Search Results (141)

This paper proposes an incentive scheme based on a public–private partnership (PPP) to encourage low-carbon travel behavior by inducing the mode choice shift from private cars to public transit. The scheme involves three key entities: travelers, the government, and the private sector. Travelers can choose between private cars and public transit, producing different emissions. As the leader, the government aims to reduce total emission to a certain level with limited budgets. The private sector, as an intermediary, invests subsidies in low-carbon rewards to attract green travelers and benefits from a larger user pool. A two-layer multi-objective optimization model is proposed, which includes travel time, monetary cost, and emission. The objective of the upper level is to maximize the utilities of the private sector and minimize social costs to the government. The lower layer is the user equilibrium of the travelers. The numerical results obtained through heuristic algorithms demonstrate that the proposed scheme can achieve a triple-win situation, where all stakeholders benefit. Moreover, sensitivity analysis finds that prioritizing pollution control strategies will be beneficial to the government only if the unit pollution control cost coefficient is below a low threshold. Contrary to intuition, larger government subsidies do not necessarily lead to better promotion of low-carbon travel. Full article

This study addresses a critical gap in understanding how mobile banking applications contribute to sustainable development by introducing a novel text mining framework to analyze sustainability dimensions through user-generated content. We analyzed 120,000 reviews from six major Turkish mobile banking applications using an ownership-sensitive analytical approach that integrates structural topic modeling with four sustainability dimensions (environmental, social, governance, and economic). Our analysis reveals significant institutional differences in sustainability approaches: government-owned banks demonstrate substantially stronger overall sustainability orientation (23.43% vs. 11.83% coverage) with pronounced emphasis on social sustainability (+181.7% growth) and economic development (+104.2% growth), while private banks prioritize innovation-focused sustainability. The temporal analysis (2022–2025) shows accelerating sustainability emphasis across all institutions, with distinct evolution patterns by ownership type. Institution-specific sustainability profiles emerge clearly, with each government bank demonstrating distinctive focus areas aligned with historical missions: cultural heritage preservation, agricultural sector support, and small business development. Mapping to Sustainable Development Goals reveals that government banks prioritize development-focused goals (SDGs 1, 8, and 10), while private banks emphasize innovation-focused goals (SDGs 9 and 17). This research makes three key contributions: demonstrating user-generated content as an effective lens for authentic sustainability assessment, establishing ownership-sensitive evaluation frameworks for digital banking sustainability, and providing empirical evidence for contextualized rather than universal sustainability strategies. The findings offer strategic implications for financial institutions, policymakers, and app developers seeking to enhance sustainable digital banking transformation. Full article

The building sector remains one of the largest contributors to global energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, yet selecting optimal retrofit strategies is often hindered by inconsistent evaluation practices and limited integration of environmental and social impacts. This review addresses that gap by systematically analyzing how various assessment methods are applied to building retrofits, particularly from a financial and environmental perspective. A structured literature review was conducted across four major scientific databases using predefined keywords, filters, and inclusion/exclusion criteria, resulting in a final sample of 50 studies (green colored citations of this paper). The review focuses on the application of Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA), Cost–Benefit Analysis (CBA), and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), as well as additional indicators that quantify energy and sustainability performance. Results show that LCCA is the most frequently used method, applied in over 60% of the studies, often in combination with LCA (particularly for long time horizons). CBA appears in fewer than 25% of cases. More than 50% of studies are based in Europe, and over 60% of case studies involve residential buildings. EnergyPlus and DesignBuilder were the most common simulation tools, used in 28% and 16% of the cases, respectively. Risk and uncertainty were typically addressed through Monte Carlo simulations (22%) and sensitivity analysis. Comfort and social impact indicators were underrepresented, with thermal comfort included in only 12% of studies and no formal use of tools like Social-LCA or SROI. The findings highlight the growing sophistication of retrofit assessments post-2020, but also reveal gaps such as geographic imbalance (absence of African case studies), inconsistent treatment of discount rates, and limited integration of social indicators. The study concludes that future research should develop standardized, multidimensional evaluation frameworks that incorporate social equity, stakeholder values, and long-term resilience alongside cost and carbon metrics. Full article

Inclusion in play, physical education, outdoor life, organized sports, and other movement-based activities can promote resilience and support physical, emotional, and social well-being. These arenas are particularly important for reducing health disparities and preventing social marginalization across the lifespan. Yet, children and adolescents from vulnerable or disadvantaged backgrounds encounter persistent barriers to participation, rooted in broader inequalities related to their socioeconomic position, disability, gender, ethnicity, and access to supportive environments. This perspective outlines how inclusive movement contexts, when informed by developmental systems theory and resilience frameworks, can interrupt trajectories of marginalization and promote long-term equity in health, education, and work inclusion. We emphasize the need for interdisciplinary approaches, combining longitudinal and qualitative methods, to uncover how vulnerability and participation interact dynamically over time. By integrating insights from developmental science, education, public health, and spatial ecology, we identify strategic pathways for research and action. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts across sectors and stakeholders to co-create inclusive, context-sensitive interventions. Full article

