oil and gas. To assist in achieving global climate objectives, the clean energy transition involves moving away from a fossil-fuel-based economy and toward one that is dominated by clean, renewable energy. This reduces carbon emissions. Here, we consider the moderating effects of natural resources, urbanization, and energy consumption between 1990 and 2022 as we analyze the impact of China’s energy transition and the external balance of goods and services on the country’s environmental quality. We used ARDL econometric techniques and present a thorough empirical investigation. Overall, the findings indicate that the ecological footprint is adversely correlated with energy transition, natural resource use, the external balance of goods and services, and renewable energy usage. Urbanization and the use of non-renewable energy, however, are positively associated with that footprint. The use of renewable energy sources, richness of natural resources, and energy transition all contribute to environmental sustainability. The sustainability of the environment is weakened by urbanization and non-renewable energy usage. It is recommended that policymakers facilitate the acceleration of the energy transition by utilizing renewable energy, promoting policies that create favorable conditions for the widespread adoption of renewables, and balancing the nation’s urban structure in a way that enhances self-sufficient urban development and ensures a sustainable future. Limitations of this study and future directions for research are outlined. Full article

As farming practices evolve and climate conditions shift, achieving sustainable food production for a growing global population requires innovative strategies to optimize environmentally friendly practices and minimize ecological impacts. Agroecosystems, which integrate agricultural practices with the surrounding environment, play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and ensuring food security. Rhizosphere management has emerged as a pivotal approach to enhancing crop yields, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers, and supporting sustainable agriculture. The rhizosphere, a dynamic zone surrounding plant roots, hosts intense microbial activity fueled by root exudates. These exudates, along with practices such as green manure application and intercropping, significantly influence the soil’s microbial community structure. Beneficial plant-associated microbes, including Trichoderma spp., Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., and Bacillus spp., play a crucial role in improving nutrient cycling and promoting plant health, yet their interactions within the rhizosphere remain inadequately understood. This review explores how integrating beneficial microbes, green manures, and intercropping enhances rhizosphere processes to rebuild microbial communities, sequester carbon, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These practices not only contribute to maintaining soil health but also foster positive plant–microbe–rhizosphere interactions that benefit entire ecosystems. By implementing such strategies alongside sound policy measures, sustainable cropping systems can be developed to address predicted climate challenges. Strengthening agroecosystem resilience through improved rhizosphere processes is essential for ensuring food security and environmental sustainability in the future. In conclusion, using these rhizosphere-driven processes, we could develop more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems that ensure food security and environmental preservation amidst changing climate situations. Full article

Optimizing knowledge exploitation strategies is a crucial challenge in promoting sustainable technology development. This study investigates how innovation characteristics, inventor attributes, and network structures influence the effectiveness of these strategies in firms’ green transition efforts. Our study focuses on the automotive industry—a sector characterized by long development cycles, high capital intensity, and strong path dependencies—as it undergoes a significant transition towards sustainable technologies. Using patent data from the Korean automotive industry, we uncover nuanced dynamics in the refinement and enhancement of green knowledge. While knowledge exploitation generally boosts innovative performance, this effect is significantly stronger for green innovations. Interestingly, high levels of inventor experience in green technologies weaken the positive impact of exploitation—a finding that challenges conventional expectations. Network structure also plays a pivotal yet often overlooked role: high network cohesion reduces the benefits of exploitation, while a broad network range enhances them. By shedding light on the hidden contributions of individual inventors and their networks, we deepen our understanding of the micro-foundations of green innovation within sustainability transitions. Our findings offer valuable insights for managers seeking to enhance their green knowledge strategies in industries undergoing technological shifts toward sustainability. We highlight previously underappreciated conditions under which exploitation strategies are most effective and factors that can be leveraged to elevate sustainable innovation performance through strategic knowledge enhancement. Full article

