Search Results (12,083)

A design science framework integrates sustainability into business development across sectors. The framework embeds sustainability, reflected in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions, within a structured process that links drivers, evaluation components, and outcome indicators. Six principles guide its structure: clarity, integration, adaptability, stakeholder engagement, performance feedback, and scoring consistency. Researchers applied the framework in energy, engineering, and agribusiness cases. Case results show how the framework improves opportunity selection, identifies capability gaps, strengthens prioritization, and structures stakeholder input without adding complexity. Findings confirm that incorporating sustainability factors during the initial stage of business development changes decision patterns, aligns projects with long-term goals, and increases transparency in portfolio planning. This design science approach moves sustainability and its ESG dimensions from a reporting concern to a central element of strategic evaluation and growth planning. Organizations gain a practical structure to align opportunity development with resilience, learning capacity, and sustainability outcomes. In addition, the framework provides a foundation for adaptation, digital tool development, and longitudinal feedback cycles as firms integrate sustainability and ESG dimensions within uncertain policy, market, and stakeholder environments. Full article

As the transformative influence of novel technologies sweeps across industries, organisations are called upon to position their staff in the equally dynamic operational environment, which includes embedding technical and legal communication skills in their training programs. For many organisations, internal and external communication of data modelling and related concepts, reporting, and monitoring still pose major challenges. The aim of this research is to develop an effective data training framework for learners with or without mathematical or computational maturity. It also addresses subtle aspects such as the legal and ethical implications of dealing with organisational data. Data was collected from a training course in Python, delivered to government employees in different departments in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A structured questionnaire was designed to measure the effectiveness of the training program using Python, from the employees’ perspective, based on three key attributes: their personal characteristics, professional characteristics, and technical knowledge. A descriptive analysis of aggregations, deviations, and proportions was used to describe the data attributes gathered for the study. The main findings revealed a huge knowledge gap across disciplines regarding the core skills of big data analytics. In addition, the findings highlighted that previous knowledge about statistical methods of data analysis along with prior programming knowledge made it easier for employees to gain skills in data analytics. While the results of this study showed that their training program was beneficial for the vast majority of participants, responses from the survey indicate that providing a solid knowledge of technical communication, legal and ethical aspects would offer significant insights into the big data analytics field. Based on the findings, we make recommendations for adapting conventional data analytics approaches to align with the complexity or the attainment of the non-orthogonal United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Associations of selected responses from the survey with some of the key data attributes indicate that the research highlights vital roles that technology and data-driven skills will play in ensuring a more prosperous and sustainable future for all. Full article

Contract manufacturing is a pivotal strategy for brand owners, yet small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies struggle to evolve beyond transactional roles into sustainable strategic partners. This study addresses this gap by empirically validating and refining the Mahove–Matope Sustainable Contract Manufacturing Company Maturity Model (SCMC-MM), a novel framework designed to guide SMEs through a holistic transformation. Through a seven-month longitudinal case study grounded in design science research approach within a South African food manufacturing SME, the model was implemented and evaluated using structured assessments, in-depth interviews, and longitudinal operational data. The application catalysed a system-wide transformation, yielding significant results, including a 133% increase in revenue, ISO 22000 certification, and perfect delivery reliability. Furthermore, the study theoretically refines the framework by identifying and incorporating novel critical success factors for contract manufacturing companies, such as industrial clustering and transformational leadership. The results demonstrate that the SCMC-MM offers a practical, actionable, and scalable tool for building resilient supply chain partnerships. It provides a structured pathway for SMEs to achieve simultaneous gains in economic performance, social equity through enhanced workforce capability and ethical practices, and environmental stewardship via formalised safety, health, and environmental and risk management systems, thereby contributing directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8 and 9 in emerging markets. Full article

