Search Results (245)

Over the past two decades, cultural heritage protection and the improvement of energy efficiency in historic buildings have become parallel yet frequently conflicting priorities of public policy. This paper analyses the contemporary strategic directions of the European Union and Poland between 2005 and 2025 with regard to the modernisation of historic buildings, within the broader framework of energy and climate transition. This study involves a comprehensive analysis of legal and strategic documents and national conservation guidelines, evaluating their impact on heritage protection practices. The research employs desk research and comparative analysis, as well as a preliminary empirical component based on indicators W1–W12. These indicators reveal a significant modernisation gap: only 0.3–0.5% of heritage buildings in Poland have undergone energy retrofitting, indicating low implementation of EU strategies. The study’s findings confirm the necessity of developing a coherent policy model that integrates the requirements of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive with national conservation law, as well as harmonised assessment tools, such as energy and conservation audits. In conclusion, the implementation of ‘heritage-inclusive renovation strategies’ is required—respect the character, materiality, and authenticity of heritage buildings, while recognising their social and cultural significance. Full article

This review explores the current state and future potential of green building technologies (GBTs) in Tanzania. Using a desk-based literature review and thematic synthesis, the study analyzes peer-reviewed articles, policy documents, and case studies to assess the application of material solutions, energy efficiency strategies, and water management practices in diverse country settings. The findings indicate that the most significant obstacles to the widespread adoption of green building technologies in Tanzania are the absence of mandatory regulatory frameworks, insufficient technical capacity, limited public awareness coupled with financial constraints, and weak institutional coordination. Technically, the most feasible pathway involves integrating locally sourced low-carbon materials and the adoption of climate responsive passive design strategies that are tailored to the country’s diverse climatic zones and socio-economic conditions. In order to address the identified setbacks, this paper proposes several strategic interventions including the formulation of context-specific green building standards, enhanced support mechanisms for local material innovation within the construction sector, targeted capacity-building programs, and the establishment of inclusive green financing schemes to support small-scale developers. Full article

The effectiveness of transit-oriented development (TOD) in achieving emission reductions and energy savings is highly influenced by policy frameworks, the accessibility of sustainable transport systems, and the degree of land use integration. This study investigated the implementation of TOD in Dukuh Atas along the Sudirman–Thamrin corridor in Jakarta to assess its role in promoting energy efficiency and lowering emissions. The analysis incorporated carbon emission calculations, annualized traffic volumes, and emissions data, alongside land use metrics such as the floor area ratio (FAR), job-to-housing ratio, and point-of-interest (POI) density. The findings indicate that while TOD implementation in the corridor is still evolving, there were positive outcomes in several key areas. Energy efficiency measures have been partially realized through the operation of electric buses in the bus rapid transit (BRT) system, electrified rail modes, such as commuter lines, mass rapid transit (MRT), and light rail transit (LRT), and improved pedestrian infrastructure, as reflected in a favorable Pedestrian Environmental Quality Index (PEQI). Public transport ridership has significantly increased, contributing to a measurable reduction in emissions from private vehicle use. The land use analysis showed that medium- to high-density housing dominated (78.94% FAR), with a job-to-housing ratio of approximately 1:2. This study also found that the emission estimates were moderately sensitive to changes in both emission factors (EFs) and vehicle kilometers traveled (VKT). Overall, the results suggest that TOD can effectively contribute to energy savings and emission reductions by enhancing public transport usage and reducing dependence on motorcycles. Moreover, the efficacy of modal shifting in the Global South is significantly influenced by population mobility characteristics, which are intricately linked to socio-cultural factors, alongside government initiatives to improve the quality of mass public transportation systems (e.g., integration, availability, service coverage, affordable fares, and inclusive design). Full article

Amid growing sustainability and ethical concerns, digital innovation increasingly requires integrating social, environmental, and governance responsibility into technological development. However, little is known about how organizations in emerging economies—particularly in North Africa—operationalize these principles in practice. This study addresses this gap by exploring how institutional and economic actors in Morocco incorporate responsibility principles into their digital innovation strategies. Adopting an exploratory qualitative design, we conducted 27 semi-structured interviews with digital managers from public organizations (ministries, institutions, and local authorities) and private firms (technology companies, start-ups, and large corporations). The central research question guiding this study is: How do Moroccan organizations perceive and implement the principles of responsible digital innovation (RDI)? Data were analyzed using NVivo 14 software through thematic coding and triangulated with policy documents to enhance validity. The results reveal growing awareness of digital sustainability issues—particularly energy efficiency, accessibility, and data protection—yet the degree of responsible practice varies by sector, firm size, and regulatory environment. Key obstacles include limited expertise, absence of ethical performance metrics, and competitive pressures constraining investment in RDI. Conversely, ethical charters, frugal design, and stakeholder engagement emerge as key drivers. The study concludes that embedding responsibility in digital innovation requires shared governance frameworks, supportive public policies, and cross-sector collaboration to promote inclusive and sustainable technological progress. While context-specific, this research opens avenues for comparative and quantitative studies on RDI across emerging economies. Full article

