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 Usefulness of Cleaner Production Projects as an Element of the Initial Assessment of the Circularity of SMEs in the Context of Obtaining Funds Supporting the Implementation of the Circular Economy
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4951; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124951 (registering DOI) - 9 Jun 2024
Abstract
The authors of the article decided to verify the requirements for companies looking for sources of financing for projects that will enable them to transform the circular economy. Clarifying the requirements will allow companies to initially verify their ideas. For this purpose, an
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The authors of the article decided to verify the requirements for companies looking for sources of financing for projects that will enable them to transform the circular economy. Clarifying the requirements will allow companies to initially verify their ideas. For this purpose, an analysis was carried out of the requirements set for enterprises by committees assessing circular economy projects and allocating funds for their implementation. The analysis allowed us to identify several features that indicate whether a given project fits into the circular economy model. The article proposes a system model that can be used to prepare the company for changes towards the Green Deal (GD) by implementing the Cleaner Production (CP) strategy in the company. The implementation of a Cleaner Production strategy initiates further changes, gradually developing the company’s potential towards implementing the circular economy assumptions. This solution is much cheaper than the expensive services of consulting companies and much simpler than trying to prepare a competition application on your own, the authors asked themselves a research question: can the implementation of a Cleaner Production project be an initial action supporting SMEs in obtaining external funds (domestic and foreign) intended for the implementation of circular economy solutions?
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Open AccessArticle
Comparisons of Driving Characteristics between Electric and Diesel-Powered Bus Operations along Identical Bus Routes
by
Ka-Wai Ng and Hing-Yan Tong
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4950; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124950 (registering DOI) - 9 Jun 2024
Abstract
The energy consumption profiles of conventional fuelled and electric vehicles are different due to the fundamental differences in the driving characteristics of these vehicles, which have been actively researched elsewhere but mostly on the basis of uncommon geographical contexts. This study, therefore, collected
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The energy consumption profiles of conventional fuelled and electric vehicles are different due to the fundamental differences in the driving characteristics of these vehicles, which have been actively researched elsewhere but mostly on the basis of uncommon geographical contexts. This study, therefore, collected driving data on electric and conventional diesel buses running along exactly the same set of bus routes in Hong Kong during normal daily revenue operations. This enabled a fair comparison of driving characteristics for both types of bus under identical real-life, on-road driving conditions, which highlighted the originality and contributions of this study. A three-step approach was adopted to carry out detailed driving pattern analyses, which included key driving parameters, speed–acceleration probability distributions (SAPDs), and vehicle-specific power (VSP) distributions. Results found that route-based comparisons did highlight important differences in driving patterns between electric and diesel buses that might have been smoothed out by analyses with mixed-route datasets. In particular, the spread, intensity, and directions of these differences were found to be exaggerated at the route-based level. The differences in driving patterns varied across different routes, which has significant implications on vehicle energy consumption. Government agencies and/or bus operators should make references to these results in formulating electric bus deployment plans.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Transport Planning)
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The Digital Economy and Agricultural Modernization in China: Measurement, Mechanisms, and Implications
by
Jie Guo and Jiahui Lyu
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4949; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124949 (registering DOI) - 9 Jun 2024
Abstract
Promoting the progression of agricultural modernization and digital economy integration has introduced new opportunities and challenges for the advancement of China’s agriculture towards high-quality development. Based on panel data from 31 provinces in China from 2011 to 2020, we use the entropy method,
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Promoting the progression of agricultural modernization and digital economy integration has introduced new opportunities and challenges for the advancement of China’s agriculture towards high-quality development. Based on panel data from 31 provinces in China from 2011 to 2020, we use the entropy method, coupling coordination model, spatial auto-correlation model, and obstacle model to explore the degree of coupling coordination and influencing factors of China’s digital economy and agricultural modernization. The results show the following. (1) China’s digital economy and agricultural modernization are underdeveloped on the whole, but they show a positive upward trajectory. The digital economy is outpacing the development of agricultural modernization, but the gap between the two is gradually narrowing. (2) The degree of coupling coordination between China’s digital economy and agricultural modernization shows an upward trend. Additionally, there is regional heterogeneity and uneven development of the coupling coordination, i.e., it is high in the eastern region and low in the western region, accompanied by strong spatial agglomeration and correlation. (3) The main obstacle to the progression of the digital economy is digital infrastructure, while the main obstacle to the progression of agricultural modernization is agricultural production capacity. Based on China’s national conditions, we should fully promote the role of the digital economy, explore plans and strategies for promoting the digital economy in differentiated areas, mitigate any imbalanced development, promote the coordinated development of the digital economy and agricultural modernization, and provide decision-making references for the implementation of a digitized China, as well as rural revitalization strategies.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Economy and Sustainable Development)