Sandstone quarrying in Lekokoaneng contributes to both local and national economic development, yet it raises concerns about environmental degradation and community livelihoods. Using a mixed-methods design framed by the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF) and the Sustainable Development Theory (SDT), 203 households were surveyed across five buffer zones (0–1000 m) around the formal quarry site in Lekokoaneng, Berea District, Lesotho. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis and were transformed into quantifiable categories. Quarrying generated employment and small-business opportunities concentrated within 0–600 m of the site, alongside elevated reports of dust, soil degradation and water contamination that undermined agriculture and health. Households nearest the quarry reported the highest income benefits (e.g., 35% via employment) but also the greatest environmental burdens. Households furthest away reported fewer risks but also limited economic gain. Thematic analysis yielded four domains: Socio-Economic Empowerment, Livelihood Vulnerability, Health and Safety Risks, and Environmental Degradation and Control. Integrating SLF and SDT shows quarrying as a double-edged livelihood system with short-term financial gains that coincide with erosion of natural, human and social capitals. Targeted environmental safeguards, labour formalisation and community-inclusive governance are essential to realign quarrying with resilience and sustainability goals. Full article

Over the 21st century, the confluence between engineering and universal accessibility has emerged as a key research domain, reflecting the growing awareness of the importance of inclusive layout in technological innovation. Despite the growing number of studies on sustainability and inclusion, there is still a lack of comprehensive analyses exploring how engineering contributes to universal accessibility within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This study addresses this gap by providing the first large-scale mapping of research trends, collaborations, and thematic evolution in this field. The present bibliometric analysis examines the evolution of engineering research in relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, stressing its role in encouraging universal accessibility. Through a systematic review of scholarly works produced over the last twenty years, this study uncovers dominant issues, evolving research fronts, and the global relevance of engineering-based approaches to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities. Analyzing citation dynamics, publication trajectories, and institutional involvement, this study underlines the contribution of engineering to building inclusive societies and ensuring equitable access to technology and infrastructure. Discoveries underscore that cross-sector collaboration and technological innovation are essential to overcoming accessibility challenges among disfavored populations, directly advancing SDG 10 on reducing disparities and SDG 11 on sustainable urban development. Full article

Enhancing Total Factor Energy Efficiency (TFEE) is pivotal for achieving China’s “dual carbon” goals and navigating the global challenge of sustainable development. The Digital Economy (DE) serves as a significant driver of TFEE improvement. However, China’s rapid industrialization has exacerbated energy insecurity and environmental degradation, highlighting the need to explore how the DE can address these challenges through biased technological progress. Building on panel data from 282 prefecture-level cities in China (2011–2022), this study employs the theory of biased technological progress to empirically examine the impact of the DE on TFEE from dual perspectives: skill-biased versus task-biased technological change. The findings reveal that the DE significantly enhances TFEE, a conclusion robust to rigorous testing and endogeneity controls; the DE primarily promotes TFEE through facilitating human capital and industrial transformation; the positive effect of the DE on TFEE is particularly pronounced in eastern and western regions, as well as in areas exhibiting moderate energy dependence; and the DE not only elevates local TFEE but also generates positive spatial spillover effects that significantly improve TFEE in neighboring regions. This study provides a framework for leveraging digitalization to enhance TFEE, with implications for policy design in developing countries pursuing sustainable transitions. Full article

Early prediction of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) yield is essential for improving productivity in tropical agricultural systems. In this study, we integrated canopy structural metrics obtained with the Tracing Radiation and Architecture of Canopies (TRAC) system, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based multispectral measurements (normalized difference vegetation index—NDVI, projected canopy area), and phenological variables collected from stages R6 to R8 under non-limiting nitrogen conditions. Exploratory analyses (correlation, variance inflation factors—VIF), dimensionality reduction (principal component analysis—PCA), and regularized regression (Elastic Net/LASSO), combined with bootstrap stability selection, were applied to identify a parsimonious subset of robust predictors. The final model, composed of six variables, explained approximately 72% of the variability in plant-level grain yield, with acceptable errors (RMSE ≈ 10.67 g; MAE ≈ 7.91 g). The results demonstrate that combining early vigor, radiation interception, and canopy architecture provides complementary information beyond simple spectral indices. This non-destructive framework delivers an efficient model for early yield estimation and supports site-specific management decisions in common bean with high spatial resolution. By enhancing input-use efficiency and reducing waste, this approach contributes to sustainable development and aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for climate-resilient agriculture. Full article

