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This paper introduces a collection of four articles describing the San Luis Basin Sustainability Metrics Project. The Project developed a methodology for evaluating regional sustainability. This introduction provides the necessary background information for the project, description of the region, overview of the methods, and summary of the results. Although there are a multitude of scientifically based sustainability metrics, many are data intensive, difficult to calculate, and fail to capture all aspects of a system. We wanted to see if we could develop an approach that decision-makers could use to understand if their system was moving toward or away from sustainability. The goal was to produce a scientifically defensible, but straightforward and inexpensive methodology to measure and monitor environmental quality within a regional system. We initiated an interdisciplinary pilot project in the San Luis Basin, south-central Colorado, to test the methodology. The objectives were: 1) determine the applicability of using existing datasets to estimate metrics of sustainability at a regional scale; 2) calculate metrics through time from 1980 to 2005; and 3) compare and contrast the results to determine if the system was moving toward or away from sustainability. The sustainability metrics, chosen to represent major components of the system, were: 1) Ecological Footprint to capture the impact and human burden on the system; 2) Green Net Regional Product to represent economic welfare; 3) Emergy to capture the quality-normalized flow of energy through the system; and 4) Fisher information to capture the overall dynamic order and to look for possible regime changes. The methodology, data, and results of each metric are presented in the remaining four papers of the special collection. Based on the results of each metric and our criteria for understanding the sustainability trends, we find that the San Luis Basin is moving away from sustainability. Although we understand there are strengths and limitations of the methodology, we argue that each metric identifies changes to major components of the system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sewage sludge management is crucial for water utilities to move towards a circular valorisation of resources. The current literature focuses mainly on the technological aspects of sludge management strategies. However, the current discussion of these strategies does not consider possible pressures arising from the utilities' civil society stakeholders and from policymakers. To fill this gap, this paper develops a conceptual framework, based on the current literature, that identifies the utility's key decisions on sludge management strategies (valorisation route, overperformance and vertical integration), and links them to possible pressures arising from civil society and existing regulations. Subsequently, the study validates the framework through a multiple explanatory case study, investigating the empirical relevance of such pressures in six water utilities across Europe. The influence of citizens and municipalities is found to be crucial in the choice of sludge valorisation routes. Economic instruments, command and control instruments and, new to the literature, regulatory uncertainty are found to be key policy features influencing utilities' decisions on sludge management. The paper provides a first-of-its-kind investigation that highlights the mechanisms through which policymakers and civil society stakeholders shape utilities' sewage sludge management strategies. The results complement and extend existing theoretical knowledge on the role of institutional pressures in the implementation of sustainable environmental systems. • Stakeholders' influences on utilities' sludge management choices are conceptualised. • Policymakers and civil society influence utilities' sludge management choices. • Incentives, obligations, regulatory uncertainty shape sludge management choices. • Citizens and municipalities drive utilities' sludge management choices. • Utilities' characteristics moderate the impact of institutional influences on their choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the need to understand the structure of sustainability change in the face of the unpredictability of modern civilization. The aim of the paper is to examine the structure of sustainability change in relation to smaller spatial units such as the regions of the European Union and to compare these results with those achieved at the country level. For this purpose, the sustainable development indicators available in the Eurostat database were analyzed. Studies published to date have tended to focus on the performance of national economies or selected regions. In this article, the available data on regions are also analyzed. The study aims to compare the level of sustainable development achieved at the level of EU countries and regions located within them. Methodologically, the study uses advanced methods of comparative analysis, and the synthesis of the data enables the construction of a synthetic measure using taxonomic methods, facilitating the classification of EU countries and regions into clusters. The results highlight significant divergences in sustainability achievements between EU countries and regions. The study reveals the importance of studying sustainable development in smaller geographical cross-sections. The results highlight the need to expand access to data at the regional level (sustainability indicators) to facilitate more comprehensive analyses and inform targeted policy interventions. Looking to the future, the study recommends further research into the inter-linkages between sustainability and other critical areas in EU regions, such as innovation and competitiveness. • A new approach to studying sustainable development from a regional perspective has been proposed. • An in-depth analysis of the current level of sustainability in EU regions was carried out. • The diversity of sustainable development in the countries of the EU has been described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cement industry plays a significant role in global carbon emissions, underscoring the urgent need for measures to transition it toward a net-zero carbon footprint. This paper presents a detailed plan to this end, examining the current state of the cement sector, its carbon output, and the imperative for emission reduction. It delves into various low-CO 2 technologies and emerging innovations such as alkali-activated cements, calcium looping, electrification, and bio-inspired materials. Economic and policy factors, including cost assessments and governmental regulations, are considered alongside challenges and potential solutions. Concluding with future prospects, the paper offers recommendations for policymakers, industry players, and researchers, highlighting the roadmap's critical role in achieving a carbon-neutral cement sector. • Cement industry faces urgent need for net-zero transition due to high carbon emissions. • Roadmap spans phases: foundation, acceleration, net-zero, targeting emissions by 2050. • Innovations like alkali-activated cements offer promise for emission reduction. • Collective action and policy crucial for sustainable transformation of cement sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into the strategies employed by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to embed digital technology into their business models, aiming to reach carbon neutrality. We offer a comprehensive analysis of five high technology SMEs, unveiling an evolutionary process model that highlights their journey toward integrating technology. The integration process is delineated into three progressive stages. Initially, digital technology is seen as an 'enabler' that promotes the birth of an innovative business model, essentially transforming the mechanisms of value creation, delivery, and capture. As SMEs evolve to an intermediate stage, digital technology becomes a 'disruptor', reshaping and reinventing the business model in terms of how value is created, delivered, and captured. Entering the maturity stage, digital technology is elevated to the role of 'expertise', leading to a sophisticated business model that refines and optimizes these aspects of value. The influence of these business model innovations on carbon neutrality is complex and varies distinctly with each stage, reflecting the dynamic interplay between digital technology and business model evolution. • This study explores the unique strategies SMEs implement to weave DT into their business model innovation (BMI) with an aim to achieve carbon neutrality. • The paper presents an evolutionary process model that sheds light on this integration journey, using an in-depth analysis of five high-tech SMEs. • The paper elaborates the relationship between DT and BMI, delving into the integration of DTs and the roles they perform - as enablers, disruptors, and areas of expertise. • The paper provides insights for businesses seeking to leverage digital technologies to drive innovation and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogeological effects of climate change will continue