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
Humane Entrepreneurship in the Circular Economy: The Role of Green Market Orientation and Green Technology Turbulence for Sustainable Corporate Performance
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2517; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062517 (registering DOI) - 19 Mar 2024
Abstract
The modern business world is confronted with growing social and environmental issues, which pose a serious challenge to pursuing sustainable growth. Drawing from the natural resource base view and stakeholder theory, this study examines the effect of humane entrepreneurship on sustainable corporate performance
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The modern business world is confronted with growing social and environmental issues, which pose a serious challenge to pursuing sustainable growth. Drawing from the natural resource base view and stakeholder theory, this study examines the effect of humane entrepreneurship on sustainable corporate performance through the mediating mechanism of green market orientation and the moderating role of green technology turbulence. Cross-sectional data were obtained from Turkish small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across various sectors. This research adopts a quantitative approach. In total, 393 valid responses obtained from managers of SMEs were utilized to examine the above relationships. The results indicate that humane entrepreneurship has a positive effect on sustainable corporate performance. Humane entrepreneurship has a positive effect on green market orientation. Green market orientation has a positive effect on sustainable corporate performance. The relationship between humane entrepreneurship and sustainable corporate performance is partially mediated by green market orientation. The relationship between humane entrepreneurship and sustainable corporate performance is further strengthened in a highly green technology turbulent environment. The indirect positive effect of humane entrepreneurship on sustainable corporate performance through green market orientation is the strongest when green technology turbulence is high. Simultaneously examining the mediation and moderation relationships, we provide novel insights that extend traditional entrepreneurial vision to a more environmentally conscious humane entrepreneurship approach. The study provides a comprehensive picture of how green market orientation and green technology turbulence are involved in using humane entrepreneurship to achieve superior sustainable corporate performance in the circular economy context.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship, Open Innovation and Digital Transformation for Sustainability)
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Open AccessCorrection
Correction: Wong, M.C.S.; Ho, H.M. A Framework for Integrating Extreme Weather Risk, Probability of Default, and Loss Given Default for Residential Mortgage Loans. Sustainability 2023, 15, 11808
by
Michael C. S. Wong and Ho Ming Ho
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2516; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062516 (registering DOI) - 19 Mar 2024
Abstract
The authors would like to make the following corrections about the published paper [...]
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Open AccessReview
A Comprehensive Analysis of Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution in China: Current Status, Risk Assessment and Management Strategies
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Tianheng Jiang, Maomao Wang, Wei Zhang, Cheng Zhu and Feijuan Wang
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2515; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062515 - 18 Mar 2024
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With the expansion of the scope and diversity of agricultural non-point source (AGNPS) pollution, environmental pollution in water bodies and soils has intensified, seriously affecting the quality of life of urban and rural residents. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the current
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With the expansion of the scope and diversity of agricultural non-point source (AGNPS) pollution, environmental pollution in water bodies and soils has intensified, seriously affecting the quality of life of urban and rural residents. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the current status of AGNPS pollution from five aspects: fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural films, livestock and crop residues. The study also includes a comprehensive risk assessment of the nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, microplastic pollution, and heavy metal contamination attributed to the current AGNPS pollution in China. The findings reveal widespread nitrogen and phosphorus pollution across provinces in China, a low risk of microplastic pollution, and acute contamination with heavy metals such as As, Cd and Hg, notably in Hubei, Gansu, Liaoning, Guizhou, and Hunan. Additionally, the study reveals that in Chinese provinces currently facing severe heavy metal pollution, heavy metal contamination constitutes a significant carcinogenic risk to adult health and a serious non-carcinogenic risk to child health. Consequently, guided by the ‘3R theory’ principles of source reduction, interception, and remediation, this paper suggests an array of expanded strategies for AGNPS pollution management. These strategies are proposed to aid in the sustainable advancement of AGNPS pollution control.
