Search Results (19)

Sustainability within the rice and wheat supply chain is integral to attaining the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as they are the two most consumed grains as food. Rice and wheat cultivation significantly impacts the environment, with the agricultural sector employing 27% of the global workforce and contributing 4% to the world’s GDP, thereby affecting social and economic sustainability. Developing a sustainability index for the wheat and rice supply chain is a complex endeavor, as it depends on various factors such as the location of growers, farming methods, the target audience, and the stakeholders involved. This index must be derived from an optimal selection of indicators to avoid information overload while covering all essential sustainability aspects. There are different methods, such as life cycle assessment, energy analysis, ecological footprint, and carbon footprint, being used to assess sustainability, with indicator-based assessment emerging as a comprehensive approach. This study utilised the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) to identify optimal sustainability indicators in the wheat and rice supply chain. A systematic literature review was initially conducted, followed by an expert opinion survey to determine the required indicators. The literature review unveiled a wide array of indicators used across studies, often contingent on each study’s specific objectives. While some consistency existed in environmental indicators, discussions on social and economic dimensions within the wheat and rice supply chain were limited. Analysis of the expert opinion survey revealed a consensus on most selected indicators, albeit with variations based on experts’ geographical locations. The final set of optimal indicators identified can serve as a foundation for developing a sustainability index, implementing a sustainability information management system, and formulating policy initiatives in the rice and wheat supply chain. Full article

This study investigates sustainable competitiveness in the wine industry using Romania and Portugal as comparative case studies within the conceptual frameworks of Industry 5.0 and the Triple Bottom Line (TBL). While sustainability, robotics, and performance indicators are explored directionally, the core empirical contribution focuses on evaluating key wine industry metrics and their impact on export value. Using data from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) and the World Trade Map, we perform a one-way ANOVA to examine differences between the two countries across five variables: vineyard area, wine production volume, grape production, consumption, and export value. The results reveal statistically significant differences in all indicators except vineyard area, with Portugal significantly outperforming Romania in production, consumption, and exports (p < 0.001). To assess the drivers of export performance, we construct a Structural Equation Model (SEM) using SmartPLS. The model confirms that wine production volume and domestic consumption are the strongest positive predictors of export value (loading factors 1.003 and 0.909, respectively), while vineyard area has minimal influence. The model exhibits strong fit indices (e.g., SRMR = 0.009; NFI = 0.971), supporting the robustness of the results. The findings suggest that internal market strength and production efficiency, rather than land size, are critical for export competitiveness. Romania can enhance its performance by aligning production strategies with TBL principles and selectively adopting Industry 5.0 technologies in viticulture. Full article

With the rapid growth of the electric vehicle market, the importance of the user experience and product sustainability requirements for intelligent charging stations has become increasingly significant. However, accurately capturing the complex associations between design features and sustainability elements remains challenging. Therefore, this study aims to balance user needs and environmental standards in designing smart charging piles, ensuring adherence to symmetry principles. This balance addresses the growing demand for personalization and ensures sustainability. In this paper, the semiotic approach to product construction (SAPAD) model is introduced to analyze the user behavioral process in depth and clarify the core needs of users. Subsequently, these core needs are translated into specific technical requirements for products, and a correlation matrix linking user needs with product technical requirements is constructed using fuzzy quality function deployment (FQFD) to identify design features that fulfill the user requirements. The sustainability factors are then comprehensively evaluated and prioritized based on three dimensions: economic, environmental, and social, i.e., the triple bottom line (TBL). Furthermore, a mapping matrix is developed to connect the design features and sustainability factors, which is combined with the particle swarm optimization–random forest (PSO-RF) algorithm to predict the sustainability factors associated with design features that meet users’ needs. The number of branches m and the maximum depth d of the random forest (RF) algorithm are optimized using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method. The results indicate that the SAPAD-FQFD model effectively identifies the user needs and relevant product design features. In contrast, the PSO-RF model adeptly manages the nonlinear relationships between charging pile design features and various sustainability factors, e.g., aesthetics and material selection, ensuring that the intelligent charging pile meets users’ core needs in terms of form and function, while embodying the principles of design symmetry. This integrated approach effectively bridges the gap between user needs analysis and product functional design, ensuring the sustainability of the design solution. This study contributes a sustainable framework for the development and design of smart charging piles and related products, further promoting the adoption of green design principles and symmetry design concepts within the supporting infrastructure of new energy vehicles. Full article

