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Abstract: As an integral part of individual lives and one of the strongest inputs to global economies, tourism is affected by such social tensions and can play an important role in reducing them; therefore it offers an interesting challenge for serious discussions regarding tourism and regional sustainability. Tourism is traditionally associated with pleasure, leisure and escape from the ordinary world and is often contrasted with other, more serious economic activities such as manufacturing and extraction. As a result governments and planners often ignore tourism; furthermore, outside of the field of tourism academic research, the relationship between tourism and sustainability received too little attention considering that tourism can play an increasingly integral role in regional sustainable development processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the digital era, digitalization brings great opportunities and challenges for cities' environmental governance and economic growth. However, it is worth noting that the impact of digitalization on cities' green transition has not been studied from the perspective of Metcalfe's Law. This paper uses the principal component method and non-radial directional distance function (NDDF) to calculate the digital development level and the green economic performance of 269 Chinese cities from 2003 to 2019. (1) The empirical findings demonstrate that digitalization has become a strong driver for cities' green economic transformation. (2) Digitalization indirectly promotes green transition through industrial structure optimization and green technological innovation. (3) The heterogeneity results show that the positive effect of digitalization on green development is more obvious in eastern and economically developed cities. (4) Using the partially linear functional-coefficient model (PLFC), this paper studies the non-linear nexus between digitalization and green economic transition from the perspective of Metcalfe's Law. Thus, Metcalfe's law is confirmed in the green transition of Chinese cities. Some policy recommendations are offered for realizing the coordinated development of digitalization and greening of the urban economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming has aroused the attention all over the world, because not only can it directly damage the living environment, but it can also impact on the social and economic development, of a region in an obvious and far-reaching way. In this paper, we builded a trans-log production function model incorporating variables, such as rainfall, labor force, technology and temperature to simulate how climate changes impacted on the regional economics. Time series data of the domestic economy of Nanjing, a city in the southeast China, between 1996 and 2017, were used to verify the production theory of trans-log production frontier. The results showed that: with the rainfall increased and the temperature declined, the climate impact on the economy and the absolute value of the output elasticity of the frontier diminished. In addtion, the climate change was also positively related to the capital investment. The larger variation of temperature negatively impacted on the economic development. • This paper builds a trans-log production function model. • Time series data are used to verify the production theory of trans-log production frontiers. • Analyzing the effect of climate change on the regional economy. • The larger variation of temperature negatively impacted on the economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Reducing pollutant emissions while ensuring a stable economic growth is an important embodiment of sustainable development. Based on the "National Comprehensive demonstration of Energy Saving and Emission Reduction Fiscal Policy" ("ESER" policy) proposed by the Chinese government in 2011, this paper analyzes the impact of such policy on emissions reduction and economic growth. Under the framework of Differences-in-differences (DID) method, this paper first identifies the implementation conditions of "ESER" policy. Then we adopt three specifications to control the endogenous problem for the selection of demonstration cities. The robustness test verifies the reliability of our findings, and the spillover effect analysis reveals the deficiency of this policy. We reach the following conclusions: (1) Different from the previous studies, we find that the "ESER" policy can effectively reduce the pollutant emissions while ensuring a stable economic growth. (2) However, the event study reveals that the reduction effect is only existing in the demonstration period, which means that this policy is not sustainable. (3) Furthermore, we find no spillover effect of "ESER" policy on the non-policy targeted pollutant, suggesting that the local government only cares about the reduction of policy targeted pollutants. Based on these findings, we propose that the future energy saving and emissions reduction policy formulation should focus on the policy sustainability and overall environmental performance. Graphical abstract Image 1021 Highlights • We explore the effect of an energy saving and emissions reduction policy. • Differences-in-Differences (DID) framework is applied in this paper. • This policy can effectively reduce targeted pollutants emissions. • No spillover effect of this policy on non-targeted pollutant. • Future policy formulation should focus on overall environmental performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The significance of sustainable development has been globally recognized as it offers a roadmap to counter the existential threats which humanity face in the modern world. While sustainability attempts to achieve a balance between economic growth, social development, and environmental protection, its operationalization is hard to comprehend. Generally, the environmental departments are held responsible for managing issues pertaining to sustainable development, which may lead to, or perceived as, a loss in the economic and social dimension. This paper argues that the operationalization of sustainability can be better understood if the association between sustainability and safety is recognized. This study attempts to answer three questions: (i) how ignoring safety can have adverse consequences for sustainable development; (ii) how safety-related initiatives support the operationalization of sustainability; and (iii) how the integration of safety at the design stage is the key to sustainable development. Following a systematic literature review, this mixed-method exploratory study attempts to emphasize on the safety-sustainability nexus through various practical examples, including City Center of Las Vegas; KiK Textilien and Ali Enterprise; Al-Shaheen Oil Field Gas Recovery and Utilization Project, Qatar; Jetty Boil-off Gas Recovery Project, Qatar; Tetra Ethyl Lead; Chlorofluorocarbons; and Nanomaterials. A commentary from selected safety experts (in the field of nanotechnology) is also provided to reflect on the significance of safety for the commercialization of new products and technologies. The results of this study confirm that safety and sustainability are closely linked, and the former can offer an operational command on the latter because both disciplines share the same pillars, which include economy, environment, and society. Also, historical events suggest that disregarding safety-sustainability nexus any further may lead to more dangerous consequences than ever before because of the growing human interest to adopt new technologies and products straightaway without analyzing the possible consequences. The results of this paper offer a rationale to look across the complete spectrum of safety in the organizational context in order to highlight the areas where optimization or modifications can result in more sustainable outcomes. Hence, managers and researchers can benefit from the findings of this study to improve the sustainability settings in the firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cities do play significant roles in tackling global environmental changes. Decoupling economic growth from environmental pressures is critical for global sustainable development, however, few studies pay attention to the decoupling analysis at city level. This paper conducts a comparative study of the decoupling performance of economic output from CO 2 emissions between Beijing and Shanghai, the top two cities in China. In this paper, the decoupling trends and the decoupling effects are explored from a sectoral perspective, by combining the Tapio decoupling elasticity and the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) model. The results show that Beijing and Shanghai both experienced weak decoupling in construction, expansive negative decoupling in transport, expansive coupling in trade, and weak decoupling in others over the period 2000–2015. Moreover, agriculture appeared strong decoupling in Beijing, and recessive decoupling in Shanghai; industry showed strong decoupling in Beijing, and weak decoupling in Shanghai. The decoupling effects showed different magnitudes and patterns in industrial sectors between Beijing and Shanghai. Overall, per-capita GDP and population growth inhibited the decoupling, while energy intensity, industrial share, energy mix accelerated the decoupling process. Highlights • The decoupling of sectoral economic output from carbon emissions in Beijing and Shanghai are investigated. • Beijing's industry enjoyed better decoupling performance than Shanghai's industry. • Transport should be put more emphasis in further decoupling efforts. • Energy intensity is crucial effect accelerating the decoupling process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Lean manufacturing has proven its positive effects on operational and economic