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Research on Path Optimization for Collaborative UAVs and Mothership Monitoring of Air Pollution from Port Vessels
by
Lixin Shen, Jie Sun and Dong Yang
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4948; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124948 (registering DOI) - 9 Jun 2024
Abstract
The seriousness of vessel air pollution has forced the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to introduce a series of relevant laws and regulations. This paper proposes a monitoring scheme based on the synergistic operation of motherships and UAVs. This scheme innovatively adopts a harbor
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The seriousness of vessel air pollution has forced the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to introduce a series of relevant laws and regulations. This paper proposes a monitoring scheme based on the synergistic operation of motherships and UAVs. This scheme innovatively adopts a harbor sea patrol vessel or the other official vessel (mothership) as the mobile power supply base for UAVs and realizes efficient and accurate monitoring of vessel air pollution in the pre-monitored area at sea by carrying multiple UAVs. The focus of this paper is on the path optimization problem for multi-UAV collaboration with mothership (MUCWM) monitoring, where the objective is to minimize the total monitoring time for MUCWM. The following three main aspects are studied in this paper: (1) multi-UAV monitoring path optimization; (2) the collaboration mechanism between the mothership and multiple UAVs; and (3) mothership traveling path optimization. In order to effectively solve the above problems, this thesis constructs a path optimization model for multi-UAV collaborative mothership monitoring of air pollution from vessels in port waters; solves the model using the improved adaptive differential evolution (IADE) algorithm; and verifies the effectiveness of the model and the algorithm by using the position data in the Automatic Identification System (AIS) of vessels in Ningbo Zhoushan Port. Through the performance comparison and sensitivity analysis of the algorithm, it is confirmed that the algorithm can effectively solve the path planning problem of the collaborative operation between the mothership and multiple UAVs. The research results in this paper not only help to reduce the air pollution level of harbor vessels and improve the efficiency of sea cruising but also play an important supporting role in the enforcement of relevant emission regulations.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Operations and Management for Sustainable and Green Maritime Transportation—2nd Edition)
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Determining the Interaction of Social Sustainability with the Physical Environment: A Case Study of Adana, Turkey
by
Buse Acik Etike and Muyesser Ebru Erdonmez Dincer
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4947; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124947 (registering DOI) - 9 Jun 2024
Abstract
Social sustainability has emerged as a critical factor in evaluating societal welfare and well-being. Consequently, researchers have initiated the development of a theoretical framework to delineate the components of social sustainability, achieving notable progress in this endeavor. However, the interplay between the social
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Social sustainability has emerged as a critical factor in evaluating societal welfare and well-being. Consequently, researchers have initiated the development of a theoretical framework to delineate the components of social sustainability, achieving notable progress in this endeavor. However, the interplay between the social dimension and the environmental and economic dimensions remains insufficiently explored in user experiences, posing challenges in integrating social sustainability into preliminary design parameters in the built environment and resulting in socially inefficient spaces. This study seeks to elucidate the relationship between social sustainability and the environment while devising a measurement methodology that encompasses the physical environment. Concentrating on public spaces, pivotal in daily experiences and reflective of individual interactions, the research was conducted across five distinct public spaces in the Seyhan district of Adana. Methodologically, the study employed field research, preliminary examination, and statistical analysis. Data collection techniques, including surveys, observations, and measurements, were utilized to unveil statistically significant correlations between social sustainability and the physical environment of public spaces. Consequently, this study delineates the dimensions of these relationships and translates them into actionable design data.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Social Space and Sustainable Development)
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A Study on the Coupling Coordination of Urban Resilience and the Tourism Economy in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region
by
Ying Zhang and Yunyan Li
