Search Results (374)

Multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) have emerged as powerful optimization tools for addressing the complex, often conflicting goals present in modern waste disposal systems. This review explores recent advances and practical applications of MOEAs in key areas, including waste collection routing, waste-to-energy (WTE) systems, and facility location and allocation. Real-world case studies from cities like Braga, Lisbon, Uppsala, and Cyprus demonstrate how MOEAs can enhance operational efficiency, boost energy recovery, and reduce environmental impacts. While these algorithms offer significant advantages, challenges remain in computational complexity, adapting to dynamic environments, and integrating with emerging technologies. Future research directions highlight the potential of combining MOEAs with machine learning and real-time data to create more flexible and responsive waste management strategies. By leveraging these advancements, MOEAs can play a pivotal role in developing sustainable, efficient, and adaptive waste disposal systems capable of meeting the growing demands of urbanization and stricter environmental regulations. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted critical vulnerabilities in urban logistics systems, particularly in last-mile delivery. To enhance logistics resilience and efficiency, the Korean government has initiated an innovative project that repurposes idle spaces in subway vehicle bases within the Seoul Metropolitan Area into logistics centers. This study proposes a comprehensive multi-criteria evaluation framework combining the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to assess the suitability of ten candidate sites. The evaluation criteria span four dimensions, facility, geographical, environmental, and social factors, derived from the literature and expert consultations. AHP results indicate that geographical factors, especially proximity to urban centers and major logistics facilities, hold the highest weight. Based on the integrated analysis using TOPSIS, the most suitable locations identified are Sinnae, Godeok, and Cheonwang. The findings suggest the strategic importance of aligning infrastructure development with spatial accessibility and stakeholder cooperation. Policy implications include the need for targeted investment, public–private collaboration, and sustainable logistics planning. Future research is encouraged to incorporate dynamic data and consider social equity and environmental impact for long-term urban logistics planning. Full article

This study focuses on a profound paradox in eco-hotel evaluations: why do consumer ratings for location, a static asset, exhibit dynamic fluctuations? To solve this puzzle, we construct a two-stage signal-processing theoretical framework that integrates Signaling Theory and the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM). This framework posits that the dynamic trajectory of a hotel’s green attributes (encompassing eco-facilities, sustainable practices, and ecological experiences) constitutes a high-fidelity market signal about its underlying quality. We utilized natural language processing techniques (Word2Vec and LSA) to conduct a longitudinal analysis of over 60,000 real consumer reviews from Booking.com between 2020 and 2023. This study confirms that continuous improvements in green attributes result in significant positive spillovers to location scores, while any degradation triggers strong negative spillovers. More critically, consumer environmental involvement (CEI) acts as an amplifier in this process, with high-involvement consumers reacting more intensely to both types of signals. The research further uncovers complex non-linear threshold characteristics in the spillover effect, subverting traditional linear management thinking. These findings not only provide a dynamic and psychologically deep theoretical explanation for sustainable consumption behavior but also offer forward-thinking practical implications for hoteliers on how to strategically manage dynamic signals to maximize brand value. Full article

The Sustainable Development Goals seek to achieve universal, adequate, and equitable access to drinking water and sanitation by the year 2030. Yet, significant and persistent disparities in water and sanitation access exist, with rural and low-income households in Sub-Saharan Africa exhibiting some of the lowest levels. This paper uses household surveys from rural villages in Zambia’s Western Province to identify, highlight, and examine spatial barriers to improved water and sanitation. Most households included in the study area drink unimproved water, including surface water, and either use unimproved sanitation facilities or practice open defecation. Access to improved water sources and improved sanitation in the study area lags behind the rest of rural Zambia. Beyond the distance to urban areas that makes piped water and sanitation expensive, the location of these villages in the Barotse Floodplain necessitates seasonal migration, which creates barriers to universal access to improved water and sanitation. Full article