performance in multiple cases. However, growing consciousness regarding sustainability and the Triple Bottom Line approach requires an integral performance based on three main goals: economic growth, environmental preservation, and social responsibility. Given the relevance that lean manufacturing has acquired, it is important to understand its effects on sustainability. Thus, this paper presents a literature review, discussing the most relevant findings of research in this sphere, and identifying current trends concerning the effect of lean manufacturing on sustainable performance. A total of 69 papers were reviewed, following a five-step synthesis methodology. Common and contrasting results were categorized according to each pillar of the triple bottom line, which allowed for the identification of not only growing research trends, but also of knowledge gaps. Unlike previous literature reviews, this study approaches lean manufacturing's effect on performance from a multidimensional point of view, accounting for all three triple bottom line pillars. It contributes on the identification of the main current research trends, which favors branches: one which supports complementary interactions between lean manufacturing and all three pillars of the triple bottom line, and the other, which evidences trade-offs among them. According to the results of the review, knowledge gaps on the matter remain, which require further research. Highlights • A systematic literature review of investigations linking lean manufacturing and sustainable performance is presented. • Presents effects of lean manufacturing on each triple bottom line pillars (operational, environmental and social). • There is a short of theoretical knowledge and empirical evidence on how LM practices affect sustainable performance. • Future lines of research from the identified gaps in the literature are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering that high population and income growths will lead the coming decades, an increase in global food demand is expected. Livestock products, such as meat, are closely related to this trend, but also associated with impacts on the environment and public health, from land and water depletion, to greenhouse gases emissions and higher risks of non-communicable diseases. This trend raises doubts about the sustainability of the food industry and thus a solution is needed for the problem. How to feed the world population without compromising present and future generations. The literature suggests that meat consumption should be reduced for the sake of the environment and global population, however without considering the effects that such reduction would have on the economy. Inspired by these facts, this paper empirically analyses the interactions between food consumption, economic growth and sustainable development (measured by the Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare). More specifically the paper assesses the effect that food consumption has on the economy. The econometric analysis applies the Autoregressive Distributed Lag model for 77 countries, further distinguished by their income group, from 1995 to 2013. The findings support that meat consumption has different impacts on economic growth and sustainable development considering different income groups. However, there is an evident dilemma between economic growth and sustainable development since meat consumption has contradictory effects on each. Thus, it is crucial to understand how to promote sustainability, i.e., reducing the environmental externalities and chronic health diseases, without compromising economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-quality economic development focuses on achieving effective qualitative improvement and reasonable quantitative growth in the economy, which is the essential way for China to achieve sustainable development. This paper aims to investigate the role of financial development in the impact of foreign direct investment on high-quality economic development. GDP and green total factor productivity are used to measure the quantity and quality of economic development, respectively. We construct benchmark panel regression models, nonlinear interaction term models, and panel threshold models to examine the threshold effect of FDI on high-quality economic development based on the scale, structure, and efficiency of financial development. A series of tests are conducted to check the robustness of the estimates. Our results show that green total factor productivity in China is primarily driven by green technology progress. Additionally, foreign direct investment has a positive impact on China's high-quality economic development, with a threshold effect and nonlinear characteristics. Specifically, the scale of financial development affects the influence of foreign direct investment on the quantity of economic development, while the efficiency of financial development affects its influence on the quality of economic development. Furthermore, the structure of financial development affects both the quantity and quality of economic development. This study presents novel findings that contribute to understanding the role of financial development in the impact of foreign direct investment on high-quality economic development. Likewise, our research has implications for achieving high-quality development. The introduction of foreign direct investment under the high-quality development of the economy should comprehensively consider financial development. • The impacts on high-quality economic development of financial development and FDI were discussed. • The scale, structure and efficiency of financial development were considered. • Both quantity and quality of economic development were focus on. • The green total factor productivity in China was measured. • Policy implications of introducing FDI in China were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the importance of water resources in China's economic development, in this paper, the relationship between water use and economic growth is investigated using panel data from 29 provinces in China from 1999 to 2014. Building upon the theoretical framework of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC), this study estimates the possible linkages by a) adopting both a conventional single-polynomial model and simultaneous equation model (SEM) for the analysis; the latter addresses the potential bilateral causality between water use and economic development, b) evaluating the comprehensive effects of socio-economic factors, including industrial structure, population scale, trade openness and the amount of local water resources, and c) testing water use in aggregate and by sector. The results indicate that the relationship between per capita water consumption and per capita GDP in China is "N" shaped. In contrast, there is evidence for the positive contribution of industrial water use to economic development, while the impacts of both total and non-industrial water consumption on per capita GDP are nonlinear. Moreover, trade openness and per capita water resource are both positively correlated with water consumption, and an increase in the population density would cause the demand for industrial water use to increase. The findings also suggest that simultaneity between water use and economic growth should be considered in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine how carbon trading policies impact total factor carbon productivity and subsequently provide recommendations for sustainable regional development. Through analyzing the trends in total factor carbon productivity and its mechanisms, this paper suggests that carbon trading policies can significantly enhance total factor carbon productivity. Additional mechanistic tests reveal that carbon trading can promote technological progress, factor accumulation, scale allocation and energy substitution effects; all contributing towards a low-carbon economic transition. These four effects serve to both promote economic growth and contribute towards carbon reduction targets. Therefore, to encourage low-carbon and high-quality development of the region's economy, policymakers must focus not only on constructing and expanding carbon markets, but also emphasize the synergies between these different effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the background of the gradual scarcity of terrestrial resources and the increasingly fierce competition for global marine resources, the task of green development of marine economy and green transformation of marine industry is imminent. Carbon finance is a product of low-carbon economic development and a derivative of green finance. It is an effective way to alleviate the global climate crisis and promote the transformation of the global economy to a low-carbon economy to achieve sustainable development. Studying the mechanism of carbon finance on the development of marine economy will help to grasp the influencing factors of the green transformation of the marine industry in an all-round way, better promote the sustainable development of China's marine economy, and realize the strategy of marine power at an early date. Based on this, this paper selects China's data from 2006 to 2020, and uses the AHP-entropy method to select 26 indicators from five levels: economic growth, energy conservation and emission reduction, marine ecology, structural adjustment and scientific and technological innovation to construct a comprehensive evaluation index system for the green transformation of China's marine industry. Based on the PLSR model, the impact of carbon finance on the green transformation of China's marine industry is empirically analyzed, and the results show that: (1) The comprehensive score of China's marine industry green transformation from 2006 to 2020 fluctuates and rises: from 2006 to 2009, the