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4946; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124946 (registering DOI) - 9 Jun 2024
Abstract
The high-quality economic growth of tourism is intimately related to a city’s overall strength, and urban resilience is an important index to measure the comprehensive strength of a city. Therefore, determining how to enhance the construction of urban resilience, improve the quality of
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The high-quality economic growth of tourism is intimately related to a city’s overall strength, and urban resilience is an important index to measure the comprehensive strength of a city. Therefore, determining how to enhance the construction of urban resilience, improve the quality of tourism development, and promote the coupling coordination of these two systems has attracted academic attention in recent years. Based on the panel data of 13 cities in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region from 2010 to 2021, an entropy weight method, coupling coordination model, and obstacle degree model were used to analyze the coupling coordination degree, spatiotemporal evolution characteristics, and obstacle factors between urban resilience and the tourism economy. The results show the following: (1) Urban resilience and tourist economic development levels in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region show an overall upward trend, and both of them show obvious spatial differences. (2) The coupling coordination degree of urban resilience and the tourism economy shows a trend of first rising and then declining in the temporal dimension, while it shows a spatial differentiation pattern of “high in the middle and low in the surrounding area” in the spatial dimension. (3) The obstacle degree structure of the coupling coordination of urban resilience and the tourism economy in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region is relatively stable, with economic resilience as the leading obstacle in the urban resilience system and tourist economic development benefits as the leading obstacle in the tourism economy system. In the future, the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region needs to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance the driving role of central cities, continuously improve urban resilience, and promote the high-quality development of the tourism economy.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Sustainable Tourism on Regional Development)
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Impacts of Different Tourism Models on Rural Ecosystem Service Value in Ziquejie Terraces
by
Juan Shi, Ming Mo, Yimin Xie and Qianying Liao
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4945; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124945 (registering DOI) - 9 Jun 2024
Abstract
Villages are important components of agricultural heritage sites, and their tourism models significantly impact ecosystem service value (ESV). This study takes Zhenglong Village (culture and tourism integration), Ziquejie Village (farmstay type), and Jizhai Village (sightseeing type) with different tourism models in the Ziquejie
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Villages are important components of agricultural heritage sites, and their tourism models significantly impact ecosystem service value (ESV). This study takes Zhenglong Village (culture and tourism integration), Ziquejie Village (farmstay type), and Jizhai Village (sightseeing type) with different tourism models in the Ziquejie Terraces heritage site as the research objects. Firstly, a single dynamic land use model and a land use transfer matrix were used to reveal rural land use changes driven by three different tourism models. Secondly, changes in ESV in the three villages were assessed with a valuation model. Finally, the welfare per unit area of villagers obtained from ecosystem services (ESs) was calculated. The results showed that: (1) From 2006 to 2022, the built-up area in the three villages gradually increased, primarily converting from farmland. Zhenglong Village experienced the smallest degree of change in both farmland and built-up areas. (2) The total ESV in Zhenglong Village increased by 0.35 times, the highest among the three villages. (3) Zhenglong Village saw the largest increase in welfare per unit area of villagers, from 82,551 CNY in 2006 to 111,785 CNY in 2022. Therefore, adopting a culture and tourism integration model in this heritage site is most conducive to conserving and enhancing the rural ESV, improving villagers’ welfare, and promoting the sustainable development of villages and heritage sites.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural Heritage Conservation and Sustainable Development)
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Study on the Spatial Layout and Influencing Factors of Campsites in the Yellow River Basin
by
Xiaofei Fang, Pengfei Tai and Fugao Jiang
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4944; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124944 (registering DOI) - 9 Jun 2024
Abstract
Based on the camping sites in the Yellow River Basin published by Amap, this study examines the spatial distribution pattern of camping sites using various indices, including the average nearest neighbor index, geographical concentration index, disequilibrium index, and kernel density estimation. The research
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Based on the camping sites in the Yellow River Basin published by Amap, this study examines the spatial distribution pattern of camping sites using various indices, including the average nearest neighbor index, geographical concentration index, disequilibrium index, and kernel density estimation. The research findings are as follows: (1) Camping sites exhibit a highly significant agglomeration distribution, and the spatial scale presents a non-equilibrium characteristic of “east dense west sparse”. The distribution density of camping sites shows clear hot and cold spots, forming a general pattern of “one belt, one mass, two points”. The locations of these camping sites commonly follow the rule of “backing mountains, along roads, and accompanied by scenery”. (2) The spatial distribution of camping sites is influenced by both natural factors, such as elevation and air quality, and social factors, such as highway mileage and the number of high-level scenic spots. The impact of social factors is found to be more substantial than that of natural environmental factors.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Tourism Consumption and Sustainable Development)
