Journal Description
Sustainability
Sustainability
is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal on environmental, cultural, economic, and social sustainability of human beings, published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) and Urban Land Institute (ULI) are affiliated with Sustainability and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE and SSCI (Web of Science), GEOBASE, GeoRef, Inspec, AGRIS, RePEc, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Environmental Studies) / CiteScore - Q1 (Geography, Planning and Development)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 18.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Sustainability.
- Companion journals for Sustainability include: World, Sustainable Chemistry, Conservation, Future Transportation, Architecture, Standards, Merits and Wind.
Impact Factor:
3.9 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.0 (2022)
Latest Articles
Can Digital Finance Enable China’s Industrial Carbon Unlocking under Environmental Regulatory Constraints? Joint Tests of Regression Analysis and Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4288; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104288 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Sustainable development goals challenge the carbon lock-in dilemma of the industrial economy, and identifying the motivation and mechanism behind carbon unlocking has become an urgent priority. With its inclusive and precise advantages, digital finance (DF) provides a new impetus for the economy’s low-carbon
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Sustainable development goals challenge the carbon lock-in dilemma of the industrial economy, and identifying the motivation and mechanism behind carbon unlocking has become an urgent priority. With its inclusive and precise advantages, digital finance (DF) provides a new impetus for the economy’s low-carbon transformation, while reasonable environmental regulation (ER) acts as an important guiding constraint. We focus on the carbon unlocking performance of DF under ER constraints. After constructing and calculating the industrial carbon unlocking efficiency (ICUE), we observe the trends of ICUE fluctuating positively, clustering towards the eastern region, and polarization. Subsequently, based on theoretical analyses, we explore the marginal and configuration effects of DF and ER in improving ICUE using panel data from 30 Chinese provinces between 2011 and 2021 and adopt a mixed research method with regression analysis (Tobit hierarchical regression and quantile regression for panel data (QRPD)) and dynamic fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The regression analysis results show that DF can notably enhance China’s provincial ICUE, with ER generally serving as a positive moderator; however, the unlocking potential of informal environmental regulations needs further exploration. As ICUE improves in a specific location or time, the positive contribution of DF to ICUE also increases, whereas the moderating effect of ER exhibits an optimal range and follows an inverted U-shape. The dynamic fsQCA results support the findings of the regression analysis and further emphasize that effective cooperation between DF and ER is crucial for high ICUE, while inadequate DF support and the absence of formal environmental regulations remain bottlenecks in industrial carbon lock-in. Moreover, configuration paths demonstrate clear path dependency in both time and space, indicating a prolonged unlocking endeavor.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Growth and Carbon Neutrality)
Open AccessArticle
Conceptual Models of Franchisee Behaviors in the Dietary Supplements and Cosmetics to Imply the Business Investments
by
Patcharapol Suttidharm and Adisorn Leelasantitham
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4287; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104287 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Franchise businesses have demonstrated resilience before, through, and after the circumstances of COVID-19. This can be attributed to the inherent appeal of rapid success and risk mitigation for investors. Therefore, investors are attached to engaging in a franchise business model. Fierce competition exists
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Franchise businesses have demonstrated resilience before, through, and after the circumstances of COVID-19. This can be attributed to the inherent appeal of rapid success and risk mitigation for investors. Therefore, investors are attached to engaging in a franchise business model. Fierce competition exists among franchise businesses, with numerous brands within the same industry, especially the cosmetic and dietary supplement franchise category, which has garnered significant popularity in Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand. The expansion of this franchise category has accelerated, surpassing the growth rates observed in other countries. Investment decisions across various investor levels are influenced by diverse factors, including intense competition, contributing to the rapid expansion. Therefore, a comprehensive study and understanding of the investment behavior of cosmetic and dietary supplement franchise businesses has become imperative. The success of a franchise business hinges on different factors encompassing decisions made before, during, and after investments. This study delves into the decision-making behaviors preceding and following investments across different investor levels in the cosmetics and dietary supplement franchise industry, utilizing fundamental aspects derived from rational choice