Search Results (73)

Particulate matter 2.5 (PM_2.5) pollution poses severe threats to public health, ecosystems, and urban sustainability. With increasing industrialization and urban sprawl, accurate pollutant monitoring and effective mitigation of PM_2.5 have become global priorities. Recent advancements in machine learning (ML) have revolutionized PM_2.5 sensing by enabling high-accuracy predictions, and scalable solutions through data-driven approaches. Meanwhile, sustainable green technologies—such as urban greening, phytoremediation, and smart air purification systems—offer eco-friendly, long-term strategies to reduce PM_2.5 levels. This review, covering research publications from 2021 to 2025, systematically explores the integration of ML models with conventional sensor networks to enhance pollution forecasting, pollutant source attribution, and intelligent pollutant monitoring. The paper also highlights the convergence of ML and green technologies, including nature-based solutions and AI-driven environmental planning, to support comprehensive air quality management. In addition, the study critically examines integrated policy frameworks and lifecycle-based assessments that enable equitable, sector-specific mitigation strategies across industrial, transportation, energy, and urban planning domains. By bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, this study provides a comprehensive roadmap for researchers to combat PM_2.5 pollution. Full article

In light of increasing environmental issues, green and environmentally friendly growth has emerged as a global consensus., making the progression of a low-carbon and eco-friendly new energy vehicle (NEV) industry essential for countries globally. This study focuses on the 26 provinces of China, employing benchmark regression, mediation analysis, spatial econometrics, and difference-in-differences models to comprehensively investigate the impact and underlying mechanisms of NEV industry agglomeration on high-quality green development, using a unified framework to measure both agglomeration and development standards, which enhances the accuracy of previous measurements using a single indicator. The findings show that NEV industry agglomeration directly promotes high-quality green development, mediated significantly by green technological innovation and public environmental awareness. Analysis reveals significant regional heterogeneity, with stronger NEV industry agglomeration in midwestern regions, areas prioritizing sustainable and low-carbon policies, and regions with advanced economic and financial systems, leading to a greater positive impact on high-quality green development. NEV industry agglomeration influences high-quality green development in neighboring regions through spatial spillover effects. The results remain robust when using instrumental variables and treating NEV-related policy formulation as a quasi-natural experiment. This study provides theoretical guidance and policy recommendations to encourage high-quality green development through NEV industry agglomeration. Full article

Maize (Zea mays) is one of the most cultivated crops in South Africa, serving as a staple food, stock feed, and a key element in several industrial applications. It contributes significantly to the growth of the South African agricultural economy. The cultivation of maize generates a large amount of agricultural waste, mainly in the form of maize stover (MS), which encapsulates leaves, stalks, cobs, and husks. Approximately 5.15 metric tons (Mt) yr⁻¹ of MS are generated in South Africa. This corresponds to an energy potential of 94 PJ. There is immense potential to surpass the annual yield of MS by 126% up to about 11.66 Mt yr⁻¹ through practices such as zero tillage and improved agricultural production systems. MS may pose a serious threat to the environment if not managed in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. Valorization of MS into biogas presents an excellent opportunity to effectively control biomass waste while contributing to renewable energy production and mitigating dependence on depleting fossil fuels. However, MS continues to be overlooked as a sustainable bioenergy resource due to its lignocellulosic structure. This study explores the potential of converting MS into biogas for heat and power generation, addressing both energy needs and waste management in South Africa. The purpose is to provide knowledge that will inform researchers, innovators, industrialists, policy makers, investors, and other key stakeholders interested in renewable energy systems. Collaborative efforts among multiple stakeholders are vital to leverage biogas as a technology to promote socio-economic development in South Africa. Full article

Green leadership is often praised for promoting sustainability, while hospitals in reactive or resource-constrained contexts lack the infrastructure to support leadership-led environmental change, indicating that leadership without operational capacity offers little impact. Moreover, the inconsistencies between green human resource practices and environmental performance suggest that green leadership might lead to symbolic gestures rather than real improvements without a robust environmental culture or internal accountability systems. Amid intensifying environmental regulations and sustainability mandates in healthcare, this study investigates how green transformational leadership addresses the contradiction between hospitals’ resource-intensive operations and environmental accountability. Drawing on Dynamic Capabilities Theory (DCT), the research highlights policy-driven imperatives for hospitals to build adaptive leadership models that meet sustainability goals. Using data from 312 junior doctors and nurses in private hospitals, analyzed via Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the study identifies green attitude, green empowerment, and green self-efficacy as key mediators in enhancing environmental performance. Contributions of this study include (1) applying DCT to healthcare sustainability, (2) integrating psychological drivers into leadership–performance models, and (3) emphasizing nurses’ pivotal roles. The results of the study indicate that leaders who prioritize sustainability inspire staff to adopt eco-friendly practices, aligning with SDG 3, i.e., good health and well-being; SDG 12, i.e., responsible consumption and production; and SDG 7, i.e., affordable and clean energy. The findings provide actionable insights for hospital administrators and policymakers striving for environmentally accountable healthcare delivery. Full article