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Open AccessArticle
Quantification of the Improvement in Sustainability after a Comparative Experimental Study of Single-Family Homes with Façade Rehabilitation Using the External Thermal Insulation Composite System
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Alejandra Vidales-Barriguete, Carolina Piña Ramírez, Roberto Vidales Barriguete, Carmen Viñas Arrebola and Patricia Aguilera Benito
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2514; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062514 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
This study emerged from the necessity to analyze the most effective energy-saving strategies within the current real estate market and substantiate their application with empirical data. Undoubtedly, the adoption of External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICSs) stands out as one of the prevalent
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This study emerged from the necessity to analyze the most effective energy-saving strategies within the current real estate market and substantiate their application with empirical data. Undoubtedly, the adoption of External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICSs) stands out as one of the prevalent approaches. This article presents temperature-monitoring data collected on-site from the facades of two single-family homes initially constructed with identical compositions, materials, construction dates, locations, and orientations. The thermal envelope of one home underwent rehabilitation using the ETICS, while the other remained in its original state. Continuous temperature recordings on the southern and northwestern facades of both homes were conducted using thermocouples over a 15-day period. The data analysis yielded insights into facade performance before and after this rehabilitation approach. The findings suggest that the implementation of ETICS results in more stable interior temperatures, significantly reducing indoor temperatures in comparison to outdoor conditions, leading to a notable decrease in heat energy loss. Consequently, this research underscores the tangible benefits of employing ETICS in building rehabilitation, emphasizing its role as a passive energy-saving strategy. By demonstrating the positive impact on thermal performance and energy efficiency, this study reinforces the vital connection between research endeavors and sustainability objectives.
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Open AccessArticle
Assessment of Ecological Flow in Hulan River Basin Utilizing SWAT Model and Diverse Hydrological Approaches
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Geng-Wei Liu, Chang-Lei Dai, Ze-Xuan Shao, Rui-Han Xiao and Hong-Cong Guo
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2513; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062513 - 18 Mar 2024
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Human activities have significantly altered the hydrological processes of rivers. In recent years, the increased focus on global water resource exploitation and land use changes has heightened the significance of related ecological and environmental issues. To investigate the land use changes in Hulan
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Human activities have significantly altered the hydrological processes of rivers. In recent years, the increased focus on global water resource exploitation and land use changes has heightened the significance of related ecological and environmental issues. To investigate the land use changes in Hulan River Basin between 1980 and 2020, and the corresponding flow under various ecological standards, a quantitative assessment of land use changes in Hulan River Basin was conducted by analyzing the Land Use Dynamic Degree (LUD) index and the land use change matrix. Two types of models, namely natural runoff models and status quo runoff models, were developed to evaluate alterations in basin runoff. Various hydrological techniques were utilized to calculate the ecological water deficit in Hulan River Basin. The results suggest the following: (1) human consumption comprises approximately 40% of surface water resources, with Hulan River Basin exhibiting a moderate consumption level; (2) when determining the minimum ecological flow, the Distribution Flow Method (DFM) method yielded slightly higher outcomes compared to alternative methodologies; both the variable Q90 method and DFM (Q2) method satisfy 10% of the natural river flow, however, in terms of capturing the hydrological pattern, DFM exhibits a slightly lower fitting degree compared to the variable Q90 (monthly average flow with 90% guarantee rate) method; (3) DFM is identified as scientifically reasonable for determining the most suitable ecological flow in comparison to other hydrological methods; (4) despite the widespread water scarcity in Hulan River Basin, the variance between most periods and the ideal ecological flow remains minimal, indicating that severe water shortages are uncommon.
