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
The Impact of the Carbon Emission Trading Shadow Price on the Green Total Factor Productivity of the Power Industry in China
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4020; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104020 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
To mitigate the problem of global climate change, governments have taken measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon emission trading has gradually attracted attention as a market-oriented option. Power industry panel data from 30 provinces in China were used for an empirical analysis
[...] Read more.
To mitigate the problem of global climate change, governments have taken measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon emission trading has gradually attracted attention as a market-oriented option. Power industry panel data from 30 provinces in China were used for an empirical analysis in this study. The super-efficiency Slack-Based Measure (SBM) model was used to calculate the shadow price of carbon trading and the green total factor productivity (GTFP), and the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model was used to quantitatively analyze the correlation between the shadow price of carbon trading and the GTFP of the power industry. The results showed that the shadow price of carbon trading had a significantly negative impact on the GTFP of the power industry; therefore, it needs to be improved and perfected. Through a further analysis using the heterogeneity test, it was found that there were problems in the current carbon trading price mechanism. In the face of the above problems, we offer suggestions for improvement from the perspectives of the government and companies. This study helps deepen the understanding of carbon trading prices and the GTFP in the power industry, and it provides a reference for formulating more effective carbon trading policies and corporate green management strategies.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Academic Intrapreneurs: Exploring the Antecedents of Academic Intrapreneurial Intention
by
Kemal Kanısoy, Harun Şeşen and Mehmet Ali Ekemen
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4019; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104019 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
It is widely accepted that intrapreneurial behavior is imperative for any type of organization to maintain sustainability in terms of growth and performance. In this context, it is also important to investigate the factors that play a role in promoting intrapreneurship within dynamic
[...] Read more.
It is widely accepted that intrapreneurial behavior is imperative for any type of organization to maintain sustainability in terms of growth and performance. In this context, it is also important to investigate the factors that play a role in promoting intrapreneurship within dynamic industries, such as the higher education industry. For this purpose, this study aimed to explore the antecedents of intrapreneurial intention in academic staff to provide theoretical as well as practical contributions for universities. We used a survey method to collect data with a sample consisting of 236 academic staff from universities in Northern Cyprus, and tested hypotheses through three different structural models by using structural equation modeling (SEM). Following a deductive approach to establish constructs in the models, we treated academic intrapreneurial intention as the dependent variable, and self-leadership, self-efficacy, and psychological capital as the independent variables. In addition, attitudes toward intrapreneurship, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were individually tested as mediating variables. The results of this study indicate that self-leadership, self-efficacy, and psychological capital have direct and indirect effects on academic intrapreneurial intention, and attitudes toward intrapreneurship, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control play a mediating role between these antecedents and academic intrapreneurial intention.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Business Models and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development)
Open AccessArticle
Competition between New Energy and Fuel Vehicles with Behavior-Based Pricing Strategies When Considering Environmental Concerns and Green Innovation
by
Shaohua Chen and Guomin Li
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4018; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104018 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Environmental sustainability is an important issue in supply chain management (SCM). New energy vehicles (NEVs) have significant environmental value when compared to traditional fuel vehicles (FVs). Currently, there is intense competition between fuel and new energy vehicles, owing to differentiated pricing strategies. This
[...] Read more.
Environmental sustainability is an important issue in supply chain management (SCM). New energy vehicles (NEVs) have significant environmental value when compared to traditional fuel vehicles (FVs). Currently, there is intense competition between fuel and new energy vehicles, owing to differentiated pricing strategies. This paper focuses on behavior-based pricing (BBP) strategies between energy vehicles and fuel vehicles in a two-echelon supply chain wherein consumers are environmentally conscious. A two-period game-theoretic model is built to examine the effect of consumers’ environmental concerns on competition between fuel and energy vehicles, behavior-based pricing strategies, supply chain efficiency, and social welfare. The analytical results indicate that consumers’ environmental concerns facilitate the market share competition by new energy vehicle firms in the second period. If consumers care more about the environment, supply chain efficiency is improved in cases of retail as well as wholesale-and-retail behavior-based pricing strategies. Wholesale-and-retail behavior-based pricing strategies benefit all members of the supply chain, but this is not the case for retail behavior-based pricing strategies. If consumers are sufficiently concerned about the environment and new energy vehicle firms are more efficient, a win–win–win scenario for firms, consumers, and social welfare occurs in the two behavior-based pricing strategies. Counterintuitively, green innovation improves new energy vehicle, fuel vehicle as well as overall supply chain efficiency, in three cases.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Supply Chain and Sustainable Development)
Open AccessArticle
Research on Sustainable Port: Evaluation of Green Port Policies on China’s Coasts
by
Kai Zhou, Xiang Yuan, Ziyuan Guo, Jianrui Wu and Ruijia Li
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4017; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104017 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Increasing port pollution has forced governments to enact policies related to green ports to maintain the sustainability of maritime transportation. In this article, we established a policy evaluation system based on the PMC (policy modeling consistency) index model to evaluate 17 green port-related
[...] Read more.