During the process of managed aquifer recharge (MAR), when the aerobic surface water is recharged into the reductive aquifer, the redox environment changes along the water pathway. MAR practice can reshape the initial groundwater bacterial community, and further induce variations in the bacteria-mediated hydrochemical reactions. In this study, laboratory-scale column experiments were conducted to simulate the processes of aerobic/anaerobic recharge to aquifer. The results showed that the concentration of DO during the aerobic recharge was higher than that of the anaerobic recharge, and ORP showed a similar trend. Active nitrogen transformation was observed during the simulated MAR processes. In the early stages of both the aerobic and anaerobic recharges, nitrate reduction occurred due to denitrification and DNRA. However, in the late stages, nitrification might happen in the aerobic column, and nitrate reduction remained the major process in the anaerobic column. For the bacterial community, Massilia, Ralstonia, Legionella, and Curvibacter predominated under the aerobic recharge. Comparatively, Cedecea, Cupriavidus, and Ralstonia maintained high relative abundances under the anaerobic recharge. Our study provides essential information about the characteristics of bacterial-mediated hydrochemical reactions during the MAR process. The result would enhance understanding of MAR activities and provide valuable insights into the groundwater resources’ sustainable development and management. Full article

Urban public spaces hold significant importance in societal life, playing crucial roles in the development and sustainability of urban environments. These spaces face numerous challenges in the contemporary era. This study examines how sustainable public space design should be structured within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 11, and the parameters set forth by Project for Public Spaces Inc. (PPS), a highly influential non-profit organization based in the United States that provides research, training, technical assistance, planning, and design recommendations. Qualitative data collection methods, including literature review, expert interviews, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), are employed to evaluate various sustainability criteria. AHP is used to prioritize the criteria and sub-criteria derived from SDG and PPS frameworks. Through this method, the necessary parameters for a sustainable public space design model are identified based on expert opinions. The findings indicate that physical structure is the top priority criterion for public space sustainability. Historical value, green infrastructure, and ecological efficiency emerge as the highest priority parameters. Among social criteria, security and control, comfort, active and passive interaction, continuity, detectability, and meaning are significant. Economic vitality criteria include contributions to the local and urban economy, increasing local employment, contributions to tourism, and service diversity. Administrative coordination criteria encompass protection, investment incentives, and effective coordination. The study proposes a comprehensive model for sustainable public space design that integrates physical, social, economic, and administrative dimensions. The model emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary approaches and stakeholder involvement in ensuring urban areas are resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. Key priorities include the protection of historical values, the development of green infrastructure, and the enhancement of ecological efficiency. Future research should explore the application of this model in different urban contexts to validate and refine its effectiveness. Full article

Achieving the transformation from “growth at the expense of the environment” to “growth through environmental protection” is an essential path for developing countries to promote sustainable economic and social development. This paper utilizes the staggered difference-in-differences model to empirically test the impact of the “Green Factory” policy under China’s green manufacturing system on corporate sustainable development performance in a large sample of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2010 to 2023. The findings show that the level of corporate sustainable development performance significantly improves after being certified as a “Green Factory”. After a series of robustness tests such as the parallel trend test, placebo test, and heterogeneous treatment effects test, the promoting effect remains significant. This association is stronger among non-state-owned enterprises, enterprises in high-polluting industries, as well as enterprises with higher environmental information transparency. The mechanism tests reveal that participating in the “Green Factory” project enhance corporate sustainable development performance by attracting more green investors and promoting corporate green innovation. Overall, this paper provides micro-level empirical evidence for the driving factors of corporate sustainable development and offers policy evaluation and practical insights for the implementation of green manufacturing system and voluntary environmental regulation policies. Full article