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Open AccessArticle
How Can Price Promotions Make Consumers More Interested? An Empirical Study from a Chinese Supermarket
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Jia Niu, Shanshan Jin, Ge Chen and Xianhui Geng
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2512; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062512 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
Price promotions are commonly employed to enhance supermarket performance and the sustainable development of the retail industry, yet their effectiveness may vary among similar supermarket chains. In contrast to Western countries, Chinese supermarkets are typically community-centered, allowing consumers to make frequent visits due
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Price promotions are commonly employed to enhance supermarket performance and the sustainable development of the retail industry, yet their effectiveness may vary among similar supermarket chains. In contrast to Western countries, Chinese supermarkets are typically community-centered, allowing consumers to make frequent visits due to lower transaction costs. This multiple-visit pattern discourages substantial one-time purchases based on promotions. This study aims to investigate how pricing promotions can attract consumers more effectively and which product categories are most suitable for this purpose. Utilizing scanner data from Chinese chain supermarkets, we empirically assess the impact of promotion depth, breadth, and duration on consumer purchasing behavior using fixed effects models, IV, and GMM methods. Furthermore, we identify product category characteristics that are more appealing to consumers based on the relationships between different product category promotions and consumer behavior. Results demonstrate that each of the three price-promotion features has a positive effect on Chinese supermarket performance, with varying degrees of significance. Different promotion methods not only benefit promoted products but also stimulate sales of non-promotional items. At the product level, the impact of supermarket promotions on performance differs across categories. The most attractive category in terms of consumer purchases influenced by discounts is special paper, while small kitchen appliances have the least impact. Promoting categories with lower average prices, higher average sales volumes, fewer products, and better storage durability is conducive to attracting consumer shopping. These empirical findings have implications for academic research on price promotion theory and supermarket managers’ pricing strategy decisions, as well as the sustainable development of the offline retail industry.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Fashion and Consumer Behavior)
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Conservation Planning of Multiple Ecosystem Services in the Yangtze River Basin by Quantifying Trade-Offs and Synergies
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Yonglin Mu, Jing Wang, Caisheng Zhao, Xiaowen Li, Yongbing Liu and Jiangtao Lv
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2511; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062511 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
The importance of protecting ecosystem services has been increasingly recognized due to their substantial benefits for human beings. Traditional conservation planning methods for locating and designing prioritized areas focus on high-value areas. However, ecosystem services have an intrinsic correlation of trade-offs and synergies
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The importance of protecting ecosystem services has been increasingly recognized due to their substantial benefits for human beings. Traditional conservation planning methods for locating and designing prioritized areas focus on high-value areas. However, ecosystem services have an intrinsic correlation of trade-offs and synergies among them; thus, solely selecting high-value areas cannot ensure efficiency in the conservation of multiple ecosystem services. Pursuing the protection of one ecosystem service may compromise the effectiveness of conserving others. Therefore, this study aims to develop a method for identifying the optimal ecosystem service protected areas in more efficient ways by quantifying the spatial relationships of ecosystem services on a local scale. We examined the correlations between all possible paired combinations of four ecosystem services using the Local Moran’s I and classified them into five cluster types in the Yangtze River Basin. To address conflicting solutions for multiple ecosystem service goals, we employed systematic conservation planning to identify priority areas for ecosystem service protection, following the principles of representativeness, complementarity, and persistence. By establishing scenarios that optimize each and all ecosystem services at target levels of 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%, we observed that any two of the four services were positively correlated, occupying vast areas in the Yangtze River Basin. However, the high-value areas of each ecosystem service did not coincide in their spatial distributions. Under the same target, more high-value areas could be selected as the best solutions by only optimizing a single ecosystem service. The degree of overlap between priority areas varied considerably across optimizations for individual ecosystem services, particularly when setting lower targets. Our findings suggest that integrated conservation planning for all ecosystem services is more efficient than layering multiple single plans. Understanding the correlations between ecosystem services can lead to more effective management and sustainable decision making.