Increasing port pollution has forced governments to enact policies related to green ports to maintain the sustainability of maritime transportation. In this article, we established a policy evaluation system based on the PMC (policy modeling consistency) index model to evaluate 17 green port-related policies currently enacted on coastal China, providing a new perspective on existing maritime policy evaluations. The results show that the average overall consistency of the policies is 7.16 with “good” performance, and no policy is “low” consistency. While this suggests that the existing policy design is sound, some deficiencies exist, such as insufficient cooperation between governments and insufficient emphasis on incentives. We provide recommendations for improvement based on these deficiencies and analyzed and optimized every policy in detail. Meanwhile, we found that policy texts from southern ports perform better, contrary to the previous view. The discovery could be a good entry point for future research. We also offer some suggestions for the development of green ships in China. The research makes these contributions and may provide some insights for policymakers.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Performance of Green Ports: Assessment and Optimization)
Open AccessArticle
Data-Driven Approach for Selecting Mechanical Rebar Couplers Based on the Shape and Structural Characteristics of Reinforcing Bars for Sustainable Built Environment
by
Jeeyoung Lim and Sunkuk Kim
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4016; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104016 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Lap splices are the most commonly used method worldwide because they do not require specific equipment or skilled workers. However, lap splices incur high construction costs because of the long splice lengths required for large-diameter rebars in megastructures, as well as issues pertaining
[...] Read more.
Lap splices are the most commonly used method worldwide because they do not require specific equipment or skilled workers. However, lap splices incur high construction costs because of the long splice lengths required for large-diameter rebars in megastructures, as well as issues pertaining to material supply, labor costs, constructability, and project duration. Additionally, approximately 15% more rebar is required because of the overlap. Energy saving for a sustainable built environment is possible if the disadvantage of lap splices, which generate high CO2 emissions due to the excessive use of rebar, are resolved. Hence, mechanical rebar couplers (MRCs) have been developed. However, despite their advantages, they have not been widely applied in construction sites owing to concerns regarding safety, quality, and constructability. This is because data on MRC, including maintenance, and environmental impact, are not organized, making it difficult to select a coupler suitable for the environment during the construction stage. Therefore, a data-driven approach for selecting MRCs based on the reinforcing bar shape and structural characteristics is proposed in this study. The T-epoxy filled sleeve coupler was found to be the best in terms of seismic performance, durability, corrosion resistance, and long-term performance. In addition, using a data-driven MRC selection algorithm using the T-threaded coupler for one rebar over two floors resulted in 56% more efficient labor productivity, 15% shorter assembly time, 17% lower costs, and 26% lower CO2 emission. Using a developed algorithm, the appropriate MRC can easily and rapidly be selected for frequent design changes.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Engineering and Science)
Open AccessArticle
Utilizing Biofertilizer for Achieving Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy towards Vision 2040, Oman
by
Muzaffar Asad and Saud Yousuf Ahmed
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4015; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104015 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
The agriculture industry in the Western world is increasingly using biofertilizers, considering the environmental aspects and organic food. Sustainability in agriculture is the primary priority of the government of the Sultanate of Oman. In order to improve and develop the agricultural sector for
[...] Read more.
The agriculture industry in the Western world is increasingly using biofertilizers, considering the environmental aspects and organic food. Sustainability in agriculture is the primary priority of the government of the Sultanate of Oman. In order to improve and develop the agricultural sector for community development, the government of Oman is paying special attention to its Vision 2040 in line with sustainable development goals. Hence, the aim of the research is to analyze the behavioral aspects of farmers and farmholders towards utilizing biofertilizers for saving the environment as well as providing organic food and bringing sustainability to the agriculture sector of the country. In order to meet the objectives of the study mixed method research has been used. An interview guide has been developed, a questionnaire has also been developed, and the instruments have been approved by the experts. The interview data were analyzed, and afterward, primary data were collected. To test the hypothesis and the framework, Smart PLS 3 has been used. The findings identified that farmers in Oman are reluctant to use biofertilizers because of a lack of awareness, but yet they are using it up to some extent and the proposed model has proven to be significant. The findings are useful not only for the policymakers but also for the practitioners who can obtain guidance about the benefits they can gain from the use of biofertilizers.
Full article
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Passive Buildings—Big Opportunities or Big Risks? Quantitative Risk Assessment for Passive Buildings Projects
by
Maria Krechowicz and Adam Krechowicz
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4014; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104014 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
The building sector contributes significantly to global final energy consumption and energy-related CO emissions. The demand for sustainable and energy-efficient passive buildings with a minimal ecological footprint has increased due to the global energy crisis, climate change, and environmental concerns. This need
[...] Read more.