The ability of closed-loop supply chains (CLSC) and reverse logistics (RL) to improve the triple bottom line (economic, social and environmental values) has increased the development of design and management models for CLSCs and RL. Consequently, there exists an extensive body of literature dedicated to exploring these supply and logistics issues. This paper reviews recent and relevant literature on CLSC and RL with an emphasis on uncertainty, carbon emissions, greenness index, return product quality and reliability considerations. The selected references are organized, reviewed, and analyzed to establish valuable mapping to highlight major findings. Finally, the outcomes are synthesized, and the primary research gaps are emphasized, pointing toward potential avenues for future investigation. These findings reveal that research efforts must be directed towards the development of multi-criteria greenness indices and multi-objective robust optimization models for uncertain quality and reliability of returns. Full article

Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) can fully use forest resources and improve the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of forest areas. Forestry enterprises play a crucial role in the implementation of SFM. However, the previous literature on SFM pays little attention to the subject of forestry enterprises. This paper aims to extend research on SFM from a macro perspective to the micro level of forestry enterprises. Taking the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) as a theoretical framework and the Montreal Process Criteria and Indicators (MP C&Is) as a basis, this paper constructs an indicator system to evaluate the performance of SFM of forestry enterprises from economic, social, and environmental aspects. Then, we apply the hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods, i.e., the Best–Worst Method (BWM) and the VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method, to construct the methodological system for SFM performance evaluation of forestry enterprises. Through a questionnaire survey of 68 academics and researchers, we determine the weights of the SFM indicators and select a representative forestry enterprise as a case study. The effectiveness of this SFM performance evaluation model is then demonstrated through its application to the case study of forestry enterprises in China. Through the application of the model, this paper evaluates the enterprise’s SFM performance over the five-year period 2017–2021 and proposes appropriate policy recommendations and improvements. It is found that environmental factors are the primary factors of SFM in forestry enterprises. Forestry enterprises should not only pay attention to economic benefits but also to the use of forest resources and the protection of forest ecosystems to better achieve SFM. Full article

This review summarizes the methods and approaches for quantifying the sustainability performance of roads based on the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) concept. Furthermore, research gaps and challenges in the sustainability assessment of roads are identified. While prior studies explored the environmental and economic dimensions, no comprehensive overview of holistic sustainability assessment of roads exists. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to identify relevant studies. Two assessment approaches were identified: (1) life-cycle-based approaches and (2) sustainability rating systems (SRS). Most of the reviewed studies applied life-cycle-based methods, such as Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment or a combination of Life Cycle Assessment, Life Cycle Costing, and selected social indicators. Heterogeneity in functional units was observed, with most studies opting for a dimension-based instead of a function-based reference. There was high variability regarding the life cycle stages, indicators, and impact assessment methods. Concerning the interpretation methods, most studies calculated a sustainability index or applied Multi-Criteria Decision-Making methods. The SRS presented a similar structure with different levels of aggregation. Furthermore, aspects such as planning, leadership, innovation, and construction activities were addressed. The results of this SLR contribute to expanding the knowledge regarding road sustainability and provide insight into common frameworks, guidelines, and best practices for the sustainability assessment of roads and pavements. Full article

Developing more sustainable business models (BMs) has become increasingly crucial for the survival of agri-food industries as environmental and social pressures are escalating, and the fruit and vegetable (F&V) industry is no exception to this pattern. However, sustainable business modelling is still poorly understood despite its importance to managers, scientists, and policymakers confronting the complexities of business environment changes. The purpose of this research was to explore new approaches for the transition toward more sustainable BMs in the Spanish F&V industry. We used the Triple Layered Business Model Canvas (TLBMC) methodological framework and data gathered from different sources to elucidate how sustainability concerns are integrated in BMs for F&V in a way that can deliver value on a triple bottom line of economic profit, environmental protection, and social fairness. The study focuses first on the F&V sector as a whole and then on a selected Spanish F&V company taken as functional units of analysis, respectively. Results indicate that, overall, sustainability goals can be represented appropriately within the TLBMC framework both at sector and company level, allowing guidance of the creative process of communicating and implementing business model (BM) improvements. This is despite the challenges encountered in terms of complexity of the F&V industry and the limited data for several areas, especially in the environmental and social layers. The sectoral perspective helps to portray the whole picture of the impacts associated with sustainable F&V production and marketing, which is a prior step that supports companies to embed sustainability concerns in their business system. New BMs can be generated by innovating strategically in a series of domains to improve F&V value propositions in terms of sustainability targets. Full article

Brazil is one of the world’s biggest beef producers and its largest exporter. However, beef cattle ranching is a leading cause of deforestation and habitat conversion in the Brazilian Amazon, which challenges sustainable development. We adopted the triple bottom line (TBL) as a guiding theory of sustainability and assumed the necessity of a production system-specific approach. Based on an integrative literature analysis, we aimed to assess sustainability pillars in beef cattle production. The Web of Science, Scopus and Science Direct databases were searched for studies on mitigating the adverse impacts of beef cattle production before the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. We found 108 references in these databases, 46 of which met the criteria for eligibility assessment, and ten studies were selected for textual cluster analysis and thematic synthesis. The review shows emergent research themes on sustainability in beef cattle production. It also elaborates a conceptual model of the sustainability pillars in the technique, science, and social aspects of the beef cattle sector that may guide the managerial and political strategies for the beef cattle supply chain in Brazil and other emerging markets. This study indicates that sustainable beef cattle development requires new digital technologies and ideas about sustainable supply chain management, which provides human, environmental, and animal welfare. Full article