Electric passenger vehicles are set to dominate the European car market, driven by EU climate policies and the 2035 ban on internal combustion engine production. This study assesses the sustainability of this transition, focusing on global warming potential and Critical Raw Material (CRM) extraction throughout its life cycle. The intensive use of CRMs raises environmental, economic, social, and geopolitical concerns. These materials are scarce and are concentrated in a few politically sensitive regions, leaving the EU highly dependent on external suppliers. The extraction, transport, and refining of CRMs and battery production are high-emission processes that contribute to climate change and pose risks to ecosystems and human health. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted, using OpenLCA software and the Ecoinvent 3.10 database, comparing a Peugeot 308 in its diesel and electric versions. This study adopts a cradle-to-grave approach, analyzing three phases: production, utilization, and end-of-life treatment. Key indicators included Global Warming Potential (GWP100) and Abiotic Resource Depletion Potential (ADP) to assess CO₂ emissions and mineral resource consumption. Technological advancements could mitigate mineral depletion concerns. Li-ion battery recycling is still underdeveloped, but has high recovery potential, with the sector expected to expand significantly. Moreover, repurposing used Li-ion batteries for stationary energy storage in renewable energy systems can extend their lifespan by over a decade, decreasing the demand for new batteries. Such innovations underscore the potential for a more sustainable electric vehicle industry. Full article

This study presents a social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) of the F-CUBED Production System (FPS), an innovative process that converts wet biogenic residues—specifically paper biosludge, virgin olive pomace, and fruit and vegetable residues—into intermediate bioenergy carriers via hydrothermal treatment (TORWASH^®), pelletization, and anaerobic digestion. The hydrothermal carbonization of these low-grade, moisture-rich biogenic residues enhances the flexibility and reliability of renewable energy systems while also offering the potential to reduce environmental burdens compared to conventional disposal methods. Through this S-LCA, the study aims to evaluate the cradle-to-gate socioeconomic impacts of the FPS in three European contexts—Sweden, Italy, and Spain—using the 2020 UNEP Guidelines and the Social Hotspots Database (SHDB) and applying quantitative modeling via SimaPro. The functional unit is defined as 1 kWh of electricity produced. The assessment combines SHDB-based modeling with primary data from stakeholder surveys conducted in the three countries. Impact categories are harmonized between SHDB and UNEP typologies, and the results are reported in medium-risk-hour equivalents (mrheq). The results show a heterogeneous social impact profile across case studies. In Sweden, the treatment of paper biosludge delivers substantial benefits with minimal risk. In Spain (orange peel), the introduction of the FPS demonstrated a strong social benefit, particularly in health and safety and labor rights, indicating high institutional performance and good integration with local industry. Conversely, in Italy (olive pomace), the FPS revealed significant social risks, especially in the biopellet production and electricity generation sectors, reflecting regional vulnerabilities in labor conditions and governance. This suggests that targeted mitigation strategies are recommended in contexts like Southern Italy. These findings highlight that the social sustainability of emerging bioenergy technologies is context-dependent and sensitive to sectoral and regional socioeconomic conditions. This S-LCA complements prior environmental assessments and emphasizes the importance of integrating social performance considerations in the deployment and scaling of innovative bioenergy systems. Full article

This inquiry articulates a conceptually cohesive framework to explore the interplay between ethical leadership–affective commitment, particularly in settings characterized by socio-environmental volatility. Central to the analysis is the examination of how ethical climate functions as a psychological conduit and how psychological empowerment modulates this pathway. Empirical validation was carried out with a sample of 448 employees (175 women, 273 men) from Colombia’s electricity sector, a context where institutional fragility elevates the salience of ethical practices. The study employed structural equation modeling to test the model’s robustness. Results underscore that ethical leadership cultivates a benevolent ethical climate, which in turn reinforces affective commitment. Importantly, this sequence is not fixed but is contingent upon psychological empowerment. The influence of ethical leadership on ethical climate and especially on affective commitment is amplified when empowerment is high; likewise, the ethical climate–affective commitment link becomes more salient under elevated empowerment conditions. These findings highlight the influence of ethical dynamics in organizations. Beyond model validation, this research contributes to broader conversations on social sustainability. Ethical leadership is shown to foster organizational climates rooted in fairness, stakeholder sensitivity, and moral coherence—factors essential for long-term institutional legitimacy. In environments such as Colombia’s electricity industry, where governance infrastructures are evolving, such leadership emerges as a necessary condition for rebuilding trust and promoting shared ethical standards. Accordingly, this study advocates for the systematic cultivation of ethical leadership as a means to enhance organizational loyalty and public credibility. The theoretical model presented here offers fertile ground for cross-cultural replication and further inquiry across industries in emerging economies. Full article