theory (RCT) and additional variables. The researcher gathered responses through questionnaires from 490 respondents with investment experience in the cosmetics and dietary supplement franchise business. The study revealed that factors postulated in this study significantly influenced investment choices within cosmetics and dietary supplement franchises. When segmented based on investor levels, distinct considerations emerged for each group. Furthermore, there is a compelling need for cosmetic and dietary supplement franchise owners to implement enhancements in services to uphold and expand investor bases, representing an intense challenge in the cosmetics and dietary supplement franchise business nowadays. This study is intended only for individuals with prior investment experience in the cosmetics and dietary supplement franchise industry. It focuses on examining the factors that influence investment decisions both before and after the initial investment, particularly with regard to dietary supplement and cosmetics franchises.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management and Consumer Behavior Studies)
Open AccessArticle
Discrepancies of Functional Requirements of Façade Opening System between Real-Life Public and Built Environment Experts Focusing on Thermal Comfort and Ventilation
by
Woohyoung Lee, Dong Hee Choi and Dong Hwa Kang
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4286; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104286 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
A survey was conducted to analyze the discrepancies of the functional requirements of the façade system in residential units among 605 of the real-life public and 73 experts. Personal and housing information, resident life patterns, public façade usage behavior, and functional requirements were
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A survey was conducted to analyze the discrepancies of the functional requirements of the façade system in residential units among 605 of the real-life public and 73 experts. Personal and housing information, resident life patterns, public façade usage behavior, and functional requirements were collected from the respondents. Both the public and experts recognized insulation as the main function of façade opening systems. More than 85% of the public and experts opened windows for ventilation, but ventilation was ranked 3rd amongst the public and 4th amongst experts in the main functions list of façade systems. The public cited the inflow of fine dust as the main reason for dissatisfaction with opening windows. In contrast, the experts cited a decrease in thermal comfort due to the inflow of external moisture as the reason for dissatisfaction with opening windows. The results showed that discrepancies exist between the public and experts’ perceptions of the main function of housing façade systems. Analyzing the common points and differences between the public and experts’ perception can help in developing façade system design and control technology.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Green Building)
Open AccessArticle
A Multi-Information Fusion Method for Repetitive Tunnel Disease Detection
by
Zhiyuan Gan, Li Teng, Ying Chang, Xinyang Feng, Mengnan Gao and Xinwen Gao
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4285; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104285 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Existing tunnel defect detection methods often lack repeated inspections, limiting longitudinal analysis of defects. To address this, we propose a multi-information fusion approach for continuous defect monitoring. Initially, we utilized the You Only Look Once version 7 (Yolov7) network to identify defects in
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Existing tunnel defect detection methods often lack repeated inspections, limiting longitudinal analysis of defects. To address this, we propose a multi-information fusion approach for continuous defect monitoring. Initially, we utilized the You Only Look Once version 7 (Yolov7) network to identify defects in tunnel lining videos. Subsequently, defect localization is achieved with Super Visual Odometer (SuperVO) algorithm. Lastly, the SuperPoint–SuperGlue Matching Network (SpSg Network) is employed to analyze similarities among defect images. Combining the above information, the repeatability detection of the disease is realized. SuperVO was tested in tunnels of 159 m and 260 m, showcasing enhanced localization accuracy compared to traditional visual odometry methods, with errors measuring below 0.3 m on average and 0.8 m at maximum. The SpSg Network surpassed the depth-feature-based Siamese Network in image matching, achieving a precision of 96.61%, recall of 93.44%, and F1 score of 95%. These findings validate the effectiveness of this approach in the repetitive detection and monitoring of tunnel defects.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emergency Plans and Disaster Management in the Era of Smart Cities)
Open AccessArticle
Strategies of Public University Building Maintenance—A Literature Survey
by
Jakub Grącki and Edyta Plebankiewicz
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4284; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104284 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
In this article, comprehensive insights into the field of building maintenance, emphasizing the importance of keywords, collaborative efforts among authors, and the evolving research landscape, are provided. The use stage, as the longest phase in a building’s life cycle, involves economic, technical, and