The building sector contributes significantly to global final energy consumption and energy-related CO emissions. The demand for sustainable and energy-efficient passive buildings with a minimal ecological footprint has increased due to the global energy crisis, climate change, and environmental concerns. This need can be met by constructing passive buildings. However, to develop a building that is truly passive, it is required to meet many passive house conditions, negligible for typical buildings, which increase the project complexity and pose challenges and risks threatening its successful completion. The aim of this work is to present the findings from a quantitative risk analysis in passive construction based on the results of expert surveys that were carried out using a Computer-Assisted Web Interview. Feedback from expert surveys covering the experience of 748 passive buildings projects from seven countries (Poland, Germany, Great Britain, the United States, Australia, Spain, and Austria) allowed us to access the frequency of occurrence, severity, detectability, and Risk Priority Numbers of the 32 risk factors identified in passive buildings projects. Those risk factors were identified based on literature research, risk interviews, scenario analysis, brainstorm sessions with passive buildings specialists, and our own observations of passive buildings projects. This study revealed that incorrect costing was the most frequent issue; complicated, non-compact building shapes with an unfavorable area-to-volume ratio had the highest severity of effects; the wrong interpretation of correctly prepared drawings and details obtained from the designer had the lowest detectability; and incorrect costing had the highest Risk Priority Number. In addition, this study allowed us to identify a narrow group of critical risk factors that are the most significant (have the highest RPN) and to which special attention should be paid in the risk-management process.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Energy Systems and Technologies for Building Energy Efficiency to Achieve Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
Life Cycle Assessment of Wheat Straw Pyrolysis with Volatile Fractions Chemical Looping Combustion
by
Teresa Mendiara, Alberto Navajas, Alberto Abad, Tobias Pröll, Mikel Munárriz, Luis M. Gandía, Francisco García-Labiano and Luis F. de Diego
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4013; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104013 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Among the approaches to facilitating negative CO2 emissions is biochar production. Biochar is generated in the pyrolysis of certain biomasses. In the pyrolysis process, carbon in the biomass is turned into a solid, porous, carbon-rich, and stable material that can be captured
[...] Read more.
Among the approaches to facilitating negative CO2 emissions is biochar production. Biochar is generated in the pyrolysis of certain biomasses. In the pyrolysis process, carbon in the biomass is turned into a solid, porous, carbon-rich, and stable material that can be captured from the soil after a period of from a few decades to several centuries. In addition to this long-term carbon sequestration role, biochar is also beneficial for soil performance as it helps to restore soil fertility and improves the retention and diffusion of water and nutrients. This work presents a Life Cycle Assessment of different pyrolysis approaches for biochar production. Biomass pyrolysis is performed in a fixed-bed reactor, which operates at a mild temperature (550 °C). Biochar is obtained as solid product of the pyrolysis, but there are also liquid (bio-oil) and gaseous products (syngas). The pyrolysis gas is partly used to fulfil the energy demand of the pyrolysis process, which is highly endothermic. In the conventional approach, CO2 is produced during the combustion of syngas and emitted to the atmosphere. Another approach to facilitate CO2 capture and thus obtain more negative CO2 emissions in the pyrolysis process is burning syngas and bio-oil in a Chemical Looping Combustion unit. Life Cycle Assessment was performed of these approaches toward biomass pyrolysis to evaluate their environmental impact. The Chemical Looping Combustion approach significantly reduced the values of 7 of the 16 environmental impact indicators studied, along with the Global Warming Potential among them, it slightly increased the value of one indicator related to the use of fossil resources, and it maintained the values of the remaining 8 indicators. Environmental impact reduction occurs due to the avoidance of CO2 and NOx emissions with Chemical Looping Combustion. The CO2 balances of the different pyrolysis approaches with Chemical Looping Combustion configurations were compared with a base case, which constituted the direct combustion of wheat straw to obtain thermal energy. Direct biomass combustion for the production of 17.1 MJ of thermal energy had CO2 positive emissions of 0.165 kg. If the gaseous fraction was burned by Chemical Looping Combustion, CO2 was captured and the emissions became increasingly negative, until a value of −3.30 kg/17.1 MJ was generated. If bio-oil was also burned by this technology, the negative trend of CO2 emissions continued, until they reached a value of −3.66 kg.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Maize No-Till Agroecosystems in Southern Brazil Based on a Long-Term Experiment
by
Guilherme Rosa da Silva, Adam J. Liska and Cimelio Bayer
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4012; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104012 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Brazilian agriculture is constantly questioned concerning its environmental impacts, particularly greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This research study used data from a 34-year field experiment to estimate the life cycle GHG emissions intensity of maize production for grain in farming systems under no-tillage (NT)
[...] Read more.