With increasing concerns over climate change and air pollution, sustainable transportation has become a critical component of modern city planning. Bike-sharing systems have emerged as an eco-friendly alternative to motorized transport, contributing to energy conservation and emission reduction. To elaborate on bike-sharing’s contribution to urban sustainable development, this study conducts a quantitative analysis of its environmental benefits through a case study of the Bluebikes program in the Boston area, using a longitudinal dataset of 20.07 million bike trips from January 2015 to December 2024, with data between January 2020 and December 2021 excluded. A combination of Scheiner’s model and Multinomial Logit model was adopted to evaluate the substitution of Bluebikes trips, an optimized Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model was employed to predict future usage, while energy savings were calculated by estimating reductions in gasoline and diesel consumption. The findings reveal that during the analyzed period, Bluebikes trips saved 2616.44 tons of oil equivalent and reduced CO₂ and NO_X emissions by 7614.96 and 16.43 tons, respectively. Furthermore, based on the historical trends, it is forecasted that the Bluebikes program will annually save an average of 723.66 tons of oil equivalent and decrease CO₂ and NO_X emissions by 2422.65 and 4.52 tons between 2025 and 2027. The results highlight the substantial environmental impact of Bluebikes and support policies that encourage their usage. Full article

The aviation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and with the increasing demand for air travel these emissions are projected to continue rising in the coming years. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) could greatly help reduce these emissions and make the aviation industry more eco-friendly. SAF is a renewable, low-carbon alternative to conventional jet fuel produced from sustainable resources. A key step to bringing the fuel into regular use is studying how people view it. Understanding what the public think and feel about biofuels, including aviation fuel, is very important. This is because public opinion can shape consumer interest, demand for products, and the willingness of governments to back green energy policies and invest in clean technologies. The study systematically evaluates the public opinion, perception and awareness of SAF in the South Central United States and its utilization to decarbonize the aviation industry. This is performed through a series of multiple-choice survey questions and interviews. The study results show that while there is some recognition of the environmental impact of aviation and the potential role of biofuels in reducing this impact, there is still a need for greater public education and awareness regarding alternative fuels and their benefits for sustainable aviation. The findings of the study underscore a pivotal challenge in addressing aviation-related carbon emissions: the gap in public knowledge about potential solutions like biofuels and SAF. This gap not only reflects a lack of awareness but also hints at the possible skepticism or uncertainty among the public regarding the effectiveness and viability of these alternatives. Full article

This paper examines the critical importance of peatlands in climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and the provision of essential ecosystem services, emphasizing the urgent need for their preservation and restoration. Although peatlands cover just 3% of global land, they store 30% of the world’s terrestrial carbon, making them vital for mitigating climate change. However, activities such as agriculture, forestry, and peat extraction have caused significant degradation, compromising their ecological integrity and climate functions. This review makes a unique contribution by applying a systems thinking approach to synthesize the interconnected technical, environmental, and socioeconomic dimensions of peatland management, an often underrepresented perspective in existing literature. By offering a holistic and integrative analysis, it identifies key leverage points for effective and sustainable conservation and restoration strategies. This paper also explores the European Union’s policy response, including the EU Restoration Law and sustainability initiatives aimed at peatland recovery. It highlights the shift from peat use in energy production to its application in horticulture, reflecting growing demand for sustainable alternatives and eco-friendly restoration practices across Europe. Furthermore, this review addresses the environmental consequences of peat extraction, such as increased greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity lossand emphasizes the need for robust EU legislation aligned with climate neutrality and biodiversity enhancement goals. It concludes by advocating for comprehensive research and proactive, policy-driven measures to ensure the long-term protection and sustainable use of these vital ecosystems. Full article

Wood heat treatment is considered by many to be an eco-friendly wood modification method, given that only heat is applied during the treatment. However, it is essential to recognize that energy consumption can give rise to various environmental challenges. Quantitative evaluation of the environmental performance of a wood modification technology is always a challenge faced by the wood processing industry. To perform a comprehensive assessment, it is imperative to adopt a life-cycle-based approach, which is still very limited for heat-treated wood in China. This study investigated the mass and energy consumption of heat-treated radiata pine lumber in life cycle stages from forest management in New Zealand to wood heat treatment in East China and calculated its environmental impacts using the ReCiPe method. Two heat supply scenarios, i.e., on-site wood-fired boilers and off-site coal-fired power plants, were compared to evaluate the influence of national policy on environmental performance. Transoceanic shipping and lumber drying were found to be the life cycle stages dominating the environmental impacts level, and human-health-related impacts, mainly fine particulate matter, photochemical ozone formation, human toxicity, and global warming, were the major environmental impacts of heat-treated radiata pine lumber. With on-site heat supply, more heat and electricity were consumed due to a lower boiler efficiency and more energy demands. However, the impact assessment showed lower environmental impacts in this scenario. The non-fossil and carbon-neutral nature of wood is the key to the environmental advantages of this heat supply scenario. Full article

