Search Results (96)

With the advance of digital transformation, the assessment of the environmental impact of digital tools and technologies grows more relevant. Considering the inflated expectations of environmental responsibility in higher education, this study analyses how websites of Polish universities conform to sustainable web design criteria. The sustainability audit employed a methodology encompassing carbon emissions measurement, technical website analysis, and SEO evaluation. The author analysed 63 websites of public universities in Poland using seven independent audit tools, including an original AI Custom GPT agent preconfigured in the ChatGPT ecosystem. The results revealed a substantial differentiation in CO₂ emissions and website optimisation, with an average EcoImpact Score of 66.41/100. Nearly every fourth website exhibited a significant carbon footprint and excessive component sizes, which indicates poor asset optimisation and energy-intensive design techniques. The measurements exposed considerable variability in emission intensities and resource intensity among the university websites, suggesting the need for standardised digital sustainability practices. Regulations on the carbon footprint of public institutions’ websites and mobile applications could become vital strategic components for digital climate neutrality. Promoting green hosting, “Green SEO” practices, and sustainability audits could help mitigate the environmental impact of digital technologies and advance sustainable design standards for the public sector. The proposed auditing methodology can effectively support the institutional transition towards sustainable management of digital infrastructure by integrating technical, sustainability, and organisational aspects. Full article

Food loss and waste from the European Union’s dairy supply chain, particularly in the management of fresh milk, imposes significant environmental burdens. This study demonstrates that implementing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-enabled digital decision-support tools can substantially reduce these impacts across the region. A cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to quantify both the additional environmental burdens from RFID (tag production, usage, and disposal) and the avoided burdens due to reduced milk losses in the farm, processing, and distribution stages. Within the EU’s fresh milk supply chain, the implementation of digital tools could result in annual net reductions of up to 80,000 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions, 81,083 tonnes of PM_2.5-equivalent particulate matter, 84,326 tonnes of land use–related carbon deficit, and 80,000 cubic meters of freshwater-equivalent consumption. Spatial analysis indicates that regions with historically high spoilage rates, particularly in Southern and Eastern Europe, see the greatest benefits from RFID enabled digital-decision support tools. These environmental savings are most pronounced during the peak months of milk production. Overall, the study demonstrates that despite the environmental footprint of RFID systems, their integration into the EU’S dairy supply chain enhances transparency, reduces waste, and improves resource efficiency—supporting their strategic value. Full article

This comprehensive review maps the fast-evolving landscape in which artificial intelligence (AI) and deep-learning (DL) techniques converge with the Internet of Things (IoT) to manage energy, comfort, and sustainability across smart environments. A PRISMA-guided search of four databases retrieved 1358 records; after applying inclusion criteria, 143 peer-reviewed studies published between January 2019 and April 2025 were analyzed. This review shows that AI-driven controllers—especially deep-reinforcement-learning agents—deliver median energy savings of 18–35% for HVAC and other major loads, consistently outperforming rule-based and model-predictive baselines. The evidence further reveals a rapid diversification of methods: graph-neural-network models now capture spatial interdependencies in dense sensor grids, federated-learning pilots address data-privacy constraints, and early integrations of large language models hint at natural-language analytics and control interfaces for heterogeneous IoT devices. Yet large-scale deployment remains hindered by fragmented and proprietary datasets, unresolved privacy and cybersecurity risks associated with continuous IoT telemetry, the growing carbon and compute footprints of ever-larger models, and poor interoperability among legacy equipment and modern edge nodes. The authors of researches therefore converges on several priorities: open, high-fidelity benchmarks that marry multivariate IoT sensor data with standardized metadata and occupant feedback; energy-aware, edge-optimized architectures that lower latency and power draw; privacy-centric learning frameworks that satisfy tightening regulations; hybrid physics-informed and explainable models that shorten commissioning time; and digital-twin platforms enriched by language-model reasoning to translate raw telemetry into actionable insights for facility managers and end users. Addressing these gaps will be pivotal to transforming isolated pilots into ubiquitous, trustworthy, and human-centered IoT ecosystems capable of delivering measurable gains in efficiency, resilience, and occupant wellbeing at scale. Full article

This study discusses the role of organizational pro-environmental behavior in driving sustainable development. Studies of green practices highlight their capacity to achieve ecological goals while delivering economic sustainability with business strategies for sustainable businesses and advancing environmental sustainability law. It also considers how the development of artificial intelligence, resource management, big data analysis, blockchain, and the Internet of Things enables companies to maximize supply efficiency and address evolving environmental regulations and sustainable decision-making. Through digital technology, businesses can facilitate supply chain transparency, adopt circular economy practices, and produce in an equitable and environmentally friendly manner. Additionally, intelligent business management practices, such as effective decision-making and sustainability reporting, enhance compliance with authorities while ensuring long-term profitability from a legal perspective. Integrating business innovation and digital technology within legal entities enhances economic efficiency, reduces operational costs, improves environmental sustainability, reduces paper usage, and lowers the carbon footprint, creating a double-benefit model of long-term resilience. The policymakers’ role in formulating policy structures that lead to green digital innovation is also to ensure that economic development worldwide is harmonized with environmental protection and international governance. Using example studies and empirical research raises awareness about best practices in technology-based sustainability initiatives across industries and nations, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