to affect water reservoirs worldwide. Some regions are experiencing and will experience severe decline in their water resources due to prolonged periods of drought. Since emergency practices such as the provision of emergency drinking water and forest firefighting depend on regional surface and groundwater resources, the safety of the hydro geosphere's of a region is of fundamental importance, especially in times of crisis. The study uniquely addresses the integration of emergency water management within broader sustainable practices, particularly in the German context where such an analysis has not been previously consolidated. Using the example of emergency drinking water management, the paper elaborates the extent to which measures of emergency response are currently recognised as part of sustainable water management. In an analysis, 79 documents addressing emergency drinking water management of both water supply companies and crisis management authorities in Germany were analysed. The findings revealed a general lack of documents addressing the long-term dependencies between water resources and emergency measures currently applied. Furthermore, the documents do not elaborate on how to implement these measures in a sustainable way recognising the distinctive characteristics of a region. Since response measures can potentially intensify water stress in a region, emergency water management must be consequently included in a holistic water management process to protect landscapes and communities for the future. This paper provides a first comprehensive compilation of essential documents dealing with emergency drinking water management in Germany. It furthermore introduces a new approach to emergency water management and identifies necessary research that could serve as a baseline for future crisis decision making to strengthen national and international initiatives on water resource protection. • Holistic water management must include water intense measures of emergency response. • Procedures of crisis management can intensify processes of regional water depletion. • Performance of emergency response can decline in times of long-term dryness. • The management of water emergencies requires adaptation to regional hydrogeography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Criticism is mounting that market-led and state-led initiatives for environmental impact disclosure are too limited in scope and that they rest on too strong assumptions about the quality and impartiality of monitoring and enforcement, with resulting insufficient effect on environmental sustainability. It has been proposed that citizen monitoring may contribute to counteract this void. However, to our knowledge, policy analysis in general and economics in particular has not paid much attention to this role of citizen monitoring. This paper aims to bridge that gap from an economics lens, by exploring the dynamics of disclosing local environmental impact and the potential role of citizen monitoring in environmental policy. To this end, the paper addresses monopolistic versus pluralistic environmental disclosure, letting citizen monitoring represent the latter. The study uses the mining industry as an illustrative case, because of that sector's particular transparency challenges in international value chains, typically with strong negative local environmental impact. It is shown how pluralistic information provision such as citizen monitoring can contribute to incentivizing more reliable information provision, especially in countries with weak state institutions, which is particularly important in the case of high-risk environmental impact. The findings should be of use for shaping environmental policy, providing valuable insights for both policymakers and scholars. • Contrasting monopolistic information provision with citizen monitoring. • Applying a media market model to environmental disclosure. • Examining citizen monitoring as a complementary approach: a case study of the mining industry. • The critical role of citizen monitoring in environments with high-risk pollution and weak state institutions. • Extracting insights for improved environmental disclosure in commodity chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the impact of air pollution control policies targeting key polluting enterprises, highlighting a strategic shift towards precision pollution control that concentrates on high-emission, high-risk businesses. The paper explores the efficacy of these policies and their potential spatial spillover effects, utilizing panel data from 259 Chinese cities from 2013 to 2021. Employing the difference-in-differences (DID) model and spatial Durbin model, the study analyzes both the direct local effects and the broader spatial consequences of these regulatory measures on air quality. The findings indicate a significant reduction in air pollutant concentrations in urban areas, attributing this improvement to factors such as industrial restructuring, increased investment in science and technology, and economic growth. Spatial econometric analysis further reveals a substantial positive correlation in air quality among Chinese cities. However, estimates of the spillover effect indicate that while such policies successfully reduce pollution locally, they could unintentionally degrade air quality in adjacent areas. The study highlights the need for nuanced policy strategies to mitigate unintended spatial spillovers and enhance overall effectiveness. It recommends tailored policies that integrate environmental and socioeconomic objectives, national and regional coordination for consistent enforcement, technology-driven compliance strategies, and incentives for sustainable enterprise practices. • Assessed impact of policies on key polluters in 259 Chinese cities. • Employed DID and spatial Durbin models for in-depth policy impact analysis. • Found significant reduction in urban air pollution from policies. • Revealed spatial spillover effects, aligning with "pollution haven" hypothesis. • Proposed nuanced approaches for local and spatial policy impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaponics is an integrated food production system that intensively produces a diverse array of seafood and specialty crops in one closed-loop system, which is a potential solution to global challenges of food security. While current aquaponics systems are commonly operated with freshwater, marine aquaponics is an emerging opportunity to grow saltwater animals and plants. Although marine aquaponics can reduce the dependence on freshwater for food production, its environmental sustainability has not been systematically studied. This paper presents the first life cycle assessment (LCA) on a marine aquaponic production system growing shrimp and three halophytes. The system assessed covered from shrimp larvae nursery to grow-out. The effects of salinity, carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio and shrimp-to-plant stocking density ratio of aquaponics on its midpoint and endpoint environmental impacts were evaluated using a functional unit based on the economic value of the four products. Electricity use for aquaponic operation was the environmental hotspot, contributing ∼90 % to all the midpoint impacts. The system produced higher environmental impacts when operated at higher salinity, but lower C/N ratio and stocking density. Replacing fossil fuel with wind power for electricity generation can decrease the environmental impacts by 95–99 %. Variation in the shrimp price can change the impacts by up to 62 %. This study provides a useful tool to help marine aquaponic farmers improve their production from an environmental perspective, and can serve as groundwork for further assessing more marine aquaponic systems with different animal-plant combinations. • This paper presents the first LCA on marine aquaponics. • Systems with different salinities, C/N ratios and stocking densities were evaluated. • Electricity use contributed ∼90 % to all the midpoint impacts of aquaponics. • High salinity and low C/N ratio and stocking density had high environmental impacts. • Replacing fossil fuel with wind power decreased the environmental impacts by 95–99 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decision-makers are increasingly asked to act differently in how they respond to complex urban challenges, recognising the value in bringing together and integrating cross-disciplinary, cross-sectoral knowledge to generate effective solutions. Participatory modelling allows to bring stakeholders together, enhance knowledge and understanding of a system, and identify the impacts of interventions to a given problem. This paper uses an interdisciplinary and systems approach to investigate a complex urban problem, using a participatory System Dynamics modelling process as an approach to facilitate learning and co-produce knowledge on the factors influencing the use of urban natural space. Stakeholders used a Systems Dynamics model and interface, as a tool to collectively identify pathways for improving the use of space and simulating their impacts. Under the lens of knowledge co-production, the paper reflects how such mechanisms can lead to the co-production of knowledge and