The study aimed to investigate the thermal storage potential of oak tree bark as a natural and easily accessible material and to examine the possibility of incorporating this raw material into external prefabricated walls. The U-values of oak tree bark were compared with mineral wool (MW), which is a standardized and well-known insulating material. Oak tree bark, a residual material, is mainly used as an energy source. However, in light of actual green policies at the European Union (EU) level, raw wood and its components, e.g., bark, should be used for long-lasting products and not as an energy source. According to the Croatian Technical Regulation on the Rational Use of Energy and Thermal Insulation in Buildings, the maximum U-value for external walls in Croatia is 0.30 W/m²K. Here presented test results show that the U-values of the experimental wall compositions were 0.22 W/m²K for the wall with mineral wool (MW) and 0.29 W/m²K for the wall with oak tree bark. Despite mineral wool having a thermal conductivity (λ, W/mK) 53% lower than the experimental tree bark, walls with bark fulfill the national insulation requirements; therefore, they present an alternative and sustainable insulation option. Furthermore, the Blower door test (n50 value) of the bungalow was measured to be 3.75 h^−1, proving the potential of tree bark as an alternative eco-friendly insulation material in exterior walls. However, further investigations are necessary in order to create and optimize the panel, its thickness, density, adhesive technology, the size of bark particles, production parameters, etc., as these influence properties of the final product to be placed on the market. Full article

China aims for high-quality development by balancing energy use and economic growth, leveraging digital infrastructure to foster a resource-efficient, eco-friendly society and boost economic progress. In this context, by using panel data from 279 Chinese cities spanning 2006–2021, this study employs a multi-phase difference-in-differences (DID) technique to disclose how the Broadband China Pilot Policy (BCPP) affects energy consumption. The results reveal that the BCPP can greatly lower urban energy consumption, which is further validated by robustness tests, including PSM-DID estimation, Bacon decomposition, and placebo testing. Heterogeneity testing shows the BCPP significantly lowers energy consumption in large, eastern, non-resource-based, and high-digital inclusive finance cities compared to smaller, western, resource-based, and low-digital inclusive finance cities. Furthermore, the mechanism analysis indicates that the BCPP contributes to decreased urban energy use by transforming the industrial structure, enhancing financial growth, and improving green technology innovation. To effectively harmonize energy consumption with urban development, it is recommended to accelerate the advancement of digital infrastructure, tailor the industrial structure to meet local needs, and promote greater financial and green innovation development. Full article

The construction industry in Kuwait is experiencing a transformative shift with the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies, particularly BIM 6D for sustainability analysis and 7D for facility management. This study investigates the integration of these dimensions to address sustainability challenges in Kuwait’s construction sector, aligning practices with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through qualitative interviews with 15 stakeholders—including architects, engineers, and contractors—and analysis of industry reports, policies, and case studies, the research identifies both opportunities for and barriers to BIM adoption. While BIM offers significant potential for lifecycle analysis, waste reduction, and energy efficiency, its adoption remains limited, with only 27% of construction waste recycled. Challenges include high initial costs, a shortage of skilled personnel, and resistance to change. The study highlights actionable strategies, including enhanced regulatory frameworks, university curriculum integration, and professional training programs led by the Kuwait Society of Engineers, to address these barriers. It also emphasizes the critical role of collaboration among government bodies, industry leaders, and institutions like the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Drawing from successful international BIM projects, the findings offer a practical framework for improving sustainability in arid regions, positioning Kuwait’s experience as a model for other Middle Eastern and North African countries. This research underscores the transformative role of BIM technologies in advancing global sustainable construction practices and achieving a more efficient and eco-friendly future. Full article