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Effects of Rodent Isolation on Plant Community Structure and Greenhouse Gas Emission in the Alpine Grassland of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
by
Hongbao Wu, Ya Chen, Hasbagan Ganjurjav and Jianrong Zhao
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4943; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124943 (registering DOI) - 9 Jun 2024
Abstract
As one of the dominant species of the alpine grassland on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, the activities (e.g., gnawing, burrowing, and grass storage) of plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) directly alter the plant community structure of the grassland ecosystem and affect livestock production
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As one of the dominant species of the alpine grassland on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, the activities (e.g., gnawing, burrowing, and grass storage) of plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) directly alter the plant community structure of the grassland ecosystem and affect livestock production and greenhouse gas emission. In order to investigate the effects of rodent isolation (RI) on plant community structure and greenhouse gas emission in the alpine grassland of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, we established plots of rodent isolation and rodent activity (i.e., the control sample (CK)) in the 14th village, Seni District, Nagqu City in May 2018. From July 2019 to September, the numbers, sizes, and total damaged area of effective holes; the height, coverage, and aboveground plant biomass; and the methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions of the alpine grassland were monitored by the quadrat survey method and static closed-chamber method. The results show that the invasion and tunneling of Ochotona curzoniae resulted in the destruction of alpine grassland measuring 0.064 m2 per square meter, while the rodent isolation plots showed that 97.9% of the alpine grassland remained unaltered; such unaffected land implies that the economic income of herdsmen could increase by 140 CNY hm−2. The rodent isolation plots also show that the height and proportion of grasses and sedges in the alpine grassland increased, while the proportion of poisonous weeds decreased. Moreover, the rodent isolation plots also showed a significantly increased coverage of aboveground biomass (p < 0.05), although species richness showed no significant effect based on the Shannon–Weiner, Simpson, and Pielou indices (p > 0.05). The soil uptake of CH4 and N2O was 204.99 ± 50.23 μg m−2 h−1 and 4.48 ± 1.02 μg m−2 h−1 in the rodent isolation plots, significantly higher by 465.75% and 3001.4% relative to the rodent activity plots, respectively (p < 0.05). Therefore, the establishment of rodent isolation areas can effectively alleviate the degree of damage to alpine grasslands in the short run and slow down the greenhouse gas emission rate to some extent. However, excessive rodent control may also have negative effects on grassland ecosystems, so more attention should be paid in future studies to determining the disturbance threshold of plateau pika in this area. These results provide theoretical guidance for rodent control, grassland protection, and ecological environment management on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, 3rd Volume)
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How Military Executives Shape Digital Transformation of Firms—The Moderating Role of Symbiosis Orientation and Market Power
by
Yaping Wang and Mengting Zhang
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4942; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124942 (registering DOI) - 9 Jun 2024
Abstract
The requirement of sustainable development has led to challenges for DTF (i.e., digital transformation of firms). Extensive studies have been conducted on how the personality traits of executives influence the behavior of firms. However, the effect of military experience on DTF has yet
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The requirement of sustainable development has led to challenges for DTF (i.e., digital transformation of firms). Extensive studies have been conducted on how the personality traits of executives influence the behavior of firms. However, the effect of military experience on DTF has yet to be determined. This concern is addressed in this study from the imprinting theory (IT) and upper echelons theory (UET) perspectives. We aim to investigate whether and how military executives impact DTF. Analysis of data from listed firms in China between 2010 and 2020 indicates that military executives positively enhance DTF. This research also evaluates the moderating effects of symbiosis orientation and the market power of firms on the above relationship. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the impact of executives’ military experience on DTF is only significant in non-regulated, high-technology, and low-pollution industries. Our findings expand the literature on leadership and DTF. We introduce the concept of symbiosis orientation and examine the moderating roles of symbiosis orientation and market power in the above effect, which elucidates the interplay between organizations and the external environment. Our findings provide insights into enhancing digital transformation efforts by strategically selecting suitable military leadership for firms and further promoting the sustainable development of firms.
