Search Results (265)

This paper examines the role of Digital Transformation, Sustainable Development and Organizational Resources in the development of relevant strategies within third-party logistics (3PL) companies. Despite the growing interest in sustainable supply chain management, the literature review reveals a research gap concerning the interrelation between all three pillars of sustainability and emerging information technologies. To address this gap, the paper develops a conceptual framework that serves as the theoretical foundation for the study. It then presents a comprehensive quantitative analysis, showing that digital transformation, combined with specific organizational resources and sustainability practices, can significantly influence companies by fostering capability development, improving business performance, enhancing sustainable impact and supporting the formulation of more effective sustainable strategies. Full article

The evolution of sustainability reporting has led to an increased emphasis on environmental disclosures, often at the expense of social and governance dimensions. While frameworks such as the International Sustainability Standards Board’s (ISSB) IFRS S2 standard offer important advances in climate-related transparency, they insufficiently address the broader social aspects of corporate sustainability performance. In response to this gap, this study investigates the interoperability of social disclosures across three major frameworks: ISSB S2, the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. Using a structured interoperability index, we systematically map and score the degree of thematic and structural alignment between these standards, focusing specifically on social disclosure topics. The analysis reveals moderate interoperability between ESRS and GRI social disclosures, but far lower alignment between ISSB S2 and either ESRS or GRI, confirming the ongoing underrepresentation of the social pillar within the ISSB framework. Connectivity ratios remain below 6% across all matrices, underscoring persistent fragmentation in global ESG reporting standards. These findings highlight the need for regulatory bodies and standard setters to advance harmonization efforts that equally prioritize environmental, social, and governance dimensions. By foregrounding the interoperability gaps in social disclosures, this study contributes to the academic debate on ESG convergence and informs policy discussions on developing multidimensional, stakeholder-responsive reporting architectures. Full article

Evaluating and enhancing system resilience is essential to strengthen the regional ability to external shocks and promote the synergistic development of environment, economy and society. Taking the Upper Yellow River (UYR) as an example, this paper constructed a resilience evaluation index system for the environment—economy—society (EES) composite system. A three-dimensional space vector model was built to calculate the resilience development index (RDI) of three subsystems and the composite system from 2009 to 2022. Pathways supporting high resilience levels of the composite system were examined using the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method from a configuration perspective. The results revealed that (1) the RDI of three subsystems and the composite system in the UYR showed an increasing trend; relatively, the environment and economy subsystems were lower, and their RDI fluctuated between 0.01 and 0.06 for most cities. (2) The emergence of high resilience is not absolutely dominated by a single factor, but rather the interaction of multiple factors. To achieve high resilience levels, all the cities must prioritize both environmental protection and economic structure as core strategic pillars. The difference is that eastern cities need to further consider social development and life quality, while western cities need to consider social development, life quality, and social security. Other cities including Lanzhou, Baiyin, Tianshui, and Ordos should focus on social construction and social security. Exploring the interactive relationship between various influencing factors of the resilience of the composite system from a configuration perspective has to some extent promoted the transformation from a single contingency perspective to a holistic and multi-dimensional perspective. These findings provide policy recommendations for achieving sustainable development in the UYR and other ecologically fragile areas around the world. Full article

Energy poverty presents a variety of complex challenges relating to equity, public health and territorial sustainability. Despite growing attention across European policy agendas, responses remain fragmented and often disconnected from local needs. This study proposes a strategic framework to promote social inclusion, territorial resilience, and multilevel governance in addressing energy poverty. The methodological approach is divided into three main phases. First, a literature review based on PRISMA guidelines was conducted, covering reports and pilot projects from 2010 to 2024. An inductive–deductive model was then used to analyse the literature, identifying five thematic areas and recurring gaps. The ultimate goal was to develop a framework that would tackle energy poverty. The results reveal persistent gaps: fragmented indicators, underdefined vulnerable groups, weak integration between energy and health policies, limited financial accessibility, and uncoordinated governance. In response, the paper introduces the Integrated Energy Resilience and Inclusion Network (IERIN), a governance-based framework structured around four conceptual pillars: equity, adaptability, participation, and proximity. The Nesima district of Catania is proposed as an exploratory context to test the framework and refine participatory tools. The study outlines practical strategies for achieving energy equity through co-design, cross-sectoral planning, and inclusive financing. The study outlines practical strategies for achieving energy equity through co-design, cross-sectoral planning, and inclusive financing. Full article