This study identifies the optimal location for an offshore energy island to supply sustainable power to desalination plants along the Red Sea coast. As demand for clean energy in water production grows, integrating renewables into desalination systems becomes increasingly essential. A decision-making framework was developed to assess site feasibility based on renewable energy potential (solar, wind, and wave), marine traffic, site suitability, planned developments, and proximity to desalination facilities. Data was sourced from platforms such as Windguru and RETScreen, and spatial analysis was conducted using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). Results indicate that the central Red Sea region offers the most favorable conditions, combining high renewable resource availability with existing infrastructure. The estimated regional desalination energy demand of 2.1 million kW can be met using available renewable sources. Integrating these sources is expected to reduce local CO₂ emissions by up to 43.17% and global desalination-related emissions by 9.5%. Spatial constraints for offshore installations were also identified, with land-based solar energy proposed as a complementary solution. The study underscores the need for further research into wave energy potential in the Red Sea, due to limited real-time data and the absence of a dedicated wave energy atlas. Full article

Cross-docking operations in Eastern and Central European markets face increasing complexity amid persistent uncertainty and inflationary pressures. This study provides the first comprehensive comparative analysis integrating economic efficiency with sustainability indicators across strategic locations. Using mixed-methods analysis of 40 bibliographical sources and quantitative modeling of cross-docking scenarios in Bratislava, Prague, and Budapest, we integrate environmental, social, and governance frameworks with activity-based costing and artificial intelligence analysis. Optimized cross-docking achieves statistically significant cost reductions of 10.61% for Eastern and Central European inbound logistics and 3.84% for Western European outbound logistics when utilizing Budapest location (p < 0.01). Activity-based costing reveals labor (35–40%), equipment utilization (25–30%), and facility operations (20–25%) as primary cost drivers. Budapest demonstrates superior integrated performance index incorporating operational efficiency (94.2% loading efficiency), economic impact (EUR 925,000 annual savings), and environmental performance (486 tons CO₂ reduction annually). This is the first empirically validated framework integrating activity-based costing–corporate social responsibility methodologies for an emerging market cross-docking, multi-dimensional performance assessment model transcending operational-sustainability dichotomy and location-specific contingency identification for emerging market implementation. Findings support targeted infrastructure investments, harmonized regulatory frameworks, and public–private partnerships for sustainable logistics development in emerging European markets, providing actionable roadmap for EUR 142,000–EUR 187,000 artificial intelligence implementation investments achieving a 14.6-month return on investment. Full article

With rising energy costs and the need for sustainable power solutions in urban South African settings, grid-tied renewable energy systems have become viable alternatives for reducing dependence on traditional grid supply. This study investigates the techno-economic feasibility of a grid-connected hybrid photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage system designed for a commercial facility located in Johannesburg, South Africa—an area characterized by a subtropical highland climate. We conducted the analysis using the HOMER Grid software and evaluated the performance of the proposed PV/battery system against the baseline grid-only configuration. Simulation results indicate that the optimal systems, comprising 337 kW of flat-plate PV and 901 kWh of lithium-ion battery storage, offers a significant reduction in electricity expenditure, lowering the annual utility cost from $39,229 to $897. The system demonstrates a simple payback period of less than two years and achieves a net present value (NPV) of approximately $449,491 over a 25-year project lifespan. In addition to delivering substantial cost savings, the proposed configuration also enhances energy resilience. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the impact of variables such as inflation rate, discount rate, and load profile fluctuations on system performance and economic returns. The results affirm the suitability of hybrid grid-tied PV/battery systems for cost-effective, sustainable urban energy solutions in climates with high solar potential. Full article

Tainan’s Cigu, located on Taiwan’s southwestern coast, is a prominent aquaculture hub known for its extensive ponds, tidal flats, and lagoons. This study explored the novel integration of kayaking within aquavoltaic (APV) aquaculture ponds, creating a unique hybrid tourism landscape that merges industrial land use (aquaculture and energy production) with nature-based recreation. We investigated the relationships among facility maintenance and safety professionalism (FM), the perceived value of kayaking training (PV), and green energy and sustainable development recognition (GS) within these APV systems in Cigu, Taiwan. While integrating recreation with renewable energy and aquaculture is an emerging approach to multifunctional land use, the mechanisms influencing visitors’ sustainability perceptions remain underexplored. Using data from 613 kayaking participants and structural equation modeling, we tested a theoretical framework encompassing direct, mediated, and moderated relationships. Our findings reveal that FM significantly influences both PV (β = 0.68, p < 0.001) and GS (β = 0.29, p < 0.001). Furthermore, PV strongly affects GS (β = 0.56, p < 0.001). Importantly, PV partially mediates the relationship between FM and GS, with the indirect effect (0.38) accounting for 57% of the total effect. We also identified significant moderating effects of APV coverage, guide expertise, and operational visibility. Complementary observational data obtained with underwater cameras confirm that non-motorized kayaking causes minimal ecological disturbance to cultured species, exhibiting significantly lower behavioral impacts than motorized alternatives. These findings advance the theoretical understanding of experiential learning in novel technological landscapes and provide evidence-based guidelines for optimizing recreational integration within production environments. Full article