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(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Management)
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Massese, Sarda and Lacaune Dairy Sheep Breeds: An Environmental Impact Comparison
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Irene Sodi, Mina Martini, Neus Sanjuàn, Sergio Saia, Iolanda Altomonte, Andrea Andreucci, Baldassare Fronte, Francesca Pedonese, Lorella Giuliotti, Roberta Ciampolini and Federica Salari
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4941; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124941 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
The dairy sheep sector is an important sector in semiarid and arid areas. So far, the environmental impact of sheep milk production in these areas is scarcely known. This study aimed to assess the environmental impact of milk production on three farms that
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The dairy sheep sector is an important sector in semiarid and arid areas. So far, the environmental impact of sheep milk production in these areas is scarcely known. This study aimed to assess the environmental impact of milk production on three farms that differ in the breed reared, namely Sarda (S), Lacaune (L) and Massese (M), in Tuscany (a Mediterranean region in central Italy). The Life Cycle Assessment methodology was applied to calculate the environmental performance of the farms, and the following impact categories were studied: climate change, freshwater, marine and terrestrial eutrophication, acidification, water use and land use. The L farm showed the lowest values for most impact categories and the M farm the highest. These results can be attributed to the greater productivity and efficiency of the L breed compared to the other two. Only for water use did the M farm cause a lower impact, underscoring the importance of applying characterization factors at the sub-watershed level.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Precision Agriculture: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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Sustainable Value Chain for Sustainable Lending of State-Owned Banks in Indonesia
by
Kepas Antoni Adrianus Manurung, Hermanto Siregar, Idqan Fahmi and Dedi Budiman Hakim
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4940; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124940 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
Banks have enormous potential to support the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in accordance with their function as financial intermediaries through sustainable lending. However, the average national financing growth for the sustainable business activity category over the past four years is still
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Banks have enormous potential to support the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in accordance with their function as financial intermediaries through sustainable lending. However, the average national financing growth for the sustainable business activity category over the past four years is still 12%. The aim of this research is to identify the conditions of sustainable lending at state-owned conventional banks and analyze the influence of the value chain, economic performance, and ESG performance on sustainable lending. The research was conducted at state-owned commercial banks in Indonesia. The research utilized structural equation modeling (SEM). The SEM results of this study describe value chain, ESG performance (environmental, social, and governance), and economic performance and have direct and positive influences on sustainable lending, of which ESG performance has the biggest influence. As per each individual aspect, social orientation makes the biggest contribution toward sustainable lending.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Business Transformation: ESG, Sustainable and Impact Investments and New Sustainable Business Models)
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Flexibility Value of Multimodal Hydrogen Energy Utilization in Electric–Hydrogen–Thermal Systems
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Changcheng Li, Haoran Li, Hao Yue, Jinfeng Lv and Jian Zhang
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4939; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124939 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
Hydrogen energy is now a crucial technological option for decarbonizing energy systems. Comprehensive utilization is a typical mode of hydrogen energy deployment, leveraging its excellent conversion capabilities. Hydrogen is often used in combination with electrical and thermal energy. However, current hydrogen utilization modes
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Hydrogen energy is now a crucial technological option for decarbonizing energy systems. Comprehensive utilization is a typical mode of hydrogen energy deployment, leveraging its excellent conversion capabilities. Hydrogen is often used in combination with electrical and thermal energy. However, current hydrogen utilization modes are relatively singular, resulting in low energy utilization efficiency and high wind curtailment rates. To improve energy utilization efficiency and promote the development of hydrogen energy, we discuss three utilization modes of hydrogen energy, including hydrogen storage, integration into a fuel cell and gas turbine hybrid power generation system, and hydrogen methanation. We propose a hydrogen energy system with multimodal utilization and integrate it into an electrolytic hydrogen–thermal integrated energy system (EHT-IES). A mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) optimization scheduling model for the EHT-IES is developed and solved using the Cplex solver to improve the operational feasibility of the EHT-IES, focusing on minimizing economic costs and reducing wind curtailment rates. Case studies in northwest China verify the effectiveness of the proposed model. By comparing various utilization modes, energy storage methods, and scenarios, this study demonstrated that integrating a hydrogen energy system with multimodal utilization into the EHT-IES offers significant technical benefits. It enhances energy utilization efficiency and promotes the absorption of wind energy, thereby increasing the flexibility of the EHT-IES.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Integration of Renewable Energy Systems towards Energy Sustainability)