The global energy transition is a central pillar of climate change mitigation and sustainable development. While international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the UN 2030 Agenda emphasize renewable energy as a driver of decarbonization, the degree of ambition and coherence across governance levels remains uneven. The European Union (EU), through the European Green Deal, the “Fit for 55” package, and the REPowerEU plan, has adopted legally binding targets for climate neutrality by 2050 and a 55% emission reduction by 2030. However, national implementation via National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) reveals substantial divergences among Member States. This study applies qualitative content analysis and comparative policy review to EU-level strategies, selected NECPs (Poland, Germany, France, Spain), and global frameworks (Agenda 2030, Paris Agreement, IEA, IRENA, IPCC reports). The analysis also incorporates a comparative perspective with other major economies, including China, Japan, and the United States, to situate EU policy within the global context. Documents were coded according to categories of strategic goals, regulatory and financial instruments, and identified barriers. Triangulation with secondary literature ensured validity and contextualization. The findings show that EU frameworks demonstrate higher ambition and legal enforceability compared to global initiatives, yet internal fragmentation persists. Germany and Spain emerge as frontrunners with ambitious renewable targets, while France relies heavily on nuclear power and Poland lags behind with the latest coal phase-out date. Global frameworks emphasize inclusivity and energy access but lack binding enforcement. The study contributes a comparative framework for evaluating renewable energy policies, identifies best practices and structural gaps, and highlights the dual challenge of EU climate leadership and internal coherence. These insights provide guidance for policymakers and a foundation for future research on governance and just transition pathways. Full article

This article presents the findings of a literature review and an empirical bibliometric analysis aimed at identifying green research perspectives within the energy sector of the Visegrád Group countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia). These perspectives reflect key scientific directions related to Sustainable Development (SD), environmental protection, and social responsibility. In this context, the theoretical principles of SD are translated into practical strategies, innovations, and solutions that support long-term economic growth while respecting ecological limits and social needs. Such themes frequently appear as dominant keywords in academic publications, underscoring their growing importance in energy research. The study pursued two main and complementary research objectives. The first was to identify green research perspectives prevalent within the energy sector of the Visegrád region. The second was to determine whether, and how, existing scientific publications address the topic of green jobs in this specific regional and sectoral context. The analysis led to the classification of five thematic categories: (1) green economy and finance, (2) green policies and strategies, (3) green energy and its sources, (4) green technology, and (5) green transport. These areas, when examined collectively, reveal important synergies that could support the creation of green jobs. Among the publications analyzed, green energy emerged as the most frequently addressed topic. However, the study found a lack of direct focus on green jobs, indicating that this subject—arising from the intersection of several research areas—represents a promising direction for future studies. In addition to these five categories, the study also identified several emerging green research directions within the Visegrád energy sector. These include: the development of green hydrogen technologies, the greening of the gas sector, the integration of prosumers into energy systems, the societal and political acceptance of nuclear energy, the role of green public transport in accelerating the energy transition, and the formulation of just transition policies. These themes highlight both technological opportunities and socio-political challenges that must be addressed to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive green transformation in the region. Full article

University campuses are key testbeds for circular and climate-resilient transformation. This study evaluates how redevelopment strategies at eight Finnish campuses align with long-term environmental and social goals using indicators derived from the New European Bauhaus (NEB) framework. A mapping and qualitative synthesis of 97 peer-reviewed publications (2015–2024) was combined with a comparative analysis of sustainability strategies, carbon-neutrality roadmaps, and campus development strategies (2010–2024). Indicators were formulated based on campus-specific challenges and NEB core values—sustainability, inclusion, and esthetics—and operationalized across five areas: blue-green infrastructure, low-emission mobility, student housing, carbon reduction and renewables, and cultural heritage/community integration. Results show strong commitments to energy efficiency, mobility, and biodiversity. However, socio-spatial dimensions—student housing, participatory inclusion, and place identity—are weak or externalized. Reporting practices are uneven, and metrics are not standardized, limiting comparability across institutions. We argue that SDG-based monitoring should be complemented by NEB’s place-sensitive criteria to bridge strategy–implementation gaps and to future-proof campus redevelopment. An illustrative conceptual case for Helsinki’s Viikki campus demonstrates how the indicators can be integrated into design scenarios. Policy recommendations highlight how integrating NEB’s place-sensitive criteria with ESG/SDG frameworks can strengthen the strategic and spatial coherence of campus transformations. Full article