Environmental degradation is a pressing issue, particularly in resource-dependent regions like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. While significant research has explored the environmental impacts of economic growth and resource use globally, limited attention has been given to the unique dynamics in the GCC, including the role of ICT development, trade openness, and FDI inflows. This research examines how information and communication technology (ICT) development, economic growth, trade openness, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, and electricity consumption influenced environmental degradation in GCC countries from 1990 to 2022. Using panel data analysis, the study finds that ICT expansion and increased electricity consumption significantly contribute to higher CO₂ emissions, exacerbating environmental degradation. Economic growth follows the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) pattern, where environmental harm initially increases with growth but can decline as economies diversify and adopt cleaner technologies. Trade openness and FDI inflows, particularly in resource-intensive industries, also contribute to environmental degradation, supporting the pollution haven hypothesis. However, these factors present opportunities for sustainable development if paired with stricter environmental regulations and cleaner technology adoption. The study highlights the need for GCC policymakers to prioritize renewable energy investments, enforce stronger environmental policies, and promote energy efficiency to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. Recommendations for future research include exploring other environmental factors and assessing the role of technological innovations in reducing emissions. Full article

This study utilized mixed (qualitative and quantitative) methods to discover the current research trends for AI in sustainable Fintech and to validate a research model through empirical analysis. The primary purpose of this research is to explore the factors influencing the acceptance of AI tools within the sustainable Fintech industry through a cross-national perspective, identifying key benefit and sacrifice dimensions, along with sustainability considerations, that affect users’ intentions to adopt AI tools. Drawing on a bibliometric keywords approach, we first conducted an overall review of academic literature using Web of Science and VOSviewer (version 1.6.17), covering areas related to AI applications in Fintech and sustainable Fintech practices. Additionally, for a cross-national study, this study built and validated a conceptual framework on the intention to use AI tools by selecting subjects from Republic of Korea and China. As core theoretical premises of the conceptual framework, the study drew on the Value-Based Adoption Model (VAM) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Furthermore, we extended the TAM to embrace sustainable dimensions (perceived responsibility and perceived transparency). Overall, the study concludes that AI not only improves Fintech efficiency but also significantly contributes to sustainable development, suggesting collaboration between experts in AI, finance, sustainability, and other relevant fields for more research on AI integration with sustainable Fintech management. This research contributes to existing literature by highlighting the synergistic benefits of combining AI and sustainable Fintech and offers practical insights for industry practitioners and policymakers. Full article

Circular Economy (CE) and circular cities are recognized as essential approaches for achieving sustainability and fostering sustainable urban development. Given the diverse definitions and principles, multidimensional complexities, and lack of a comprehensive list of CE indicators, this study aims to propose an innovative method for identifying macro-level indicators to assess urban circularity. This methodology combines a systematic literature review (SLR) with advanced machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) techniques. A multi-algorithmic approach, incorporating BERT, TF-IDF, Word2Vec, graph-based and clustering models, is employed to extract a comprehensive set of indicators from reputable scientific articles and reports to compare frequency and similarly based on each model. The overlap and accuracy of results from these five methods are analyzed to produce a refined list of indicators with high precision and alignment with core CE principles. This curated collection serves as a valuable tool for policymakers, urban planners, and designers, enabling the prediction of future trends in urban circularity. Additionally, it provides guidance for research and practical projects at various scales, from buildings and neighborhoods to entire cities, facilitating a more precise assessment of sustainability and circularity in modern urban environments. Full article

Energy is regarded as a crucial facilitator of social and economic advancement, and, consequently, sustainable development. The concept of sustainable energy development has evolved to become a significant political objective addressed by governments worldwide. All sectors of the economy, including agriculture, require stimulation, which should be triggered by linkages and structural changes contributing to qualitative and quantitative progress. Agriculture has a substantial impact on the environmental footprint, playing a pivotal role in causing climate change. The objective of this article is to address the research gap concerning the monitoring of sustainable development in the energy and agricultural sectors within the European Union. The assessment of sustainability is a complex process since it is a multidisciplinary field of study with practical implications. The progress of sustainable development in the energy and agricultural sectors was evaluated through a comprehensive analysis of relevant literature and statistical data obtained from the Eurostat database and the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL. The analysis encompasses the period between 2015 and 2022. The article employs the taxonomic method, specifically the linear ordering method (standardised sum method), which enables the construction of a synthetic measure. This approach enabled the creation of rankings and comparisons between European Union countries. The studies show that in the European Union, sustainable energy development and sustainable agriculture show significant territorial differentiation. The sustainable energy measures in the countries with the highest scores (Estonia, Sweden, Finland, Austria) were 2–3 times higher than in the countries with the lowest scores (Cyprus, Belgium, Greece, Bulgaria). A similar situation was observed for sustainable agriculture measures—the maximum measures (Estonia, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Lithuania) were about two times higher than the minimum measures (Poland, Malta, Slovenia, Luxembourg). The findings indicate that, on the one hand, there have been favourable developments at the national level in Europe, but also that there are a number of existing disparities, together with evidence of potentially significant deviations from the targets set out in the 2030 Agenda. Full article