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(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Management)
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Public Housing Stock between Recovery and Sustainability: The Case of Tor Bella Monaca in Rome
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Eliana Cangelli, Michele Conteduca, Elnaz Behnam Kia, Hassan Zaiter and Valerio Fonti
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2510; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062510 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
The buildings and construction sector is responsible for 37% of energy-related CO2 emissions and over 34% of energy demand globally. The redevelopment of the existing residential building stock has become a consolidated policy of the European Commission to implement the objectives of
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The buildings and construction sector is responsible for 37% of energy-related CO2 emissions and over 34% of energy demand globally. The redevelopment of the existing residential building stock has become a consolidated policy of the European Commission to implement the objectives of economic recovery and energy transition towards climate neutrality by 2050. This paper illustrates the design experimentation conducted by the Sapienza University team on the recovery of the public housing compartment R5 in Tor Bella Monaca, Rome. The research proposes an original methodology that is ideally replicable for regenerating large public housing districts built on the outskirts of major European cities, characterised by significant technological and social degradation and energy deficiency. This paper provides an overview of the interventions and an evaluation of the method and set of tools developed in drafting the Technical and Economic Feasibility Study at both the neighbourhood and building levels. This contribution is addressed to researchers and public and private organisations dealing with the complexity of the social housing recovery topic, emphasising overall sustainability aspects of interventions in terms of typological and energy refurbishment of buildings, re-activation of open spaces and enhancement of landscape components, and envisioning new services through participatory methods that promote social inclusion.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building and Construction Sustainability: Toward a Life Cycle Management of Materials and Processes Flows)
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Precious Metals Recovery Process from Electronic Boards: Case Study of a Non-Profit Organization (QC, Canada)
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Caroline Blais, Anh Quan Le Dinh, Éric Loranger and Georges Abdul-Nour
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2509; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062509 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
The growth in the consumption of electronic products in recent years has resulted in increasing electronic device waste. At the same time, there is a decrease in the availability of raw metals required to produce electronic boards. Recycling through the recovery of precious
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The growth in the consumption of electronic products in recent years has resulted in increasing electronic device waste. At the same time, there is a decrease in the availability of raw metals required to produce electronic boards. Recycling through the recovery of precious and critical metals contained in electronic board waste is a solution, but the processes need to be safer for the environment. This paper presents the steps that lead to investment in the development of an eco-friendly and cost-effective process for recovering precious metals from end-of-life electronic telecommunications cards. Social organizations can also become involved in the recycling of electronic cards, thus enabling the integration of marginalized people into society. We examine the case of a non-profit organization whose mission is to help people living with mental health problems through the recycling of end-of-life telecommunication devices. This recycling process must operate within constraints specific to this organization and to the employment of people with mental health issues. The literature review showed that considering ecological and economic factors, the hydrometallurgical process appeared to be a logical choice.
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(This article belongs to the Topic The Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Management and Treatment)
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Fostering a Whole-Institution Approach to Sustainability through Systems Thinking: An Analysis of the State-of-the-Art in Sustainability Integration in Higher Education Institutions
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Odysseas Christou, Dimitra B. Manou, Stefano Armenia, Eduardo Franco, Anastasia Blouchoutzi and Jason Papathanasiou
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2508; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062508 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
Policy initiatives from the United Nations and EU institutions have emphasized the need for higher education institutions (HEIs) to fulfil a significant role in green transitioning. However, they tend to fall short of the achievement of this objective. Multiple studies indicate that HEIs