The greenhouse effect and global warming, driven by the accumulation of pollutants, such as sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and CO₂, are primarily caused by the combustion of fossil fuels and volcanic eruptions. These phenomena represent an international crisis that negatively impacts human health and the environment. Several studies have reported novel carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, promising solutions. Notable methods include chemical absorption using solvents, and the development of functionalized porous materials, such as MCM-41, impregnated with amines like polyethyleneimine. These technologies have demonstrated high capture capacity and thermal stability; however, they face challenges related to recyclability and high operating costs. In parallel, biodegradable polymers and hydrogels present sustainable alternatives with a lower environmental impact, although their industrial scalability remains limited. This review comprehensively analyzes CO₂ capture methods, focusing on silica-based porous supports, polymers, hydrogels, and emerging techniques, like CCUS and MOFs, while including traditional methods and a bibliometric analysis to update the field’s scientific dynamics. With increasing investigations focused on developing new CCUS technologies, this study highlights a growing interest in eco-friendly alternatives. A bibliometric analysis of 903 articles published between 2010 and 2024 provides an overview of current research on environmentally friendly carbon capture technologies. Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and India are leading research efforts in this field, emphasizing the importance of scientific collaboration. Despite these advancements, implementing these technologies in industrial sectors with high greenhouse gas emissions remains scarce. This underscores the need for public policies and financing to promote their development and application in these sectors. Future research should prioritize materials with high capture capacity, efficient transformation, and valorization of CO₂ while promoting circular economy approaches and decarbonizing challenging sectors, such as energy and transportation. Integrating environmentally friendly materials, energy optimization, and sustainable strategies is essential to position these technologies as key tools in the fight against climate change. Full article

The pursuit of economic growth in developing countries like Tanzania often intensifies environmental degradation, posing significant sustainability challenges. This study examined the interrelationships between globalization, economic growth, and environmental degradation in Tanzania from 1970 to 2022, using World Bank data and the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model. The findings reveal a strong long-run positive relationship between GDP per capita and CO₂ emissions, partially supporting the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis. Specifically, the analysis identifies an EKC threshold where emissions peak at 3 metric tons per capita and GDP per capita reaches approximately USD 1200 (TSH 3,120,000), after which further increases in emissions are associated with a decline in GDP per capita. In the short run, GDP per capita shows a weak negative association with CO₂ emissions, indicating temporary environmental benefits during growth phases. Foreign direct investment (FDI) exhibits no significant short-term impact on emissions, mostly due to delays in the implementation of mega development projects and changes in the country’s economic policies as the result of change in the political regime. Additionally, trade openness is a significant driver of long-run emissions, emphasizing the environmental costs of globalization. To address these challenges, this study recommends that Tanzania attract sustainable FDI for integrating eco-friendly technologies, promote green trade practices by embedding environmental safeguards into trade agreements, and invest in renewable energy infrastructure to decouple growth from emissions. Strengthening environmental regulations, enhancing institutional capacity, and fostering international collaboration are crucial to achieving long-term sustainability. These measures can help Tanzania balance economic development and environmental preservation, aligning with the goals of Tanzania Development Vision 2025 (TDV 2025) and paving the way for a sustainable growth trajectory. Full article

This research examines the impact of digital transformation on green innovation across different regions in China, using data from the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets from 2007 to 2022. The study reveals that digital transformation significantly enhances green innovation in enterprises, with notable regional disparities. The effects are most pronounced in the economically advanced eastern coastal areas, followed by central regions, while the western regions lag behind. This spatial pattern underscores the importance of tailored policies and strategies to address specific regional barriers and opportunities. Integrating digital technologies such as AI and big data has empowered companies to enhance their innovation activities, particularly in energy efficiency, pollution mitigation, and eco-friendly manufacturing. However, challenges such as lack of motivation for innovation and inadequate greener technologies persist, necessitating new strategies to revive eco-friendly innovations. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, highlighting the need for regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer to promote sustainable economic development. By leveraging digital transformation, regions can improve their green innovation capabilities, contributing to the broader goals of China’s “dual carbon” initiative and sustainable development. This study emphasizes the critical role of digital technologies in driving green innovation and calls for comprehensive strategies to enhance digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and environmental consciousness across all regions of China. Full article

Eco-friendly road infrastructure is vital for the advancement of sustainable transportation and promotion of efficient urban mobility. This systematic literature review explores the current state of research and development in the eco-friendly road infrastructure area. This review explored three electronic databases to gather pertinent studies using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. This study explored a wide range of research areas pertinent to eco-friendly road infrastructure. The findings highlight significant progress in the utilization of recycled materials, integration of photovoltaic, piezoelectric, and other energy harvesting technologies, regulatory frameworks, AI and machine learning for monitoring, predictive maintenance, and other technologies to enhance road sustainability and performance. This review analyzed the development of eco-friendly road infrastructure and identified several challenges such as high initial costs, technical performance issues, regulatory gaps, limited public acceptance, and the complexity of integrating advanced technologies. Addressing these challenges will require collaboration, further advancement in knowledge, and standardized regulations. This review serves to broaden the knowledge of the area and offer direction for future research and policy discussions, underscoring the need for continuous advancement in eco-friendly road infrastructure to meet sustainable development goals and address the challenges of climate change. Full article