social learning. The findings also contribute to identify ways of increasing the value of urban natural space focusing on urban areas undergoing physical and social transformation, such as the Thamesmead case study, London, UK. • Participatory System Dynamics modelling to co-produce knowledge with stakeholders. • Using a holistic approach to describe the dynamics of the use of urban natural space. • The model simulates different impacts on the use of space to inform decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating environmental concerns arising from soils contamination with heavy metals (HMs) and pesticides (PSTs) necessitate the development of sustainable and effective remediation strategies. These contaminants, known for their carcinogenic properties and toxicity even at small amounts, pose significant threats to both environmental ecology and human health. While various chemical and physical treatments are employed globally, their acceptance is often hindered by prolonged remediation times, high costs, and inefficacy in areas with exceptionally high pollutant concentrations. A promising emerging trend in addressing this issue is the utilization of microalgae for bioremediation. Bioremediation, particularly through microalgae, presents numerous benefits such as high efficiency, low cost, easy accessibility and an eco-friendly nature. This approach has gained widespread use in remediating HM and PST pollution, especially in large areas. This comprehensive review systematically explores the bioremediation potential of microalgae, shedding light on their application in mitigating soil pollutants. The paper summarizes the mechanisms by which microalgae remediate HMs and PSTs and considers various factors influencing the process, such as pH, temperature, pollutant concentration, co-existing pollutants, time of exposure, nutrient availability, and light intensity. Additionally, the review delves into the response and tolerance of various microalgae strains to these contaminants, along with their bioaccumulation capabilities. Challenges and future prospects in the microalgal bioremediation of pollutants are also discussed. Overall, the aim is to offer valuable insights to facilitate the future development of commercially viable and efficient microalgae-based solutions for pollutant bioremediation. [Display omitted] • Bioremediation applications of contaminated soils with HMs and PSTs were reviewed. • Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan exhibit elevated PST usage and HM contamination. • Factors influencing bioremediation of HMs and PSTs were identified. • Mechanisms and evaluation methods of bioremediation on polluted soil were examined. • Further research is needed to advance field applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper delves into the intricate interplay between decarbonisation and sustainability, focusing on adopting chemical looping technologies. Deep decarbonisation scenarios necessitate a profound transformation in various sectors to mitigate climate change, and oil refineries, as pivotal players, must adapt to these changes. Employing the BLUES integrated assessment model, we evaluate the evolution of the refining sector in decarbonisation pathways, emphasising its potential for sustainability through repurposing and emissions mitigation. Additionally, we delve into chemical looping technologies, including Solar Thermal Chemical Looping (STCL), Reverse Water Gas Shift Chemical Looping (RWGS-CL), Chemical Looping Reforming (CLR), and Super Dry Reforming (SDR), elucidating their principles and contributions to carbon dioxide (CO 2) conversion. These technologies offer promising routes for CO 2 capture and present opportunities for sustainable carbon loop cycles, potentially revolutionising industries' emissions reduction efforts. In a world of climate change, this research illuminates a sustainable path forward by integrating decarbonisation and innovative CO 2 management strategies. • Chemical looping technologies offer innovative routes for sustainable carbon capture and utilisation. • Oil refineries can play a pivotal role in reducing emissions through asset repurposing. • Integration of the BLUES model provides insights into refining sector evolution for decarbonisation. • Solar Thermal Chemical Looping (STCL) utilises solar energy for CO 2 conversion. • Methane-utilising CO 2 CL processes like CLR and SDR offer promising sustainability solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid economic growth and human activities have seriously damaged the environment and hindered the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hence, this study aims to explore the impact of economic complexity, uncertainty, and remittance on environmental degradation in 134 countries from 2000 to 2022. In addition, it examines whether uncertainty moderates the relationship between remittance and environmental degradation. Two proxies (ecological footprint and CO 2) were used to measure environmental degradation. The analysis was conducted using a cross-sectional dependency test, second-generation unit root test, and panel quantile regression. The results revealed that economic complexity significantly and positively impacted environmental degradation, while uncertainty and remittance significantly and negatively impacted environmental degradation. Furthermore, uncertainty weakened the negative relationship between remittance and environmental degradation. Accordingly, this paper discusses various recommendations and policy implications regarding economic complexity, uncertainty, remittance, and environmental degradation. • We examined the impact of economic complexity, uncertainty, and remittance on environmental degradation in 134 countries. • Ecological footprint and CO 2 were used to measure environmental degradation. • Economic complexity significantly and positively impacted environmental degradation. • Uncertainty and remittance significantly and negatively impacted environmental degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper aims to review and develop a Consolidated Water Security Index (CWSI) as a tool to evaluate water security status within river basins by considering five key dimensions, namely (i) water supply and sanitation, (ii) water demand and socio-economic, (iii) water ecosystem and environment, (iv) water-related disaster and (v) water governance. This index is a holistic assessment since it aims to capture the interconnected and complex nature of water-related issues by considering multiple dimensional aspects which helps stakeholders and policymakers to understand the overall status of water security. This framework uses the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), involving pairwise comparison, normalisation and weighting. Then, a CWSI will be calculated using the Linear Aggregation method. The robustness of this consolidated index is validated using sensitivity analysis by modifying the weight in the linear aggregation formula. By following each step cautiously, a CWSI can be constructed and interpreted correctly, thus, becoming a powerful tool for conveying complex information to the different stakeholders and assessing the status of water security with river basins. The CWSI allows decision-makers to prioritise areas that are most at risk and facilitate sustainable planning and management of water resources. [Display omitted] • Lacking generally applicable approach for measuring water security. • Decision makers address water issues in silos, undermining water security efforts. • Contextualisation needed to acknowledge complex interactions in water security. • Integrating WASH and IWRM principles is crucial for water security assessment. • CWSI reconciles multiple dimensions and indicators for water security assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving soil quality without creating any environmental problems is an unescapable goal of sustainable agroecosystem management, according to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Therefore, sustainable solutions are in high demand. One of these is the use of biopolymers derived from microbes and seaweed. This paper aims to provide an overview of the sources of extraction and use of microbial (bacteria and cyanobacteria) and seaweed-based biopolymers as soil conditioners, the characteristics of biopolymer-treated soils, and their environmental concerns. A preliminary search was also carried out on the entire Scopus database on biopolymers to find out how much attention has been paid to biopolymers as biofertilizers compared to other applications of these molecules until now. Several soil quality indicators were evaluated, including soil moisture, color, structure, porosity, bulk density, temperature, aggregate stability, nutrient availability, organic matter, and microbial activity. The mechanisms involved in improving soil quality were also discussed. [Display omitted] • The study analyses the biopolymer literature studies on soil quality indicators. • Little research on biopolymers concerns their impact on soil quality indicators. • The effects of microbial and seaweed biopolymers on soil are explored. • Studied biopolymers can contribute to sustainable agriculture. • Soil