Against the backdrop of urban stock development worldwide, resident-led urban regeneration and in-situ demolition-and-reconstruction models are crucial for advancing sustainable urban regeneration. However, these initiatives often stall due to collective action dilemmas arising from complex interactions among governments, residents, and contractors. To address this, we develop a tripartite evolutionary game model that incorporates a novel multi-dimensional policy lever system. This system integrates the following: (1) resource-allocation levers (area-expansion coefficient, w; expansion benefit-sharing coefficient, v), (2) cost-sharing levers (expansion-purchase coefficient, p; original-area reconstruction payment coefficient, q), and (3) behavioral-intervention levers (cost-burden perception coefficient, e; accident-risk perception coefficient, d), the latter quantifying behavioral economics principles like loss aversion and probability weighting. Through numerical simulations, we identify the nonlinear effects, critical thresholds, and interaction mechanisms of these levers. The results demonstrate that resource-allocation and cost-sharing levers exhibit critical ranges, whereas behavioral-intervention levers are characterized by perception thresholds and saturation effects. Crucially, coordinated optimization of all parameters—rather than one-sided incentives—is essential to steer the system towards the ideal cooperative equilibrium (government guidance, contractor participation, and resident engagement). This study provides a systematic theoretical framework and practical pathway for crafting targeted urban regeneration policies, emphasizing that aligning economic incentives with behavioral interventions can simultaneously enhance compactness, feasibility, and equity, thereby contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 11. Full article

The global spread of glyphosate (GLY) via agricultural runoff poses a significant threat to ecosystems, human health, and the environment, underscoring the need for sustainable agricultural practices. A comprehensive study on glyphosate contamination in runoff water, flowing surface waters, groundwater-influenced, and stagnant water samples was conducted from 2019 to 2021, across a diverse range of landscape types and environmental zones. This research constitutes a novel contribution to the field, focused on several distinct regions, including agricultural regions, tourist zones, and ecologically sensitive areas, including the Beka Natura Reserve, Natura 2000 sites and the Coastal Landscape Park in Poland. Glyphosate residues, with a maximum concentration range of 43.0–8406 ng/L, were detected in 63.5% of water samples collected from protected and unprotected areas. Glyphosate concentrations in water at high-tourism areas were highest in runoff samples from recreational and protected areas, including the Czarna Wda River in Ostrowo (512 ± 9.91 ng/L). Investigated water samples showed target hazard quotient values for glyphosate < 1, indicating no human health risk, and risk quotient values for GLY < 0.1, indicating a low ecotoxicological risk. The presented study is aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, aiming to contribute to global sustainability goals. Full article

