Search Results (643)

The bioeconomy has been discussed as a key strategy for addressing sustainability challenges, particularly regarding the transition from fossil-based to bio-based systems, in numerous national and supranational strategies and policy documents related to the bioeconomy. However, public understanding of and engagement with the bioeconomy remains limited. This is partly due to the bias of many bioeconomy strategies and policy documents towards technological solutions that tend to overlook the social, normative, and transformative dimensions of systemic change as well as the necessary knowledge. This opinion paper explores the potential of narratives as a means of communicating bioeconomy research in public policy, with the aim of addressing the communication gap between science, policy, and society. When applied in responsible and nuanced ways that acknowledge their embeddedness and context, bioeconomy (policy) narratives can support sensemaking for science communication, improve public understanding, facilitate stakeholder engagement and behavioural change. We argue that such narrative approaches can help to create narrative ‘boundary objects’ that can support more inclusive and participatory processes, enabling the co-creation of transformative knowledge for bioeconomy transitions with stakeholders as active participants. In summary, we highlight several opportunities, as well as limitations and implications, that could inform future work on bioeconomy narratives. Full article

This study explores how older Chinese migrants in London engage with climate change discourse using participatory co-design workshops. Although already practising sustainability behaviours such as recycling, this group faces significant barriers—particularly language difficulties and cultural differences—that limit their active participation in broader climate initiatives. The research addresses three key aspects: (1) identifying opportunities for sustainable practices within migrants’ daily routines; (2) understanding their influential roles within families and communities; and (3) examining their trusted sources and preferred channels for climate communication. Results highlight that family and community networks, combined with digital platforms (e.g., WeChat) and visually engaging materials, play essential roles in disseminating climate information. Participants expressed strong motivations rooted in intergenerational responsibility and economic benefits. The findings emphasise the necessity of inclusive and peer-led communication strategies that are attuned to older migrants’ linguistic preferences, media habits, and cultural values—underscoring their significant but often overlooked potential to meaningfully contribute to climate action. Full article

Honey has a long cultural tradition in Italy, valued for its sensory properties and health benefits. However, in recent years, the beekeeping sector has faced various challenges due to climate change, biodiversity loss, and economic pressures. Therefore, growing consumer awareness of sustainability, traceability, and ethical aspects is influencing food choices and putting niche-market products, such as honey, in the spotlight. This research analysed data from an online survey of Italian consumers to examine their attitudes toward honey. The analysis focused on the primary drivers of consumer behaviour, the state of sustainability efforts, and the importance of certifications and traceability in influencing preferences. The results showed that, beyond taste and health considerations, Italian consumers expressed a strong sensitivity and awareness of the beekeeping sector’s needs and their high engagement in ethical issues, food quality, safety and certification standards, and environmental protection. These findings provide useful insights for producers and policymakers to promote sustainable beekeeping and enhance consumer trust by implementing targeted communication strategies and certification schemes. Full article

Water utilities are increasingly turning to digital solutions to promote conservation behaviours among households; however, traditional campaigns often suffer from limited personalisation, low interactivity, and modest long-term impact. Though computer-tailored and recommender systems (RSs) may offer personalisation, these systems lack a generalised framework that integrates behavioural theory with system design. This study addresses this research gap by introducing a novel framework that unites behavioural science, user experience (UX) design, and adaptive digital feedback to foster water-conscious practices at the residential level. The model draws on established behavioural theories, including the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the Transtheoretical Model, and Intervention Mapping, to ensure that tailored recommendations align with users’ psychological drivers, behavioural readiness, and daily routines. An industry-first prototype RS was developed and evaluated through an online survey (N = 300), assessing user perceptions of relevance, motivation, ease of use, and likelihood of action. The results reveal strong support for personalised suggestions, with 82% of respondents agreeing that personalised recommendations would help conserve water, and 76% indicating incentives would motivate adoption. This evidence indicates early acceptance and high potential impact. This study also addresses a critical research gap: no generic model previously existed to guide the integration of RSs with behaviour change interventions in water demand management. Broader implications are also discussed for applying the model to other sustainability domains such as energy use, waste reduction, and climate adaptation. Full article