Mining activities in Pakistan’s mineral-rich provinces threaten freshwater security through groundwater depletion, contamination, and flood-induced pollution. This study develops an Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (IDRR) framework integrating governance, social, environmental, and technical (GSET) dimensions to holistically assess mining-induced water hazards across Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab. Using GIS-based spatial risk mapping with multi-layer hydrological modeling, we combine computational analysis and participatory validation to identify vulnerability hotspots and prioritize high-risk mines. Community workshops involving women water collectors, indigenous leaders, and local experts enhanced map accuracy by translating indigenous knowledge into spatially referenced mitigation plans and integrating gender-sensitive metrics to address gendered water access disparities. Key findings reveal severe groundwater depletion, acid mine drainage, and gendered burdens near Saindak and Cherat mines. Multi-sectoral engagements secured corporate commitments for water stewardship and policy advances in inclusive governance. The framework employs four priority-ranked risk categories (Governance-Economic 15%, Social-Community 30%, Environmental 40%, Technical-Geological 15%) derived via local stakeholder collaboration, enabling context-specific interventions. Despite data limitations, the GIS-driven methodology provides a scalable model for regions facing socio-environmental vulnerabilities. The results demonstrate how community participation directly shaped village-level water management alongside GSET analysis to craft equitable risk reduction strategies. Spatially explicit risk maps guided infrastructure upgrades and zoning regulations, advancing SDG 6 and 13 progress in Pakistan. This work underscores the value of inclusive, weighted frameworks for sustainable mining–water nexus management in Pakistan and analogous contexts. Full article

In Latin America, over 50% of the population has relied on loans from family members or friends, reflecting the importance of trust-based networks in response to financial exclusion. This study examines how distrust in the formal financial system influences the use of informal borrowing. Using data from 17 countries for the years 2014, 2017, and 2021, and applying a fixed-effects logistic regression model by country and time, we confirm that rising distrust significantly increases the likelihood of turning to loans from personal networks. This relationship intensifies in times of crisis. Beyond this, we find that macroeconomic variables such as GDP per capita and unemployment also significantly affect informal borrowing behavior. This research contributes to the literature by integrating institutional, economic, and social variables, highlighting the role of interpersonal trust as a form of social capital. It also advances the field of personal finance by revealing an everyday strategy of financial resilience. Finally, this study offers relevant implications for public policy, advocating for a more realistic and context-sensitive approach to financial inclusion, especially in regions where credit constraints in the formal sector have pushed households to seek more accessible and flexible alternatives. Full article

The present study explores residents’ perceptions of Stintino (Sardinia, Italy) as a tourist destination. The municipality is predominantly known for La Pelosa beach, widely regarded as one of the most attractive coastal sites in Europe. However, its popularity has raised critical issues related to carrying capacity and seasonal overcrowding, contributing to a tourism model centered almost exclusively on beach-related activities. This study aims to investigate how locals conceptualize their place beyond the dominant seaside narrative, particularly considering Stintino’s identity as a former fishing village with a strong maritime tradition. As part of Italy’s designated inner areas, Stintino also embodies a deep-rooted connection to cultural heritage, further reinforcing the need for its preservation. Adopting a photovoice-based participatory visual methodology, this study engaged 15 local stakeholders from key sectors (hospitality, fishing tourism, retail, gastronomy, and cultural institutions) who produced and discussed photographic representations of their lived experience of the territory. The visual material was thematically analyzed using a conceptual framework informed by theories of place perception and social representations. The findings suggested a multifaceted territorial storytelling rooted in local heritage, symbolic spaces, and everyday practices. Tourism governance strategies could incorporate community-based approaches, such as participatory mapping and inclusive narrative development, to foster more sustainable and place-sensitive promotion models. Full article

As ESG practices become increasingly embedded in global capital markets, their impact on firm financing costs remains an open question in emerging economies, where regulatory divergence and rating inconsistency complicate investor perceptions, particularly in China’s rapidly evolving financial environment. This study examines the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance on financing costs among Chinese non-financial listed firms, with a focus on the moderating roles of financial regulation and ESG rating divergence. Using a panel dataset of 4493 firms across 33,773 firm–year observations from 2011 to 2022, we employ a two-way fixed effects model, along with Propensity Score Matching and Difference-in-Differences (PSM-DID) techniques, to address endogeneity concerns and enhance causal inference. The findings reveal that improvements in ESG performance significantly reduce financing costs, substantially affecting debt relative to equity. Moreover, the cost-saving benefits of ESG are amplified in industries with stronger regulatory oversight, while high ESG rating divergence undermines these benefits by increasing uncertainty. These results highlight the importance of standardizing ESG rating systems and enhancing regulatory consistency. Such efforts can lower capital costs and improve financial access for firms, particularly in capital-intensive and environmentally sensitive sectors, offering actionable guidance for policymakers shaping disclosure frameworks and corporate managers optimizing ESG investment strategies. Full article