Clean air is listed by the United Nations under several Sustainable Development Goals. Particulate matter (PM_2.5) and ground-level ozone (O₃) are pollutants with severe public health and environmental impacts. In China, multiple fine-scale datasets integrating ground monitors, satellites, and chemical transport models have been developed to estimate PM_2.5 and O₃ concentrations, but differences between the fine-scale datasets complicate applications in exposure and policy research. This study presents the first systematic intercomparison of five PM_2.5 datasets (V5.GL.03, Ma et al. 2021, Huang et al. 2021, CHAP, TAP) and two O₃ datasets (CHAP, TAP) from 2014 to 2023, evaluated against ground-based observations at national, regional, and provincial levels. We present both operational (single time point) and dynamic (change over time) evaluations to understand how model results compare with observations for each year, and quantify the performances of the models in assessing long term changes in air quality. Results show nationwide declines in PM_2.5 (by 22.1 µgm⁻³; regional range: 8.4–30.1 µgm⁻³) and O₃ (by 28.5 µgm⁻³; regional range: 19.3–34.3 µgm⁻³). Operational and dynamic evaluation shows that CHAP consistently has higher R² (greater than 0.7 in all regions) and lower errors (less than 3.7 µgm⁻³ in all regions) compared to other datasets across most years and regions for PM_2.5. The same is true for TAP for O₃ (R² greater than 0.3 and ME less than 28.6 µgm⁻³ in all regions). However, the model performances vary spatially and temporally in alignment with several factors ranging from the number of observational monitors in a location, to recent changes in pollutant concentration levels, to extreme meteorological conditions. For example, higher predictive errors (>3.6 µgm⁻³) in operational evaluations are observed in all datasets for PM_2.5 in the sparsely monitored northwest region. Similarly, we find higher errors (ME > 28.5 µgm⁻³) in all O₃ datasets in the densely populated northern region, especially in the heavily industrialized Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) area. Full article

The integration of electric railways with renewable energy sources is crucial for advancing sustainable transportation and building clean, low-carbon, and efficient energy systems in alignment with global sustainable development goals. However, the application of photovoltaic (PV) integration into railway traction power supply systems may exacerbate resonance phenomena between electric locomotives and the traction network. It is therefore necessary to study the impedance frequency characteristics (IFCs) of traction networks to minimize harmonic resonance overvoltage. In this paper, a harmonic impedance model of the sustainable traction power supply system (STPSS) is established, and an impedance analysis method is adopted to reveal the influence law of grid-connected PV inverters on the IFCs of STPSSs. Additionally, to improve the stability of STPSSs, a multi-parameter co-tuning method based on an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed. This method constructs a multi-objective function that includes resonance frequency, impedance magnitude, and filtering cost, thereby realizing the automatic optimization of the control parameters and filtering parameters of PV inverters. The results demonstrate a 56% reduction in the maximum impedance magnitude within the 0–5 kHz frequency range and a 10.8% cost reduction in the LCL filter implementation, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed optimization model. Results show that the maximum impedance magnitude of the optimized system in the frequency range of 0–5 kHz can be reduced by 56%. Moreover, the cost of LCL filters can be reduced by 10.8% through component value optimization. These findings validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Full article

Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) constitutes a critical process in petroleum refining, facing increasing pressure to align with sustainable development goals by improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. This study tackles a multi-objective optimization challenge in FCC operations, seeking to simultaneously maximize the gasoline production and minimize the coke yield—the latter being directly linked to $\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{O}}_2$ emissions in FCC. A data-driven optimization model leveraging a dual Long Short-Term Memory architecture is developed to capture complex relationships between operating variables and product yields. To efficiently solve the model, an Improved Multi-Objective Whale Optimization Algorithm (IMOWOA) is proposed, integrating problem-specific adaptive multi-neighborhood search and dynamic restart mechanisms. Extensive experimental evaluations demonstrate that IMOWOA achieves superior convergence characteristics and comprehensive performance compared to established multi-objective algorithms. Relative to the yields before optimization, the proposed methodology increases the gasoline yield by 0.32% on average, coupled with an average reduction of 0.11% in the coke yield. For the studied FCC unit with an annual processing capacity of 2.6 million tons, the coke reduction corresponds to an annual $\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{O}}_2$ emission reduction of approximately 10,277 tons, delivering benefits to sustainable FCC operations. Full article