Brazilian agriculture is constantly questioned concerning its environmental impacts, particularly greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This research study used data from a 34-year field experiment to estimate the life cycle GHG emissions intensity of maize production for grain in farming systems under no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) combined with Gramineae (oat) and legume (vetch) cover crops in southern Brazil. We applied the Feedstock Carbon Intensity Calculator for modeling the “field-to-farm gate” emissions with measured annual soil N2O and CH4 emissions data. For net CO2 emissions, increases in soil organic C (SOC) were applied as a proxy, where the CT combined with oat was a reference. The life cycle GHG emissions intensity for maize was negative under NT farming systems with Gramineae and legume cover crops, −0.7 and −0.1 kg CO2e kg−1 of maize, respectively. CT with oats as a cover crop had a GHG intensity of 1.0 kg CO2e kg−1 of maize and 2.2 Mg CO2e ha−1. NT with cover crops increased SOC (0.7 C Mg ha−1 yr−1, 0–100 cm) and contributed to the mitigation of life cycle GHG emissions of maize production. This research shows that NT with cover crops is a sustainable solution for farming in southern Brazil.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)
Open AccessArticle
The Use of Cultural Landscape Fragmentation for Rural Tourism Development in the Zemplín Geopark, Slovakia
by
Jana Rybárová, Radim Rybár, Dana Tometzová and Gabriel Wittenberger
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4011; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104011 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
This study outlines the creation of hiking routes in Slovakia’s cultural landscape, focusing on regions with marginal interest, low tourism engagement, and predominant monocultural blocks. The methodology was systematically applied to the Zemplín Geopark in eastern Slovakia, drawing upon historical cartographic records from
[...] Read more.
This study outlines the creation of hiking routes in Slovakia’s cultural landscape, focusing on regions with marginal interest, low tourism engagement, and predominant monocultural blocks. The methodology was systematically applied to the Zemplín Geopark in eastern Slovakia, drawing upon historical cartographic records from the Josephine mapping period (1764–1787) to the present day. The investigation identified and delineated 14 hiking trails, offering historical and tourism significance while promoting multifunctionality. Our research introduces sustainable development avenues for regions with marginal interest, providing ecological and tourist benefits that enhance the overall quality of life. The findings align with the Common Agricultural Policy’s objectives for 2021–2027, addressing challenges related to large-scale field fragmentation. Two identified obstacles include property-legal challenges and issues arising from inadequate map registration, which current methods, unfortunately, fail to address.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geoheritage and Cultural Landscape for Sustainable Tourism)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Hybrid Assessment for Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience and Sustainability: A Comprehensive Analysis
by
El-Awady Attia and Md Sharif Uddin
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4010; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104010 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Organisations encounter a significant challenge in the globalised business landscape, and thus mitigate risk by establishing robust supply chains (SCs) networks is required. In a rapidly changing environment, gaining a competitive edge is imperative. However, the exploration of the essential factors enabling resilient
[...] Read more.
Organisations encounter a significant challenge in the globalised business landscape, and thus mitigate risk by establishing robust supply chains (SCs) networks is required. In a rapidly changing environment, gaining a competitive edge is imperative. However, the exploration of the essential factors enabling resilient and sustainable supply chain management (RSSCM) in construction projects has been lacking. This study aims to bridge this gap by identifying the enabling factors for resilient and sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). To achieve this, a survey was conducted among Egyptian engineers, involving 32 factors derived from an extensive literature review on RSSCM. The data collected were categorised into four groups, namely Organisational Knowledge and Competence, Risk Management and Security, Collaboration and Communication, and Planning Efficiency and Timing, using brainstorming techniques. Subsequently, the data were analysed utilising a novel hybrid assessment approach that combines evaluation of alternatives and ranking, employing the compromise solution-fuzzy synthetic evaluation methodology, for the first time, offering a unique approach to assessing and prioritising these categories. The findings reveal that ‘Planning Efficiency and Timing’ emerged as the highest-performing category, whereas ‘Collaboration and Communication’ performed the worth. Furthermore, our results indicate that brainstorming enabled the grouping of the enablers into four distinct categories, providing a structured framework for understanding and organising them. The integration of MARCOS and FSE offered a robust decision-making approach, proposing a resilient and comprehensive decision-support system capable of tackling intricate real-world issues. This research outcome offers building administrators valuable insights for comparing different supply chains, considering how supply chain characteristics influence resilience and risk exposure in building SCs.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Production and Supply Chain Management)
Open AccessArticle
Unveiling Transportation Socio-Economic Adaptability Using a Node–Place Model: A Case from Zhejiang Province, China
by
Jianwei Shi, Shuwei Wang, Siyang Liu and Chenjing Zhou
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4009; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104009 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Effective investment in transportation infrastructure ensures sustainable urban development and high-quality economic development. Understanding transportation and socioeconomic relationships is crucial for developing investment strategies. Existing research focuses on analyzing the contribution of transportation to the economy or the contribution of economic development to
[...] Read more.