Heavy industry is a significant contributor to CO₂ global emissions, accounting for approximately 25% of the total. In Europe, the continent’s largest emitting industries, including steel, cement, and power generation, face significant decarbonization challenges due to multiple interrelated factors. Heavy industry must achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, as outlined in the 13th United Nations Sustainable Goals. One strategy to achieve this goal involves Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) with post-combustion carbon capture (PCC) technologies playing a critical role. Key methods include absorption, which uses chemical solvents like amines; adsorption, employing solid sorbents; cyclic CO₂ capture, such as calcium looping methods; cryogenic separation, which involves chilling flue gas to liquefy CO₂; and membrane separation, leveraging polymeric materials. Each technology offers unique advantages and challenges, necessitating hybrid approaches and policy support for widespread adoption. In this sense, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing European pilot and demonstration units and projects, funded by the EU across several industries. It specifically focuses on PCC. This study examines 111 industrial facilities across Europe, documenting the PCC technologies deployed at plants of varying capacities, geographic locations, and operational stakeholders. The review further evaluates the techno-economic performance of these systems, assessing their potential to advance carbon neutrality in heavy industries. Full article

Background: The integration of mining and urban spaces in coal-resource-based cities holds significant implications for urban transformation and sustainable development. However, existing research lacks an in-depth analysis of its characteristics and driving factors. Methods: This study takes the central urban area of Huaibei City as a case, utilizing historical documents, POI data, and spatial analysis methods to explore the evolution patterns and influencing factors of mining–urban spatial integration. Standard deviation ellipse analysis was employed to examine historical spatial changes, while a binary logistic regression model and principal component analysis were constructed based on 300 m × 300 m grid units to assess the roles of 11 factors, including location, transportation, commerce, and natural environment. Results: The results indicate that mining–urban spatial integration exhibits characteristics of lag, clustering, transportation dominance, and continuity. Commercial activity density, particularly leisure, dining, and shopping facilities, serves as a core driving factor. Road network density, along with the areas of educational and residential zones, positively promotes integration, whereas water surface areas (such as subsidence zones) significantly inhibit it. Among high-integration areas, Xiangshan District stands as the most economically prosperous city center; Lieshan–Yangzhuang mining area blends traditional and modern elements; and Zhuzhuang–Zhangzhuang mining area reflects the industrial landscape post-transformation. Conclusions: The study reveals diverse integration patterns under the synergistic effects of multiple factors, providing a scientific basis for optimizing spatial layouts and coordinating mining–urban development in coal-resource-based cities. Future research should continue to pay attention to the dynamic changes of spatial integration of mining cities, explore more effective integrated development models, and promote the rational and efficient use of urban space and the sustainable development of cities. Full article

The sustainable utilization of forest biomass for bioenergy production is increasingly challenged by the variability and unpredictability of raw material availability. These challenges are particularly critical in regions like Central Portugal, where seasonality, dispersed resources, and wildfire prevention policies disrupt procurement planning. This study investigates two flexibility strategies—dynamic network reconfiguration and operations postponement—as policy relevant tools to enhance resilience in forest-to-bioenergy supply chains. A novel mathematical model, the mobile Facility Location Problem with dynamic Operations Assignment (mFLP-dOA), is proposed and solved using a scalable matheuristic approach. Applying the model to a real case study, we demonstrate that incorporating temporary intermediate nodes and adaptable processing schedules can reduce costs by up to 17% while improving operational responsiveness and reducing non-productive machine time. The findings offer strategic insights for policymakers, biomass operators, and regional planners aiming to design more adaptive and cost-effective biomass supply systems, particularly under environmental risk scenarios such as summer operation bans. This work supports evidence-based planning and investment in flexible logistics infrastructure for cleaner and more resilient bioenergy supply chains. Full article