The integration of machine learning (ML) into sustainable construction materials research, particularly focusing on construction and demolition waste (CDW), has accelerated in recent years, driven by the dual need for digital innovation and environmental responsibility. This study presents a comprehensive scientometric analysis of the global research landscape on ML applications for predicting the performance of sustainable construction materials. A total of 542 publications (2007–2025) were retrieved from Scopus and analyzed using VOSviewer (V1.6.20) and Biblioshiny (Bibliometrix R-package, V5.1.1) to map publication trends, leading sources, key authors, keyword co-occurrence, and emerging thematic clusters. The results reveal a sharp rise in publications after 2018, peaking in 2024, in parallel with the growing global emphasis on the circular economy and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Leading journals such as Construction and Building Materials, the Journal of Building Engineering, and Materials have emerged as key publication venues. Keyword analysis identified core research areas, including compressive strength prediction, recycled aggregates, and ML algorithm development, with recent trends showing increasing use of ensemble and deep learning methods. The findings highlight three thematic pillars—Performance Characterization, Algorithmic Modeling, and Sustainability Practices—underscoring the interdisciplinary nature of the field. This study also highlights regional disparities in research output and collaboration, underscoring the need for more inclusive and diverse global partnerships. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive and insightful view of the rapidly evolving ML-CDW research landscape, offering valuable guidance for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in advancing data-driven, sustainable solutions for the future of construction. Full article

The conversion of legacy missile engines into space propulsion systems represents a strategic opportunity to accelerate Europe’s access to orbit while advancing sustainability and circular-economy goals. Rather than discarding decommissioned hardware, repurposing missile propulsion can reduce development timelines, retain valuable materials, and leverage proven architectures for new applications. This perspective outlines the potential of the Soviet-era Isayev S2.720 engine as a representative case, drawing on historical precedents of missile-to-launcher conversions worldwide. A three-pillar methodology is proposed to frame such efforts: (i) the adoption of cleaner propellants such as LOX–LCH₄ in place of toxic hypergolics; (ii) remanufacturing and upgrading of key subsystems through additive manufacturing, AI-assisted inspection, and digital twin modelling; and (iii) validation supported by dedicated testing, life-cycle assessment (LCA), and life-cycle costing (LCC). Beyond the technical aspects, the paper discusses retrofit applicability, cost considerations, and the role of standardization in enabling future certification. By positioning the S2.720 as a model, this study highlights the broader strategic value of adapting decommissioned propulsion systems for modern orbital use, providing insight into how Europe might integrate legacy assets into a more sustainable and resilient space transportation framework. Full article

This study investigates the structural and cyclical determinants of tropical hardwood exports among member countries of the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) over the period 1995–2022—a sector historically characterized by persistent value imbalances. The central research issue addresses the enduring asymmetries in the global value chain, shaped by unequal industrial capacities, limited access to environmental certifications, and entrenched North–South trade relations. The study pursues three main objectives: (1) to develop a typology of exporting countries; (2) to estimate heterogeneous trade elasticities; (3) to propose a policy framework that reconciles equity with sustainability. The empirical findings identify four export profiles: (i) raw producers with minimal local processing; (ii) marginal players with weak trade integration; (iii) high-value-added re-export platforms (notably in Asia); (iv) major consumer markets. Trade effects vary across regions. In the short term, imports boost exports (+0.33%), particularly in re-export models seen in Asia, the USA, and the EU, while local production remains limited in Africa due to weak industrial capacity. In the long term, both domestic production and imports have a positive impact (+0.38% and +0.37%), but only countries with strong industrial bases fully benefit. Population size (+1.29%) also reinforces the advantage of large markets like China and India, supported by short-term economic growth elasticity (+1.1%), likely driven by improved logistics or rising demand from importing countries. In response, the policy implications converge around the proposal of a “Fair and Digital Timber Trade Model” (F&DTTT), structured around three pillars: (a) specialized economic zones aligned with SDGs 8, 12, and 15; (b) blockchain-based traceability systems to enhance supply chain transparency; (c) South–South cooperation strategies aimed at commercial, regulatory, and institutional rebalancing, including potential cartelization initiatives among Southern countries. Supported by a robust methodological framework, this study provides a forward-looking pathway for transforming the tropical timber trade into a vector of equity and sustainability. Full article