treatment with biopolymers can contribute to achieving SDGs of Agenda (2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating threat of plastic pollution necessitates urgent and immediate action, particularly within the food and beverage (F&B) industry, a significant contributor to single-use plastic waste (SUP). As the global population surges, so does the consumption of single-use plastics in the F&B sector, perpetuating a linear economy model characterized by a 'take, make, use, dispose' approach. This model significantly exacerbates plastic waste issues, with projections indicating an alarming increase in plastic outputs by 2050 if current practices continue. Against this backdrop, the circular economy presents a viable alternative, with its emphasis on resource retention, recovery, and the extension of product lifecycles. This study delves into the problems posed by single-use plastics, introduces the circular economy as a sustainable model, and explores effective strategies for the recycling and reuse of plastic waste within this framework. By examining the environmental impact of SUP in the F&B sector and advocating for the adoption of circular economy principles, this paper underscores a critical pathway towards sustainable solutions in the battle against plastic pollution. In conclusion, the transition to a circular economy, underpinned by global collaboration and the proactive implementation of supportive policies, is imperative for reducing the environmental footprint of single-use plastics and fostering a sustainable future. • Urgent need to address single-use plastic (SUP) waste in food & beverage industry due to escalating threat. • Growing global population drives linear 'take, make, use, dispose' model, exacerbating plastic waste. • Alarming predictions for SUP output by 2050 necessitate shift to circular economy approach. • Circular economy emphasises resource retention, recovery, and extended product lifecycles as a solution. • Study advocates for circular economy principles in F&B sector to combat plastic pollution crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food systems impact different aspects of sustainability and human life, such as pollution, health, climate change, biodiversity loss, water shortage, and soil infertility. However, in many places, food systems are neither resilient nor sustainable. Integrated planning approaches can help to overcome fragmented strategies and policies in ways that improve the sustainability and resilience of food systems. This study explores such an approach by applying a climate-biodiversity-health (CBH) nexus to local and regional food systems in the Comox Valley region, British Columbia, Canada. The CBH nexus is used as an analytical lens to identify systems relationships among food systems, climate change, biodiversity and health issues and strategies in the region. The employs a place-based approach entailing semi-structured interviews with provincial, regional, and local stakeholders in order to develop a holistic understanding of planning challenges, strategies and their outcomes through the CBH lens. Outcomes of this work include a system map that can be used as a framework for elucidating how various strategies align or conflict with different CBH imperatives and can be used to support integrated community sustainability planning and policy-making efforts. The framework is developed within the Comox Valley context, but it can be adapted to other communities. This paper details the development of this framework, the interconnections between different components, and how this framework can be adopted in other communities. • Applying a context-based lens and place-based approach that engages stakeholders can be beneficial for integrated planning in food systems. • This study applies a Climate-Biodiversity-Health nexus in the Comox Valley's food systems. • Semi-structured interviews and a case study approach are used to elucidate how the nexus can be effectively applied to a particular place and context. • The case study's system maps are developed to illustrate how the research domains impact each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review paper explores the acceptance of renewable energy (RE) installations and projects, focusing on the perspectives of local residents and tourists. While previous research has extensively examined community acceptance of RE, limited attention has been given to tourists' acceptance in tourist destinations. Despite extensive research, significant gaps persist, particularly regarding tourists' acceptance of RE installations. The paper stresses the need to identify the determinants of tourists' acceptance and advocates for further investigation comparing residents' and tourists' reactions to RE projects in tourism destinations. It also emphasizes the importance of incorporating new theories and interdisciplinary approaches into future studies. By offering an overview of existing research and providing guidance for future inquiry, this review paper contributes to the body of knowledge on RE acceptance. It underscores the necessity of comprehensively examining the acceptance of both local residents and tourists to ensure sustainable development and the integration of RE projects in tourism destinations. • Limited attention to tourists' acceptance of RE installations persists. • Identifying determinants of tourist acceptance is crucial for sustainability. • The importance of RE installations acceptance becomes a central focus in sustainable tourism research • There exists a notable disparity in the acceptance of RE between residents and tourists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blockchain Technology has garnered significant attention due to its immense potential to transform the way transactions are conducted and information is managed. Blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that is spread across a network of computers, ensuring the secure, transparent, and unchangeable recording of transactions. However, the energy consumption of certain blockchain networks like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Monero, Zcash, and others has generated apprehensions regarding the sustainability of this technology. Bitcoin alone consumes approximately 100 terawatt-hours annually, contributing significantly to global carbon emissions. The substantial energy requirements not only contribute to carbon emissions but also pose a risk to the long-term viability of the blockchain industry. This study reviews articles from eight reputable databases between 2017 to August 2023, employing the systematic review and preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses approach for screening. Therefore, explore the applications of sustainable blockchain networks aimed at reducing environmental impact while ensuring efficiency and security. This survey also assesses the challenges and limitations posed by diverse blockchain applications regarding sustainability and provides valuable foresight into potential future advancements. Through this survey, the aim is to track and verify sustainable practices, facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy, and promoting environmental stewardship, with a specific focus on highlighting the potential of sustainable blockchain networks in enabling secure and transparent tracking of these practices. Finally, the paper sheds light on pertinent research challenges and provides a roadmap of future directions, stimulating further research in this promising field. • Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses (PRISMA Study). • Identification of Sustainable Blockchain Use Cases. • Sustainable Blockchain Challenges and Opportunities. • Blockchain for Transparent Sustainability Tracking. • Future Research Directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Governments globally face increasing pressure from climate advocates and international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, to enact policies addressing climate change. This paper addresses the imperative for sustainable practices outlined in such agreements, with a specific focus on assessing the drivers of Green Procurement Practices (GPP) within Public Sector Organizations (PSOs). A dearth of research exists in systematically analyzing and prioritizing these drivers, exploring their interdependencies, and elucidating their relative importance. GPP is pivotal in market transformation by promoting environmentally friendly products and endorsing low-carbon, energy-efficient alternatives. This, in turn, contributes significantly to mitigating climate change and fostering a shift towards a greener, more sustainable economy. Identification of the drivers has been performed by an extensive review of the literature combined with the author's viewpoint, while the analysis has been performed using the novel method of Dominance-based Rough Set Approach (DRSA) and Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) with Matriced' Impacts Croise's Multiplication Applique'e a UN Classement (MICMAC) analysis. The study's outcome reveals that the Demand for Eco-friendly products is the primary driver for the incorporation of GPP, followed by the drivers' Presence of