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In this article, comprehensive insights into the field of building maintenance, emphasizing the importance of keywords, collaborative efforts among authors, and the evolving research landscape, are provided. The use stage, as the longest phase in a building’s life cycle, involves economic, technical, and social activities. Numerous authors have contributed to the broader topic of building maintenance, covering aspects such as maintenance prioritization, improvement actions, decision-making guidelines, factors affecting success, cost estimation models, and BIM usage in maintenance. The study conducts a thorough literature review using Scopus as a search engine, employing the full-counting method for authorship, and uses VOSviewer 1.6.20 software for bibliometric analysis to identify gaps and outline future research directions. The results reveal distinct data sets focusing on building maintenance from general to specific, with each set reflecting unique aspects and considerations. Bibliometric maps illustrate author collaboration and keyword connections within each set, highlighting evolving research trends and areas of focus. Overall, the analysis highlights the importance of prioritizing maintenance, integrating technology, and fostering collaboration to enhance building maintenance in educational institutions. The study concludes with recommendations for future research, emphasizing the ongoing need for exploration and development in building maintenance, especially on maintenance strategies and Life Cycle Costs of university buildings.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches in Construction: Between Circular Economy and Industrial Symbiosis)
Open AccessArticle
Driving Economic Growth through Transportation Infrastructure: An In-Depth Spatial Econometric Analysis
by
Jianwei Shi, Tongyuan Bai, Zhihong Zhao and Huachun Tan
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4283; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104283 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
This research investigates the crucial role of transportation infrastructure in influencing economic activity, thus employing advanced econometric methods including Moran’s I index, LM, Hausman, and LR tests to ensure analytical accuracy and select the appropriate spatial model. Our findings reveal that freight volumes
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This research investigates the crucial role of transportation infrastructure in influencing economic activity, thus employing advanced econometric methods including Moran’s I index, LM, Hausman, and LR tests to ensure analytical accuracy and select the appropriate spatial model. Our findings reveal that freight volumes across road, waterway, and civil aviation significantly enhance economic activity by bolstering domestic trade, industrial production, and supply chains. Conversely, the impact of passenger turnover is comparatively minor, although it still contributes to labor mobility and urban accessibility. This study highlights the need for strategic investment in transportation infrastructure and efficient public transport systems to foster economic growth and sustainable development. We recommend that policymakers focus on optimizing transportation networks and integrating intelligent transport technologies to boost economic competitiveness and societal well-being. This analysis not only sheds light on the direct economic impacts of transportation but also underscores the broader social implications, thus advocating for a holistic approach to transportation planning and policymaking.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
A Study on the Impact of Income Gap on Consumer Demand: An Empirical Test Based on the Spatial Panel Durbin Model
by
Dan Wang
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4282; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104282 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
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The study utilizes China Household Panel Survey (CFPS) data from 2010 to 2020 to create a spatial panel Durbin model and examines the spatial spillover effect of the income gap on consumer demand using spatial econometric techniques. Studies have shown that the income
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The study utilizes China Household Panel Survey (CFPS) data from 2010 to 2020 to create a spatial panel Durbin model and examines the spatial spillover effect of the income gap on consumer demand using spatial econometric techniques. Studies have shown that the income gap has a notable inverted U-shaped influence on consumer demand, and there is a strong inverted U-shaped spatial spillover effect between surrounding locations. Expanding the income difference within a specific range boosts consumer demand in both local and surrounding areas. Further increasing the income difference impedes the growth of consumer demand in both local and surrounding regions. Regional variations significantly impact how the income gap affects consumer demand through spatial spillover. From the perspective of consumption quantity, the “inverted U-shaped” inflection point in economically developed regions and eastern regions is on the left side of economically underdeveloped regions and western regions; from the perspective of consumer quality, this result is exactly the opposite. China should persist in enhancing efforts to advance income distribution system reform and improvement, bolster the development of inclusive, fundamental, and grassroots livelihoods, manage residents’ income gap amid evolving income levels, and stimulate consumer demand in local and neighboring regions.