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly central to sustainable development, yet its advancement varies across G7 economies. This study employs Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR) to examine how Financial Technology (FinTech), Economic Growth (EG), Human Capital (HC), and Renewable Energy Consumption (RENC) influence AI development in G7 countries from 2000 to 2022. By analyzing heterogeneous effects across quantiles, the study captures stage-specific drivers often overlooked in average-based models. Results indicate that FinTech and human capital significantly promote AI adoption in lower and middle quantiles, enhancing digital inclusion and innovation capacity, while RENC becomes relevant primarily at advanced stages of AI adoption. Economic growth exhibits negative or inconsistent effects, suggesting that GDP expansion alone is insufficient for technological transformation without alignment to supportive policies and institutional contexts. The lack of long-run cointegration further highlights the dominance of short- and medium-term dynamics in shaping the AI–sustainability nexus. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, emphasizing targeted FinTech development, skill-building initiatives, and renewable-powered AI solutions to foster sustainable and inclusive AI adoption. Overall, the study demonstrates how financial, human, and environmental factors jointly drive AI development, offering a mechanism-based perspective on technology-driven sustainable development in advanced economies. Full article

Greenhouse horticulture is a cornerstone of year-round vegetable production. However, escalating climate change is intensifying abiotic stressors (i.e., elevated temperatures, increased vapor pressure deficits, water shortage, and modified solar radiation), threatening both crop productivity and postharvest performance. This review synthesizes current knowledge on how these climatic shifts impact greenhouse microclimate, pest and disease patterns, energy and water requirements, as well as crop development in the Mediterranean region. This study focuses on three major crops (tomato, cucumber, and sweet pepper), which prevail in the regional protected cultivation sector. Among the climate-induced stressors examined, elevated temperature emerges as the primary environmental constraint on greenhouse productivity. In reality, however, a combination of climate-induced stressors is at play, acting simultaneously and often synergistically. Among crops, cucumber generally displays the highest sensitivity to climate-induced shifts, whereas sweet pepper tends to be the most resilient. Next, adaptive strategies are explored, including precision irrigation, structural retrofitting measures, renewable energy integration, Decision Support Systems, and climate-resilient cultivars. Regional case studies revealed diverse country-specific counteractive innovations. As key elements of inclusive climate adaptation, supportive policy frameworks and a practical agenda of targeted research priorities are outlined. In conclusion, the sustainability of greenhouse horticulture under a changing climate demands integrated, technology-driven, and region-focused approaches. Full article

Valorization of municipal solid waste (MSW) for energy represents a strategic alternative for developing countries, as it mitigates emissions, reduces pressure on landfills, and diversifies the electricity matrix. This study quantified the potential for electricity generation from MSW in the Jequitinhonha Valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil, using primary gravimetric characterization data, a method rarely employed in tropical areas. The identified composition showed a predominance of the organic fraction (47.6–73.3%), confirming the relevance of biological routes. The results indicated a consolidated potential of 106,640 MWh·year⁻¹, of which 94.7% was from biogas recovery and 5.3% from incineration. Almenara, one of the three locations analyzed, showed the highest potential (48,200 MWh·year⁻¹), followed by Diamantina (34,540 MWh·year⁻¹) and Capelinha (23,900 MWh·year⁻¹). The specific yields ranged from 0.33 to 0.53 MWh·ton⁻¹ MSW and the per capita indicators from 1.01 to 1.49 MWh·cap⁻¹·year⁻¹. The climate mitigation potential reached 1.0 Mt of CO₂eq·year⁻¹. It is concluded that valorization in the Jequitinhonha Valley should prioritize biogas recovery, complemented by the incineration of rejects. The materialization of this potential requires advancements in infrastructure, selective collection, and socio-productive inclusion. This study provides evidence for public policies and contributes to the literature by demonstrating that valorization can boost energy transition and socio-environmental equity in developing tropical regions. Full article