The growth of tourism in coastal destinations has attracted academic attention due to the link between tourists’ motivations and their likelihood of recommending the destination. This study explores changes in tourist motivations, satisfaction, and recommendation behaviours in a coastal destination during the summers of 2019 (pre-COVID-19) and 2020 (during the pandemic). Employing quantitative analysis with Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling, data from 394 pre-pandemic and 468 pandemic-period visitors were analysed. The findings reveal a shift in the tourist profile during the pandemic, with a predominance of younger visitors from nearby regions. Despite heightened uncertainty, satisfaction and the intention to recommend remained relatively high, albeit lower than pre-pandemic levels. The study underscores the importance of adapting marketing and management strategies to evolving tourist preferences, emphasising safety and sustainability in response to global crises. These results highlight the need for resilient policies to ensure positive visitor experiences and long-term growth in coastal tourism, contributing to the broader understanding of how external disruptions impact destination dynamics and tourist behaviour. Full article

The increasing environmental concerns surrounding plastic waste have intensified recycling efforts, particularly in the textile industry, where poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is widely used for sustainable material production. The growing use of recycled PET (rPET) in textiles has prompted the need for reliable analytical methods to detect and quantify rPET content. This study differentiates between virgin and recycled PET by simulating mechanical recycling through five reprocessing cycles of three distinct PET grades, assessing changes in crystalline structure, intrinsic viscosity, molecular weight, and specific degradation markers. Differential Scanning Calorimetry revealed bimodal melting behaviour in reprocessed samples, while intrinsic viscosity and Gel Permeation Chromatography indicated molecular degradation. Notably, the release of dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) and dimethyl isophthalate (DMiP) was consistently observed as a function of degradation. These markers were identified and quantified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography (GC), with GC offering higher sensitivity and lower matrix interference. This study demonstrates that DMT and DMiP are robust chemical indicators of PET degradation and recycled content. This analytical approach, combining thermal, rheological, and chromatographic techniques, provides a scientifically sound and potentially cost-effective basis for traceability systems, certification protocols, and regulatory compliance in sustainable textile production. Full article

This study analyses spatio–temporal trends in groundwater level (GWL) across the Piedmont Po Plain (NW Italy), aiming to assess the impacts of climate change (CC) and human drivers on regional groundwater systems. Data were collected from a network of automated monitoring wells over the period 2010–2022, supported by meteorological records from regional weather stations. Results indicate a widespread decline in GWL, with an average of −4.32 cm/y and a maximum of −16.74 cm/y in the time period observed, particularly in recent years. These trends align with decreasing precipitation patterns observed in the region. However, deviations from this general behaviour are also identified. More specifically, local land use practices—specifically rice field and irrigation—may be artificially maintaining GWL. Moreover, hydrometric level data from the main rivers of the region were analysed to evaluate potential interactions with GWL variations. This comparison showed that, in general, no clear correspondence exists between river level fluctuations and groundwater dynamics, except in cases where monitoring wells are located within 50 m of a river channel. In addition, this study was compared with a previous study on the same area concerning temperature variations in groundwater, which allowed for an understanding of both the qualitative and quantitative impacts of CC on the groundwater in the area. The combined analysis highlights the interplay between CC and anthropogenic influences, emphasising the need for integrated groundwater management strategies that account for both climate variability and land use dynamics. Furthermore, the seasonal analysis of GWL revealed a clear hydrological cycle shaped by irrigation activity. In particular, the occurrence of GWL peaks during summer (irrigation season) confirms the role of irrigation in controlling aquifer behaviour in agricultural areas. The absence of a general correlation with river stage, combined with the occurrence of GWL peaks during summer (irrigation season), confirms that irrigation is the main driver of GWL fluctuations over the study period. This finding is critical for the accurate interpretation of groundwater responses and for developing effective and sustainable water management strategies in intensively cultivated regions. Full article

European cities are increasingly turning to data-driven solutions to tackle the complex challenges of urban mobility, yet many still lack high-resolution, multimodal data to make fact-based interventions. This paper presents the aims and initial findings of large-scale drone-based experiments conducted across five European cities—Athens, Madrid, Mykonos, Limassol, and Helsinki. Designed in close collaboration with local stakeholders, each deployment targeted city-specific objectives ranging from traffic congestion and safety to changing multimodal behaviour. Using GDPR-compliant computer vision techniques, we extracted privacy-preserving trajectory data that reveal detailed insights into flow dynamics, modal interactions, and behavioural patterns. Around 1.5 million trajectories were extracted in total. This paper offers a comparative analysis of findings across contexts and key lessons around stakeholder engagement, operational scalability, and ethical data practices. Our results demonstrate the potential of drone-based mobility monitoring as a powerful, flexible tool for supporting sustainable and inclusive urban transport planning across Europe. Full article