Green buildings can effectively alleviate energy scarcity and improve environmental quality, and are becoming the mainstream mode of transformation and upgrading of the construction industry. It is given great importance by all sectors of society committed to implementing the “carbon peak” and “carbon neutral” goals earnestly. However, the unclear comprehensive benefits of green buildings restrict their development in China. The existing studies tend to be limited to a single aspect, such as economic benefits or environmental benefits. The purpose of this study is to establish a more systematic and complete evaluation system for green buildings’ comprehensive benefits. It can increase the consideration of the impact of social and cultural benefits, along with the first two benefits. Firstly, by also considering the triple bottom line principle and benefit principle, four primary indicators and twenty secondary indicators were selected to establish a comprehensive benefit evaluation system for green buildings. Secondly, an improved AHP–FCE method was adopted to determine the weights of each secondary indicator. Finally, the feasibility of the evaluation system was verified through a case study, and some suggestions for improving the comprehensive benefits of green buildings were put forward. Full article

At present, coal enterprises generally have inadequate environmental protection, serious social issues, and poor corporate governance. Against the background of sustainable development strategies and the “carbon peaking” and “carbon neutrality” targets, there is an urgent need to conduct a performance evaluation of the sustainable development of coal enterprises. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance is the foundation and booster of sustainable and high−quality development of coal enterprises. It is a typical application of sustainable development and performance evaluation theory to carry out ESG−led performance evaluation and case research of coal enterprises. Therefore, in this paper, we construct the model framework of ESG–grounded theory–entropy method–cloud model to research the performance evaluation of coal enterprises under the guidance of sustainable development from the dimensions of theoretical optimization and case analysis. The model framework includes the factor structure model, performance evaluation index system, index weighting model, and performance evaluation model. First, on the basis of the theory of ESG and triple bottom line, the finance–environment–society–governance (FESG) structural dimension model of coal enterprise performance evaluation was extracted through the three-level coding of grounded theory (GT). On this basis, the performance evaluation index system from the perspective of sustainable development was constructed. Second, on the basis of the entropy method (EM), the weight model of the coal enterprise performance evaluation index was constructed to determine the weight of indexes at all levels. Third, the performance evaluation model was constructed on the basis of the cloud model (CM), and the principles and methods of “dividing index grade, normalizing index grade, calculating index grade membership degree, and evaluating enterprise performance grade” were clarified. Fourth, in order to verify the feasibility of the model framework, a typical listed company (enterprise Z) in the coal industry was selected in order to conduct a case research based on the statistical data from 2016 to 2020 and analyze the performance grade evaluation results. The research shows that (1) the FESG structural dimension model extracted by grounded theory analysis method and the performance evaluation index system of coal enterprises oriented by sustainable development enrich the connotation and extension of ESG theory; (2) the index weighting model based on the entropy method can objectively determine the weight of indicators at all levels of each dimension of performance; (3) the construction path of coal enterprise performance evaluation model based on cloud model can be used to construct performance evaluation models for other industries; (4) the model framework based on the ESG–grounded theory–entropy method–cloud model can be used to reasonably measure the performance level of coal enterprises and provide theoretical support for the research of performance evaluation inside and outside the industry; (5) the sustainable development performance of coal enterprises is the basis and guarantee for achieving sustainable and high-quality development. The research results can provide theoretical reference for the regulatory authorities to formulate performance evaluation policies from the perspective of sustainable development. Full article

Sustainable manufacturing has renewed attention among researchers to address various sustainability challenges in manufacturing industries. Sustainability assessments of manufacturing organizations help minimize the negative environmental impact and enhance reputation among public and regulatory agencies. To assess the sustainability of the manufacturing process; it is indispensable to investigate the structured set of triple bottom line (3BL) indicators. Moreover, there is no comprehensive and structured set of 3BL indicators that can effectively assess the sustainability of any organization’s manufacturing process. This research aims to identify and prioritize experts’ consensus structured set of 3BL indicators. The 3BL indicators were identified through an open-ended questionnaire. The prioritization was performed through the Best-Worst Scaling (BWS) approach. Further, Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) method was utilized to draw the consensus ranking of sustainability indicators in manufacturing. The findings indicated that the release of greenhouse/harmful gas is the best indicator in the perspective of environmental criteria followed by the rate of contribution to society and operational cost are the most important critical indicator in the case of social and economic sustainability criteria. The outcome of the present study will facilitate researchers and practitioners in developing suitable readiness and operational plans for the sustainability assessment of the manufacturing process. Full article