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Open AccessArticle
Is There a Digital Rebound in the Process of Urban Green Development? New Empirical Evidence Using Ensemble Learning Methods
by
Ying Ping and Zhuolin Li
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4281; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104281 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
The convergence of digitization and greening is an unavoidable path of modern economic progress. Nonetheless, the digital economy does not consistently align with the principles of green development, potentially leading to a rebound effect in urban digitalization initiatives. To investigate the correlation between
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The convergence of digitization and greening is an unavoidable path of modern economic progress. Nonetheless, the digital economy does not consistently align with the principles of green development, potentially leading to a rebound effect in urban digitalization initiatives. To investigate the correlation between the digital rebound effect and urban green development, this study utilizes panel data from Chinese prefecture-level cities spanning from 2011 to 2019. By examining the dual impact of the digital economy on green development, the paper posits a theoretical hypothesis regarding the nonlinear marginal effect of the digital economy. This research demonstrates an inverted U-shaped correlation between the digital economy and urban green development via empirical analyses employing the random forest algorithm and partial dependency plots. It supports the existence of a moderate digital resiliency effect, which eventually reaches a state of stability rather than greatly diminishing the degree of green development in urban areas. In addition, the heterogeneity analysis reveals that the positive effects of the digital economy are more popular in cities located in the eastern and central regions, as well as in the National Comprehensive Pilot Zone for Big Data. However, these effects do not vary significantly among different ranks of cities. The mechanism test found that the information effect and the capital allocation effect are the mechanisms by which the digital economy affects green development, and there is a “U-shaped” relationship between the digital economy and information asymmetry and capital mismatch. According to the study’s results, improving the digital economy’s governance structure continues to make more sense than merely increasing the number of digital inputs.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)
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Open AccessArticle
Systemic Risk Arising from Shadow Banking and Sustainable Development: A Study of Wealth Management Products in China
by
Hongjie Pan and Hong Fan
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4280; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104280 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Shadow banking is a main way for the financial market to serve the real economy today, and this process is closely related to systemic risk. This study examines the impact of shadow banking associated with sustainable development in China’s banking on systemic risk.
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Shadow banking is a main way for the financial market to serve the real economy today, and this process is closely related to systemic risk. This study examines the impact of shadow banking associated with sustainable development in China’s banking on systemic risk. We analyze the data obtained from a rich sample of 31 listed commercial banks in China and shadow banking represented by wealth management products (WMPs) by constructing a dynamic complex interbank network model. The results show that the risks and vulnerabilities generated by shadow banking spread out through the interbank network and cause systemic risk to increase. The effect operates through increasing the number of default banks, reducing banks’ survival rate and profit, and forcing central bank bailout funds expansion. However, it has a positive impact in terms of augmenting liquidity and enhancing investment opportunities. Furthermore, the variability in the influence of different categories of shadow banking is assessed, emphasizing that short-term shadow banking exerts a more pronounced impact on systemic risk. In addition, the heterogeneity of the shadow banking effect on different types of commercial banks is explored, revealing that local and rural commercial banks experience a more conspicuous effect compared to state-owned and joint-stock banks. Our findings highlight that improving external supervision, promoting financial internal governance, and constraining credit linkages are vital for alleviating the increase in risks in shadow banking and maintaining the sustainable development of banking.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Developments in Sustainable Corporate Finance and Financial Innovations)
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Open AccessArticle
An Approach to the Key Soil Physical Properties for Assessing Soil Compaction Due to Livestock Grazing in Mediterranean Mountain Areas
by
Rafael Blanco-Sepúlveda, María Luisa Gómez-Moreno and Francisco Lima
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4279; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104279 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
The selection of key soil physical properties (SPPs) for studying the impact of livestock treading is an unexplored research topic, especially in studies that analyze the influence of livestock management on the degradation process. The objective of this work was to demonstrate that
