Search Results (209)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in driving sustainable change across coastal and marine environments. Artificial intelligence offers strong support for environmental decision-making by helping to process complex data, anticipate outcomes, and fine-tune day-to-day operations. In busy coastal zones such as the Mediterranean where tourism and boating place significant strain on marine ecosystems, AI can be an effective means for marinas to reduce their ecological impact without sacrificing economic viability. This research examines the contribution of artificial intelligence toward the development of environmental sustainability in marina management. It investigates how AI can potentially reconcile economic imperatives with ecological conservation, especially in high-traffic coastal areas. Through a focus on the impact of social and technological context, this study emphasizes the way in which local conditions constrain the design, deployment, and reach of AI systems. The marinas of Ibiza and Monaco are used as a comparative backdrop to depict these dynamics. In Monaco, efforts like the SEA Index^® and predictive maintenance for superyachts contributed to a 28% drop in CO₂ emissions between 2020 and 2025. In contrast, Ibiza focused on circular economy practices, reaching an 85% landfill diversion rate using solar power, AI-assisted waste systems, and targeted biodiversity conservation initiatives. This research organizes AI tools into three main categories: supervised learning, anomaly detection, and rule-based systems. Their effectiveness is assessed using statistical techniques, including t-test results contextualized with Cohen’s d to convey practical effect sizes. Regression R² values are interpreted in light of real-world policy relevance, such as thresholds for energy audits or emissions certification. In addition to measuring technical outcomes, this study considers the ethical concerns, the role of local communities, and comparisons to global best practices. The findings highlight how artificial intelligence can meaningfully contribute to environmental conservation while also supporting sustainable economic development in maritime contexts. However, the analysis also reveals ongoing difficulties, particularly in areas such as ethical oversight, regulatory coherence, and the practical replication of successful initiatives across diverse regions. In response, this study outlines several practical steps forward: promoting AI-as-a-Service models to lower adoption barriers, piloting regulatory sandboxes within the EU to test innovative solutions safely, improving access to open-source platforms, and working toward common standards for the stewardship of marine environmental data. Full article

This study compares the LEED, BREEAM, and WELL certification systems using the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework to assess their performance across environmental, social, and economic dimensions and their alignment with sustainable development goals. A structured secondary analysis was conducted on over 50 peer-reviewed articles, case studies, and official certification manuals. Inclusion criteria required documented design targets and post-occupancy outcomes for certified buildings (2014–2024). A two-phase analytical model was applied: first, evaluating each system’s structure and priorities; then benchmarking them using the TBL framework to assess how holistically each addresses sustainability. Results show that LEED leads to energy optimization, BREEAM to lifecycle integration, and WELL to occupant health and indoor environmental quality. However, all systems exhibit post-occupancy performance gaps: LEED and BREEAM underperform by 15–30% in energy use, while WELL-certified projects may exceed 30% due to stringent indoor comfort demands. These findings highlight the need to integrate real-time post-occupancy evaluation into certification protocols. To improve overall effectiveness, the study proposes enhancements such as adaptive performance tracking, occupant feedback loops, and dynamic benchmarking aligned with actual building use. By identifying both the comparative strengths and systemic limitations of the three frameworks, this research contributes to the refinement of green building assessment tools. Practical implications include (1) integrating post-occupancy evaluation into certification renewal cycles, (2) adopting hybrid certification strategies to improve sustainability coverage, and (3) designing benchmarking tools that reflect real-world operational data. Full article