guidelines support and Government Regulations. Findings of the research also demonstrate that suppliers' propensity to adopt green practices depends on several factors, including sustainable supplier cooperation, degree of commitment to embrace green initiatives, government interventions in the form of incentives and guidelines support, and the presence of a legal framework. The findings of this research will enrich the understanding of policymakers and managers to formulate strategies for advancing GPP structured and sustainable implementation in PSOs. The study's findings will also benefit green technology sector advancement through the widespread adoption of GPP. • Study focuses on assessing the drivers of green procurement practices (GPP) in public sector organizations (PSOs). • Analysis has been performed using the novel DRSA and ISM-MICMAC approach methodology. • Analysis reveals that the demand for eco-friendly products is the primary driver for incorporating GPP. • Other key drivers include the presence of guidelines support and government regulations. • Findings will enrich the understanding of policymakers and managers to formulate strategies for advancing GPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circular economy (CE) has been gaining traction in recent years as it promises a change for good, in terms of environmental, social, and economic benefits. The major changes required to implement circular economy business models (CEBMs), can prove to be especially difficult for organisations. This study provides a holistic analysis of the effect of CE institutional policies on the development of CEBMs in organisations, by exploring not only production-oriented policies, which have been the focus of previous research, but also consumption policies. Consumption policies, in the form of regulatory and information policies, are oriented towards consumers and have the potential to affect the demand for CE products, which in turn affects the development of CEBMs in organisations. The paper is framed within the institutional theory and the context of the European Union. Our results reveal that consumption policies have a positive, albeit diminishing, effect on the CEBMs. Our paper finds that regulation is the most impactful policy, having a larger impact than production policies. Our results highlight the important role of institutional policies in fostering consumers' demand for CE products and of consumption policies as tools to be employed by governments in fostering CEBMs and achieving sustainability. • Consumption policies have a positive, albeit diminishing, effect on the CEBMs. • Regulation for consumption is more impactful than production policies. • Institutional policies are crucial in fostering consumers' demand for CE products. • Consumption policies are an essential tool for governments to foster CEBMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Depletion of groundwater resources is of increasing concern in many parts of the world; however, farmers' perceptions of resource status and the role these have in influencing decisions about groundwater use are rarely considered and even more rarely analysed. This paper investigates the links between farmers' perceptions of resource condition and drivers of groundwater decline and patterns of groundwater use in the semi-arid highland region of Balochistan, Pakistan. Key factors associated with groundwater over-exploitation in this region, identified by farmers, include: high returns from irrigated fruit and vegetable cultivation; drought; mass installation of tubewells; inefficient irrigation practices; government policies and subsidies that promote groundwater development; and lack of effective groundwater governance. Critically, while a majority of farmers in this study believe that groundwater is a limited resource, there is little evidence to indicate that this then leads to sustainable groundwater use decision making within these communities. Without effective intervention, groundwater resources in this region will potentially suffer the consequences of human behaviour associated with the use of common pool resources identified in Hardin's (1968) seminal 'Tragedy of the Commons' paper. This study exemplifies the importance to the future of rural communities in water scarce regions of effective governance, regulations and economic incentives for sustainable water management. Highlights • We investigated farmers' perceptions in relation to groundwater use in a water scarce unregulated environment. • Multiple factors were found to be associated with groundwater over-use. • Awareness that groundwater is limited did not alter extraction behaviour. • Perverse incentives, maladaptation and policy making on the run were apparent. • We discuss governance options for sustainable resource use in water scarce regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The paper uses data on environmental (management) performance (EP) of industrial goods companies in 14 countries to assess the impact of 3 variables on EP: companies' headquarters location, global spread (GS) & financial performance (FP). No prior study has addressed these questions for the industrial goods sector, a crucial sector in most economies. Hierarchical regression and other methods are used to test pertinent hypotheses. Among other things, the paper finds that EP differ based on regional location of the companies' headquarters. Consistent with prior research for some industries, FP and GS show no impact on EP. An auxiliary finding is that manufacturing firms outperform service firms environmentally. These results have several practical implications. For example, industrial goods companies headquartered outside Europe can learn environmental best practices in Europe, and endeavor to implement them throughout their global operations. Also, firms need not excel financially to excel environmentally. Such firms may focus on environmental excellence, knowing that investments in environmental programs would ultimately pay off. This work bridges the International Management and Sustainability Literatures, provides some guidance to managers about EP improvement and adds to our understanding of EP. It will stimulate related research in the Production and Operations Management and Environmental Management fields. Highlights • Companies Environmental Performance differ based on their headquarters locations. • Financial performance is found to have no impact on environmental performance. • Global spread is found to have no impact on environmental performance. • Manufacturing-oriented firms outperformed service-oriented firms environmentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current context of the necessary sustainability transition of the built environment, it is widely recognized that buildings are a major contributor to the energy consumption of fossil fuels and the emission of CO 2 . Most of the debates, policies and research are however dedicated to the sole construction of new very efficient (up to zero-energy) building, neglecting the potential of actions on the existing building stock. In this context, we argue that LCA tools are of a huge interest to objectivise the need to refurbish old buildings, in order to increase their energy efficiency and extend their life span, and to compare this strategy to the demolition/reconstruction of buildings. To achieve this aim, this paper aims at updating an existing tool that enables to carry out the life cycle assessment of buildings, by taking into account demolition and construction phases. Then, the tool is applied to one case study of the low-energy refurbishment of a public office building in Brussels, to compare the impacts of the complete demolition followed by a complete reconstruction (rebuild project) to the retrofitting of the existing building (retrofit project). Our main findings confirm the huge impact of the use phase, highlight the impact (energy and CO 2 emissions) of the construction and demolition phases and show that the in-depth renovation of this building leads to lower environmental indicators compared to its full reconstruction. The tool and results provided in this paper support the development of policies in favour of the retrofitting of the existing building stock and highlight the importance of including the whole life cycle of the building in the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable consumption and production are considered to be fundamental ways to solve problems with environmental resources that human beings are facing. There is a broad consensus that promoting sustainable consumption requires the joint efforts of different social actors. This paper aims to define the roles of different stakeholders and the relationships between them, and then establish a modeling framework to analyze those relationships between stakeholders, which include members of government, business, consumer, mass media, environmental non-government organizations, education and research institutions, financial markets, etc. The research found that members of government, business, and consumers make up the core stakeholder network. The modeling framework could be used to evaluate sustainable consumption practices and identify deficiencies