Effective investment in transportation infrastructure ensures sustainable urban development and high-quality economic development. Understanding transportation and socioeconomic relationships is crucial for developing investment strategies. Existing research focuses on analyzing the contribution of transportation to the economy or the contribution of economic development to transportation, neglecting the identification of transportation infrastructure weaknesses to initiate targeted investment and construction. In this study, we propose an assessment framework based on the node–place model to identify the shortcomings in transportation infrastructure. The framework encompasses the adaptability of the current transportation infrastructure and the stage of economic development, evaluating whether the current transportation infrastructure is ahead of or lagging behind the level of economic development. We conduct a case study on three kinds of transportation infrastructure, including railways, highways, and civil aviation, in Zhejiang Province, China. The results show that Zhejiang Province’s transportation infrastructure generally meets economic development requirements, and most cities have relatively advanced transportation systems. However, significant gaps in transportation facilities in certain areas still need to be targeted and supplemented. These findings help to explore the theoretical relationship between transportation and socioeconomics, providing a basis for economic investment decisions on transportation infrastructure.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Economic Development and Planning: Sustainable Development)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Effects of Soils on Environmental Stability of Spent Mg-Based and Ca-Based Adsorbents Containing Arsenite
by
Hajime Sugita, Kazuya Morimoto, Takeshi Saito and Junko Hara
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4008; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104008 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Spent adsorbents used in As removal treatment may re-leach As. In this study, the effects of soil on spent Mg-based and Ca-based adsorbents were investigated. The spent adsorbents containing arsenite (As(III)) were prepared by adsorbing As(III) on MgO, Mg(OH)2, CaO, and
[...] Read more.
Spent adsorbents used in As removal treatment may re-leach As. In this study, the effects of soil on spent Mg-based and Ca-based adsorbents were investigated. The spent adsorbents containing arsenite (As(III)) were prepared by adsorbing As(III) on MgO, Mg(OH)2, CaO, and Ca(OH)2 powder reagents. Kuroboku soil (Ku), yellow-brown forest soil (YF), Kanuma soil (Ka), river sand (RS), and mountain sand (MS) were used as soil samples. The As leaching ratio was examined in coexistence with soil via shaking tests, and the results were compared with those of a previous study on adsorbents containing arsenate (As(V)). The environmental stability of the spent adsorbents was found to vary greatly depending on the combination of the As valence, adsorbent type, and soil type. However, regardless of the adsorbent or soil type, the spent adsorbents containing As(III) were more likely to leach As than those containing As(V). Additionally, the As leaching ratio was generally lower in Ku and YF and higher in Ka, RS, and MS. For environmentally friendly and sustainable As removal treatment, disposal, and management, the selection of MgO as the adsorbent and treatment involving the oxidation treatment of As(III) to As(V) before adsorbing As onto adsorbents are recommended.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pollution Prevention, Mitigation and Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
Augmented Reality and Wearable Technology for Cultural Heritage Preservation
by
Ali Ibiş and Neşe Çakici Alp
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4007; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104007 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
The main goal of this study is to provide a more interactive experience with AR technology and wearable devices compared to traditional preservation methods in order to protect, promote, and transfer cultural heritage to future generations. It aims to evaluate the usability of
[...] Read more.
The main goal of this study is to provide a more interactive experience with AR technology and wearable devices compared to traditional preservation methods in order to protect, promote, and transfer cultural heritage to future generations. It aims to evaluate the usability of the developed AR application with SUS and WARUS analyses. During the research process, similar studies were conducted, street texture and historical buildings were examined, 3D models were created with terrestrial laser scanning, and an AR application was developed with the Unity3D program and presented for user evaluation. The findings of this research show that users can access historical and cultural information interactively, and that presenting historical places interactively contributes to conservation efforts by allowing users to gain more in-depth information. In the discussion section of this paper, the opportunities and limitations offered by AR technology and the wearable device through the ARKON application are discussed in a sustainable way in terms of usability. According to the research results, while usability analyses showed that user satisfaction was high, no significant difference was observed according to gender in the similar age group.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage Preservation and Tourism Development)
Open AccessArticle
Spatiotemporal Patterns and Driving Factors of Green and Low-Carbon Urbanization in the Yangtze River Delta Region, China
by
Yingao Huang, Chenjun Kuai and Feier Wang
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4006; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104006 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Green and low-carbon urbanization (GLCU) is as a key objective within the realm of urban sustainable development. The extent of coordination between urbanization and low-carbon development determines the level of GLCU. However, the complex driving mechanism of GLCU has not garnered the required
[...] Read more.