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Spatial Analysis and Risk Assessment of Meteorological Disasters Affecting Cotton Cultivation in Xinjiang: A Comprehensive Model Approach
by
Ping Zhang, Zhuo Chen, Gang Ding, Jiaqi Fang, Jinglong Fan and Shengyu Li
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4938; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124938 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
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A systematic understanding of the spatial distribution of meteorological disasters that affect cotton growth, such as rainstorms, gales, and hail, is important for reducing plant losses and promoting sustainable development. Our study aimed to evaluate the risk of meteorological disasters during cotton growth
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A systematic understanding of the spatial distribution of meteorological disasters that affect cotton growth, such as rainstorms, gales, and hail, is important for reducing plant losses and promoting sustainable development. Our study aimed to evaluate the risk of meteorological disasters during cotton growth and analyze their spatial distribution and driving factors. A risk assessment model for major meteorological disasters during cotton cultivation in Xinjiang was established by integrating entropy weight methods and an analytic hierarchy process. A cotton meteorological disaster risk assessment index system, including the vulnerability of disaster-bearing bodies, hazards of disaster-causing factors, and exposure of disaster-bearing bodies, was constructed using Google Earth Engine. We determined the comprehensive risk levels of major meteorological disasters for cotton in various regions of Xinjiang. Research shows that the selection of indicators is very important, and crop risk assessment with a clear disaster-bearing body can make the results more accurate. It is necessary to consider the risk assessment of multiple disaster species for meteorological disaster risk assessment. The results revealed spatial differences in the meteorological disaster risk for cotton in 2020. The very high and high risks for cotton accounted for 42% of the cotton planting area, mainly distributed in Karamay, Tacheng, Kashgar, Changjizhou, Kezhou, and Ilizhou. Consequently, this study provides a scientific basis for cotton cultivation in Xinjiang, China.
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Trend Changes and the Driving Forces of Environmental Indicators in Countries Worldwide: A Structural Change Analysis of Variations in CO2 Emissions and Eco-Efficiency
by
Yasunori Ito and Hidemichi Fujii
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4937; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124937 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
Many authors state that climate change is driven by increasing CO2 emissions worldwide. An understanding of the major driving forces affecting emissions over time in both developed and developing countries is important. Thus, in this study, structural break analysis is used to
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Many authors state that climate change is driven by increasing CO2 emissions worldwide. An understanding of the major driving forces affecting emissions over time in both developed and developing countries is important. Thus, in this study, structural break analysis is used to identify when the trends of environmental indicators—CO2 emissions and environmental efficiency (EE)—across countries worldwide change. Our findings revealed notable structural breaks occurring in countries in 1994, coinciding with ballooning fossil energy prices. Regarding CO2, 55 of 143 countries experienced a structural break. Furthermore, another wave of structural breaks emerged in 2014, corresponding to the implementation of CO2 emission reduction plans by certain nations. For CO2, 64 of 143 countries experienced a structural break. Upon detecting breakpoints and their trends, we utilized LMDI factor decomposition analysis to discern their driving factors, thereby elucidating the underlying dynamics. In Latin America and the Caribbean, most breakpoints were undesirable shifts, but recently, desirable shifts have increased in North America, Oceania, and Europe, which include many countries with high economic levels, improving energy-related factors. Sub-Saharan Africa can also be said to have undergone an undesirable shift regarding energy-related factors. This study clarifies the precise influences on the trend of CO2 emissions at the global level by identifying the point in time when there is a significant statistical, rather than a subjective, breakpoint.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Saving, Low Carbon and Sustainable Economy)
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Comparison and Selection of Wet Waste Disposal Modes for Villages in Agriculture-Related Towns Taking Shanghai, China, as an Example
by
Yiyao Ni and Zhen Zhang
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4936; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124936 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