that would assist in defining better trajectories. This paper describes the evaluation of sustainable consumption practice in Tianjin, China from a stakeholder perspective to show how the modeling framework can function. According to this analysis, the following six actions may promote sustainable consumption practices in areas like Tianjin: 1) the cultivation of a consciousness of sustainable consumption, 2) the exemplary role of government, 3) a series of laws, regulations, and policies, 4) a thorough sustainable consumption action plan, 5) an insistence on sustainable production and consumption by businesses and consumers, and 6) the concerted efforts of various stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper builds on the Supply and Use Tables module within the System of integrated Environmental and Economic Accounts - Experimental Ecosystem Accounts (SEEA EEA) developed by the UN. We explore the evolution of Supply and Use Tables from the System of National Accounts (SNA) to the System of integrated Environmental and Economic Accounts - Central Framework (SEEA CF) and then to the SEEA EEA, and we propose a further extension: we propose that ecosystem types should be treated as accounting units able to produce, consume and exhibit changes in regeneration and absorption rates. The implications are first explained in the methodological section and then shown in the application where the water purification service is tested against two major policy issues: sustainability assessment (we show how to assess whether the ecosystem service is used sustainably by comparing the quantification of potential and actual flow) and causality nexus (we quantify the connection between the value of agricultural production and that of the ecosystem service used). The paper highlights how the overall outcomes change when considering different scales. A contrast emerges, for example, between the positive balance at the continental scale, where water purification services appear to be used sustainably (thanks to the high potential flow of Northern European countries) and the negative balance of almost all European countries when considered at a national scale. Taking advantage of the experimental opportunities offered by operating with external satellite accounts, we are able to show how the proposed complementary tables could support policy action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro-nano plastics (MNPs) are emerging contaminants that can easily enter the food chain, posing risks to both the aquatic ecosystem and human health. Various physical, biological, and chemical methods have been explored to remove MNPs from water, and recently, adsorption technology has gained attention as an effective approach. Among the potential candidates, carbon-based adsorbent has emerged as a promising choice due to their low cost, eco-friendly nature, and sustainability. This paper summarizes recent advancements in MNP removal using carbon-based adsorbents, with a focus on the modification methods and adsorption mechanisms. Additionally, the factors influencing the adsorption performance and the methods for characterizing the adsorption mechanism are analyzed. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of carbon-based adsorbents over other adsorbents are discussed, along with the current state of sustainable recycling and future research prospects. [Display omitted] • Typical carbon-based adsorbents for MNPs adsorption were carefully overviewed. • Different modification technologies were introduced for enhancing MNPs adsorption. • Adsorption mechanism and corresponding characterization methods were discussed. • Important factors affecting the adsorption performance of MNPs were analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metal resource crisis and the inherent need for a low-carbon circular economy have driven the rapid development of e-waste recycling technology. High-value waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) are an essential component of e-waste. However, WPCBs are considered hazardous to the ecosystem due to the presence of heavy metals and brominated organic polymers. Therefore, achieving the recycling of metals in WPCBs is not only a strategic requirement for building a green ecological civilization but also an essential guarantee for achieving a safe supply of mineral resources. This review systematically analyzes the hydrometallurgical technology of metals in WPCBs in recent years. Firstly, the different unit operations of pretreatment in the hydrometallurgical process, which contain disassembly, crushing, and pre-enrichment, were analyzed. Secondly, environmentally friendly hydrometallurgical leaching systems and high-value product regeneration technologies used in recent years to recover metals from WPCBs were evaluated. The leaching techniques, including cyanidation, halide, thiourea, and thiosulfate for precious metals, and inorganic acid, organic acid, and other leaching methods for base metals such as copper and nickel in WPCBs, were outlined, and the leaching performance and greenness of each leaching system were summarized and analyzed. Eventually, based on the advantages of each leaching system and the differences in chemical properties of metals in WPCBs, an integrated and multi-gradient green process for the recovery of WPCBs was proposed, which provides a sustainable pathway for the recovery of metals in WPCBs. This paper provides a reference for realizing the gradient hydrometallurgical recovery of metals from WPCBs to promote the recycling metal resources. • Gentle hydrometallurgy of metals in WPCBs is summarized and analyzed. • Leaching methods for gold, copper and other metals are systematically compared. • A process for clean gradient recovery of multi-metals from WPCBs is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to explore how Internet use affects an individual's environmental sustainability awareness. To this end, we adopt data from the 2021 wave of Chinese General Social Survey, measure the environmental sustainability awareness by 14 categories of items, and employ a treatment effect model to identify the relationship. The results reveal that Internet use is significantly associated with an increase in people's environmental sustainability awareness. Our study sheds light on the underlying mechanism of the positive correlation via an information-based channel. Furthermore, we also find that the facilitating effect is more pronounced in economically developed regions. This work provides a new insight into the determinants of environmental sustainability awareness and offers several implications to conduct sustainable development policies in the digital era. • Investigating the impact of Internet use on environmental sustainability awareness. • Estimating a treatment effect model to investigate the relationship between Internet use on environmental sustainability awareness. • Internet use is significantly associated with an increase in people's environmental sustainability awareness. • Revealing the underlying mechanism of the positive correlation via an information-based channel. • The facilitating effect is more pronounced in economically developed regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic digestion (AD) as a waste management strategy for the organic fraction of municipal waste (OFMSW) has received attention in developed countries for several decades, leading to the development of large-scale plants. In contrast, AD of OFMSW has only recently drawn attention in developing countries. This systematic review was carried out to investigate the implementation of AD to treat the OFMSW in developing countries, focusing on assessing pilot and full-scale AD plants reported in the last ten years. Studies that met the selection criteria were analyzed and data regarding operating parameters, feedstock characteristics, and biogas, digestate, and energy production were extracted. As outlined in this systematic review, AD plants located in developing countries are mostly one-stage mesophilic systems that treat OFMSW via mono-digestion, almost exclusively with the aim of producing electrical energy. Based on the analysis done throughout this systematic review, it was noted that there is a large difference in the maturity level of AD systems between developing and developed countries, mainly due to the economic capacity of developed countries to invest in sustainable waste management systems. However, the number of AD plants reported in scientific papers is significantly lower than the number of installed AD systems. Research articles regarding large-scale implementation of AD to treat OFMSW in developed countries were analyzed and compared with developing countries. This comparison identified practices used in plants in developed countries that could be utilized in the large-scale implementation and success of AD in developing countries. These practices include exploiting potential products with high market-values, forming partnerships with local industries to use industrial wastes as co-substrates, and exploring different biological and physical pretreatment technologies. Additionally, the analysis of capital and operational costs of AD plants showed that costs