Green and low-carbon urbanization (GLCU) is as a key objective within the realm of urban sustainable development. The extent of coordination between urbanization and low-carbon development determines the level of GLCU. However, the complex driving mechanism of GLCU has not garnered the required attention within the existing literature. In light of this, the present paper introduces a multi-dimensional comprehensive evaluation framework aimed at assessing the level of GLCU. Specifically, it delves into the spatial–temporal characteristics and driving forces that underpin GLCU. The results indicate that the level of GLCU in the YRD region increased rapidly from 2005 to 2020, evolving from low coordination to moderate coordination. Yet, the trade-off between urbanization and low-carbon development still exists. The surge in population density and economic prosperity emerged as the principal positive drivers of GLCU, while the carbon emissions intensity exerted a negative influence. Furthermore, the effect of industrial structure shifted from a positive driver to a negative one. The effects of these drivers upon GLCU varied at different urbanization stages and determined the patterns of urban development, indicating that policies for sustainable development should be tailored to cities at different urbanization stages. These findings can provide useful information for policy makers and urban planners in managing and promoting urban sustainable development.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
A Comparative Analysis of Advanced Machine Learning Techniques for River Streamflow Time-Series Forecasting
by
Antoifi Abdoulhalik and Ashraf A. Ahmed
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4005; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104005 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
This study examines the contribution of rainfall data (RF) in improving the streamflow-forecasting accuracy of advanced machine learning (ML) models in the Syr Darya River Basin. Different sets of scenarios included rainfall data from different weather stations located in various geographical locations with
[...] Read more.
This study examines the contribution of rainfall data (RF) in improving the streamflow-forecasting accuracy of advanced machine learning (ML) models in the Syr Darya River Basin. Different sets of scenarios included rainfall data from different weather stations located in various geographical locations with respect to the flow monitoring station. Long short-term memory (LSTM)-based models were used to examine the contribution of rainfall data on streamflow-forecasting performance by investigating five scenarios whereby RF data from different weather stations were incorporated depending on their geographical positions. Specifically, the All-RF scenario included all rainfall data collected at 11 stations; Upstream-RF (Up-RF) and Downstream-RF (Down-RF) included only the rainfall data measured upstream and downstream of the streamflow-measuring station; Pearson-RF (P-RF) only included the rainfall data exhibiting the highest level of correlation with the streamflow data, and the Flow-only (FO) scenario included streamflow data. The evaluation metrics used to quantitively assess the performance of the models included the RMSE, MAE, and the coefficient of determination, R2. Both ML models performed best in the FO scenario, which shows that the diversity of input features (hydrological and meteorological data) did not improve the predictive accuracy regardless of the positions of the weather stations. The results show that the P-RF scenarios yielded better prediction accuracy compared to all the other scenarios including rainfall data, which suggests that only rainfall data upstream of the flow monitoring station tend to make a positive contribution to the model’s forecasting performance. The findings evidence the suitability of simple monolayer LSTM-based networks with only streamflow data as input features for high-performance and budget-wise river flow forecast applications while minimizing data processing time.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI Solutions for Improving Sustainability in Water Resource Management)
Open AccessArticle
Greening the Workplace: Exploring the Influence of Corporate Sustainability Governance on Corporate Labour Rights in the Case of Indian Listed Companies for the Period of 2010 to 2021
by
Akrum Helfaya, Nadeesha Muthuthantrige and Shirley Xu
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4004; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104004 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Amidst today’s globalized economy, embedding sustainable practices into corporate governance frameworks has become important. This era underscores a heightened focus on CSR and sustainability, drawing considerable scholarly and practical interest to the nexus of corporate governance, sustainability initiatives, and corporate labour rights (CLRs).
[...] Read more.