The widespread integration of digital technologies into the industry, institutions, and everyday life has introduced environmental challenges known as digital pollution, including the carbon footprint of data centers, energy consumption of digital devices, and electronic waste (e-waste). While general environmental education is extensively studied, public awareness and understanding of digital pollution remain overlooked. This study investigates how demographic factors, including age, education level, income, and occupation, in addition to the perception of environmental knowledge and self-assessed tech-savviness, are associated with environmental and digital pollution literacy. A cross-sectional survey of 300 participants from the UK was conducted, assessing the associations between demographic characteristics, environmental knowledge, and digital pollution awareness. The findings reveal that education level and income are not significantly correlated with literacy scores, whereas age and tech-savviness display meaningful associations with digital pollution literacy. Additionally, general environmental knowledge is positively correlated with digital pollution literacy, suggesting that enhancing environmental literacy may foster a deeper understanding of digital sustainability issues. Notably, a gap emerged between self-reported and actual knowledge, highlighting the need for educational interventions. These findings suggest practical implications for developing targeted educational programs and policies that promote sustainable digital practices and reduce environmental impacts. Full article

This academic article seeks to clarify the state of the literature on a very pertinent topic that is based on how digital innovation, considering emerging technologies and how they could be used in business management and marketing, could increase sustainable development. The sustainable economy, which should maintain long-term development through efficient resource management, has as allies emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things that can help reduce waste, reduce the carbon footprint, and automate tasks. Additionally, they could present themselves as a solution to improve aspects of digital communication between companies and their consumers in remote training, distribution chain, e-commerce, and process optimization in different sectors of activity. These advances will, on the one hand, allow the possibility of conducting a greater amount of professional training, increasing the number of qualified professionals and, on the other hand, facilitate trade exchanges, promoting the economy. Based on a systematic bibliometric review of the literature using the PRISMA framework, this study investigates how digital tools catalyze transformative changes in different sectors of activity. The results indicate that, overall, the academic articles analyzed in this literature review present studies focused on digitalization and sustainability (approximately 50%). In second place are topics related to digitalization and other topics such as: smart cities; Sustainable Development Goals; academia; the digital economy; government policies; academic education; and sustainable communication (29%). Finally, in third place, there are academic articles closely linked to digitalization and the environment, more specifically to sustainable practices and the management of natural resources (21%). The article concludes that digital development, when used wisely, serves as a crucial lever to address the world’s most pressing sustainability imperatives. Future research should emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration and adaptive governance to ensure that these digital changes produce lasting impacts for people and the planet. Full article

The “carbon neutral power generation” policy of the European Union requires the phasing out of fossil fuel power plants. These plants still play a crucial role in the energy mix in many countries; therefore, efforts are put forward to lower their CO₂ emissions. The available solution for an existing coal plant is the implementation of biomass co-firing, which allows it to reduce twice its carbon footprint in order to achieve the level of natural gas plants, which are preferable on the way to zero-emission power generation. However the side effect is a significant increase in the bulk fuel volumes that are acquired, handled, and finally supplied to the power plant units. A necessary extension of the complex logistic system for unloading, quality tagging, storing, and transporting biomass may increase the plant’s noise emissions beyond the allowed thresholds. For a comprehensive assessment of the concept of expanding the power plant’s biofuel supply system (BSS), a discrete simulation model was built to dimension system elements and verify the overall correctness of the proposed solutions. Then, a dedicated noise emission model was built for the purposes of mandatory environmental impact assessment procedures for the planned expansion of the BSS. The noise model showed the possibility of exceeding the permissible noise levels at night in selected locations. The new simulations of the BSS model were used to analyze various scenarios of biomass supply with regard to alternative switching off the selected branches of the whole BSS. The length of the queue of unloaded freight trains delivering an average quality biomass after a period of 2 weeks is used as a key performance parameter of the BSS. A queue shorter than 1 freight train is accepted. Assuming the rising share of RESS in the Polish energy mix, the thermal plant’s 2-week average power output shall not exceed 70% of its maximum capacity. The results of the simulations indicate that under these constraints, the biofuel supplies can be sufficient regardless of the nighttime stops, if 50% of the supplied biomass volumes are delivered by trucks. If the trucks’ share drops to 25%, the plant’s 2-week average power output is limited to 45% of its maximum power. The use of digital spatial simulation models for a complex, cyclical-continuous transport system to control its operation is an effective method of addressing environmental conflicts at the design stage of the extension of industrial installations in urbanized areas. Full article