tend to be higher for developing countries due to their need to import of materials and equipment from developed countries. Technical, economical, and political challenges for the implementation of AD at a large-scale in developing countries are highlighted. • Anaerobic digestion (AD) of biowaste is gaining attention in developing countries. • AD plants in developing countries (DC) are mostly one-stage mono-digestion systems. • AD plants costs in DC are high due to their need to import equipment. • The challenges for the implementation of AD at a large-scale in DC were discussed. • Public-private partnerships are imperative to overcome these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global economy has accelerated the transition to a green, low-carbon economy. An enterprise's green innovation (GI) is directly related to its capacity for sustainable production as a micro-subject of economic development. This study examined the impact of managerial capacity on enterprise green innovation and changes of green innovation targeting. We used data collected manually from 423 Chinese A-share companies from 2010 to 2017. The effect of various external impact signals was then investigated. This study's findings are as follows: (1) Managerial ability stimulated green enterprise innovation. The marginal effect was 0.0696. While quality targeting has focused more on green invention innovation, managerial capacity significantly improved the marginal impact of green substantial innovation by 0.0375; (2) The clean production link targeting analysis confirmed that enterprises focused on end-of-pipe governance innovation (0.0466), along with new energy innovation (0.0495) rather than energy-saving innovation (−0.0227); (3) The multi-period DDD (Difference in Difference in Difference) model revealed that low-carbon city policy promoted green innovation with a diminishing trend; (4) The voluntary environmental regulation signals, ISO14001 certification, displayed a substitute effect for managerial capacity on enterprise green innovation. This paper provides recommendations, including that enterprises should improve the utilization of new and renewable energy while improving and optimizing production processes. The government should also improve innovation incentive policies and strengthen environmental information disclosure. • The marginal effect of managerial ability on enterprise green innovation is 0.0696. • Quality targeting focuses more on green invention innovation. • Link targeting focuses more on end-of-pipe governance innovation. • Low-carbon city policy promoted green innovation with a diminishing trend. • ISO14001 certification displayed a substitute effect in the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, pure economic supply chain management is not commonly contemplated among companies (especially buyers), as recently novel dimensions of supply chains, e.g., environmental, sustainability, and risk, play significant roles. In addition, since companies prefer buying their needs from a group of suppliers, the problem of supplier selection is not solely choosing or qualifying a supplier from among others. Buyers, hence, commonly assemble a portfolio of suppliers by looking at the multi-dimensional pre-determined selection criteria. Since sustainable supplier selection criteria are often assessed by linguistic terms, an appropriate clustering approach is required. This paper presents an innovative way to implement fuzzy equivalence relation to clustering sustainable suppliers through developing a comprehensive taxonomy of sustainable supplier selection criteria, including supply chain risk. Fifteen experts participated in this study to evaluate 20 suppliers and cluster them in the plastics industry. Findings reveal that the best partitioning occurs when the suppliers are divided into two clusters, with 4 (20%) and 16 (80%) suppliers, respectively. The four suppliers in cluster one are performing better in terms of the capability of supplier/delivery, service, risk, and sustainability criteria such as environment protection/management, and green innovation. These factors are critical in clustering and selecting sustainable suppliers. The originality of this study lies in developing an all-inclusive set of criteria for clustering sustainable suppliers and adding risk factors to the conventional supplier selection criteria. In addition to partitioning the suppliers and determining the best-performing ones, this study also highlights the most influential factors by analysing the suppliers in the best cluster. • Extending fuzzy equivalence relations by using fuzzy AHP to weigh criteria. • Comprehensive identification of sustainable supplier clustering criteria. • Integrating risk criteria into sustainability for clustering suppliers. • Analysing the role of sustainable suppliers in waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union has set ambitious targets for recycling and landfill disposal of urban waste by 2025 and 2035, respectively. Composting is considered one way to achieve these goals. This paper focuses on a case study of a compost industrial treatment facility to identify potential and economically feasible improvements for the process and the factory. Through a thorough analysis of the facility and its production process, a plant section suitable for reengineering intervention has been identified. A technological solution based on Industry 4.0 is proposed to facilitate the monitoring and control of the bio-oxidation phase. An economic and feasibility analysis of this investment has been carried out over a ten-year lifecycle, comparing it with the company's business plan. A hybrid simulation model has been implemented to simulate and evaluate the reengineered plant, revealing that the bio-oxidation phase can be shortened to an average of six days. This result suggests that the adoption of smart technologies to control these types of processes are desirable and should become a standard. The social and economic effects of this investment were also analyzed to evaluate how to reduce the fares keeping the investment still valuable for the community and the private entrepreneurs. [Display omitted] • European and Italian legislation framework for waste management and compost production. • Process analysis of a compost facility. • Re-engineering analysis to tackle the bottleneck of the compost facility. • Formalization of a simulation model to study the lifecycle of the re-engineered system. • Economic evaluation of the use case facility and of the re-engineered solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an important body of literature using multi-criteria distance function methods for the aggregation of a battery of sustainability indicators in order to obtain a composite index. This index is considered to be a proxy of the sustainability goodness of a natural system. Although this approach has been profusely used in the literature, it is not exempt from difficulties and potential pitfalls. Thus, in this paper, a significant number of critical issues have been identified showing different procedures capable of avoiding, or at least of mitigating, the inherent potential pitfalls associated with each one. The recommendations made in the paper could increase the theoretical soundness of the multi-criteria distance function methods when this type of approach is applied in the sustainability field, thus increasing the accuracy and realism of the sustainability measurements obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although an explosion of new building materials are being introduced into today's market, adequate up-front research into their chemical and physical properties as well as their potential health and environmental consequences is lacking. History has provided us with several examples where building materials were broadly deployed into society only to find that health and environmental problems resulted in unintended sustainability consequences. In the following paper, we use lead and asbestos as legacy building materials to show their similar historical trends and sustainability consequences. Our research findings show unintended consequences such as: increased remediation and litigation costs; adverse health effects; offshoring of related industries; and impediments to urban revitalization. As numerous new building materials enter today's market, another building material may have already been deployed, representing the next “asbestos.” This paper also proposes an alternative methodology that can be applied in a cost-effective way into existing and upcoming building materials, to minimize and prevent potential unintended consequences and create a pathway for sustainable communities. For instance, our findings show that this proposed methodology could have prevented the unintended incurred sustainability costs of approximately $272-$359 billion by investing roughly $24 million in constant 2014 U.S. dollars on up-front research into lead and asbestos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green infrastructure (GI) revitalizes vegetation and soil, restores hydro-ecological processes destroyed by traditional urbanization, and naturally manages stormwater on-site, offering numerous