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The selection of key soil physical properties (SPPs) for studying the impact of livestock treading is an unexplored research topic, especially in studies that analyze the influence of livestock management on the degradation process. The objective of this work was to demonstrate that the key SPPs for studying the impact of livestock treading depend on the objectives of the research and the environmental characteristics of the study site. This work used discriminant analysis to establish the most significant SPPs among the following: bulk density (BD), total porosity (P), field capacity (FC), infiltration capacity (IC), and aggregate stability (AS). Results showed that (1) IC and BD are the key properties for identifying the areas affected (bare patch) and unaffected (vegetated patch) by livestock treading, (2) none of the SPPs are significant under increasing stocking rates, and (3) BD is the key property for analyzing livestock impact with increasing stocking rate, using soil calcium carbonate content, slope exposure, and grass cover. We concluded that the relationship between physical soil degradation and stocking rate is not linear because it depends on environmental factors; therefore, to establish the key SPPs, it is necessary to take this fact into account.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Engineering: Agroecology Sustainable Development and Agriculture Environmental Impact Assessment and Measurement)
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Open AccessArticle
Functional-Combination-Based Comprehensive Benefit Evaluation of Energy Storage Projects under Source-Grid-Load Scenarios via Super-Efficiency DEA
by
Hong Qu and Ze Ye
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4278; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104278 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
As an important support for power systems with high penetration of sustainable energy, the energy storage system (ESS) has changed the traditional model of simultaneous implementation of electricity production and consumption. Its installed capacity under the source-grid-load scenario is rising year by year,
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As an important support for power systems with high penetration of sustainable energy, the energy storage system (ESS) has changed the traditional model of simultaneous implementation of electricity production and consumption. Its installed capacity under the source-grid-load scenario is rising year by year, contributing to sustainable development, but it faces the problems of insufficient utilization and benefits. This study analyzes the functional combination of ESS under source-grid-load scenarios. A comprehensive benefit evaluation method of energy storage projects (ESPs), based on a fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and super-efficiency data envelopment analysis (DEA), is proposed. Firstly, the functional requirements of energy storage in source-grid-load scenarios are explored, and the characteristics of various functions are analyzed to form eight functional combination schemes. Secondly, index modeling is carried out from three aspects—the whole life cycle cost, functional combination benefits, and social and environmental benefits—and a comprehensive benefit evaluation index system of ESP is proposed. Then, the intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy number (ITFN) is combined with DEMATEL to form an effective analysis method for the input–output relationship of the indices, and the comprehensive evaluation is realized based on the SE-DEA model. Compared with other methods, this model can ensure the objectivity and stability of the evaluation results in ESP evaluation. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed evaluation method and the rationality of the functional combination are verified under source-grid-load scenarios. The calculation results show that in the application scenario of source-grid-load, after adopting the functional combination scheme formulated in this article, the comprehensive investment benefits of ESPs have been improved. Moreover, the source side effect is at its best, with an efficiency value of 2.209.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy and Power System Transformation: Striving towards Carbon Neutrality)
Open AccessReview
Application of Aggregates from Construction and Demolition Wastes in Concrete: Review
by
Hua Luo, José Aguiar, Xiaoqi Wan, Yinggu Wang, Sandra Cunha and Zhiyou Jia
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4277; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104277 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
In the current century, urbanization and the development of the construction industry have led to the generation of construction and demolition waste (CDW), imposing pressure on ecology and the environment. This has attracted the attention of industry personnel and researchers. This work discusses
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In the current century, urbanization and the development of the construction industry have led to the generation of construction and demolition waste (CDW), imposing pressure on ecology and the environment. This has attracted the attention of industry personnel and researchers. This work discusses the current research on recycled coarse or fine aggregate, mainly focusing on the physical, mechanical and durability properties of sustainable concrete with recycled coarse or fine aggregate. Furthermore, it also summarizes CDW recycling and classification in major countries, the production processes of recycled aggregate, and the physical properties. This review will provide a reference for the application of concrete with recycled coarse or fine aggregate. Moreover, this review notes that replacing natural aggregates with both coarse and fine recycled aggregates awaits further experimental exploration.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Resource and Waste Management: Landfill Technology)
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Open AccessArticle
A Quantitative Model to Measure the Level of Culture and Tourism Integration Based on a Spatial Perspective: A Case Study of Beijing from 2000 to 2022
by
Dandan Xu, Xiangliang Li, Shuo Yan, Liying Cui, Xiaokun Liu and Yaomin Zheng
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4276; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104276 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
The integration of culture and tourism has become an important factor in the development of the cultural tourism industry, and a quantitative measure of the degree of integration is important for understanding and promoting the high-quality development of the global cultural tourism industry.