Under the increasingly stringent regulatory constraints, wet waste disposal in agriculture-related towns has become a significant issue. Based on fieldwork in three agriculture-related towns and nine villages located in Shanghai, this paper analyzes the economics and greenhouse gas emissions of three wet waste
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Under the increasingly stringent regulatory constraints, wet waste disposal in agriculture-related towns has become a significant issue. Based on fieldwork in three agriculture-related towns and nine villages located in Shanghai, this paper analyzes the economics and greenhouse gas emissions of three wet waste disposal methods, including centralized disposal, on-site disposal by biogas digesters, and on-site disposal by small-scale biochemical processors, and compares these alternatives by combining various factors, aiming to help decision makers in selecting the optimal alternative. The net present value approach was employed to evaluate the economic aspects of the three disposal methods. The greenhouse gas emissions were calculated using life cycle assessment, life cycle inventory, and the IPCC guidelines. The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process method was employed for a multi-criteria decision-making analysis based on five factors, including economics, greenhouse gas emission control, stability, compliance with environmental regulations, and location feasibility. The results revealed that although centralized disposal is not as good as on-site disposal by biogas digesters in terms of economics and greenhouse gas emissions, centralized disposal is still the optimal alternative according to the results of multi-criteria decision making. The tightening of regulatory constraints will internalize the negative externalities of on-site wet waste disposal. Thus, centralized disposal is the method of wet waste disposal that is most consistent with the regulatory constraints and most sustainable. It is worth emphasizing that policymakers should fully assess the impact of tightening regulations on the selection of wet waste disposal methods, establish a homogenous waste disposal system covering both urban and rural areas, and enhance the management of existing on-site disposal facilities.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Critical Issue on Waste Management for Environmental Sustainability)
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Green Emotion: Incorporating Emotional Perception in Green Marketing to Increase Green Furniture Purchase Intentions
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Sulan Yu, Zhen Zhong, Yalin Zhu and Jing Sun
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4935; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124935 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
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The industrialization process has led to environmental deterioration, which has created challenges for sustainable development. However, there is an increasing inclination to purchase green furniture as a sustainable form of furniture. Hence, investigating the determinants of consumers’ intention to purchase green furniture is
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The industrialization process has led to environmental deterioration, which has created challenges for sustainable development. However, there is an increasing inclination to purchase green furniture as a sustainable form of furniture. Hence, investigating the determinants of consumers’ intention to purchase green furniture is beneficial for promoting the adoption of sustainable furniture. Previous research has examined the functional aspects of purchasing behavior using the theory of planned behavior (TPB), while giving less consideration to affective elements. This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence the intention of future users to purchase green furniture, explicitly focusing on emotional perception. This study utilized the PAD three-dimensional emotion model. A novel conceptual model was developed, drawing upon the findings of the literature review. This study employed the questionnaire method to collect data, resulting in 412 valid samples. The collected data were then analyzed and processed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS 3.0 software. Additionally, the mediating influence of the variables was examined using the bootstrap method. The results suggested that the perceived pleasure, arousal, and dominance all had a substantial influence on the beneficial effect of green furniture elements on purchase intention. Among these factors, pleasure (PP) had the strongest mediating effect on the relationship between green brand image (GBI) and purchase intention (PI). Arousal (PA) had the strongest mediating effect on the relationship between eco-innovation (EI) and purchase intention (PI). Dominance (PD) had the strongest mediating effect on the relationship between purchase customization (PC) and purchase intention (PI). Furthermore, this paper examined the disparities between the characteristics of green furniture and conventional furniture in terms of their ability to stimulate emotional responses and influence consumers’ intention to purchase. This study revealed that green features (GF) have a greater capacity to evoke emotional responses in consumers, consequently impacting their intention to purchase green furniture. The study’s findings have both theoretical implications and practical relevance. In theory, these findings enhance the theoretical framework of purchase intention for green furniture. In practice, they provide specific ideas and recommendations for green furniture companies to develop emotional marketing strategies.