Amidst today’s globalized economy, embedding sustainable practices into corporate governance frameworks has become important. This era underscores a heightened focus on CSR and sustainability, drawing considerable scholarly and practical interest to the nexus of corporate governance, sustainability initiatives, and corporate labour rights (CLRs). Hence, this study investigates the relationship between corporate sustainability governance initiatives (CSGIs) and CLR practices in India. Despite regulatory efforts, issues such as modern slavery and low wages persist in the country. Drawing on legitimacy, agency, stakeholder, and resource dependency theories, this study examines how CSGIs influence CLR practices. Data from 1212 observations of top Indian listed companies between 2010 and 2021 indicate positive correlations between CSGI dimensions and CLR practices across industries and board CSR orientations. This research underscores the importance of CSGIs in promoting sustainable corporate practices and improving CLRs in emerging economies. It also aligns with the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, SDG 5, SDG 8, and SDG 10. By combining theoretical rigour with practical relevance, this study provides insights for businesses, policymakers, workers, investors, and CSR scholars, contributing to efforts to enhance CLRs in India and beyond. For instance, the study offers actionable guidance for businesses and policymakers aiming to improve CLR practices. It highlights the positive correlation between specific attributes of CSGIs and CLR practices, providing insights for corporate decision-making and emphasizing the importance of aligning operations with the UN’s sustainable development goals. The findings serve as critical decision-making tools for investors concerned with corporate sustainability governance and CLRs to identify ethically responsible companies and mitigate investment risks.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Wellbeing, and Innovation Practices in Achieving Sustainable Value Creation)
Open AccessArticle
Exploring the Aesthetic and Functional Aspects of Recycled Furniture in Promoting Sustainable Development: An Applied Approach for Interior Design Students
by
Khaled Al-Saud, Rommel AlAli, Adab M. Al saud, Amira S. Abouelela, Rami Taha Shehab, Dalia Ali Abdel Moneim and Alaa Eldin. M. Hamid
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4003; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104003 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the sustainable aesthetic and functional dimensions of environmental waste in the context of interior design applications by students. Employing both descriptive and applied methodologies, a series of artistic works derived from environmental waste, specifically metal and wood, were
[...] Read more.
This study aimed to explore the sustainable aesthetic and functional dimensions of environmental waste in the context of interior design applications by students. Employing both descriptive and applied methodologies, a series of artistic works derived from environmental waste, specifically metal and wood, were conceptualized and executed by art education students. These works, totaling 11 artistic models in interior design, underwent chemical treatment as part of the process. An evaluation card, assessed by arbitrators, was utilized to gauge the standards of aesthetic and functional sustainability inherent in the artworks. Technical data were collected and subsequently analyzed using SPSS software, which facilitated the calculation of arithmetic averages, standard deviations, and t-tests to ascertain the extent to which sustainability standards were met within the aesthetic and functional dimensions of the works. The study findings indicated that the average response scores for the aesthetic and functional dimensions, pertaining to the achievement of sustainability for wood and metal waste, were notably high. This underscores the potential of producing artful works suitable for interior design applications within the spaces of the College of Education. With an average score of 3.984, students exhibited positive engagement with the aesthetic and functional aspects of their artistic products, indicative of their considerable ethical significance. This augurs well for the feasibility of attaining sustainability through the recycling of wood and metal waste. Furthermore, this research underscores the necessity of integrating aesthetic, environmental, and social values in achieving sustainable aesthetic and functional environmental values within the interior design curriculum. This integration demands a comprehensive understanding of user expectations, technological advancements, and the cultural background, customs, and traditions of both users and society at large.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
The Significance of CSR in the Pursuit of Business Excellence and Competitiveness: Evidence from the Greek Supermarket Industry
by
Zafeiria Masouti, George Tsiotras and Katerina Gotzamani
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4002; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104002 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
A primary management concern when CSR is used as a tool to build business excellence is whether it will result in a discernible influence on the competitiveness of firms. This concern is more pronounced in the hypercompetitive, customer-centric grocery industry. Despite the existing
[...] Read more.
A primary management concern when CSR is used as a tool to build business excellence is whether it will result in a discernible influence on the competitiveness of firms. This concern is more pronounced in the hypercompetitive, customer-centric grocery industry. Despite the existing body of research, no study has combined CSR’s effects on competitiveness and business excellence into a model. The current study proposes and validates a data-driven conceptual model that aims to assess whether the integration of CSR into supermarkets’ (S/Ms’) business excellence practices can enhance their competitiveness. Relationships among the validated constructs were examined using structural equation modeling. Findings indicated that the competitiveness of supermarkets can be enhanced by incorporating CSR into the process of pursuing business excellence, but CSR may be deprioritized in favor of more pressing performance-related issues. Large S/M firms could mentor and advocate for smaller stores and encourage CSR integration through government initiatives.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Enhanced Nitrate Nitrogen Removal from Wastewater Using Modified Reed Straw: Adsorption Performance and Resource Utilization
by
Haodong Zhang, Zhan Yang, Jiawang Tian, Changyi Liu and Zhe Qin
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4001; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104001 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
This paper presents a study on the efficient removal of nitrate nitrogen from wastewater using modified reed straw (MRS) and its subsequent resource utilization. The modification of the reed straw involved the introduction of branching quaternary amine groups to enhance its adsorption capacity
[...] Read more.