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The integration of culture and tourism has become an important factor in the development of the cultural tourism industry, and a quantitative measure of the degree of integration is important for understanding and promoting the high-quality development of the global cultural tourism industry. This study aims to put forward a comprehensive analysis model to show the development trend of cultural and tourism integration, measure the degree of cultural and tourism integration, and analyze the factors affecting the regional heterogeneity of cultural and tourism integration. Using the spatial quantification method of entropy, the spatial coupling coordination degree model, and the geographical weighting model, this paper analyzes the effect and influencing factors of cultural and tourism integration in various districts and counties in Beijing. The results show that the cultural tourism resource endowment of Beijing presents an upward trend and a gradual spillover trend, with obvious spillover to the east and north. The effect of district integration in Beijing has gradually weakened from the city center to the outside, but there is still a serious phenomenon of two levels of differentiation. Factors such as the economic development level, tourism output, cultural output, policy support, and consumption level have spatial heterogeneity on the effect of cultural and tourism integration in each district of Beijing, but the degree of influence is small.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultivating Diverse Perspectives on Cultural and Heritage in Sustainable Tourism)
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Open AccessArticle
Sustainability in Project Management Practices
by
Inês Soares, Gabriela Fernandes and José M. R. C. A. Santos
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4275; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104275 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
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The intersection between sustainability and project management has received significant attention as organizations recognize the criticality of incorporating sustainability practices into their projects. However, incorporating sustainability considerations presents some challenges, requiring the development and adoption of methods, tools and techniques tailored to address
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The intersection between sustainability and project management has received significant attention as organizations recognize the criticality of incorporating sustainability practices into their projects. However, incorporating sustainability considerations presents some challenges, requiring the development and adoption of methods, tools and techniques tailored to address sustainability at the project level. Against this backdrop, this study endeavors to develop an understanding of the effective incorporation of sustainability within projects through the micro-level perspective of practices. An online survey was developed based on a comprehensive literature review of which a total of 107 valid responses were collected and analyzed. The results show the most useful sustainable project management practices perceived by experienced project professionals, including ‘Sustainability team management’, ‘Lessons learned towards sustainability’ and ‘Sustainability risk register’, among others. However, a data analysis reveals a prevailing trend marked by the limited perceived usefulness of sustainability practices in the context of project management. Furthermore, through exploratory factor analysis, a clear classification of sustainable project management practices was identified, according to the specific phases of the common project management lifecycle: ‘Initiation and planning’, ‘Execution, monitoring, controlling and replanning’ and ‘Closure’. By providing a set of sustainable project management practices and identifying the underlying factors that elucidate the incorporation of sustainable project management practices across the project management lifecycle, this study extends a guiding hand to practitioners in pursuing successful sustainability integration in their projects. It vividly illustrates that sustainability can be readily incorporated into project-management processes, delivering sustainable products and/or services in a sustainable way, combining both the ‘sustainability of the project’ and ‘sustainability by the project’ perspectives.
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Open AccessArticle
Scenario Analysis of CO2 Reduction Potentials from a Carbon Neutral Perspective
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Wensheng Wang and Yuting Jia
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4274; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104274 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
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As a major emitter of CO2, China needs to take responsibility for slowing down global warming. In this paper, the potential carbon emission intensity of provinces is firstly calculated using the non-radial directional distance function under the group- and meta-frontier techniques,
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As a major emitter of CO2, China needs to take responsibility for slowing down global warming. In this paper, the potential carbon emission intensity of provinces is firstly calculated using the non-radial directional distance function under the group- and meta-frontier techniques, and then six scenarios based on two factors (economic development and carbon intensity) are set up to estimate the emission reduction potential of China and each province. Considering the goal of carbon neutrality, the calculation of CO2 emission reduction potential quantifies the amount of emissions that can be reduced and the amount of emissions that should be balanced. Additionally, the degree of difficulty in achieving abatement potential is also calculated. The findings are as follows: First, assuming that the economic growth rate is reduced to 4.4% (achieving the second “100-year goal”) and each province adopts the most advanced low-carbon technologies, China could reduce carbon emissions by 5970.56 Mt compared to 2019 levels. To achieve net-zero emissions, the remaining 3824.2 Mt of carbon emissions should be removed by carbon reduction technologies. Second, the effect of slowing down economic growth and decreasing carbon intensity varies greatly among provinces. Hebei and Shandong should be prioritized as they have the greatest potential for emission reductions under both scenarios. Third, it is more difficult for Beijing, Shanghai, Hubei, Hunan, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Chongqing, and Sichuan to achieve the abatement potential and they require more effort to reduce the same amount of carbon emissions compared to other provinces. The study provides a reference for achieving carbon neutrality and helps provinces to develop differentiated emission reduction strategies.