Foundational behaviours across health, education, sanitation, and energy use remain suboptimal in Mbire District, Zimbabwe. This qualitative formative study examined drivers of and barriers to five priority behaviours: birth notification and registration (BNR), exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), early childhood development education (ECDE), open-defecation-free (ODF) practices, and efficient use of energy (EUE). Between 15 January and 30 March 2023, we conducted 15 focus group discussions (n = 180 participants) and 20 key informant interviews (n = 20 participants). Data were thematically analysed in QDA Miner 6 (Cohen’s κ = 0.82). Drivers of positive behaviours included leadership support, peer networks, and radio/village meetings, while barriers included bureaucratic requirements, cultural norms, and financial constraints. We recommend a multi-sectoral Social and Behavioural Change (SBC) approach integrating community events, subsidies, and culturally sensitive communication. These findings provide actionable evidence to inform district-level programming and contribute to achieving Zimbabwe’s national development targets and relevant Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

Background: Road traffic accidents continue to be a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Psychological and behavioural factors play a crucial role in traffic safety and are not yet fully understood. Among these, the relationship between individuals and road rules plays a key role in driving behaviour and risk perception. We introduce and validate the MORDE (Moral Disengagement in Road Driving Evaluation) scale, a novel instrument designed to assess the specific cognitive mechanisms through which drivers morally justify risky or rule-violating behaviours. Methods: The scale was developed and validated through a three-step process involving 1336 licensed drivers. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to test its factorial structure, and internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha. Convergent and predictive validity were assessed using self-reported measures of traffic violations and road safety attitudes. Results: The final 14-item version of the MORDE scale shows a robust two-factor structure: (1) Normative Justification of Transgressive Driving and (2) Attribution of Blame and Displacement of Responsibility. The instrument demonstrates strong internal reliability and significant predictive power for driving behaviours and road safety attitudes, beyond what is explained by general moral disengagement. The MORDE scale thus shows good psychometric properties and incremental validity. Conclusions: By identifying psychological risk factors that contribute to unsafe and unsustainable driving, the MORDE scale provides a validated tool that can support educational interventions, traffic safety campaigns, and behaviour change programs. Its use may contribute to the promotion of a safer, more responsible, and environmentally sustainable road culture. Full article

This study explores reusing discarded industrial polylactic acid (PLA), such as defective parts, scraps and burrs, for food contact applications. Reprocessing of PLA (PLA-RP) was simulated via melt extrusion, and the obtained pellets were characterized in terms of viscosity average molecular weight (M_v), melt flow index (MFI), the presence of non-intentionally added substances (NIASs) and the absence of metals to ensure that no substances exceeded the specific migration limits (SMLs). A slight reduction in the M_v, accompanied by an increase in the MFI, was observed in PLA-RP. In virgin PLA, fewer compounds were detected, likely related to residual additives. A higher variety and concentration of volatile and non-listed compounds were observed in reprocessed PLA (PLA-RP), with three exceeding their assigned Cramer class thresholds, requiring further evaluation. Most identified substances were typically linked to thermal degradation or potential additives for reprocessing. In both the virgin and reprocessed materials, all substances with SMLs remained below applicable thresholds, including trace metals. The PLA-RP was further processed into films by means of a compression moulding process. The structure, mechanical behaviour, thermal stability and water vapor transmission rate were comparable to those of virgin PLA, indicating no significant changes. The overall migration level tested in a fatty food simulant remained below regulatory limits. The materials fully disintegrated under laboratory-scale composting conditions in less than 3 weeks. Thus, reprocessed PLA shows great potential as a non-migrating material of interest in the sustainable food packaging field. Full article

The article explores how pro-environmental action relates to knowledge processes and fosters transformative changes in vulnerable settings. Drawing on eleven pro-environmental initiatives in five countries (Bulgaria, Hungary, Portugal, Romania and Türkiye), the study focuses on locally embedded actions responding to environmental threats, biodiversity loss and traditional practices. Based on 71 semi-structured interviews with citizens, we captured how environmental stewardship is shaped through lived experience, situated knowledge and shifting roles of actors under variable, often adverse governance conditions. We found that knowledge emerges as a co-produced and relational process, blending scientific, traditional, experiential and process-related knowledge. This supports participation and legitimacy and enables transformative (or behavioural) change. Transformative outcomes appear as behavioural shifts, self-empowerment, increased community agency and broader societal signals evolving from participation. The article contributes to the debate on sustainability transformation as it showcases potentially uncharted factors in current sustainability transition studies, i.e., emotional, political and relational dimensions of local pro-environmental actions in vulnerable settings. Even if systemic conditions limit transformative processes, this practical knowledge might be scaled up or adapted to other local or regional contexts to confront dominant socio-economic models and propose more inclusive, just and sustainable alternatives. Full article