comprehensive score of China's marine industry green transformation is low, and the transformation effect is not obvious. From 2009 to 2012, the comprehensive score of green transformation of the marine industry improved significantly. From 2012 to 2018, the comprehensive score of China's marine industry green transformation fluctuated little and showed a slow growth trend, while China's marine economic transformation grew steadily at a low speed. In 2019–2020, due to the impact of the epidemic, the speed of transformation has decreased again. (2) The carbon ratio and the green credit balance of commercial banks have a role in promoting the green transformation of China's marine industry, while the carbon trading volume and carbon intensity have a restraining effect on the green transformation of China's marine industry. From the perspective of effect, carbon intensity has the strongest effect, followed by carbon ratio, carbon trading volume is slightly weaker, and the role of green credit balance of commercial banks is the weakest. Based on the research conclusions, relevant policy recommendations were put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of environmental degradation, sustainable development has become a common goal across the globe. Making a scientifically based investment scheme is of great significance to promote the sustainable development of China's economy. However, there is scarce research related to such an investment scheme of sustainable development. This paper proposes a new inverse data envelopment analysis method with undesirable outputs to make several scientifically based investment schemes from different perspectives, namely, the natural, regulation, and optimal perspectives. By this method, decision makers can scientifically forecast the specific amount of investment based on their actual sustainable development objectives, which is conducive for reducing the blindness of investment in the future. In addition, a new ideal perspective is defined to guide a definite direction for improving the level of sustainable development. Combined with the gray forecasting model GM(1,1), the methods proposed by this paper were then applied to analyze the investment problem for China's sustainable development during the 2015–2024 period. The results show that: the unbalanced distribution of labor investment and the excessive investment in capital and energy are serious barriers to China's sustainable development in the short term; and in the long term, the demand for investment in labor and capital will continue to increase along with a lower demand for energy investment, and that appropriately strengthening environmental regulations will not affect the overall demand for investment. Meanwhile, improvement directions for improving China's sustainable development are discussed, and the results show that most of developing and undeveloped regions in China have great potential for improvement. Finally, some suggestions are proposed in order to create better conditions for China's sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing conflicts among economic growth, environmental deterioration, and resource shortage, as an effective way to achieve the sustainable development and circular economy, the eco-industrial park gradually becomes a critical research issue in the field of recycling economy. In this paper, a hybrid framework for evaluating the comprehensive benefit of eco-industrial parks from the perspective of circular economy was proposed. Firstly, the evaluation index system for eco-industrial parks was constructed by employing the grey-Delphi method according to the opinions provided by experts from relevant fields, which includes economic benefit criteria, social benefit criteria, environmental benefit criteria, ecology industry construction criteria, and management level criteria, consisting of seventeen quantitative sub-criteria and nine qualitative sub-criteria. Secondly, in order to solve complicated, uncertain and ambiguous problems under the fuzzy background, a hybrid multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approach was put forward on the basis of superiority linguistic ratings and entropy weight method for weight determination as well as fuzzy-VIKOR for ranking alternatives. Finally, the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed hybrid MCDM approach was demonstrated through a case analysis of six representative eco-industrial parks in China, and the comprehensive benefits of six eco-industrial parks were prioritized effectively. The hybrid MCDM approach in this paper presents a great potential in evaluating and ranking the comprehensive benefits of eco-industrial parks through solving complex and ambiguous problems in a fuzzy environment and varying MCDM tools. The evaluation findings by employing the proposed MCDM approach can provide references for the construction and management of eco-industrial parks and relevant policy formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the future, customer value will be achieved not only through the realization of a product or a service but also through socially and environmentally responsible and economically efficient manufacturing processes encouraging positive effects for society. Distributed Manufacturing Systems (DMS) are currently discussed in science as a possible approach for sustainable manufacturing. This approach consists largely of the use of decentralized, adaptable and flexible mini-factories. Such production units, organized in networks, allow production-on-demand and therefore the reduction of transport and emissions. In addition, they support the growth and development of regional economic cycles. This paper proposes an increased application of DMS in emerging markets to achieve sustainable production. First, actual challenges of production in emerging markets with a special focus on sustainability are described. In a literature review, the actual state of the art in sustainable manufacturing and distributed manufacturing is presented. Second, the concept of DMS is explained, describing reasons for a trend toward distributed manufacturing. In the next section, the effect of DMS on sustainability in production in emerging markets is analyzed based on the traditional dimensions of sustainability. The paper closes with a critical discussion of DMS and an outlook on future needs in research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The trilemma of economic growth, energy sustainability and environmental protection is facing China's urban sustainable development. In this paper, the ecological network analysis is applied to evaluate the whole metabolic processes of urban energy system. Then, a hierarchy analysis is conducted to diagnose and describe the energy's impacts on the whole energy metabolic processes, and reflect the dynamics and evolution of urban energy metabolic system. Using Beijing as a case study, results suggest that Beijing's strongest energy metabolic flows are electricity→service and electricity→ industrial energy use. Meanwhile, the main inflow to electricity has switched from raw coal in 2008 to natural gas in 2016. The hierarchy analysis indicates that the impacts of Natural gas and other energy are increasing while that of raw coal is decreasing. These results also suggest that Beijing's current achievements on urban energy system optimization mainly rely on structural variation in industries. It is considered that the future optimization should concentrate on promoting clean energy utilization in Beijing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract European countries are attempting to promote sustainable development by transitioning from a linear to a circular economy, where waste is to be prevented and recycling activities are promoted. This paper studies the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies for the packaging waste in two later European adopter countries of waste management policies: Portugal and Spain. The main goal is to evaluate whether EPR policies in both countries have achieved their basic two goals: 1) reduction of waste, and 2) increase recycling activities. Two case-studies were built based on interviews made to main waste management stakeholders. The analysis shows that the implementation of the EPR policies have had a positive impact throughout the years in both countries. Regarding the waste reduction goal, the systems have still not been completely able to detach packaging waste production from economic growth, but they have been able to promote material usage reduction directly through the Green dot fee model adopted. Regarding the increasing of recycling activities, both countries have been able to increase such rates throughout the years, in the direction of the EU targets. Highlights • EPR policies implemented in Spain and Portugal are evaluated. • EPR policies have contributed to packaging waste reduction and increase recycling activities. • EPR policies are having a positive impact throughout the years in both countries. • Some challenges still need to be faced: eco-design promotion and packaging life-cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The roles played by constraint energy-saving and emission-reduction targets in the coordinated development of energy conservation, emission reduction, and economic growth are of great significance for China's sustainable progress. Applying a non-radial and non-oriented data envelopment analysis model incorporating innovation output and multiple undesirable outputs, this paper measures the green production performance (GPP) of China's industrial sectors from 2002 to 2015. Then, the effects of implementing an energy-saving target and an emission-reduction target on GPP are investigated through a Quasi-difference-in-differences method. The study shows that China's industrial GPP rose during 2002–2004 and then declined with