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Open AccessArticle
Knowledge Element Relationship and Value Co-Creation in the Innovation Ecosystem
by
Gening Yang
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4273; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104273 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
In the era of Innovation 3.0, more and more enterprises are working together to build an innovation ecosystem to achieve value creation. The various participants in the innovation ecosystem promote resource aggregation and integration through cross boundary collaboration, jointly creating the value of
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In the era of Innovation 3.0, more and more enterprises are working together to build an innovation ecosystem to achieve value creation. The various participants in the innovation ecosystem promote resource aggregation and integration through cross boundary collaboration, jointly creating the value of the ecosystem. Value co-creation has become the core goal pursued by the participants in the innovation ecosystem. As an innovative participant in the innovation ecosystem, it is particularly necessary for enterprises to explore the formation mechanism of value co-creation from the perspective of enterprise knowledge characteristics. This article analyzes the value co-creation mechanism of innovation ecosystems from the perspective of including internal knowledge bases and external relationships. Based on the dimension of knowledge element relationships, a theoretical model is constructed to investigate the impact of enterprise knowledge element relationships on value co-creation in innovation ecosystems and explore the mediating role of knowledge synergy and the moderating role of innovation ecosystem normativity. The relationships are modeled based on survey data collected from 427 Chinese companies, and multiple regression analysis and bootstrap methods are used to empirically test the hypotheses. The research results show that different dimensions of knowledge element relationships have different impacts on value co-creation. Knowledge element substitution negatively affects value co-creation, while knowledge combination diversity positively affects value co-creation. However, there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between knowledge element complementarity and value co-creation. Knowledge synergy partially mediates the relationship between knowledge element relationships and value co-creation, and innovation ecosystem normativity has a two-stage moderating effect on the path from knowledge element relationships to knowledge synergy to value co-creation. This article enriches the research content of knowledge management in innovation ecosystems, guides enterprises in the innovation ecosystem to reasonably construct their own knowledge systems, and promotes the formation of innovation ecosystem norms, thus promoting the development of value co-creation activities.
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(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)
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Open AccessArticle
Dual Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Index for Corporate Sustainability Assessment Using Blockchain Technology
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Xinlai Liu, Wenbiao Liang, Yelin Fu and George Q. Huang
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4272; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104272 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Investors are increasingly relying on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) indexes to obtain a third-party assessment of corporate sustainability performance. Various ESG indexes are, therefore, released by prominent rating agencies, including MSCI, Sustainalytics, Refinitiv, etc. However, existing ESG indexes overvalue the usage of
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Investors are increasingly relying on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) indexes to obtain a third-party assessment of corporate sustainability performance. Various ESG indexes are, therefore, released by prominent rating agencies, including MSCI, Sustainalytics, Refinitiv, etc. However, existing ESG indexes overvalue the usage of massive ESG metrics while ignoring various ESG disclosure levels, leading to critical issues such as limited company coverage, inflexible ESG framework, and obscure assessment processes. This paper proposes a novel Dual ESG Index (DESGI) model using blockchain technology to provide a flexible and transparent corporate sustainability assessment. Firstly, the DESGI model is developed by analogy to the rationale and concepts of the academic credit system due to its advantages of scalability and flexibility. Secondly, blockchain is used to build a transparent environment for ESG assessment. Thirdly, the smart contract and crypto token, as the core blockchain constructs, are used to achieve the dual-dimensional ESG depth and width assessment using ESG GPA and ESG credit, respectively. Finally, a case study is carried out to validate the DESGI by using real-life ESG data and comparing it with four existing ESG indexes. Several managerial implications are also found: (1) DESGI can expand the scope of companies evaluated by ESG criteria regardless of company size or scale; (2) DESGI provides a good potential to fight against greenwashing through the blockchain-based traceability; (3) DESGI can identify the ESG elites who disclose fewer ESG metrics but with excellent ESG performances, which can hardly be achieved using traditional ESG indexes.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Performance Assessment)
Open AccessArticle
Developing an Efficient Model for Online Grocery Order Fulfillment
by
Moaad Abdulaziz Alrasheed, Ateekh Ur Rehman and Ibrahim M. Alharkan
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4270; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104270 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
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Due to the convenience of online grocery apps and home delivery, online grocery shopping has become popular in recent years. Globally, consumer behavior has significantly changed the consumption and purchase patterns of online grocery shopping. This study aimed to develop an efficient model
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Due to the convenience of online grocery apps and home delivery, online grocery shopping has become popular in recent years. Globally, consumer behavior has significantly changed the consumption and purchase patterns of online grocery shopping. This study aimed to develop an efficient model for online grocery order fulfillment that both reduces costs and increases supply chain efficiency and sustainability. This study first aimed to develop the current picking model by adopting real-world data from a store in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, four proposed models were developed to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the online grocery order fulfillment process. The results show a significant improvement in all models over the current picking model. The percentage improvements in fulfillment time per product are as follows: single order picking—8.33%; batch order picking—6.78%; zone order picking—3.08%; and hybrid order picking—13.20%, which combines zone and batch order picking. Retailers and online grocery apps could adopt these models to increase efficiency and sustainability. Also, these models have great potential for future research and improvement by optimizing product placement, in addition to picking methods and picking routes, which are the focus of this study.