Energy poverty remains a pressing social and policy challenge across Europe, particularly in countries like Greece, where economic disparities and climatic conditions vary significantly between regions. This paper presents a scalable and transparent methodological framework for assessing energy poverty using the 10% indicator based on the actual energy expenditure, calculated exclusively from open-access statistical data. The study estimates annual 10% metric values from 2012 to 2023 at both national and regional levels, covering all 13 administrative regions of Greece. By integrating key variables such as household energy consumption, energy prices, income, population distribution, and heating degree days, the framework enables regional comparisons without relying on costly or inaccessible household-level data. The results reveal substantial regional disparities, with northern and mountainous areas consistently exhibiting higher 10% index values due to lower incomes and greater heating needs, while southern and island regions remain less affected. Despite national values remaining below the conventional 10% threshold throughout the period, the findings highlight that significant areas of vulnerability persist. The proposed approach offers a practical tool for policymakers to identify high-risk areas, prioritize building renovation efforts, and support socially inclusive energy transition strategies across the EU. Full article

Among the players for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined in the United Nations 2030 Agenda, global energy transition plays a pivotal role. Among the emerging strategies, energy sharing mechanisms, such as peer-to-peer (P2P) trading, virtual power plants (VPPs), energy communities, and local energy markets are widely recognized for their potential to increase energy justice, resilience, and sustainability. These models redistribute energy production and consumption responsibilities among users, fostering decentralization, democratization, and inclusivity in energy systems. This review synthesizes current literature on energy sharing and evaluates their contributions to specific SDGs, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Furthermore, the paper discusses regulatory frameworks, technological enablers, and socio-economic barriers to implementation. It concludes with policy recommendations for promoting energy sharing schemes as effective tools in the global pursuit of sustainable development. Full article

A transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is underway to achieve net-zero emissions. The institutional arrangements in Indonesia’s energy transportation sector are crucial for various stakeholders involved in the energy transition. This study combines historical institutionalism with a multi-level perspective to analyze how policy formulation, critical junctures, and path dependence shape institutional changes toward sustainable mobility. The evolution of institutional arrangements can be categorized into three phases: the establishment of fuel-oil-based infrastructure and dependency (1970–2003); the diversification of cleaner fuels through compressed natural gas and biofuels (2004–2014); and the development of affordable and clean energy, focusing on biofuels and electrification (2015 to present). In parallel, a quantitative total cost of ownership analysis of vehicles using different fuel types demonstrates how institutional reforms, fiscal incentives, and regulatory support reshape the economic feasibility of low-carbon technologies. Landscape pressures—such as global decarbonization, fuel import dependence, and energy security challenges—interact with niche innovations, including biofuels, electric vehicles, and hybrid systems, to drive systemic transformation. The findings indicate that institutional changes, supported by quantitative economic evidence and technology diffusion, play a pivotal role in realigning Indonesia’s transport energy regime toward a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable transition. Full article

This report evaluates the role of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRESs) in supporting South Africa’s energy transition amidst persistent power shortages, coal dependency, and growing decarbonisation imperatives. Drawing on national policy frameworks including the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP 2019), the Just Energy Transition (JET) strategy, and Net Zero 2050 targets, this study analyses five major HRES configurations: PV–Battery, PV–Diesel–Battery, PV–Wind–Battery, PV–Hydrogen, and Multi-Source EMS. Through technical modelling, lifecycle cost estimation, and trade-off analysis, the report demonstrates how hybrid systems can decentralise energy supply, improve grid resilience, and align with socio-economic development goals. Geographic application, cost-performance metrics, and policy alignment are assessed to inform region-specific deployment strategies. Despite enabling technologies and proven field performance, the scale-up of HRESs is constrained by financial, regulatory, and institutional barriers. The report concludes with targeted policy recommendations to support inclusive and regionally adaptive HRES investment in South Africa. Full article

This article analyses the impact of renewable energy sources (RESs) and macroeconomic stability on the sustainable development of the logistics sector in countries in the Visegrad Group (V4) from 2008 to 2023. The study is based on indicators that describe three dimensions of logistics development: economic (ED_L), social (SocD_L), and environmental (EnvD_L), as well as the indicator of renewable energy sources (RE) and macroeconomic stabilisation (M). Lagged regression analyses and SUR models are used to capture both the current and delayed effects of energy and economic policies. The results show that the development of renewable energy has the greatest and most stable impact on logistics development, particularly in Hungary and Slovakia, where it supports the dynamic growth of environmental and social indicators. In Poland, the effect of renewable energy sources is more variable and manifests itself with a delay, reflecting the costs of the energy transition. Macroeconomic stability plays a smaller but still important role, improving investment predictability and the sector’s resilience to crises, although its impact is varied and often manifests over a longer period. This study’s innovation is the simultaneous inclusion of energy and macroeconomic perspectives in logistics analysis, demonstrating that sustainable development of the sector is only possible by simultaneously strengthening both of these pillars. Full article