fluctuations. GPP varies among industrial sectors, and the growth of desirable outputs dominates GPP. The energy-saving target positively affects industrial GPP in general, yet further dynamic analysis reveals that this positive effect is unstable and finally manifests a reverse impact in each five-year-plan period. The emission-reduction target adversely affects industrial GPP in general, while further dynamic analysis demonstrates that such a negative impact gradually expands over time. Therefore, the Chinese government should properly introduce market mechanisms, formulate comprehensive policy mix strategies, and increase the stability of industrial enterprises' green development to balance sustainable improvement of the industrial economy and the ecological environment. Highlights • GPP is measured by a DEA model comprising innovation and multiple undesirable outputs. • Effects of an energy-saving target and an emission-reduction target on GPP are compared. • The energy-saving target advances industrial GPP and yet undermines it gradually. • The emission-reduction target tends to depress industrial GPP over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable development of a city should occur via the harmonious development of the urban comprehensive carrying capacity (UCC) and economic growth. To study the 84 cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) from 2006 to 2014, this paper uses a spatial econometrics model to evaluate the relationship between the UCC and economic growth, and explore the sustainability of urban development. The results infer some novel findings. First, the impact of economic growth on the UCC has inverted “U”-type characteristics. The economic growth pattern of the urban agglomeration weakens the UCC. Second, the impact of the UCC on economic growth has “U”-type characteristics. The development of the UCC plays a significant supporting role in the economic growth of the YREB. In 2014, 84 cities stayed in the descending phase of the inverted “U” curve, and approximately 50 cities of them lied on the rising segment of the “U” curve. Therefore, reconstructing economic growth models to enhance the UCC represents an important method of realizing a city's sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the past three decades, the notion of sustainable cities has become central in planning and managing urban areas in the world and the large-scale city formation has been formed in big cities. As a result of economic growth and urban transformation, Shanghai, a major Chinese international metropolis, faces ongoing issues with resource waste and low energy utilization. Therefore, this paper aims to consider the availability of water for energy production from a consumption-based perspective and estimate the water footprint of the energy supply using a regional input-output analysis approach for Shanghai. As a result, we conclude that the water footprint of the energy supply of Shanghai is about 1.28 billion m 3 in 2007, with 46.1% of water used for electricity and heat supply. The total water withdrawal by the energy sector is about 2.35 billion m 3 and additional water withdrawal needed is about 35% of the total water withdrawals by the energy sector in Shanghai. Furthermore, an energy self-sufficiency scenario was developed, and the scenario analysis reveals that 55% more water would be required to ensure a self-sufficient energy sector. To guarantee future regional energy security, it is important to manage water resources effectively by allocating water resources among sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite several decades of academic and practical debate on tourism sustainability, its application in practice remains difficult. The dominant tourism discourse on sustainability (theory, seen as a concept) and responsibility (practice, understood as appropriate action) calls for a solid understanding of the process of how a responsible destination actually implements a sustainability agenda, which this paper aims to provide. In this context, we explore theoretical perspectives from political economics and behavioural economics to offer a well-reasoned integrated sustainability–responsibility model comprising three stages: Awareness, Agenda and Action. This Triple-A Model complements the sustainability indicators debate and provides advice on how to continuously implement the sustainability concept and move from market-value-led and environmentally laissez-faire tourism towards more environmental- and social-value-driven responsible tourism. In addition, this paper discusses the existing sustainability and responsibility nomenclatures and their use and contributes relevant conclusions on the current understanding of sustainability and responsibility in European and UNWTO practices. The term responsustable tourism is suggested to join two existing terms and demonstrate that the current understanding of responsible tourism behaviour is based on the concept of sustainable tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Product-Service Systems (PSSs) constitute a family of service-based business models designed to satisfy our societal needs in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner. To date however PSS application has remained niche due to a variety of critical barriers. This paper explores how ‘demand pull’ national government policies could support PSS activity by addressing these barriers and cultivating market demand. Lessons are drawn from a case study of how regulatory , economic incentive , informative and procurement policies have supported Energy Service Company (ESCo) activity in the UK; a sub-set of the PSS family focused on energy service provision. Subsequently five policy recommendations are presented to support PSS activity: (1) balancing economic incentives and regulatory disincentives; (2) promoting indirect policy support; (3) redesigning existing market structures; (4) promoting locally-led PSS activity; and (5) creating stable policy frameworks. The paper warns however that national government policy cannot easily address all PSS barriers, such as customer preferences, international developments, technological progress and inherent business model weaknesses, pointing to the need for other complementary solutions. Furthermore, other governance actors beside national government could also implement PSS supporting policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper emphasizes the importance of strategic competencies in education for Sustainable Development. Sustainable Development has been introduced in universities in many different forms. The adjective "Sustainable" has sometimes been added to educational and research activities that were only slightly modified. Integrating SD in education is regarded with mixed feelings. At the one hand academics are often convinced that their own discipline can render large contributions. At the other hand, SD is often perceived as an external interference in their discipline, and therefore as an attempt to make science subordinate to interests. So, if there is a political necessity to do SD, academics often prefer to introduce a separate Sustainable Development course (which can easily be abolished again). In the SD community there is often an opposite view. SD should be integrated in disciplinary courses in order to make a discipline really committed to SD. However, there is a fear of fake integration, or an integration that just depends on the commitment of a single individual. The resulting situation is that SD integration is often limited to some specific courses (depending on the lecturers) and that there is sometimes a specific SD course (optional or compulsory). This paper will first describe why integration is often preferred and then makes observations regarding SD integrated in courses. Afterwards it argues that strategic competencies are crucial for working towards SD, and that these competencies cannot be integrated in ordinary disciplinary courses. It provides some options to teach/develop these competencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing importance of the concept of the circular economy as a way to attain sustainable development has encouraged scholars to propose different ways to understand it. Given the large number of studies done on the circular economy, their differing approaches and their multiple applications, this paper attempts to propose a consensus view of the basic notions of the circular economy framework and highlight its relationship with eco-innovation. To that end, this study carried out a systematic literature review that resulted in four main outputs: a knowledge map of the circular economy, an analysis of the main notions of the concept, principles, and determinants of a circular economy. Finally, this study brings to light some remarkable examples of eco-innovations developed for implementation in the circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable management of aluminium has become crucial due to the exponential growth in global demand. The transition to a sustainable society with lightweight electric vehicles has led to the increasing use of aluminium in the transportation sector. This has consequently led to the importance of aluminium recycling to prevent the valuable material stream going to landfill. In addition, the extraction of primary aluminium has high environmental impact due to the high energy consumption and waste generation in comparison to secondary aluminium processing. Despite being one of the most recycled metals, ongoing trends of multi-material designs and the associated joining choices have caused increasing difficulty of separating aluminium with high purity. This paper evaluates the types of joining techniques causing impurities in the aluminium streams, and the relationship between particle size reduction and the presence of impurities due to joints particularly for end-of-life vehicles. An empirical experiment in a leading European recycling facility was conducted and demonstrated that mechanical fasteners, such as machine screws, socket screws, bolt screws and rivets, are the major types of joining technique causing impurities. Based on the observations from this case study, the characteristics of imperfectly liberated joints are examined. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is also performed to evaluate the environmental impact of recycling different aluminium scrap qualities with varying impurity levels. The outcomes are then used to provide ecodesign guidelines aimed at improving the quality and increase the quantity of recycled aluminium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sustainable municipal solid waste management (MSWM) system is recognized by Agenda 21 as an opportunity for cities for creating decent jobs, raising incentives for responsible consumption, and protecting the natural environment. However, according to our experience for many stakeholders and decision-makers in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, the principles for sustainability defined by the Bruntland Commission are far too abstract. They are not readily applicable to establish a sustainable MSWM system. Even though Brazilian cities are strongly being influenced by concepts developed in high-income countries to search for strategic policies and long-term action plans for MSWM, many decisions-makers have not paid much attention to an overall sustainability approach so far. Against this backdrop, the present paper introduces the municipal solid waste diagram (MSWD) as a comprehensive framework for assessing the current state of a MSWM system against a future sustainable one. The normative foundation of MSWD is the Integrative Concept of Sustainability (ICoS), which contrasts the conventional approach of sustainability which typically characterizes a sustainable future along the three dimensions of economy, environment and society. ICoS points out crucial documents for sustainable development (e.g., Brundtland report and Agenda 21), and moreover, it does not neglect the potential of the capability approach. By this, the dynamic interrelationship between the abovementioned dimensions is taken into account. Another characteristic of the MSWD is the strong involvement of stakeholders, experts, and decision-makers during the construction and application of that instrument. Their central task was to certify the relevance, compatibility, flexibility of the chosen nine assessment criteria and the related 18 indicators on the ground of the ICoS. Any other study is known which looks for the dynamics of MSWM. The proposed approach helps to identify the constitute elements of MSWM clearly and to match to goals of sustainability without distinguishing and prioritizing any dimensionality. This approach clarifies the scientific background for sustainable development in the process of decision making regarding MSWM which is not done by conventional sustainability assessment methodologies. By the participation of the most relevant stakeholders of Belo Horizonte, the municipal solid waste diagram is verified. Belo Horizonte has currently obtained a level of development of about one third towards the goals of sustainability. The city had the best performance on securing human existence, in which the individual protection takes currently a high priority. The presented MSWD and thus the findings are specific to Belo Horizonte, but not the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development requires that development patterns that meet the needs of the present generation do not harm the needs of future generations. Sustainable development not only demands the sustainability of natural resources and the environment, but also emphasizes sustainable human welfare and resident happiness. Urban sustainable development can be achieved easily at local scales. Urban sustainable development efficiency (USDE) reflects the relevant efficiency of human welfare and resources and the environmental input into an urban system. This paper presents an assessment framework of urban sustainable development based on the reality of natural resource limitations and human welfare needs, and evaluates the performance of urban sustainable development in Chinese cities as a case study. The assessment framework is constructed based on natural resource inputs and human welfare outputs. The assessment index system includes 11 specific indicators, and data envelopment analysis was chosen to assess the urban sustainable development performance of 287 cities in China. The USDE results of the sample cities showed an increasing trend in sustainability over the past three decades, with visible spatial differences. By assessing the urban development of society, economy, and industry in China, the results reflected various characteristics and differences in urban development. The methods and index system used in this study can be used to reveal temporal and spatial differences in urban development resource inputs, human welfare, and environmental support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Circular Economy (CE) has received considerable attention as an approach that promises to reconcile ecological systems and economic growth. In spite of its increased popularity, little is known about the implementation struggles of incumbent firms across industrial sectors. Furthermore, although the notion of circular production systems is at the intersection of different research areas such as sustainable product design, sustainable supply chains, and reverse logistics, knowledge on how these concepts combine to ease or impede firms' transition towards circularity is scarce. To shed light on these gaps, I used multiple case studies from Cradle to Cradle certified companies in the textile industry in Europe. By employing qualitative research, I identified a set of factors along the textile value chain, from product design to take-back and reprocessing, that are crucial in expediting or delaying a firm's aspirations to develop a circular product. The main contribution of this paper is the dynamic understanding of how certain collaborative supplier-buyer innovation factors (i.e., supply chain position, power balance, and a shared vision) coupled with complex aspects in product design, namely in basic materials, architecture, and functionality, combine to determine the output speed and quantity of circular products to be sold, taken back, and ultimately regenerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether financial agglomeration is conducive to eco-efficiency is of great importance for countries to better pursue cleaner production, low carbon emission reduction, and sustainable development paths. This paper focuses on 38 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) members. Based on the scientific accounting of green eco-efficiency by the super-efficiency slack-based measure (SBM) model, the relationship between financial agglomeration and eco-efficiency is thoroughly investigated by combining the spatial Durbin model (SDM), the mediating effects model, and the panel threshold regression (PTR) model, bridging the knowledge gap. Empirical results reveal that (1) Financial agglomeration has strong positive externalities for eco-efficiency in the home country and its neighbors, with the trickle-down effect playing a key role. (2) Financial agglomeration can indirectly promote cleaner production and eco-efficiency by strengthening technological innovation and upgrading industrial structure, with the latter being more strongly mediated. (3) The effect of financial agglomeration in enhancing eco-efficiency has clear stage differences. The low-level financial agglomeration will impede the improvement of green eco-efficiency while the high-level will support it, which is in line with the Environmental Kuznets Curve theory and the law of economic development. The research broadens the theoretical underpinnings of financial agglomeration and eco-efficiency and provides guidance and implications for OECD members and other emerging economies on how to optimize the spatial allocation of financial resources, promote eco-efficiency, and advance green sustainable development. [Display omitted] • The eco-efficiency of 38 OECD members was estimated. • The impact of financial agglomeration on eco-efficiency was examined quantitatively. • The spatial Durbin model considering potential spatial spillover effects was employed. • Technology innovation, industrial upgrading, and urbanization may affect eco-efficiency. • Financial agglomeration can greatly boost eco-efficiency, but the relation is non-linear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper attempts to ‘connect the dots’ between several cases and provide a comprehensive global analysis of the trend of universities reaching across campus boundaries to form partnerships with government, industry and civic organisations to drive an urban sustainability transformation. We refer to this emerging and possibly new academic function as ‘co-creation for sustainability’. Our paper consists of three sections. In the first, we interpret this academic trend from a sociohistorical perspective based on previous social contributions of the university. Secondly, we conduct a macro-level empirical analysis based upon 27 partnerships from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America. Here we propose a framework for analysing and comparing key characteristics and commonalties across a large range of cases. We then supplement this with a micro-level study of two cases from Switzerland and the USA (2000 Watt Society Pilot Region Basel programme by Novatlantis and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) domain and Rust to Green Utica by Cornell University). Here