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Open AccessArticle
The Role of ESG Ratings in Shaping Chinese Investors’ Decision-Making Behavior: An Analysis from the Fund Signaling Perspective
by
Wenzhou Qu and Zekai Su
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4934; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124934 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
In order to promote the healthy development of China’s fund market and alleviate the phenomenon of “funds make money, investors don’t”, this paper explores the impact and economic consequences of fund signals on investors’ decisions in China. An analysis of quarterly Chinese fund
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In order to promote the healthy development of China’s fund market and alleviate the phenomenon of “funds make money, investors don’t”, this paper explores the impact and economic consequences of fund signals on investors’ decisions in China. An analysis of quarterly Chinese fund data from January 2010 to December 2022 finds that Chinese investors tend to rely on strong signals and flow their money to highly rated or high-yielding funds. Sustainability is an integral part of ESG ratings, which have gradually become a focal point in the international investment market, but the lack of a platform to display ESG ratings in China has prevented investors from effectively utilizing these ratings in their investment decisions. The study also found that individual investors prefer short- and medium-term returns, while both institutional and individual investors chase ratings, with individual investors relying more on these signals. In addition, strong signals are not effective in predicting fund performance returns, while ESG ratings show significant positive predictive effects, validating the irrational preference of Chinese investors to blindly follow strong signals.
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(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)
Open AccessReview
Considerations for Eco-LeanSat Satellite Manufacturing and Recycling
by
Jeimmy Nataly Buitrago-Leiva, Adriano Camps and Alvaro Moncada Niño
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4933; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124933 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
This research aims to contribute to the development of the Eco-LeanSat concept by focusing on a sustainable approach to satellite manufacturing and the repurposing of remaining satellite capabilities after failure. Despite satellites no longer being suitable for their original purposes, these remaining capabilities
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This research aims to contribute to the development of the Eco-LeanSat concept by focusing on a sustainable approach to satellite manufacturing and the repurposing of remaining satellite capabilities after failure. Despite satellites no longer being suitable for their original purposes, these remaining capabilities can find new applications. The study begins by identifying relevant innovative eco-design applications. Subsequently, it examines sustainability within the satellite lifecycle supply chain, categorizing it into four methods: (1) active debris removal, (2) transport logistics, (3) mission extension, and (4) repair and construction. Aligned with emerging trends in space activities, the study also considers future developments to maximize satellites’ potential to provide new services. Additionally, the research includes a description of a potential lean manufacturing process that encompasses logistic chains to support the development of a more sustainable space economy. Finally, the study concludes with a technological survey tracing the evolution of the development of the SmallSat and CubeSat platforms that identifies relevant innovative designs for a sustainable space environment.
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(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Engineering and Science)
Open AccessArticle
Simplicity Matters: Unraveling the Impact of Minimalist Packaging on Green Trust in Daily Consumer Goods
by
Yuechun Ding, Xing Meng and Cong Sun
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4932; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124932 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
This study delves into the complex dynamics of consumer attitudes toward sustainable products, particularly within the fast-moving consumer goods category, highlighting the significant correlation between elegant and minimalist design aesthetics and the establishment of green trust in sustainable product offerings. Interestingly, while visually
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This study delves into the complex dynamics of consumer attitudes toward sustainable products, particularly within the fast-moving consumer goods category, highlighting the significant correlation between elegant and minimalist design aesthetics and the establishment of green trust in sustainable product offerings. Interestingly, while visually complex packaging may capture visual attention, it does not generate higher levels of green trust compared to simpler alternatives within the same product category. The findings underscore the importance of simple packaging design in mitigating consumer skepticism toward manipulative intentions and enhancing trust in sustainable products. Furthermore, this research reveals that individuals with higher levels of expertise possess deeper insights in perceiving complexity as a potential form of manipulation, thereby exacerbating skepticism toward sustainable products. In summary, the research outcomes guide sustainable product packaging design, emphasizing alternative solutions to convoluted designs that may lead to confusion. The effectiveness of simple design expression in sustainable products is emphasized, fostering the transition toward sustainable business efficacy and long-term development.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Product Design, Manufacturing and Management)
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