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Policy initiatives from the United Nations and EU institutions have emphasized the need for higher education institutions (HEIs) to fulfil a significant role in green transitioning. However, they tend to fall short of the achievement of this objective. Multiple studies indicate that HEIs assign high importance to the integration of environmental sustainability on a strategic level but generally lack dedicated policies of integration in operational aspects. This paper’s research aim is to provide a meta-study that reviews, analyzes, and assesses the state of the art on research on HEI sustainability. The paper also contributes to the state-of-the-art by mapping institutional sustainability self-assessment models, tools, and guidelines in four prominent research areas: (1) sustainability integration in educational activities, pedagogical perspectives, and systemic transformations; (2) benchmarking sustainability of organizational transformation and operational optimization, and links between developmental priorities and educational settings; (3) whole-system approaches focusing on the design and implementation of whole-institution sustainability plans; and (4) HEI sustainability culture and operations. The paper’s final contribution is the presentation of best practices and emerging trends in the literature. These practices were selected on the following qualitative methodological criteria based on the systems-thinking approach to whole-institution assessment: (1) the effectiveness of self-assessment models, tools, and guidelines in each respective research area; (2) the degree of integration of systems thinking and/or modeling; and (3) the incorporation of qualitative indicators for stakeholder engagement.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Education for Sustainable Development in Higher Education)
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A Conceptual Framework Based on PLS-SEM Approach for Sustainable Customer Relationship Management in Enterprise Software Development: Insights from Developers
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Kausar-Nasreen Khattak, Zohaib Hassan, Syed Shehryar Ali Naqvi, Muhammad Abbas Khan, Faiza Qayyum and Inam Ullah
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2507; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062507 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
Due to its significant relevance in outsourcing, the global software industry, such as enterprise software development organizations, accepted the implementation of global software development (GSD). Customers play a pivotal role in any industry, and effective customer relationship management (CRM) is instrumental in ensuring
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Due to its significant relevance in outsourcing, the global software industry, such as enterprise software development organizations, accepted the implementation of global software development (GSD). Customers play a pivotal role in any industry, and effective customer relationship management (CRM) is instrumental in ensuring client satisfaction while developing software projects. However, software organizations operating globally often need more insight into their customers’ perspectives. These challenges give rise to a major combination for the success of the GSD projects. Organizations working globally face the key challenge of the implementation of CRM. The main objective of this paper is to investigate and understand the challenges faced by global software development organizations when implementing customer relationship management (CRM) in their enterprise software projects. This paper aims to assess how these CRM implementation challenges impact the value of enterprise software products in the context of global software development (GSD). To achieve this objective, the study employs the partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach and conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify relevant challenges. Additionally, this paper presents a conceptual framework based on the identified challenges and validates it through surveys and qualitative research with software outsourcing companies in Pakistan. The research provides valuable insights from the perspective of software developers and aims to offer practical guidance for the successful application of CRM in outsourcing.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent System and Application Improving Enterprise’s Sustainable Development)
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Open AccessArticle
Evaluating the Fast Frequency Support Ability of the Generation Units in Modern Power Systems
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Muyang Liu, Ruo Mo, Yening Lai, Zhaowei Li, Zhaohui Qie and Hua Zheng
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2506; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062506 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
Modern power systems include synchronous generators (SGs) and inverter-based resources (IBRs) that provide fast frequency support (FFS) to the system. To evaluate the FFS ability of both SGs and IBRs under a unified framework, this paper proposes a method that evaluates the FFS
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Modern power systems include synchronous generators (SGs) and inverter-based resources (IBRs) that provide fast frequency support (FFS) to the system. To evaluate the FFS ability of both SGs and IBRs under a unified framework, this paper proposes a method that evaluates the FFS ability of each generation unit via its dynamic trajectories of the active power output and the frequency following a contingency. The proposed method quantified FFS ability via two indexes, namely, the equivalent inertia constant and the equivalent droop, of each generation unit. The Tikhonov regularization algorithm is employed to estimate the FFS ability indexes. The New England 10-machine system serves to validate the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method and illustrate the different FFS ability of the grid−forming and grid−following IBRs.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wind-Photovoltaic-Storage Hybrid Power System towards Sustainability)
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Assessing the Downstream and Upstream Preferences of Stakeholders for Sustainability Attributes in the Tomato Value Chain
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Adrià Menéndez i Molist, Zein Kallas and Omar Vicente Guadarrama Fuentes
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2505; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062505 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