This paper presents a study on the efficient removal of nitrate nitrogen from wastewater using modified reed straw (MRS) and its subsequent resource utilization. The modification of the reed straw involved the introduction of branching quaternary amine groups to enhance its adsorption capacity for nitrate nitrogen. Experimental investigations were conducted to analyze the impact of packing height, flow rate, and initial solution concentration on the dynamic adsorption performance of the MRS. The results revealed that the maximum dynamic adsorption capacity of the MRS for nitrate nitrogen reached 14.76 mg/g. Furthermore, valuable nitrate nitrogen nutrient solution was successfully recovered through subsequent desorption experiments for resource recycling. Moreover, the application of the MRS led to notable enhancements in column height, fresh weight, chlorophyll content, and nitrogen content of the treated plants, indicating its efficacy in promoting plant growth. Overall, the findings demonstrate that MRS serves as a versatile adsorbent capable of efficient nitrate nitrogen removal and subsequent resource utilization.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Removal of Hazardous Substances from Water Resources)
Journal Menu
► ▼ Journal Menu-
- Sustainability Home
- Aims & Scope
- Editorial Board
- Reviewer Board
- Topical Advisory Panel
- Instructions for Authors
- Special Issues
- Topics
- Sections & Collections
- Article Processing Charge
- Indexing & Archiving
- Editor’s Choice Articles
- Most Cited & Viewed
- Journal Statistics
- Journal History
- Journal Awards
- Society Collaborations
- Conferences
- Editorial Office
Journal Browser
► ▼ Journal BrowserHighly Accessed Articles
Latest Books
E-Mail Alert
News
9 May 2024
Meet Us at the GEM 2024 Shenzhen: International Workshop on Gravity, Electrical, and Magnetic Methods and Their Applications (GEM), 19–22 May 2024, Shenzhen, China
Meet Us at the GEM 2024 Shenzhen: International Workshop on Gravity, Electrical, and Magnetic Methods and Their Applications (GEM), 19–22 May 2024, Shenzhen, China
9 May 2024
Meet Us at the Centennial Celebration and Congress of the International Union of Soil Sciences, 19–21 May 2024, Florence, Italy
Meet Us at the Centennial Celebration and Congress of the International Union of Soil Sciences, 19–21 May 2024, Florence, Italy
Topics
Topic in
Buildings, Infrastructures, Materials, Smart Cities, Sustainability
Smart Material and Smart Construction Technologies for Urban Development
Topic Editors: Sathees Nava, Kate NguyenDeadline: 14 May 2024
Topic in
Energies, Materials, Processes, Solar, Sustainability
Solar Thermal Energy and Photovoltaic Systems, 2nd Volume
Topic Editors: Pedro Dinis Gaspar, Pedro Dinho da Silva, Luís C. PiresDeadline: 31 May 2024
Topic in
Education Sciences, Entropy, JAL, Societies, Sustainability
Sustainability in Aging and Depopulation Societies
Topic Editors: Shiro Horiuchi, Gregor Wolbring, Takeshi MatsudaDeadline: 15 June 2024
Topic in
Laws, Societies, Sustainability
Cannabis Legalization in the United States: Public Policy, Social Welfare, and Public Health Implications
Topic Editors: Robert Mark Silverman, Kelly PattersonDeadline: 30 June 2024
Conferences
Special Issues
Special Issue in
Sustainability
Sustainable Cities: Analytical Methods for Studying Urban Mobility and Travel Behavior
Guest Editors: Ayşe Özbil, Alice VialardDeadline: 11 May 2024
Special Issue in
Sustainability
Market Potential for Carsharing Services
Guest Editor: Lucia RotarisDeadline: 25 May 2024
Special Issue in
Sustainability
Sustainability and Indoor Environmental Quality
Guest Editors: Mateja Dovjak, Janja Vaupotic, Fumito Maruyama, So FujiyoshiDeadline: 31 May 2024
Special Issue in
Sustainability
Human Behavior, Urban Health and Sustainability
Guest Editors: Hao Wu, Lingbo Liu, Yang YuDeadline: 15 June 2024
Topical Collections
Topical Collection in
Sustainability
Tourism Research and Regional Sciences
Collection Editors: Lóránt Dénes Dávid, Laszlo VASA, Setiawan Priatmoko
Topical Collection in
Sustainability
Mobile Technology, Gamification and Artificial Intelligence to Improve Sustainability in Education
Collection Editors: Eloy López Meneses, Esteban Vázquez-Cano, María Elena Parra-González
Topical Collection in
Sustainability
Urban Planning and Built Environment
Collection Editors: Yupeng Wang, Liyang Fan, Shi-Jie Cao, Xilian Luo
Topical Collection in
Sustainability
Sustainable Soil Management in a Changing Climate
Collection Editors: Georgios Koubouris, José Alfonso Gómez, Luuk Fleskens, Giuseppe Montanaro