The real estate sector is steadily moving towards zero-emission buildings, driven by EU policies to achieve near-zero energy (NZEB) buildings by 2050. In Italy, more than 70% of residential buildings fall into the lower energy classes, and this mainly affects low-income households. As a result, the decarbonisation of the real estate sector presents both technical and socio-economic obstacles. Building on these premises, this study introduces the Retrofit Optimization Problem (ROP), a methodological framework adapted from the Multidimensional Knapsack Problem (MdKP). This method is used in this study to conduct a qualitative analysis of accessibility to retrofit between different socio-economic groups, integrating constraints to simulate restructuring capacity based on different incomes. The results show significant disparities: although many retrofit strategies can meet regulatory energy performance targets, only a small number are financially sustainable for low-income households. In addition, interventions with the greatest environmental impact remain inaccessible to vulnerable groups. These preliminary results highlight important equity issues in the energy transition, indicating the need for specific and income-sensitive policies to prevent decarbonisation efforts from exacerbating social inequalities or increasing the risk of assets being stranded in the housing market. Full article

The creative breakthroughs in policy implementation by China hold essential practical importance for promoting global sustainability. The carbon emission trading (CET) pilot policy initiated in 2011 provides a quasi-natural experimental setting to investigate the dual impacts of market-incentivized environmental regulation on corporate carbon emissions (CEs) and capacity utilization (CU) enhancement. This study employs panel data from A-share listed manufacturing companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges spanning 2007–2022, constructing a corporate carbon reduction efficiency (CRE). A Generalized difference-in-differences (DID) approach is adopted to examine the policy effects. The study reveals that the execution of the CET pilot policy has shown a notable and enduring enhancement in corporate CRE, yielding the combined advantage of advancing corporate decarbonization and improving CU. These conclusions remain resilient despite thorough sensitivity analysis. Furthermore, the pilot improves CRE via three principal avenues: augmenting corporate innovation capabilities, increasing green investment intensity, and refining managerial practices. The impacts of CET pilots are most significant in state-owned firms (SOEs), capital-intensive industries (CIEs), eastern region enterprises (EEs), and sectors with little market concentration. The findings set essential empirical standards for assessing decarbonization initiatives and guiding social progress towards sustainability. Full article

Globally, many countries have promulgated extensive, contextually relevant disability legislative policies for children with hearing impairment/d/Deafness (HI/d/D). The alignment of policies with their implementation, with robust monitoring, is essential for effective early intervention (EI) and early education (EE) outcomes. The study’s purpose was to review current South African EI and EE regulations, acts, and policies in relation to children with HI/d/D from birth to age six. An adapted Arksey and O’Malley framework with inductive thematic analysis was applied to synthesise and evaluate relevant information. Documentation was sourced between 1993 and 2023 from the official South African government portal and Google online searches using keywords. While 7976 documents were initially identified with the broad search and 1249 with a refined category search, only 17 met the specific inclusion criteria for policies referencing hearing impairment in early intervention and education. Seventeen documents were selected for study inclusion, with sixteen mentioning HI/d/D and multi-disciplinary, multi-sectoral, family-centred, culturally sensitive considerations superficially. One document from the Department of Health (DoH) specifically addressed early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI). Three main themes emerged, including Partnerships, Participation and Integration, Screening, Identification and/or Intervention, and Education/Special Education. Greater engagement with South African EI and education policies is essential to strengthen implementation, especially across sectors and at the community level. Mandating EHDI guidelines is critical to improving service delivery and ensuring smoother transitions between health, education, and social services for children with hearing impairment. Full article

The increasing integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices into corporate strategy has raised important questions about their financial implications. This study examines the relationship between ESG performance and financial outcomes in the tourism industry, an industry that is both highly visible and environmentally sensitive. To achieve this, this study analyzes the impact of the three ESG dimensions on financial performance, measured by Return on Assets (ROA). Using panel data econometric techniques, this study examines a balanced panel dataset of 154 listed tourism services firms between 2017 and 2021 to assess how each ESG pillar influences profitability. ESG data were sourced from Refinitiv Eikon, a widely validated provider in ESG-financial research. The analysis employs panel data econometric techniques with firm size and leverage as control variables. Our findings indicate that the Environmental, Social, and Governance scores each have a statistically significant negative effect on ROA, while the ESG controversies score is not statistically significant. These results suggest that despite the reputational value of ESG engagement, its short-term financial impact may be limited or negative in capital-intensive service sectors, such as tourism. This study contributes to the literature by providing sector-specific, post-crisis empirical evidence and highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of ESG–financial dynamics across industries. Full article