This study explores the pivotal role of theories of economics in shaping the multifaceted concept of sustainable development and integrates economic, social, and environmental dimensions. It traces the intellectual trajectory of classical, neoclassical, and contemporary economic paradigms, analysing their contributions to sustainability-oriented policies and practices. The study critically analyses key concepts, including equitable income redistribution, resource stewardship, and ecological preservation. It contrasts liberal and dependency theories while also comparing insights from environmental and ecological economics. Employing a rigorous literature review and comparative analytical methodology, the study bridges the theoretical foundations with real-world applications, illustrating the dynamic interplay between theories of economics and sustainability imperatives. The findings elucidate the dichotomy between weak and strong sustainability frameworks, advocating for ethical and interdisciplinary approaches to policymaking. By offering a comprehensive synthesis of the most influential theories of economics and sustainable development practices, this study provides profound insights for policymakers, academics, and practitioners seeking to address pressing global challenges through informed and integrative strategies. Full article

Urban forests, as vital components of green infrastructure, provide essential ecosystem services (ESs) that support urban sustainability. However, rapid urban expansion and increased density threaten these forests, creating significant imbalances between the supply and demand for these services. Understanding the characteristics of ecosystem services and reasonably dividing ecological management zones are crucial for promoting sustainable urban development. This study introduces an innovative ecological management zoning framework based on the matching degree and synergies relationships of ESs. Focusing on Fuzhou’s fourth ring road area in China, data from 1038 urban forest sample plots were collected using mobile LIDAR. By integrating the i-Tree Eco model and Kriging interpolation, we assessed the spatial distribution of four key ESs—carbon sequestration, avoided runoff, air purification, and heat mitigation—and analyzed their supply–demand relationships and synergies. Based on these ecological characteristics, we employed unsupervised machine learning classification to identify eight distinct ecological management zones, each accompanied by targeted recommendations. Key findings include the following: (1) ecosystem services of urban forests in Fuzhou exhibit pronounced spatial heterogeneity, with clearly identifiable high-value and low-value areas of significant statistical relevance; (2) heat mitigation, avoided runoff, and air purification services all exhibit synergistic effects, while carbon sequestration shows trade-offs with the other three services in high-value areas, necessitating targeted optimization; (3) eight ecological management zones were identified, each with unique ecological characteristics. This study offers precise spatial insights into Fuzhou’s urban forests, providing a foundation for sustainable ecological management strategies. Full article

In China’s urban villages, typically low-income communities, the living environments of older adults are often overlooked. Furthermore, quantitative research in these areas has been limited by the complexity of their street environments. This research bridges these gaps through an innovative interdisciplinary quantitative approach, integrating points of interest (POIs) and street view images (SVIs) to assess the street environments for older adults using ArcGIS and deep learning-based Fully Convolutional Networks. Specifically, Huangcun in Guangzhou, China, was selected for its typicality, with features like high density, complex street environments, and a significant older adult population. The findings reveal that while most age-friendly facilities meet basic needs, there are significant deficiencies in accessibility, comfort, and safety which call for targeted environmental improvements. This study contributes to sustainable urban development by providing street-by-street insights that empower urban planners to rectify spatial inequalities and to foster environments conducive to aging in place. By developing and applying a novel methodology that enhances urban age-friendliness assessments, this research extends the application of such models across diverse urban settings globally, promoting the integration of sustainability in urban planning. Full article