Heilongjiang Province, as China’s principal gateway for Russian timber imports, faces structural inefficiencies in the localization of wood-processing enterprises—characterized by ecological sensitivity, resource–industry mismatches, and uneven spatial distribution. To address these challenges, this study proposes a two-stage site selection framework that integrates Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with an enhanced Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II). The model aims to reconcile ecological protection with industrial efficiency by identifying optimal facility locations that minimize environmental impact, reduce construction and logistics costs, and enhance service coverage. Using spatially resolved multi-source datasets—including forest resource distribution, transportation networks, ecological redlines, and socioeconomic indicators—the GIS-based suitability analysis (Stage I) identified 16 candidate zones. Subsequently, a multi-objective optimization model (Stage II) was applied to minimize carbon intensity and cost while maximizing service accessibility. The improved NSGA-II algorithm achieved convergence within 700 iterations, generating 124 Pareto-optimal solutions and enabling a 23.7% reduction in transport-related CO₂ emissions. Beyond carbon mitigation, the model spatializes policy constraints and economic trade-offs into actionable infrastructure plans, contributing to regional sustainability goals and transboundary industrial coordination with Russia. It further demonstrates methodological generalizability for siting logistics-intensive and policy-sensitive facilities in other forestry-based economies. While the model does not yet account for temporal dynamics or agent behaviors, it provides a robust foundation for informed planning under China’s dual-carbon strategy and offers replicable insights for the global forest products supply chain. Full article

The selection of a suitable site for a new university in southern Jordan involves a comprehensive approach to ensure sustainability, accessibility, and community service. This study applies a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based weighted overlay analysis, integrating multiple spatial criteria to identify optimal locations. Key factors include terrain characteristics, such as elevated or moderately sloped areas; proximity to main roads for accessibility; and distance from industrial zones, water bodies, and existing universities to minimize environmental and educational overlap. Additionally, proximity to populated areas, health facilities, and banking services is prioritized to enhance convenience and support for the university community. The criteria were assigned different weights, with population and residential areas receiving the highest priority (30%), followed by terrain, roads, and existing institutions (14% each). The results showed that around 8% of the study area was classified as highly suitable, 22% as moderately suitable, and 70% as unsuitable. The top three locations achieved suitability scores exceeding 85%, being situated near major roads, within 2 km of populated areas, and in terrain with slopes under 15%. The GIS-based model offers a replicable framework for similar projects, facilitating data-driven decision-making in higher education planning. Full article

The world is characterised by the growing volumes and flow of goods, which, amid benefits to economic development, result in negative externalities affecting the sustainability of cities. Although numerous studies have analysed the locational patterns of logistics facilities in cities, further research is required to examine their real estate patterns and trends. The aim of the paper is, therefore, to analyse the value of land accommodating logistics facilities in the City of Cape Town municipality, South Africa. Given the lack of dedicated geo-spatial data, logistics firms were searched on Google Maps, utilising a combination of aerial photography and street view imagery. Three main attributes of land parcels hosting logistics facilities were thereafter captured from the municipal cadastral information: property extent, street address, and property number. The latter two were used to extract the 2018 and 2022 property market values from the valuation rolls on the municipal website, followed by statistical, spatial, and geographically weighted regression (GWR) analyses. Zones near the central business district and seaport, as well as areas with prime road-based accessibility, had high market values, while those near the railway stations did not stand out. However, GWR yielded weak relationships between market values and the locational variables analysed, arguably showing a disconnect between spatial planning and logistics planning. Towards augmenting sustainable logistics, it is recommended that relevant stakeholders strategically integrate logistics into spatial planning, and particularly revitalise freight rail to attract investment to logistics hubs with direct railway access. Full article

This study investigated the impact of different reverse logistics strategies on the economic and environmental performance of a system within the rubber flooring sector. A simulation tool was developed to replicate the behavior of a real production system, focusing on the transition from linear to circular processes. By considering multiple factors influencing system performance, this research offers an overview of the sustainability of various RL strategies and provides realistic estimates for different scenarios. Three key factors were used to evaluate each strategy’s response: transportation distance, flooring thickness, and returned flooring quality. The findings suggest that an environmental advantage generally favors on-site inspections at the customer’s location to assess the returned product’s condition, regardless of distance. However, centralizing inspections at the manufacturer’s facility is more economically advantageous when distances are short, particularly when the company prioritizes recycling over other circular economy practices. Based on these results, practical implications and guidelines are proposed to help companies balance cost-effectiveness with sustainability, optimizing their operations within a circular economy framework. Full article