Effectively implementing innovations in agri-food supply chains (AFSCs) is contingent upon stakeholders’ preferences. Using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the objective of this research was to ascertain the degree of willingness among farmers, consumers, and various stakeholders (including processing companies, restaurants, and retailers)
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Effectively implementing innovations in agri-food supply chains (AFSCs) is contingent upon stakeholders’ preferences. Using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the objective of this research was to ascertain the degree of willingness among farmers, consumers, and various stakeholders (including processing companies, restaurants, and retailers) in the tomato supply chain of Catalonia (Spain) to shorten the chain and promote local procurement. Based on a set of social, economic, and environmental criteria encompassing sustainability in AFSCs, the results showed that economic factors, particularly profitability and affordability, were the key driving factors in the decisions of stakeholders. However, the considerable importance placed on strategic attributes, including local production, environmental sustainability, and product quality, particularly among consumers, seemed to present a chance to advocate for sustainable alternatives, such as short food supply chains (SFSCs). The AHP methodology facilitates differentiation with respect to the criteria of the decision-making process and serves as a valuable instrument for evaluating the reception of innovations within the AFSC and categorizing the stakeholders who exhibit the greatest interest in them. In order to improve the sustainability of agri-food systems, our findings may be incorporated into strategic plans developed by policymakers.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agri-Food Economics and Rural Sustainable Development)
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The Role of the Periodic Table of the Elements of Green and Sustainable Chemistry in a High School Educational Context
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Carlos Alberto da Silva Júnior, Carla Morais, Dosil Pereira de Jesus and Gildo Girotto Júnior
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2504; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062504 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
The Periodic Table of the Elements of Green and Sustainable Chemistry (PT-GSC) represents a potentially meaningful tool for teaching and learning Green Chemistry. However, there is a lack of studies exploring the application of the PT-GSC in educational contexts. To contribute to filling
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The Periodic Table of the Elements of Green and Sustainable Chemistry (PT-GSC) represents a potentially meaningful tool for teaching and learning Green Chemistry. However, there is a lack of studies exploring the application of the PT-GSC in educational contexts. To contribute to filling this gap, a qualitative and participant approach was developed to examine the effects of using the PT-GSC in a high school setting, with a focus on analyzing the associated challenges and opportunities. Over a five-week period, 23 high school students enrolled in a chemistry course at a public school in Brazil worked in small groups to develop solutions for a case study addressing socio-scientific issues related to water scarcity in the local region using elements from the PT-GSC. Results from both the pre- and post-questionnaires, along with the written case study resolutions, provide evidence of the students’ knowledge gains, particularly in critical scientific literacy for Green and Sustainable Chemistry Education. The findings showed that the PT-GSC is an interdisciplinary tool for introducing students to Green Chemistry concepts within the broader societal and scientific ecosystem. The implementation of novel case studies incorporating elements from the PT-GSC is a way to support our ongoing work with students and the public, contributing to a sustainable future.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Education and Approaches)
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Open AccessReview
Sustainable Innovation in Organizations: A Look from Processes, Products, and Services
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Jhon Zartha, Gina Orozco, Diana Barreto and Diego García
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2503; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062503 - 18 Mar 2024
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Sustainability has been playing a major role on the world stage. As with everything, in the beginning, it was aligned with purely environmental contexts, but with the passing of the years, this concept has encompassed other aspects, such as the way of producing
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Sustainability has been playing a major role on the world stage. As with everything, in the beginning, it was aligned with purely environmental contexts, but with the passing of the years, this concept has encompassed other aspects, such as the way of producing products and services. In this article, to obtain information on the implementation of sustainable innovation, a search equation was formulated in the SCOPUS database, focusing on the period from 2018 to 2023, with a total of 62 articles that are related to the topic addressed. Once the search of the published articles was carried out, seven categories were formed to classify the research topic of each of the publications with Bibliometrix software version 4.1.1 and the PRISMA method, according to the main objective and methodology used in each one. In this sense, 44% of the articles published are related to open innovation, and 26% of the articles are focused on sustainable business models. At the end of the analysis of the implementation of innovation according to the articles consulted, it was possible to establish the fact that sustainable innovation gave rise to some important work in the mitigation of adverse impacts.