we examine closer the specific characteristics, processes, key outcomes and challenges encountered in each partnership. It is expected that this study can provide a valuable contribution to what is potentially a new area of academic research and a powerful way of advancing urban sustainability transformations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Green development has attracted increasing attention by the international community. This paper uses a green development performance index (GDPI) based on data envelopment analysis (DEA) and the panel data of 41 regions (including 165 countries/sub-regions) to estimate the global patterns of green development performance and its influencing factors. The results show that: (1) the patterns of the global green development are extremely imbalanced. Developed regions/countries have been leading in green development since the 21th century, while most of the developing regions/countries’ GDPIs are relatively low and are following a descending path; (2) an U-shaped Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) exists between GDPI and economic development level and the inflection point is 2424 US $; (3) GDPI is positively related to living altitude, energy structure, and integrated oil prices while negatively related to ecological carrying capacity; (4) the financial crisis occurred since the second half of 2007 has a negative influence on the global green development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to pursue sustainable development, appropriate sustainability measurement at the local scale is critical. However, few efforts have been made in this regard. This paper aims to fill such a gap by introducing the development of China National Demonstration Sustainable Communities (CNDSCs) and reviewing its indicator system. Research findings indicate that the current indicator system did provide valuable guidance on help different communities to move toward sustainable development as it reflects political tendency and evaluates effectiveness of public policies. However, this system is insufficient to evaluate the holistic nature of sustainable communities because it lacks integration among different aspects, such as the adequate consideration on regional disparity, lack of universal methods on data collection and calculation, as well as the linkage with local officials' performance. Further improvements should be made by involving more stakeholders so that their different concerns can be addresses. In addition, region-specifi Indicators should be developed with clear official guide on how to implement them in the realities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cleaner production (CP) is considered as one of the most important means for manufacturing enterprises to achieve sustainable production and improve their sustainable competitive advantage. However, implementation of the CP strategy was facing barriers, such as the lack of complete data and valuable knowledge that can be employed to provide better support on decision-making of coordination and optimization on the product lifecycle management (PLM) and the whole CP process. Fortunately, with the wide use of smart sensing devices in PLM, a large amount of real-time and multi-source lifecycle big data can now be collected. To make better PLM and CP decisions based on these data, in this paper, an overall architecture of big data-based analytics for product lifecycle (BDA-PL) was proposed. It integrated big data analytics and service-driven patterns that helped to overcome the above-mentioned barriers. Under the architecture, the availability and accessibility of data and knowledge related to the product were achieved. Focusing on manufacturing and maintenance process of the product lifecycle, and the key technologies were developed to implement the big data analytics. The presented architecture was demonstrated by an application scenario, and some observations and findings were discussed in details. The results showed that the proposed architecture benefited customers, manufacturers, environment and even all stages of PLM, and effectively promoted the implementation of CP. In addition, the managerial implications of the proposed architecture for four departments were analyzed and discussed. The new CP strategy provided a theoretical and practical basis for the sustainable development of manufacturing enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: After the collapse of the Communist Bloc in the 1990s Cuba experienced a severe economic crisis. In its drastic reduction in fuels, its negative economic growth data due to declining production and consumption rates and in its adaptations to shrinking resources and to local and labor-intensive production modes, this so-called Special Period had elements of an experiment in degrowth. Looking at economic, social and agricultural reactions to the crisis, this paper identifies a consistent commitment to social services, a shift in agricultural methods and a high level of social capital as main reasons for this outcome. Balancing this result with negative implications of the crisis, notably the lack of political freedom and of long-term sustainability, the paper seeks to draw lessons for future degrowth scenarios. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper proposes a novel hybrid BSC-DEA framework for performance evaluation in sustainable supply chains. The proposed DEA model is capable of dealing with both qualitative and quantitative indicators while accounting for desirable and undesirable indicators. A tailored network DEA model involving a set of comprehensive sustainability indicators is applied to rank different supply chains from sustainability viewpoint to find the efficient and benchmarked units at each echelon. Then, sustainability indicators are classified into four groups according to BSC perspectives to help policy makers and top managers to have a more comprehensive and thorough understanding of the sustainability with respect to the long- and short term strategies. Finally, a number of sensitivity analyses are performed to identify the effective factors and strengths and weaknesses of each supply chain are identified based on BSC perspectives. To demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed approach, this framework is implemented for performance evaluation of plastic recycling companies in Mazandaran and Golestan provinces of Iran and some helpful managerial insights are derived from the numerical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research studies how firms and NGOs achieve inter-organizational fit for implementing practices that create value in socially sustainable supply chains. This paper presents a theoretical model that identifies the factors that drive and enable firm-NGO inter-organizational fit. Previous research has adopted an institutional perspective in which secondary stakeholders put pressure on the firm to implement sustainable practices. However, anecdotal evidence and latest industry practices suggest that a cooperative perspective could be more appropriate to understand how value can be created in socially sustainable supply chains. The proposed theoretical model depicts the achievement of inter-organizational fit as a process that entails several alignments along the way: a value logic alignment, the alignment of an NGO's mission with the profit-oriented behavior of firms, the alignment of an NGO's objectives with firms' strategies, and the adjustment of firms' organizational structures and organizational routines to an NGO's activities. We use a qualitative nested case study, which involved an NGO-led project that undertook supplier development programs for poor suppliers in cooperation with several firms. Recommendations for practitioners and areas of future research are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving economic development and environmental sustainability simultaneously is one of the most important development challenges for Africa today. The relationship between economic growth and environmental sustainability is founded on the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC). This paper examines the validity of the hypothesis and the driving factors of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emission in five African countries using the STIRPAT empirical model, panel cointegration and fully modified ordinary least squares. Unlike previous studies, economic development is disaggregated into agriculture and industrial economic development. The results show that there is no evidence of the validity of the hypothesis in Africa, regardless of whether economic development is driven by agriculture or industrialisation. Energy structure and energy intensity are the two major driving forces of CO 2 emissions in Africa. Population growth and urbanisation have negative relationship with CO 2 emissions. From our results, the EKC is not a sound basis for environmental policy in Africa; rather, environmental policy in Africa, specifically for CO 2 emissions mitigation, should focus on encouraging energy efficiency, enhancing the use of clean energy, incorporating the impact of population growth and harnessing the positive impacts of urbanisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: It is widely acknowledged that China’s economic miracle has been achieved at the expense of its natural capital and environment. In order to deal with this problem, the circular economy (CE) has been chosen as a national policy for sustainable development. National laws and regulations have been enacted to facilitate the implementation of CE and national CE demonstration projects have been initiated such that national benchmarking activities could be completed. China is the first country to release nationally focused CE indicators so that objective and credible information on the status of CE