Contemporary construction faces the need to reduce its negative impact on the environment, prompting designers, investors, and contractors to seek more sustainable materials and technologies. One area of dynamic development is the use of natural fibers as an alternative to conventional, often synthetic, building components. Plant- and animal-based fibers, such as hemp, flax, jute, straw, bamboo, and sheep’s wool, are characterized by low energy consumption in production, renewability, and biodegradability. Their use is in line with the concept of a circular economy and reduces the carbon footprint of buildings. Natural fibers offer a number of beneficial physical and functional properties, including good thermal and acoustic insulation parameters, as well as hygroscopicity, which allows for the regulation of indoor humidity, improving air quality and comfort of use. In recent years, there has also been a renaissance of traditional building techniques, such as straw construction, often combined with modern engineering standards. Their potential is particularly recognized in green and energy-efficient construction. The article provides an overview of the types of natural fibers available for use in construction and analyzes their technical, environmental, and economic properties. It also draws attention to current regulations, standards, and certifications (e.g., LEED, BREEAM) that promote the popularization of these solutions. In light of the analyzed data, the role of natural fibers as a viable alternative supporting the transformation of the construction sector towards sustainable development is considered. Full article

This strategic document outlines Bulgaria’s roadmap for modernizing its cartographic sector from 2025 to 2035, addressing the outdated geospatial infrastructure, lack of standardized digital practices, lack of coordinated digital infrastructure, outdated standards, and fragmented data management systems. The strategy was developed in accordance with the national methodology for strategic planning and through preliminary consultations with key stakeholders, including research institutions, business organizations, and public institutions. It aims to build a human-centered, data-driven geospatial framework aligned with global standards such as ISO 19100 and the EU INSPIRE Directive. Core components include: (1) modernization of the national geodetic system, (2) adoption of remote sensing and AI technologies, (3) development of interactive, web-based geospatial platforms, and (4) implementation of quality assurance and certification standards. A SWOT analysis highlights key strengths—such as existing institutional expertise—and critical challenges, including outdated legislation and insufficient coordination. The strategy emphasizes the need for innovation, regulatory reform, inter-institutional collaboration, and sustained investment. It ultimately positions Bulgarian cartography as a strategic contributor to national sustainable development and digital transformation. Full article

The article discusses issues related to improving the energy efficiency of translucent structures (hereinafter referred to as windows) in the construction of buildings in the Republic of Kazakhstan. An analysis of the current regulatory requirements for the thermal insulation of windows and other translucent structures, depending on the climatic conditions of the construction region, was carried out. The authors propose a schematic map of the climatic regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan and stricter values for the thermal resistance of windows depending on the degree-days of the heating period, which will significantly reduce heat loss in buildings and cut heating costs. Calculations of potential energy savings and economic benefits from the introduction of energy-efficient windows are presented, and schemes for the certification and labeling of windows by energy efficiency class are proposed. The work is based on an analysis of national standards and international experience and is aimed at supporting sustainable construction and the implementation of Kazakhstan’s climate commitments. Full article

Addressing the challenges of Industry 4.0 in Thailand’s agri-food logistics (AFL), this study develops a structural logistics management model grounded in the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework, Resource-Based View (RBV), and Dynamic Capabilities (DC) theory. The model integrates four key constructs: standardization, operations management, smart technology, and wastage management targeting cold chain logistics (CCL) systems. Using a mixed-methods design, the study combines in-depth expert interviews with a quantitative survey of 300 logistics firms certified under the Q Cold Chain standard. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis confirms the robustness of the model (CMIN/DF = 1.151; GFI = 0.928; RMSEA = 0.022), supporting all five hypotheses. The findings show that standardization significantly enhances both operational performance and the adoption of digital technology, while waste reduction acts as a key mediator linking organizational processes to technological transformation. By highlighting institutional certification as a policy instrument, this research addresses existing gaps in logistics innovation literature. The results inform both theory and practice, supporting Thailand’s strategic transition toward sustainable, digitally enabled agri-logistics ecosystems. Full article