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Open AccessArticle
Modeling the Interactive Patterns of International Migration Network through a Reverse Gravity Approach
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Xuesong Yu, Kun Qin, Tao Jia, Yang Zhou and Xieqing Gao
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2502; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062502 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
The international migration network, comprising the movements of people between countries, is one of the most important global systems of interaction, which can reflect the complex international relations of economics, cultures, and politics and has huge impacts on global sustainability. However, the conventional
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The international migration network, comprising the movements of people between countries, is one of the most important global systems of interaction, which can reflect the complex international relations of economics, cultures, and politics and has huge impacts on global sustainability. However, the conventional gravity model cannot model its complicated interactions accurately. In this article, we propose a novel reverse gravity model using genetic algorithm to reconstruct the complicated interaction patterns with high accuracy. To verify the feasibility of our method, it was applied to a series of international migration networks. We found that the derived node attractions were highly correlated with socioeconomic factors and network metrics, and the calculated node positions outperformed the geometric centers from the perspective of human migration that related to economy and demography. Our approach could be a preferred choice to investigate the spatial–temporal interactive patterns in geographical space, facilitating comprehension of the mechanisms underlying their generation and evolution.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Geography: Interrelationships between People, Place, and the Environment)
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Open AccessArticle
EQ-DIRECTION Procedure towards an Improved Urban Seismic Resilience: Application to the Pilot Case Study of Sanremo Municipality
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Serena Cattari, Daria Ottonelli and Soheil Mohammadi
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2501; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062501 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
This paper discusses the critical importance of effective mitigation policies to enhance earthquake resilience in urban systems, especially in light of recent seismic events in Italy. The Italian Civil Protection Department (ICPD) has delineated specific Limit Conditions (LCs) for urban settlements, serving as
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This paper discusses the critical importance of effective mitigation policies to enhance earthquake resilience in urban systems, especially in light of recent seismic events in Italy. The Italian Civil Protection Department (ICPD) has delineated specific Limit Conditions (LCs) for urban settlements, serving as benchmarks for targeted mitigation policies, and akin to Limit States for buildings in Codes. While the ICPD has already developed operational procedures for some LCs, concentrating on evaluating the structural operational efficiency of strategic functions during emergency management, only a conceptual outline exists for other LCs involving preparedness and recovery/reconstruction phases. To address this gap, this paper introduces the EQ-DIRECTION (EarthQuake Disaster-REsilient City acTIOn plan) procedure. This method aims to analyze and assess the “Limit Condition for Safeguarding the Existence of the Settlement” (referred to as SLC). The procedure entails identifying the “minimum urban system” required for effective recovery and evaluating the performance of this system in terms of structural damage and economic losses against the SLC requirement. The practical application of this methodology to a real-world case study in Sanremo municipality on the western coast of Liguria (Italy) demonstrates the feasibility and potential effectiveness of the procedure for earthquake resilience in urban planning and management.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Resilience and Participation for Territory Safety from External Risks)
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Open AccessSystematic Review
Nexus between Urban Circular Economies and Sustainable Development Goals: A Systematic Literature Review
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Genesis Camila Cervantes Puma, Adriana Salles and Luís Bragança
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2500; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062500 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
Since the definition and publication of the 2030 Agenda in 2015, addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been pivotal in guiding carbon neutrality and sustainable solutions in urban development. Despite the passage of nine years, tangible successes in achieving the SDGs have been