As one of the most prominent industries in developed and developing countries, the construction industry has had substantial impacts on different aspects of the environment, society, and economy. In recent years, sustainable construction has been introduced as an approach to evaluate the various construction phases based on environmental, economic, and social dimensions, also known as the triple bottom line (TBL). To conduct a sustainability analysis of the buildings in Tehran, the capital city of Iran, two conventional construction frames were selected, namely steel frame and concrete frame. In this research, three conventional approaches for the evaluation of the TBL, namely the life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle cost (LCC), and social life cycle assessment (SLCA), were, respectively, used for the study of environmental, economic, and social impacts. The main results of the study are summarized as the following: Overall, based on the LCA results, the concrete frame led to almost 38% more environmental pollution than steel frame. In terms of the total prices of the buildings, considering their LCC and with respect to the present value (PV) method, the steel frame was almost 152,000 USD more expensive than the concrete frame. The quantified results of the social dimension by the SLCA method showed that concrete and steel buildings had a score of 0.199 and 0.189, respectively, which indicates that concrete had a slightly better social performance based on expert opinions. A multi-criteria assessment and sensitivity analysis of the results were conducted by a graphical tool, namely the mixing triangle, and showed that the overall preference of each alternative depends mainly on the importance weights given to each aspect of the assessment. However, one of the main findings of the research was that overall, giving a high importance weight to environmental dimension leads to sustainability preference of steel over concrete frame, while giving high importance weights to economic or social dimensions leads to sustainability preference of concrete over steel frame. Findings of the study are beneficial to decision-makers in the construction industry since they can decide on the best alternative among concrete and steel frames based on their strategies. Full article

The topic of sustainable affordable housing in developing countries is gaining increasing importance within international debates. The challenge is to find a balance between the concepts of sustainability and affordability in building construction within fragile contexts, overcoming basic self-made shelter solutions towards the creation of sustainable durable housing. In particular, concerning the selection of constructive technological solutions, the goal is to shift from the current decision-making process based only on economic factors to a more holistic approach based on a triple bottom line perspective, integrating economic, environmental and social sustainability. With this aim, this paper proposes a decisional support tool for contexts characterized by poor information to sustain decision-makers in identifying suitable technological solutions. The tool is based on a set of key indicators, articulated into the three pillars of sustainability. The proposed tool, conceived as scalable and replicable, is finally applied to the specific context of Mogadishu (Somalia), since it is representative of the uncertain social, political and economic nature of fragile contexts. Full article

Rapid industrial development has caused a series of environmental problems, which is not conducive to sustainable development of society as a whole. It is necessary to build a sustainable development evaluation system. Most of the existing literature has evaluated corporate sustainable performance from the economy, environment and society on the basis of triple bottom lines. Considering the research gap and the practice need, an evaluation system is established from four dimensions, referred to as economy, society, environment and responsibility management, and 29 indicators are designed to measure these four dimensions. Twenty seven listed Chinese mining corporations are selected as research samples, and the entropy-weight-based Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is applied to calculate indicators’ weights. Results show that the four dimensions of sustainable performance weights from high to low are society, environment, economy, and management process. Full article

This study aims to establish the link of key Islamic banking sustainability indicators with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) as a policy recommendation for sustainable development and to mitigate the distressing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the triple bottom line (people, planet, and profit). To identify the key Islamic banking sustainability indicators, the authors selected the most cited sustainability measurement indexes in Islamic banking. Initially, the indexes were divided into 10 broader themes, and then the key Islamic banking sustainability indicators were shortlisted from each theme based on their high-frequency distribution. The shortlisted sustainability indicators were then ratified to be in line with Islamic philosophy based on “Maqasid al-Shariah” (objectives of Shariah) and were subsequently grouped into the three dimensions of economic, environmental, and social sustainability based on the axial coding method. Finally, the categorized sustainability indicators were aligned with the relevant UN SDGs through the axial coding method for policy formulation, and respectively 12 propositions were developed for policy formulation. This study labeled the methodological process of this study as the ECA method (exploration, categorization, alignment). The new ECA method offers a reverse extension in the “SDG compass” developed by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) for aligning business policies with the UN SDGs. The process of aligning Islamic banking sustainability indicators with the UN SDGs will provide a roadmap to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of economic, environmental, and social issues. Due to the diversity of the UN SDG framework, it covers multiples aspects for sustainable development. Therefore, considering the UN SDGs in terms of various banking instruments will mitigate the multiple distressing impacts of COVID-19 on the triple bottom line (people, planet, and profit), it will also promote a sustainable development agenda. Full article