Considering the climate crisis, global environmental awareness, and the pursuit of sustainable architecture, various methodologies and global standards have been developed to assess and reduce the environmental impact of construction projects. Green Building Codes (GBCs) and rating systems have been implemented worldwide to support green building practices based on the use of simulation models to evaluate energy consumption, such as the ENERGYui and others to rate buildings based on their simulated energy performance. Israel has also established green building standards, such as SI 5281, which provide practical tools for architects to promote the use of green building methods. However, several studies have cast doubt on the actual measured performance of certified buildings. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Israeli green building certification process (SI 5281/SI 5282) through a comparison between simulation-based ratings with measured post-occupancy electricity consumption. Through four case studies, the research identifies discrepancies, explores their causes, and proposes refinements to certification assumptions and evaluation methods. The research is intended to enhance the effectiveness of assessment tools in architectural design and contribute to more precise and sustainable green building practices. This study identifies significant gaps between simulated and actual energy consumption in Israeli green buildings, highlighting that, within this framework, educational buildings tend to exceed predicted usage, while residential buildings often consume less, thereby exposing limitations in current simulation assumptions and standard evaluation criteria. Full article

This systematic literature review examines the development of a conceptual certification framework for solar panel reuse, positioned within the broader context of the circular economy. It emphasizes sustainable production and consumption in response to the climate crisis and resource depletion. This review was conducted using Scopus and Google Scholar, following a structured search strategy. A final set of 63 sources, including peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and gray literature recommended by domain experts, were selected to analyze existing certification frameworks across various sectors, focusing on their relevance to solar panel reuse. Key aspects of product reuse such as safety, quality, and technical standards are explored, highlighting the unique challenges associated with the long lifespans and environmental exposure of solar panels. Through this analysis, this study reveals the core elements vital for an effective certification framework. While structured certification frameworks are essential for sustainability, empirical evidence on their effectiveness in the solar panel reuse remains scarce, and regulatory inconsistencies add complexity. Using established practices in electronics, batteries, and other high-liability sectors as an anchor, the proposed framework, emerging from this systematic review, aims to extend solar panels’ lifecycle, contributing to environmental sustainability and socio-economic equity. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers by addressing key certification gaps and identifying future research directions in solar panel reuse standardization. Full article

Portland cement production is one of the main global sources of CO₂ emissions, driving the search for sustainable solutions to reduce its environmental footprint. This study evaluated the use of biochar derived from sugarcane bagasse as a partial cement replacement in cementitious composites, aiming to investigate its effects on mechanical and microstructural properties. Composites were prepared with 0, 2, and 5 (% w w⁻¹) biochar at two water-to-cement (w/c) ratios: 0.28 and 0.35. It was hypothesized that the porous structure and carbon-rich composition of biochar could enhance the microstructure of the cementitious matrix and contribute to strength development. Characterization of the biochar indicated compliance with the European Biochar Certificate (EBC) standard, high thermal stability, and notable water retention capacity. Mechanical testing revealed that incorporating 5% w w⁻¹ biochar increased compressive strength by up to 48% in the 0.35 w/c formulation compared to the control. Microstructural analyses (SEM/EDS) showed good interaction between the biochar and the cementitious matrix, with the formation of hydration products at the interfaces. The results confirm the potential of sugarcane bagasse biochar as a supplementary cementitious material, promoting more sustainable composites with improved mechanical performance and reduced environmental impact. Full article

Coastal regions of Ecuador, particularly Esmeraldas and Manabí, face significant challenges related to energy access, waste management, and sustainable agricultural development. This study evaluates the renewable energy potential of cocoa waste biomass generated by smallholder farms in these provinces. A total of 20 cocoa farms, either certified or in the process of certification under the Rainforest Alliance standard, were surveyed to quantify the volume of agricultural and agro-industrial residues. Residual biomass generation ranged from 50 to 6500 tons per year, depending on farm size, planting density, and management practices. Spatial analysis revealed that Esmeraldas holds the highest concentration of cocoa waste biomass, with some farms reaching a gross energy potential of up to 89.07 TJ/year. Using thermochemical conversion scenarios, effective energy potential was estimated, and 75% of the farms exceeded the viability threshold of 100 MWh/year. The results confirm the feasibility of cocoa biomass as a renewable energy source, mainly when managed collectively at the community level. Incorporating this waste into decentralized energy systems supports circular economy models, enhances energy self-sufficiency, and aligns with sustainable supply chain goals promoted by certification schemes. This study contributes to national efforts in energy diversification and provides a replicable model for integrating renewable energy into rural agricultural systems. Full article