implementation can be recognized. These CE indicators are valuable metrics for policy and decision-makers and can help achieve CE goals and outcomes. This unique indicator system has not been communicated to international communities. This paper aims to more broadly introduce this unique national CE indicator system. China’s CE efforts are first detailed with various provisions of the national indicator system. A critical analysis of such an indicator system is presented. We show that certain benefits can be gained, but substantive revision is also needed due to the lack of a comprehensive set of sustainability indicators which should include social, business indicators, urban/industrial symbiosis, absolute material/energy reduction, and prevention-oriented indicators. Concerns related to barriers on implementation are also presented in this paper. The knowledge gained from Chinese efforts on CE indicators are valuable to both developed and developing nations seeking to implement sustainable development measures within their regulatory policies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Taiwan, a small island country located in the southeastern rim of Asia, is playing a vital role of mitigating hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) mitigation, although it is not a signatory to the Montreal Protocol. Furthermore, the Government has established a ministry-level organization, National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD), for pursuing sustainability in this country and fulfilling its responsibility as a member of the international community. In this paper, the description was thus centered on reviewing the current uses of HCFCs and its current consumption status and cleaner production measures adopted by the local industries in Taiwan, and summarizing the governmental policies on promoting HCFCs mitigation through the encouragement of regulatory, economic and financial approaches. The preliminary analyses of the achievements of HCFCs mitigation in comparison with other relevant socioeconomic statistics were also discussed in this paper. It was concluded that Taiwan was in a positive trend to mitigate HCFCs consumption in the past decade (1996–2005) under the promotion of its policy framework. Further, the successful case could be developed into a sustainable development indicator in the environmental pollution dimension, thereby providing a demonstrated example for other island and developing countries in progress toward global sustainability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The semi-annual European Environment Sustainable Conference in Aalborg, Denmark brought together from primarily Europe, but also other parts of the world. The Conference focused on sustainability but one panel focused on practical applications for public policy and private industry. The papers from this panel are presented in this special issue of the journal. They cover topics ranging from corporate sustainable programs to government plans including "feed in laws". Some papers are more academic oriented but clearly derived from practical political experiences such as those of the California energy crisis. These theories argue the need for "agile energy systems" whereby regions, cities and communities must have combinations of on-site or distributed energy generation like combined heat and power (CPH) along with central grid power generation. Finally, there is a clear message in all the papers that "market forces" alone do not develop, monitor or even provide "level playing fields" for communities. In short, there needs to be continuous "government" or public involvement in the sustainable communities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Industrial parks have been adopted as one way to promote industrial development in China since the early 1980s. However, most of current performance evaluation indicators highlight the maximization of industrial yield, leading to both ecological degradation and environmental pollution due to intensive industrial activities. Therefore, it is critical to develop appropriate evaluation indicators so that industrial parks can move toward sustainable development. This paper aims to fill such a research gap by developing innovative emergy indicators. Kaya formula and index decomposition analysis (IDA) were integrated together in order to quantify the key factors influencing the sustainability of an industrial park. Tianjin Economic Development area (TEDA), the largest industrial park in terms of its economic scale in China, was chosen as one case study area for testing the related methods. The results show that during the period of 2006–2010 the sustainability of TEDA experienced a declining trend. From the Kaya formula and IDA analysis, indicators on economic efficiency of process, economic return on investment, renewable empower density and nonrenewable empower density were calculated. Such research findings provide valuable policy insights to the industrial park managers so that they can prepare appropriate development strategies for achieving sustainable development of their industrial parks by considering the local realities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of carbon emission performance is crucial to formulate environmental policies. Few studies have systematically examined environmental efficiency from the perspective of regional temporal–spatial differences and evolution laws. In this paper, we evaluate the carbon emission efficiency and reduction cost in 30 provinces of mainland China from 1996 to 2012 using the non-radial directional distance function method. Three primary carbon emission zones, i.e., the steep-slope zone, flat zone, and plateau zone are classified and compared comprehensively in terms of emission performance (measured by Malmquist index), abatement cost (measured by shadow price), and potential emissions (measured by the growth rates of emissions and economic outputs). Results show that, carbon emission efficiency varies greatly among zones and is closely related to regional economic development. The shadow price for each zone and the whole country between 1996 and 2012 presents a remarkable regularity that it kept increasing at first and decreased afterwards, reaching the maximum value at the year 2000. Furthermore, the carbon emissions in three zones exhibit significant differences. Meanwhile, similarities exist within each zone, indicating that environmental policies designed for different zones and emissions trading across zones are rather necessary and feasible. The empirical estimations from this study provide an analytical basis for the implementation of carbon emission regulations and would facilitate a balanced and sustainable development of China's environment and economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a framework for a green economy transition in tourism destinations. While the literature has suggested many models to guide sustainable tourism, very few studies have investigated the green economy in a tourism context. The main distinguishing factor between the green economy and sustainable development may be described as the acknowledgement of climate change as an existential threat to society and the aim to avoid policy, management and governance fragmentation (which has been common for environmental issues) by addressing greenhouse gas emissions, resource efficiency and social inclusiveness holistically at the economic level. This study frames the green economy concept from a tourism perspective and presents a model for translating the green economy concept into a tourism stakeholder engagement process. The model was tested in the case study of Bali, Indonesia, involving research methods such as visioning group techniques with tourism stakeholders, tourism economy and employment forecasting, resource efficiency estimates as well as resident and visitor surveys. This was followed by an analysis from a green economy stance to develop a Green Growth 2050 Roadmap for Bali tourism. The result is a framework which may be particularly relevant for tourism destinations experiencing rapid change without the capacity to respond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely accepted that the construction sector is one of the main contributors to sustainable development, and its importance in encouraging environmental protection, economic growth, and social advancement is undeniable. Many divisions of construction industry are accustomed to sustainable development concept especially environmental issues but hardly economic and social aspects. Among these divisions, the industrial buildings have gained less attention, while many developing and even developed countries require growth in industrial areas. This may highlight the need for studying sustainability in industrial buildings to accomplish sustainable development goals. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate and identify sustainability indicators (environmental, social, and economic) for three phases of construction, operation and maintenance, and demolition of petrochemical projects. Additionally, the collected data from a questionnaire survey are analyzed by evaluating the mean values and adopting the structure equation modeling approach. Then the importance of individual indicators and their correlation with main aspects of sustainability are examined. Moreover, this study examines the relationship among three dimensions of sustainable development concept and their influence on each other and the related phases. Furthermore, the most important indicators in this study are compared with some previous research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global demand for palm oil is increasing to fulfil worldwide needs for cooking oil, food ingredients, biofuels, soap and other chemicals. In response, palm oil production is rapidly expanding which promotes economic growth in producing countries but also leads to serious environmental and social problems such as destruction of tropical forests, climate change and threats to small-holder livelihoods. For these reasons, palm oil production and use have become highly controversial. However, the global character of palm oil production and consumption, the number of different actors involved and its multiple uses makes promotion its sustainability highly complex. Individual nation-states can no longer control and regulate a global flow like palm oil and alternative governing networks appear involving private companies and NGOs. Acknowledging the roles of such governance networks with different forms of power means that relying only on economic and political power to explain current dynamics in the palm oil sector is inadequate. In global networks like palm oil supply, encompassing transnational material flows and multiple actors, the relevance of each actor relates to his position in the network. Power in global palm oil supply is therefore not only related to their position in the (vertical) supply chains, but also to their role in the horizontal networks. New forms of power in networks arise from steering the networks (programming) and from connecting different networks (switching). In the multiple networks that compose global palm oil provision today, different programmers and switchers play critical roles. This is briefly illustrated in this paper on the basis of different cases of active steering in global palm oil provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of Cleaner Production (CP) is a strategy for achieving a corporate's sustainable development and therefore is an important instrument for improving environmental performance. Due to the rapid economic development and urbanization in China, the stone processing industry is developing fast, resulting in several environmental problems. The stone processing sector has begun to implement the CP technologies and practices to tackle with environmental problems caused by the production process. However, the evaluation methodologies of the effectiveness of CP implementation in this sector have rarely been examined in the literature. This paper proposed a CP evaluation system that enables decision-makers to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of CP in the stone processing industry. A three-level framework was structured with 6 first-grade indicators and 24 sub-indicators according to the context and characteristics of the stone processing production. And the evaluation criteria were closely related to the laws, rules, regulations and discharge standards in China as well as the current CP technology level. Using analytical hierarchy process and fuzzy membership degree analysis, the weights of each indicators were determined, and evaluation results were achieved. Moreover, the evaluation methodology was verified to be reasonable and practical in the case study of a stone processing firm in Shandong Province. The entire and detailed assessment results demonstrate that the evaluation methodology is helpful in providing guidelines for the implementation of CP strategy in the industry of stone processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses the implementation and use of sustainability indicators (SI) in local governance contexts in Portugal. The need to analyse the development of local SI is considered critical, given the lack of research on the understanding of how, when and by whom SI are implemented and used, particularly in the Portuguese local governance context. The first aim of this article is to map experiences of SI in Portugal by assessing how many local councils developed indicator systems and when, and the major driving-forces and general features of those systems. The second aim is to analyse and compare 7 case studies, in further detail, to explore the governance factors that influence indicator success and how indicators are used within local contexts. Two particular conceptual frameworks were applied to structure research and analysis. Based on a national survey and case study methodology, findings reveal that local SI in Portugal are still in early stages of development. Where SI have been designed earlier, there has been a lack of political commitment and vision, and a need to overcome local government malfunctioning more than the complex obstacles of sustainable development governance. Applying both conceptual frameworks enabled to present critical lessons on the relationship among governance factors and types of uses when implementing SI in Portugal and to suggest the value of this integrated analysis for other governance contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, environmental problems have aroused public awareness about the trade-off between economic growth and environmental conservation. In this regard, sustainable development plays a crucial role in striking a balance between the demands of social productivity and the reserves of natural resources. In the realm of sustainable development, life cycle assessment (LCA) is an important tool to assist in ensuring proper sustainability through assessing the environmental impacts of product designs. Unlike previous reviews, which mainly focus on LCA methodology, this paper presents LCA related studies from the perspective of product development applications. In this article, the approach on how LCA can be used in product development is introduced step by step, from concept design, part design, and process design to decision making. The applications of LCA come in different forms such as impact assessment, selection, classification and decision support. The issues or challenges with respect to the four steps of LCA (i.e. goal and scope definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact analysis, and interpretation) have been examined and investigated. Corresponding models and theories for coping with these challenges are reviewed. In particular, widespread and popular analytical tools are identified and highlighted. Considering the vague measurement of environmental impact in an agile manufacturing system, it is suggested that the development of LCA should keep pace with the advancing complex product development system. Overall, this article sheds light on the trend of LCA applications in sustainable product development and provides the prospect of promising research directions for LCA researchers and practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The recovery of wastewater will be a fundamental action in the coming years to facilitate the sustainable development of the world's economies. A large portion of recoverable wastewater comes from petrochemical activities such as oil extraction and its subsequent refining processes. The most important characteristic of this water is its heavy contamination by soluble and insoluble hydrocarbons (as emulsioned hydrocarbons) and inorganic and heavy metal ions. Furthermore, the presence of refineries is directly linked to possible groundwater contamination that must be then remediated. In this context, adsorption technologies appear to be very promising for the remediation and recovery of “petrochemical” water. In this paper, we present a review of applied adsorption technologies and examine both the use of two different microporous materials, a natural zeolite called clinoptilolite and a polymeric chelating resin named Purolite® Resin S910, for the removal of dissolved heavy metals, and the use of a mesoporous siliceous material for the uptake of hydrocarbons from wastewater. Batch experiments on the kinetics and equilibrium of adsorption were carried out on all the materials by using Pb2+, Cd2+ and Ni2+ as target heavy metals and benzene and toluene as target organic pollutants. The effect of ionic strength was also investigated. The batch tests indicated a good adsorption rate and a percentage of heavy metal and hydrocarbon removal that was always greater than 90%. A new adsorption model was also developed to better describe the adsorption mechanism of heavy metals, while a model with a two-step mechanism was chosen for hydrocarbons. Increasing ionic strength appeared to decrease the adsorption performance of the microporous material and the presence of organic interfering contaminants. However, both materials seemed to maintain good adsorption capabilities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Urban green development transformation (UGDT) has become a new direction for Chinese urban development in the 21st century. In this paper, firstly constructs an index system for dynamic assessment of UGDT based on resource consumption, economic development and social welfare, secondly propose a two-stage decomposition to further open the "black box" of UGDT process from the perspective of ecological welfare performance. This paper empirically investigates the evaluation and staged decomposition of the UGDT process in 286 cities of China over the period 2005–2016, and propose improvement paths based on this. Our results show that the UGDT of Chinese cities will gradually begin and be in a benign state of time after 2014. Moreover, find that low eco-economic efficiency (EE) is the main reason for the low level of overall CGDT in cities, and that the CGDT in regions has shown a trend of "the highest in the central, the second in the east, and the lowest in the west". Correspondingly, based on the principles of obvious "short board" priority improvement between green development and urban social welfare, this paper can explore the different improvement paths of CGDT in different cities. • Construct an indicator system of urban green development transformation (UGDT). • Two-stage decomposition to further open the "black box" of UGDT. • Explore the different improvement paths of CGDT in different cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]