This study develops and operationalizes a multi-dimensional framework for sustainable building retrofit that aligns with national 2050 net-zero objectives. First, we conduct a scoping review of international standards (e.g., ISO), sustainability reporting guidelines (GRI G4), and peer-reviewed studies to define an indicator system spanning three pillars—environmental (carbon neutrality, resource circulation, pollution management), social (habitability, durability/safety, regional impact), and economic (direct support, deregulation). Building on this structure, we propose a transparent 0–3 rubric at the sub-indicator level and introduce the Sustainable Building Retrofit Index (SRI) to enable cross-case comparability and over-time monitoring. We then apply the framework to seven countries (United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, and South Korea), score their retrofit systems/policies, and synthesize results through radar plots and a composite SRI. The analysis shows broad emphasis on carbon neutrality and habitability but persistent gaps in resource circulation, pollution management, regional impacts, and deregulatory mechanisms. For South Korea, policies remain energy-centric, with relatively limited treatment of resource/pollution issues and place-based social outcomes; economic instruments predominantly favor direct financial support. To address these gaps, we propose (i) life-cycle assessment (LCA)–based reporting that covers greenhouse gas and six additional impact categories for retrofit projects; (ii) a support program requiring community and ecosystem-impact reporting with performance-linked incentives; and (iii) targeted deregulation to reduce uptake barriers. The paper’s novelty lies in translating diffuse sustainability principles into a replicable, quantitative index (SRI) that supports benchmarking, policy revision, and longitudinal tracking across jurisdictions. The framework offers actionable guidance for policymakers and a foundation for future extensions (e.g., additional countries, legal/municipal instruments, refined weights). Full article

Digital twins represent a transformative innovation for battery energy storage systems (BESS), offering real-time virtual replicas of physical batteries that enable accurate monitoring, predictive analytics, and advanced control strategies. These capabilities promise to significantly enhance system efficiency, reliability, and lifespan. Yet, despite the clear technical potential, large-scale deployment of digital twin-enabled battery systems faces critical governance barriers. This study identifies three major challenges: fragmented standards and lack of interoperability, weak or misaligned market incentives, and insufficient cybersecurity safeguards for interconnected systems. The central contribution of this research is the development of a comprehensive governance framework that aligns these three pillars—standards, market and regulatory incentives, and cybersecurity—into an integrated model. Findings indicate that harmonized standards reduce integration costs and build trust across vendors and operators, while supportive regulatory and market mechanisms can explicitly reward the benefits of digital twins, including improved reliability, extended battery life, and enhanced participation in energy markets. For example, simulation-based evidence suggests that digital twin-guided thermal and operational strategies can extend usable battery capacity by up to five percent, providing both technical and economic benefits. At the same time, embedding robust cybersecurity practices ensures that the adoption of digital twins does not introduce vulnerabilities that could threaten grid stability. Beyond identifying governance gaps, this study proposes an actionable implementation roadmap categorized into short-, medium-, and long-term strategies rather than fixed calendar dates, ensuring adaptability across different jurisdictions. Short-term actions include establishing terminology standards and piloting incentive programs. Medium-term measures involve mandating interoperability protocols and embedding digital twin requirements in market rules, and long-term strategies focus on achieving global harmonization and universal plug-and-play interoperability. International examples from Europe, North America, and Asia–Pacific illustrate how coordinated governance can accelerate adoption while safeguarding energy infrastructure. By combining technical analysis with policy and governance insights, this study advances both the scholarly and practical understanding of digital twin deployment in BESSs. The findings provide policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and system operators with a clear framework to close governance gaps, maximize the value of digital twins, and enable more secure, reliable, and sustainable integration of energy storage into future power systems. Full article

The integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into smart grids (SGs) is reshaping both energy systems and mobility infrastructures. This review presents a comprehensive and cross-disciplinary synthesis of current technologies, methodologies, and challenges associated with EV–SG interaction. Unlike prior reviews that address these aspects in isolation, this work uniquely connects three critical pillars: (i) the evolution of energy storage technologies, including lithium-ion, second-life, and hybrid systems; (ii) optimisation and predictive control techniques using artificial intelligence (AI) for real-time energy management and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) coordination; and (iii) cybersecurity risks and post-quantum solutions required to safeguard increasingly decentralised and data-intensive grid environments. The novelty of this review lies in its integrated perspective, highlighting how emerging innovations, such as federated AI models, blockchain-secured V2G transactions, digital twin simulations, and quantum-safe cryptography, are converging to overcome existing limitations in scalability, resilience, and interoperability. Furthermore, we identify underexplored research gaps, such as standardisation of bidirectional communication protocols, regulatory inertia in V2G market participation, and the lack of unified privacy-preserving data architectures. By mapping current advancements and outlining a strategic research roadmap, this article provides a forward-looking foundation for the development of secure, flexible, and grid-responsive EV ecosystems. The findings support policymakers, engineers, and researchers in advancing the technical and regulatory landscape necessary to scale EV–SG integration within sustainable smart cities. Full article

The construction industry faces persistent challenges, including low productivity, high waste generation, and resistance to technological innovation. Off-site modular construction, supported by Building Information Modeling (BIM), emerges as a promising strategy to address these issues and advance sustainability goals. This study aims to evaluate the practical impacts of industrialized off-site construction in the Brazilian context, focusing on cost, execution time, structural weight, and architectural–logistical constraints. The novelty lies in applying the methodology to a high standard, mixed-use multifamily building, an atypical scenario for modular construction in Brazil, and employing a MultiCriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to integrate results. A detailed case study is developed comparing conventional and off-site construction approaches using BIM-assisted analyses for weight reduction, cost estimates, and schedule optimization. The results show an 89% reduction in structural weight, a 6% decrease in overall costs, and a 40% reduction in project duration when adopting fully off-site solutions. The integration of results was performed through the Weighted Scoring Method (WSM), a form of MCDA chosen for its transparency and adaptability to case studies. While this study defined weights and scores, the framework allows the future incorporation of stakeholder input. Challenges identified include the need for early design integration, transport limitations, and site-specific constraints. By quantifying benefits and limitations, this study contributes to expanding the understanding of off-site modular adaptability of construction projects beyond low-cost housing, demonstrating its potential for diverse projects and advancing its implementation in emerging markets. Beyond technical and economic outcomes, the study also frames off-site modular construction within the three pillars of sustainability. Environmentally, it reduces structural weight, resource consumption, and on-site waste; economically, it improves cost efficiency and project delivery times; and socially, it offers potential benefits such as safer working conditions, reduced urban disruption, and faster provision of community-oriented buildings. These dimensions highlight its broader contribution to sustainable development in Brazil. Full article

This systematic literature review examines the scholarly discourse and research trends on the integration of Islamic principles with global sustainability goals in halal tourism, addressing research gaps in understanding how this growing market sector contributes to sustainable development. The study analyzes halal certification frameworks, evaluates government support mechanisms, and assesses the role of digital technologies in enhancing halal tourism operations and sustainability. Following the PRISMA methodology, we conducted a comprehensive search of the Scopus database using a structured three-component Boolean strategy that yielded 78 documents. After applying inclusion criteria (peer-reviewed publications from 2015 to 2025 addressing halal tourism and sustainability) and exclusion criteria (studies examining concepts in isolation or lacking theoretical contributions), 62 publications were systematically analyzed using bibliometric analysis and Structural Topic Modeling. The analysis identified three distinct research clusters: Sustainable Tourism and Development (51.72%), Halal Tourism and Entrepreneurship (37.93%), and Technology and Digitalization (17.24%). A significant temporal shift in research priorities was observed, with entrepreneurship studies declining while sustainability integration and technological applications gained momentum, particularly post-pandemic. This review develops an integrated conceptual framework connecting religious principles, sustainability imperatives, and technological innovation—three domains previously examined in isolation—through nine interrelated variables across three theoretical pillars: Halal Principles Integration, Sustainability Implementation, and Digital Transformation. The framework provides destination managers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs with a foundation for developing strategies that simultaneously satisfy religious requirements, achieve sustainability outcomes, and leverage digital innovations, advancing a more inclusive understanding of tourism that respects diverse cultural values while addressing global sustainability challenges. Full article