Green building materials play a vital role in mitigating the significant carbon emissions produced by the construction industry. However, the widespread presence of greenwashing, where firms falsely portray their products or practices as environmentally friendly, presents a critical obstacle to the adoption of genuinely sustainable materials. The risk of collusion between building material enterprises and certification institutions further exacerbates this challenge by undermining trust in green certification processes. To investigate these issues, this study develops an evolutionary game model that captures the strategic interactions between building material enterprises and certification institutions. The model incorporates the behavioral assumptions of prospect theory, specifically bounded rationality, loss aversion, and diminishing sensitivity, to reflect the real-world decision-making behavior of the involved actors. The findings reveal three evolutionarily stable strategies (ESS) within the system. First, a higher initial willingness by both enterprises and certifiers to engage in ethical practices increases the likelihood of convergence to an optimal and stable outcome. Second, a greater degree of diminishing sensitivity in the value function promotes the adoption of authentic green behavior by enterprises. In contrast, a lower degree of diminishing sensitivity encourages certification institutions to refrain from collusion. Third, although the loss aversion coefficient does not directly affect strategy selection, higher levels of loss aversion lead to stronger preferences for green behavior among enterprises and noncollusive behavior among certifiers. This research makes a novel theoretical contribution by introducing prospect theory into the analysis of greenwashing behavior in the building materials sector. It also provides actionable insights for improving regulatory frameworks and certification standards to mitigate greenwashing and enhance institutional accountability. Full article

This study focuses on the shift to a circular economy (CE) in the textile, apparel, and fashion (TAF) sectors, which generate tons of waste annually. Thus, embracing CE practices is essential for contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating PRISMA for systematic literature selection, BERTopic modeling and AI-driven SDG mapping, and case study analysis to explore emerging CE themes, implemented circular practices, and systemic barriers. Machine-learning-based SDG mapping reveals strong linkages to SDG 9 and SDG 12, emphasizing technological advancements, industrial collaborations, and circular business models. Moderately explored SDGs, namely, SDG 8, SDG 6, and SDG 7, highlight research on labor conditions, water conservation, and clean energy integration. Reviewing 655 peer-reviewed papers, the BERTopic modeling extracted six key themes, including sustainable recycling, circular business models, and consumer engagement, whereas case studies highlighted regulatory frameworks, stakeholder collaboration, and financial incentives as critical enablers. The findings advance institutional theory by demonstrating how certifications, material standards, and regulations drive CE adoption, reinforcing SDG 12 and SDG 16. The natural resource-based view is extended by showing that technological resources alone are insufficiently aligned with SDG 9. Using the Antecedents–Decisions–Outcomes framework, this study presents a structured, AI-driven roadmap for scaling CE in the TAF industry, addressing systemic barriers, and supporting global sustainability goals, highlighting how multistakeholder collaboration, digital traceability, and inclusive governance can improve the impact of CE. The results recommend that CE strategies should be aligned with net-zero targets, carbon credit systems, and block-chain-based supply chains. Full article

Sustainable building rating tools (SBRTs) are essential for assessing the environmental impact of buildings, continuously evolving to meet the needs of users. In Nigeria, the effectiveness of these tools depends on their ability to meet the country’s sustainable building standards and environmental goals. While adopting sustainable building rating tools is crucial for realizing the benefits of sustainable construction, little is known about their actual utilization in the Nigerian construction industry. This research aims to (1) assess the level of awareness and utilization of sustainable building rating tools among diverse stakeholders—including architects, engineers, sustainability consultants, developers, contractors, and suppliers—within Nigeria’s Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector, and (2) explore drivers and barriers to their use. The study adopts an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, starting with a survey of 98 Nigerian building professionals, followed by qualitative analysis. Results show that while 72.4% were aware of SBRTs, only 39.8% had used them, highlighting a gap between awareness and application. Utilization was higher among professionals with greater experience, income, and education. Barriers included high certification costs, tool complexity, and socio-economic factors, while key drivers were government regulations and environmental benefits. The study calls for targeted education, tool simplification, and financial incentives to boost adoption and promote sustainable construction in Nigeria. Full article