In the era of digital transformation, the environmental impact of software development has become a pressing concern, necessitating the integration of sustainability into software development processes. This paper addresses how DevOps, traditionally celebrated for enhancing efficiency and speed in software delivery, can integrate sustainability principles to mitigate environmental impacts. We propose guidelines for integrating sustainability throughout the DevOps life cycle, aiming for significant carbon footprint reduction without compromising quality. Using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, this study enables stakeholders to incorporate green guidelines at various software development and operation stages, enhancing software environmental friendliness. Our model supports sustainable software development and encourages proactive environmental impact minimization. Full article

Forested areas are defined as wooded regions characterized by dense vegetation, largely preserved natural ecosystem features, and availability for recreational use. These areas play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance and are increasingly utilized as preferred sites for various outdoor activities. However, the growing intensity of recreational activities in such sensitive ecosystems contributes to increased waste generation and poses significant threats to environmental sustainability. The objective of this study is to calculate the carbon footprint resulting from waste produced during recreational activities in forested areas of Lithuania, Turkey, and Morocco, and to identify innovative waste management strategies aimed at achieving clean and safe forest ecosystems. This study includes a comparison of Turkey, Lithuania, and Morocco. Quantitative data and carbon footprint calculations were conducted, while quantitative methods were also employed through semi-structured interviews with experts. Firstly, carbon footprint calculations were carried out based on the types and amounts of waste generated by participants. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts and participants from all three countries to identify issues related to waste management and innovative waste management strategies. The carbon footprint resulting from waste generation was estimated to be 1517.26 kg in Turkey, 613.25 kg in Lithuania, and 735.68 kg in Morocco. Experts from Turkey, Lithuania, and Morocco have proposed innovative solutions for improving waste management systems in their respective countries. In Turkey, the predominant view emphasizes the need for increased use of digital tools, stricter enforcement measures, a rise in the number of personnel and waste bins, as well as the expansion of volunteer-based initiatives. In Lithuania, priority is given to educational and awareness-raising activities, updates to legal regulations, the placement of recycling bins, the development of infrastructure, and the promotion of environmentally friendly projects. In Morocco, it is highlighted that there is a need for stronger enforcement mechanisms, updated legal frameworks, increased staffing, more frequent waste collection, and the implementation of educational programs. Full article

Cloud Data Centers (CDCs) are an essential component of the infrastructure for powering the digital life of modern society, hosting and processing vast amounts of data and enabling services such as streaming, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and global connectivity. Given this importance, their energy efficiency is a top priority, as they consume significant amounts of electricity, contributing to operational costs and environmental impact. Efficient CDCs reduce energy waste, lower carbon footprints, and support sustainable growth in digital services. Consequently, energy efficiency metrics are used to measure how effectively a CDC utilizes energy for computing versus cooling and other overheads. These metrics are essential because they guide operators in optimizing resource use, reducing costs, and meeting regulatory and environmental goals. To this end, this paper reviews more than 25 energy efficiency metrics and more than 250 literature references to CDCs, different energy-consuming components, and configuration setups. Then, some real-world case studies of corporations that use these metrics are presented. Thereby, the challenges and limitations are investigated for each metric, and associated future research directions are provided. Prioritizing energy efficiency in CDCs, guided by these energy efficiency metrics, is essential for minimizing environmental impact, reducing costs, and ensuring sustainable scalability for the digital economy. Full article

The paper presents the design and development of a universal simulation model named SustainSIM, intended for optimizing the carbon footprint in mechanical engineering production. The objective of this model is to enable enterprises to accurately quantify, monitor, and simulate CO₂ emissions generated during various manufacturing processes, thereby identifying and evaluating effective reduction strategies. The paper thoroughly examines methodologies for data collection and processing, determination of emission factors, and categorization of emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2), utilizing standards such as the GHG Protocol and associated databases. Through a digital simulation environment created in Unity Engine, the model interactively visualizes the impacts of implementing green technologies—such as solar panels, electric vehicles, and heat pumps—on reducing the overall carbon footprint. The practical applicability of the model was validated using a mechanical engineering company as a case study, where simulations confirmed the model’s potential in supporting sustainable decision-making and production process optimization. The findings suggest that the implementation of such a tool can significantly contribute to environmentally responsible management and the reduction of industrial emissions. In comparison to existing methods such as SimaPro/OpenLCA (detailed LCA) and the Corporate Calculator (GHG Protocol), SustainSIM achieves the same accuracy in calculating Scopes 1/2, while reducing the analysis time to less than 15% and decreasing the requirements for expertise. Unlike simulation packages like Energy Plus, users can modify parameters without scripting, and they can see the immediate impact in CO₂e. Full article