Artisanal fishing is a central pillar of the Angolan economy, particularly in the southern province of Namibe, where it serves as the primary economic activity for numerous coastal communities. However, these communities face significant challenges, including competition from expanding industrial fisheries and inadequate infrastructure at fishing centers, which hampers the storage, preservation, and transportation of catches. These limitations contribute to post-harvest losses and the reduced market value of products, despite the region’s rich diversity of pelagic and demersal resources. This study evaluated the economic viability of artisanal fishing in Namibe under three production scenarios, varying in catch levels and the inclusion of fish processing activities such as dried fish and fishmeal production. Scenario A (pessimistic) assumed a 10% reduction in production compared to the best estimates; Scenario B (intermediate) was based on average reported catches; and Scenario C (optimistic) considered a 10% increase in catches, accounting for seasonal and environmental variability. Results indicated that artisanal fishing was economically viable under all scenarios, with the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) consistently exceeding the Minimum Attractive Rate of Return (MARR) of 7.5%. IRR values ranged from 34.30% (Scenario A, without by-product commercialization) to 106.28% (Scenario C, with dried fish and fishmeal production and sales), representing a more than threefold increase in profitability. This substantial gain underscores the transformative potential of processing by-products into higher-value commodities, enabling integration into larger-scale and more liquid markets. Such value addition supports the concept of a proximity economy by promoting short production cycles, reducing intermediaries, and strengthening local value chains. Beyond financial returns, the findings suggest broader socioeconomic benefits, including local economic growth, job creation, and the preservation of traditional production knowledge. The payback period was less than four years in all cases, decreasing to 1.94 years in the most favorable scenario. By-products such as dried fish and fishmeal exhibit commodity-like characteristics due to their higher commercial value, increasing demand, and potential integration into regional and animal feed markets. In conclusion, diversifying marketing strategies and maximizing the use of fish resources can significantly enhance the economic sustainability of artisanal fishing, foster socioeconomic inclusion, and support the development of artisanal fishing communities in Namibe. Full article

Customer segmentation is a foundation of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and is widely regarded as a key to business development success. As the principles of sustainable development become increasingly central to business strategy, it is necessary that social, environmental, and economic considerations be incorporated into customer segmentation—even in regulated markets such as the postal market. The article develops and applies a three-dimensional (3D) segmentation model of business customers in the Slovak postal market, utilizing cluster analysis within STATISTICA analytical software for operationalization of the segmentation criteria. The 3D model reacts to the three pillars of sustainable development and is verified under real conditions at Slovak Post, plc. By adopting a systems perspective, the research places customer segmentation as an integral component of the entire socio-technical system, emphasizing the interrelatedness of organizational, social, and environmental considerations. The study illustrates how a systems-based approach to segmentation enables postal operators to uncover key customer segments, optimize resource allocation, and support competitiveness and sustainability goals. The practical applicability of the model is illustrated by its potential for application in other regulated service industries, providing a solid framework for sustainable customer management and strategic decision-making in complex environments. The research underscores the critical role of systems thinking in addressing the complex challenges of sustainable development in regulated industries. Full article

The transition to sustainable energy systems in the agroindustrial sector requires rigorous methodologies that enable a comprehensive and quantitative assessment of the technical and economic viability and environmental impact of photovoltaic integration. This study develops and validates a hybrid multi-criteria methodology structured in three phases: (i) analytical modeling of the load profile and preliminary sizing, (ii) advanced energy simulation using PVsyst for operational optimization and validation against empirical data, and (iii) environmental assessment using life cycle analysis (LCA) under ISO 14040/44 standards. The methodology is applied to a Cuban agroindustrial plant with an annual electricity demand of 290,870 kWh, resulting in the design of a 200 kWp photovoltaic system capable of supplying 291,513 kWh/year, thereby achieving total coverage of the electricity demand. The economic analysis yields an LCOE of 0.064 USD/kWh and an NPV of USD 139,408, while the environmental component allows for a mitigation of 113 t CO₂-eq/year. The robustness of the model is validated by comparison with historical records, yielding an MBE of $-0.65\%$, an RMSE of $2.87\%$, an MAPE of $2.62\%$, and an R² of $0.98$. This comprehensive approach demonstrates its superiority over previous methodologies by effectively integrating the three pillars of sustainability in an agroindustrial context, thus offering a scientifically sound, replicable, and adaptable tool for decision-making in advanced energy projects. The results position this methodology as a benchmark for future research and applications in emerging production scales. Full article