Cities are significant contributors to climate change, environmental degradation, and resource depletion. To address these challenges, sustainable strategies in building design, construction, and management are essential, and digitalisation through the integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can enable it. However, the environmental benefits of BIM–LCA integration remain underexplored, limiting broader practical adoption. This study systematically reviews 80 case studies (2015–2025) to assess how recent applications address known barriers and to identify enablers of successful BIM–LCA workflows. The analysis highlights a growing alignment between technological, regulatory, and methodological advancements and practical implementation needs, especially as technical barriers are increasingly overcome. Nevertheless, systemic challenges related to institutional, behavioural, and socio-economic factors persist. From a stakeholder perspective, four thematic drivers were identified: material circularity and resource efficiency; integration with complementary assessment tools; energy-performance strategies for comfort and efficiency; and alignment with international certification systems. The study offers a stakeholder-oriented framework that demonstrates the multi-level value of BIM–LCA integration not only for environmental impact assessment but to support informed decision-making and reduce resource consumption. These insights aim to bridge the gap between academic research and practical implementation, contributing to the advancement of sustainable practices in the built environment. Full article

Against the backdrop of rapid digitization of cultural heritage, assessing the public’s genuine perception of digital heritage has become a critical issue in the study of cultural sustainability and communication. This study takes the “Digital Dunhuang Museum” exhibition in Guangzhou as a case, focusing on the differences and underlying mechanisms in public aesthetic perception of digital Dunhuang murals. Integrating eye-tracking experiments, subjective image evaluations, and semi-structured interviews, the research innovatively introduces multimodal visual behaviour and physiological data as core indicators in the field of digital cultural heritage. It systematically compares the explicit attitudes and implicit responses of audiences with different artistic backgrounds during the aesthetic perception process. The results reveal that participants with an art-related background show significantly higher scores in subjective dimensions such as pleasure, attraction, and visiting intention. They also demonstrate stronger visual engagement and emotional arousal in physiological dimensions, including the number of fixations, total fixation duration, and pupil diameter changes. This study constructs a mechanism of aesthetic perception for digital cultural heritage based on “visual attention–cognitive processing–emotional arousal”, enriching the public’s understanding of digital cultural heritage conservation and communication from both cognitive and emotional perspectives. The findings provide empirical support for the design of digital exhibitions of cultural heritage and expand the methodological and cognitive approaches in cultural sustainability research, offering important theoretical and practical implications. Full article

This paper investigates the associations between urban form, neighbourhood characteristics, socioeconomic factors and commuting mode choice and neighbourhood-level active travel (walking and cycling) in Windhoek, Namibia. Despite growing interest in sustainable mobility, limited research has examined these relationships in medium-sized African cities, particularly in distinguishing between commuting and neighbourhood travel behaviour. To address this gap, the study explores three interrelated research questions: (1) In what ways are urban form, accessibility, and socioeconomic factors associated with residents’ choices between motorised and non-motorised commuting modes? (2) What factors determine the propensity of cycling within neighbourhoods? (3) How are similar factors associated with walking propensity at the neighbourhood level? Using survey data from 1000 residents across nine constituencies and spatial analysis through GIS, the study applies binary logistic and multiple linear regression models to analyse commuting and local travel patterns. The findings show that commuting mode choice is significantly associated with socioeconomic status, car ownership, commuting time, and urban sprawl around homes, all of which reduce the likelihood of walking or cycling. Neighbourhood walking, in contrast, is largely driven by necessity in underserved, high-density areas and is positively associated with population density, perceived safety, and community belonging but constrained by inadequate infrastructure and car access. Cycling, though less frequent, is associated with perceived security, access to local amenities, and cycling competence, while negatively constrained by inexperience and cultural norms. The study concludes that fragmented urban form and socioeconomic disparities reinforce mobility exclusion and calls for equity-oriented transport planning that integrates infrastructure and behavioural change. Full article