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Open AccessArticle
Nitrification–Autotrophic Denitrification Using Elemental Sulfur as an Electron Donor in a Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR): Performance and Kinetic Analysis
by
Mario Corbalán, Cristopher Da Silva, Andrea Barahona, César Huiliñir and Lorna Guerrero
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4269; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104269 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Simultaneous nitrification and autotrophic denitrification (SNAD) has received attention as an efficient biological nitrogen removal alternative. However, SNAD using elemental sulfur (S0) has scarcely been studied. Thus, the main objective of this research was to study the behavior of a simultaneous
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Simultaneous nitrification and autotrophic denitrification (SNAD) has received attention as an efficient biological nitrogen removal alternative. However, SNAD using elemental sulfur (S0) has scarcely been studied. Thus, the main objective of this research was to study the behavior of a simultaneous nitrification–autotrophic denitrification operation in a sequential batch reactor (SNAD-SBR) at a lab scale using S0 as an electron donor, including its kinetics. Two-scale reactors were operated at lab scales in cycles for 155 days with an increasing nitrogen loading rate (NLR: 0.0296 to 0.0511 kg N-NH4+/m3/d) at 31 °C. As a result, simultaneous nitrification–autotrophic denitrification using S0 as an electron donor was performed successfully, with nitrification efficiency of 98.63% and denitrification efficiency of 44.9%, with autotrophic denitrification as the limiting phase. The kinetic model adjusted for ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) was the Monod-type kinetic model (µmax = 0.791 d−1), while, for nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB), the Haldane-type model was employed (µmax = 0.822 d−1). For denitrifying microorganisms, the kinetic model was adjusted by a half order (k1/2v = 0.2054 mg1/2/L1/2/h). Thus, we concluded that SNAD could be feasible using S0 as an electron donor, with kinetic behavior similar to that of other processes.
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(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Water Management)
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Open AccessArticle
Prediction and Optimization Analysis of the Performance of an Office Building in an Extremely Hot and Cold Region
by
Yunbo Liu, Wanjiang Wang and Yumeng Huang
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4268; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104268 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
The White Paper on Peak Carbon and Carbon Neutral Action 2022 states that China is to achieve peak carbon by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. Based on the “3060 dual-carbon” goal, how to improve the efficiency of energy performance is an important
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The White Paper on Peak Carbon and Carbon Neutral Action 2022 states that China is to achieve peak carbon by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. Based on the “3060 dual-carbon” goal, how to improve the efficiency of energy performance is an important prerequisite for building a low-carbon, energy-saving, green, and beautiful China. The office performance building studied in this paper is located in the urban area of Turpan, where the climate is characterized by an extremely hot summer environment and a cold winter environment. At the same time, the building is oriented east–west, with the main façade facing west, and the main façade consists of a large area of single-layer glass curtain wall, which is affected by western sunlight. As a result, there are serious problems with the building’s energy consumption, which in turn leads to excessive carbon emissions and high life cycle costs for the building. To address the above problems, this paper analyzes and optimizes the following four dimensions. First, the article creates a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) prediction model with Total Energy Use in Buildings (TEUI), Global Warming Potential (GWP), and Life Cycle Costs (LCC) as the performance objectives. After optimization, the R2 of the three are 0.9908, 0.9869, and 0.9969, respectively, thus solving the problem of low accuracy of traditional prediction models. Next, the NSGA-II algorithm is used to optimize the three performance objectives, which are reduced by 41.94%, 40.61%, and 31.29%, respectively. Then, in the program decision stage, this paper uses two empowered Topsis methods to optimize this building performance problem. Finally, the article analyzes the variables using two sensitivity analysis methods. Through the above research, this paper provides a framework of optimization ideas for office buildings in extremely hot and cold regions while focusing on the four major aspects of machine learning, multi-objective optimization, decision analysis, and sensitivity analysis systematically and completely. For the development of office buildings in the region, whether in the early program design or in the later stages, energy-saving measures to optimize the design have laid the foundation of important guidelines.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability, Challenges and Opportunities to Optimize Building Performance)
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