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Since the definition and publication of the 2030 Agenda in 2015, addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been pivotal in guiding carbon neutrality and sustainable solutions in urban development. Despite the passage of nine years, tangible successes in achieving the SDGs have been limited, underscoring the critical need for innovative approaches to fostering energy performance and reducing carbon emissions. This study advocates for adopting circular economy principles as a strategic pathway to mitigate environmental, social, and economic challenges and promote sustainable, net-zero-energy solutions. Through a systematic literature review spanning multiple databases, this research underscores the synergy between urban circular economies (UCEs) and the SDGs, with a particular focus on sustainable solutions, resource use circularity in construction, and renewable energy integration. By setting stringent eligibility criteria, this review captures a wide array of perspectives, providing a comprehensive analysis that bridges the gap between urban sustainability, renewable energy adoption, and climate change mitigation efforts. The analysis of 23 selected papers reveals a substantial linkage between UCE practices and the advancement of SDGs, highlighting the pivotal roles of responsible consumption, resource efficiency, and regenerative practices in achieving co-benefits through policy and regulatory frameworks towards carbon neutrality. The findings recommend implementing a holistic approach that integrates urban sustainability with circular economy principles, offering a structured insight into the potential of UCEs in fostering a sustainable transition in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Net-Zero-Energy Building Solutions)
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Open AccessArticle
Effect of Pumping Speeds on the Fate of Aniline in Different Soil Layer
by
Rui Gao, Yue Wang, Beidou Xi, Ying Wang, Shunguo Bai and Jianchao Zhu
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2499; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062499 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
Helan Mountain is an important ecological safety barrier in northwest China. In this study, a heterogeneous site polluted by aniline on Helan Mountain was the research object, and the TMVOC (A Simulator For Multiple Volatile Organic Chemicals) model of aniline restoration by pumping
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Helan Mountain is an important ecological safety barrier in northwest China. In this study, a heterogeneous site polluted by aniline on Helan Mountain was the research object, and the TMVOC (A Simulator For Multiple Volatile Organic Chemicals) model of aniline restoration by pumping was optimized by employing a column experiment. Four typical layers of the soil medium were selected to explore the influence of soil settlement caused by different pumping speeds on the fate of aniline in different zones. The results show that the optimal pumping speed at the site is 3.24 × 106 m3/month and the latest remediation time is the 10th month after the start of the remediation. The larger the pumping speed is, the more obvious the sedimentation effect is. When the remediation is carried out at 5.18 × 106 m3/month, the NAPL (Non-Aqueous-Phase Liquid) phase removal rate decreases by 33.75% and the distribution of aniline to the NAPL phase increases, compared to that without considering the soil settlement. The fate of aniline in the source zone is the least affected by sedimentation, while that in the vadose zone is the most affected. The phase redistribution phenomenon is the most obvious in the water table fluctuation zone, and the NAPL phase aniline changes into gas and liquid phases. In addition, the NAPL phase concentration in the water table fluctuation zone is two orders of magnitude higher than that at 0.2 m below the water table. NAPL is the most sensitive to the relative settlement in the aquifer. The simulation results can provide a technical reference for the future application of P&T (Pump-and-Treat) technology in the remediation of organically contaminated sites to facilitate the sustainable use of soil. It is suggested that more attention should be paid to the water table fluctuation zone during the remediation of contaminated sites.
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(This article belongs to the Section Pollution Prevention, Mitigation and Sustainability)
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The Determinants of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Empirical Evidence from Canadian Provinces
by
Azad Haider
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2498; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062498 - 18 Mar 2024
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The main objective of the present study is to examine the determinants of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada using panel data of 10 provinces from 1990 to 2019. The pooled ordinary least squares method is used to estimate the models. The main findings
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The main objective of the present study is to examine the determinants of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada using panel data of 10 provinces from 1990 to 2019. The pooled ordinary least squares method is used to estimate the models. The main findings of the basic model show that provinces with larger populations, younger ages, and more income produce higher levels of greenhouse gas emissions. The results of the extended model (per capita greenhouse gas emissions as the dependent variable) show that only five factors (out of ten potential determinants identified)—oil production per capita, gas production per capita, motor vehicles registered per capita, electricity generation intensity, and heating degree days—are significant determinants of per capita greenhouse gas emissions. The results also reveal that the provinces with older populations have lower per capita greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. However, both trend variables played an important role in explaining the greenhouse gas emissions per capita in Canada. Moreover, there were no significant differences among the patterns of the per capita greenhouse gas emissions in Canada after 2005.
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