As global urbanization accelerates, cities increasingly shape economic growth and environmental outcomes, making sustainable urban and transport planning critical. Sustainable city branding (SCB) is emerging as a strategic tool that not only enhances a city’s global competitiveness but actively drives urban sustainability by integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the direct link between SCB and transport planning remains largely unexplored, limiting actionable policy. This study introduces a novel conceptual framework connecting SCB with transport planning, positioning public transportation as a key lever for sustainable urban development. It identifies core interactions between city branding and sustainable mobility, proposes methodologies to evaluate SCB effectiveness, and addresses potential risks, challenges, and research gaps. A policy roadmap for decision-makers based on the framework is outlined. This roadmap is structured into three phases spanning a five-year program. In Phase 1, cities should lay the foundation by integrating SCB into municipal transport and sustainability plans and establishing measurable indicators aligned with the SDGs. Phase 2 focuses on engagement and experimentation, encouraging the creation of participatory branding platforms and the implementation of pilot projects, such as green mobility corridors or climate-resilient transit hubs. Finally, Phase 3 emphasizes monitoring and scaling, utilizing digital technologies for real-time tracking, evaluating pilot outcomes, and expanding successful initiatives based on key performance indicators, including ridership growth, carbon reduction, and citizen engagement. By linking SCB explicitly to transport planning and providing a concrete roadmap, this study offers a unique contribution to both urban sustainability research and practical policy-making, enabling cities to simultaneously strengthen their brand, enhance mobility, and achieve measurable sustainability outcomes. Full article

Floating and offshore photovoltaic (FPV) installations present a promising solution for addressing land-use conflicts while enhancing renewable energy production. With an estimated global offshore PV potential of 4000 GW, FPV systems offer unique advantages, such as increased efficiency due to water cooling effects and synergy with other offshore technologies. However, challenges related to installation costs, durability, environmental impacts, and regulatory gaps remain. This review provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of FPV advancements, focusing on inland, nearshore, and offshore applications. A systematic evaluation of recent studies is conducted to assess technological innovations, including material improvements, mooring strategies, and integration with hybrid energy systems. Furthermore, the economic feasibility of FPVs is analysed, highlighting cost–benefit trade-offs, financing strategies, and policy frameworks necessary for large-scale deployment. Environmental concerns, such as biofouling, wave-induced stress, and impacts on aquatic ecosystems, are also examined. The findings indicate that while FPV technology has demonstrated significant potential in enhancing solar energy yield and water conservation, its scalability is hindered by high capital costs and the absence of standardised regulations. Future research should focus on developing robust offshore floating photovoltaic (OFPV) designs, optimising material durability, and establishing regulatory guidelines to facilitate widespread adoption. By addressing these challenges, FPVs can play a critical role in achieving global climate goals and accelerating the transition to sustainable energy systems. Full article

The construction industry is one of the most resource-intensive and environmentally impactful sectors, responsible for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, over one-third of energy consumption, and a significant share of raw material depletion. These figures underscore the urgent need to transform conventional approaches to project delivery and resource management. Integrating construction management with environmental engineering offers a comprehensive pathway to enhance efficiency, mitigate environmental pressures, and align the sector with international sustainability commitments. This paper presents a systematic review of peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2025 to evaluate sustainable practices that connect these two domains. The review focuses on five thematic areas: project delivery and management strategies with sustainability goals, environmental engineering tools such as pollution control and life cycle assessment, green certification frameworks, waste reduction and circular economy practices, and the integration of emerging digital and material technologies. Together, these areas illustrate how managerial systems and engineering solutions can jointly foster sustainable outcomes. The review indicates notable progress in fields such as green certification adoption, the use of Building Information Modeling for resource efficiency, and advanced recycling technologies. However, persistent challenges remain. These include the uneven uptake of sustainable practices between developed and developing economies, limited application of digital innovations such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, and insufficient policy coordination to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By synthesizing dispersed insights across disciplines, this review contributes an integrated perspective that clarifies current achievements, highlights unresolved gaps, and suggests directions for future research and practice. The analysis is intended to support policymakers, industry professionals, and scholars in accelerating the transition toward a more resource-efficient and environmentally responsible construction sector. Full article