This study investigates the integration of digital technologies in leading European museums to enhance heritage interpretation, increase visitor engagement, and contribute to sustainable tourism. As museums increasingly adapt to the digital age, they seek innovative solutions to enrich the visitor experience while promoting sustainability. This research uses a content analysis approach to examine the strategies employed by four prominent museums—the Louvre, the British Museum, the Prado Museum, and the Rijksmuseum. Key digital initiatives, including virtual tours, educational apps, and online collections, are identified as central components of their efforts to improve accessibility, facilitate interactive learning, and attract a wider global audience. Our findings highlight that these digital innovations not only provide visitors with more engaging and informative experiences but also align with sustainability objectives such as reducing carbon footprints and supporting cultural preservation. This study concludes that by leveraging smart technologies, museums are evolving into dynamic, globally connected institutions that strike a balance between conservation and visitor engagement, thereby fostering a more sustainable and inclusive approach to heritage tourism. Full article

In recent years, the AEC industry has increasingly sought sustainable solutions to enhance productivity and reduce environmental pollution, with wood emerging as a key renewable material due to its excellent carbon sequestration capability and low ecological footprint. Despite significant advances in digital fabrication technologies for timber construction, on-site assembly still predominantly relies on manual operations, thereby limiting efficiency and precision. To address this challenge, this study proposes an automated on-site timber construction process that integrates a mobile construction platform (MCP), a fiducial marker system (FMS) and a UWB/IMU integrated navigation system. By deconstructing traditional modular stacking methods and iteratively developing the process in a controlled laboratory environment, the authors formalize raw construction experience into an effective workflow, supplemented by a self-feedback error correction system to achieve precise, real-time end-effector positioning. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that the system consistently achieves millimeter-level positioning accuracy across all test scenarios, with translational errors of approximately 1 mm and an average repeat positioning precision of up to 0.08 mm, thereby aligning with on-site timber construction requirements. These findings validate the method’s technical reliability, robustness and practical applicability, laying a solid foundation for a smooth transition from laboratory trials to large-scale on-site timber construction. Full article

The growing demand for renewable energy positions it as a cornerstone for climate change mitigation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Although renewable energy sources generate around 30% of global electricity, their production and deployment involve significant environmental challenges. This review analyzes renewable energy projects from a life cycle perspective, focusing on environmental impacts throughout the supply chain. Particular emphasis is placed on the energy-intensive nature of manufacturing phases, which account for 60% to 80% of total emissions. The extraction of critical raw materials such as neodymium, dysprosium, indium, tellurium, and silicon is associated with emission levels ranging from 0.02 to 0.09 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilowatt-hour for rare earth elements, along with an estimated average land degradation of 0.2 hectares per megawatt installed. Furthermore, the production of solar-grade silicon for photovoltaic panels consumes approximately 293 kilowatt-hours of electricity per kilogram, significantly contributing to the overall environmental footprint. Through a comprehensive review of the existing literature, this study integrates life cycle assessment and sustainable supply chain management approaches to identify environmental hotspots, quantify emissions, and propose strategic improvements. The analysis provides a structured, systematized, and data-driven evaluation, highlighting the relevance of circular economy principles, advanced recycling technologies, and digital innovations to enhance sustainability, traceability, and resilience in renewable energy supply chains. This work offers actionable insights for decision-makers and policymakers to guide the low-carbon transition. Full article

In response to the urgent need for the sustainable conservation of cultural heritage against the backdrop of climate change and environmental degradation, this study proposes a low-cost, non-destructive digital recording method for murals based on close-range photogrammetry. By integrating non-metric digital cameras, total stations, and spatial coordinate transformation models, high-precision digital orthophoto generation for indoor murals was achieved. Experimental results show that the resolution error of this method is 0.02 mm, with root mean square errors (RMSE) of 3.51 mm and 2.77 mm in the X and Y directions, respectively, meeting the precision requirements for cultural heritage conservation. Compared to traditional laser scanning technology, the energy consumption of the equipment in this study is significantly reduced, and the use of chemical reagents is avoided, thereby minimizing the carbon footprint and environmental impact during the recording process. This provides a green technological solution to address climate change. Additionally, the low-cost nature of non-metric cameras offers a feasible option for cultural heritage conservation institutions with limited resources, promoting equity and accessibility in heritage protection amid global climate challenges. This technology provides sustainable data support for long-term monitoring, virtual restoration, and public digital display of murals while also offering rich data resources for virtual cultural tourism, public education, and scientific research. It demonstrates broad application potential in the context of climate change and environmental protection, contributing to the green transformation and sustainable development of cultural tourism. Full article