To facilitate the adoption of a food safety standard by producers, it is essential to understand their perception of it. However, few empirical studies have examined how livestock farmers perceive food safety standards in Vietnam. This research examines sheep farmers’ attitudes towards Vietnamese Good Agricultural Practices (VietGAP), a type of a food safety standard in Vietnam. A sample size of 109 farmers was selected for interviews and a structured questionnaire was generated to collect data. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were employed. The study results show that sheep farmers were well aware of most VietGAP requirements. They perceived that adopting VietGAP requires practical changes in sheep farming systems, including: selecting breeding stock from clear sources to ensure sheep product traceability, collecting and treating wastes daily to protect the environment, and frequent sterilization of sheep cages. The farmers were changing several practices to comply with VietGAP. Key changed practices identified included: bought breeding stock from clear and reliable sources, frequent collecting and treating of sheep wastes, and used veterinary medicine according to instructions of veterinary medicine producers. Statistically significant relationships existing between the sheep farmers’ perceptions and their education level (Pearson = 0.229, p = 0.017), farm size (Pearson = −0.193; p = 0.049), gender (Eta = 0.173, p = 0.060), practice of using labours (Eta = 0.202, p = 0.028), training participation (Eta = 0.211, p = 0.022), credit participation (Eta = 0.177, p = 0.050), community-based organisations (Eta = 0.153, p = 0.087), and veterinary/extension contacts (Eta = 0.217, p = 0.019) were found. This means that a male sheep farmer who had a higher education level, possessed a smaller farm, practiced hired labours, participated in training/credit programs, was a member of community-based organisation, and had contacts with veterinary/extension workers likely perceived VietGAP better than their counterparts. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the promotion of VietGAP for livestock farmers should be developed and carried out as joint attempts along the value chain actors. New food marketing practices and legal framework and policy for using safe food certifications are required to address to promote farmers’ adoption of VietGAP and facilitate transition towards a sustainable agri-food system in Vietnam. This study provides significant insights into safety food standard adoption by livestock farmers and highlights aspects that require to be considered when developing policies to improve the adoption of safety food standards in developing countries. Full article

The growth in the adoption of circular economy principles in the construction industry has given rise to material passports as a critical implementation tool. Given the existing problems of high resource use and high waste generation in the construction industry, there is a pressing need to adopt novel strategies and tools to mitigate the adverse impacts of the built environment. However, research on the application of material passports in the context of construction waste management remains limited. The aim of this paper is to identify the contextual uses, stakeholders, requirements, and challenges in the application of material passports for managing waste generated from building construction and demolition processes through a systematic review approach. Comprehensive searches in Scopus and the Web of Science databases are used to identify relevant papers and reduce the risk of selection bias. Thirty-five (35) papers are identified and included in the review. The identified key contexts of use included buildings and cities as material banks, waste management and trading, and integrated digital technologies. Asset owners, waste management operators, construction and deconstruction teams, technology providers, and regulatory and sustainability teams are identified as key stakeholders. Data requirements related to material, components, building stock data, lifecycle, environmental impact data, and deconstruction and handling data are critical. Moreover, the key infrastructure requirements include modeling and analytical tools, collaborative information exchange systems, sensory tracking tools, and digital and physical storage hubs. However, challenges with data management, costs, process standardization, technology, stakeholder collaboration, market demand, and supply chain logistics still limit the implementation. Therefore, it is recommended that future research be directed towards certification and standardization protocols, automation, artificial intelligence tools, economic viability, market trading, and innovative end-use products. Full article