sustainability benefits. However, despite being sustainable and despite being the object of unrelenting expert advocacy for more than two decades, GI implementation remains slow. On the other hand, the practice of traditional gray infrastructure, which is known to have significant adverse impacts on the environment, is still ubiquitous in urban areas throughout the world. This relationship between knowledge and practice seems unaccountable, which has not yet received adequate attention from academia, policy makers, or research communities. We deal with this problem in this paper. The specific objective of the paper is to explore the barriers to GI, and suggest policies that can both overcome these barriers and expedite implementation. By surveying the status of implementation in 10 US cities and assessing the relevant city, state and federal policies, we identified 29 barriers and grouped them into 5 categories. The findings show that most of the barriers stem from cognitive limitations and socio-institutional arrangements. Accordingly, we suggest 33 policies, also grouped into 5 categories, which span from conducting public education and awareness programs to changing policies and governance structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite an increasing number of third-party logistics service providers (3PLs) regard environmental sustainability as a key area of management, there is still great uncertainty on how 3PLs implement environmental strategies and on how they translate green efforts into practice. Through a multiple case study analysis, this paper explores the environmental strategies of a sample of medium-sized 3PLs operating in Italy and the UK, in terms of environmental organizational culture, initiatives, and influencing factors. Our analysis shows that, notwithstanding environmental sustainability is generally recognised as a strategic priority, a certain degree of diversity in the deployment of environmental strategies still exists. This paper is original since the extant literature on green strategies of 3PLs provides findings predominantly from a single country perspective and mainly investigates large/multinational organizations. It also provides indications to help managers of medium-sized 3PLs in positioning their business. This is particularly meaningful in the 3PL industry, where medium-sized organizations significantly contribute to the generated turnover and market value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, due to the climate crisis, sustainable economic growth and biodiversity protection have been increasingly promoted. Scientists, researchers, and experts in the field of sustainable development highlighted that bio-based restoration of ecosystems and responsible management of existing resources are needed to meet the needs of future generations. This paper discusses some of the latest developments in three main areas of sustainability, i.e., energy, water and environment, that emerged from the "16th Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems Conference – SDEWES 2021". The purpose of this introduction article is to briefly review the articles included in this Virtual Special Issue. As such, it acts as an editorial paper for the virtual special issue of the Journal of Environmental Management, dedicated to the SDEWES 2021 conference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food waste is a significant contemporary issue in the UK, with substantial environmental, social and economic costs to the nation. Whilst efforts to reduce food waste are laudable, a significant proportion of food and drink manufacturer waste is unavoidable. On the one hand, there is a drive from industry to reclaim as much value from this waste as possible, for example, by conversion to valuable products in what is known as "valorisation". At the same time, growing social and legislative pressures mean that any attempts to valorise food waste must be performed in a sustainable manner. However, for every company and its specific food wastes, there will be multiple valorisation possibilities and few tools exist that allow food and drink manufacturers to identify which is most profitable and sustainable for them. Such a decision would need to not only consider environmental, social and economic performance, but also how ready the technology is and how well it aligns with that company's strategy. In response, this paper develops and presents a hybrid framework that guides a company in modelling the volumes/seasonality of its wastes, identifying potential valorisation options and selecting appropriate indicators for environmental, social and economic performance as well as technological maturity and alignment with company goals. The framework guides users in analyzing economic and environmental performance using Cost-Benefit Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment respectively. The results can then be ranked alongside those for social performance, technological maturity and alignment with company goals using a weighted sum model variant of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis to facilitate easy visual comparison. This framework is demonstrated in the form of a case study with a major UK fruit consolidator to identify the optimal strategy for managing their citrus waste. Possibilities identified included sale of imperfect but still edible waste via wholesale at a significantly reduced profit and the investment in facilities to extract higher value pectin from the same waste stream using a microwave assisted pectin extraction process. Results suggest that continued sale of waste to wholesale markets is currently the most beneficial in terms of economic viability and environmental performance, but that in the medium to long term, the projected growth in the market for pectin suggests this could become the most viable strategy. • When food waste cannot be avoided, valorisation can increase company resilience. • Valorisation strategies must try to avoid negative supply chain ramifications. • The SWaVI pragmatic framework allows companies to identify their optimal valorisation route. • The SWaVI pragmatic framework facilitates initial selection, not implementation of valorisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural ecosystems hold great place within the hearts and lives of people, particularly those within which people live and work. However, whether people equally value natural ecosystems that they regularly frequent is effectively unknown. Such knowledge would greatly assist natural resource managers to better understand what they are protecting, why and for whom. In this paper we look at the different values that people hold for different ecosystems within the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). We test the relationship between eight different cultural values (using ecosystem services framing), and the use of seven different ecosystems (beaches, creeks and estuaries, islands and cays, inshore reefs, mid-shelf and outer reefs, open water, and shipwrecks) from face-to-face surveys of 1934 residents living within the GBR. We also look at whether the relationships that people have with each ecosystem inspires them to; (i) do more to help protect the GBR, (ii) learn more about the GBR, and (iii) feel personally affected if the health of the GBR declines. Results suggest that there are common reasons why all ecosystems are valued. All seven ecosystems were valued because they provide identity, quality of life and well-being, and inspired people to do more to help protect the GBR. Many were valued for their desirable and active way of life, learning about the environment through scientific discoveries, and learning about the condition of the GBR. However, some ecosystems were valued for special reasons. People that used beaches tended to have more pride in the World Heritage Area status of the GBR and appreciated the aesthetics of the GBR. People that used the mid-shelf and open-water areas were more likely to value biodiversity and aesthetics qualities. People that used inshore reefs were more likely to value economic benefits from the GBR. All residents said that they would be personally affected if the health of the GBR declined, except for those that used beaches, creeks and estuaries. Levels of concern for each of the ecosystems within the GBR varied, where people were more concerned about inshore areas than they were about coral reef condition. Specifically, people were most concerned about the level of rubbish on the beaches in their region and least about mangroves. These results suggest that, even though the GBR is valued in its entirety for many reasons, the GBR is not perceived as an entire ecosystem, but that people have different relationships within it. We discuss how environmental sustainability might be optimised through understanding and incentivising the multi-functionality of landscapes. • The GBR contains many sub-ecosystems, which are valued by people to different extents. • People value all sub-ecosystems for identity, lifestyle and well-being, and for specific reasons. • People are more concerned about rubbish on beaches than coral reef condition. • All sub-ecosystems can inspire people to better protect them. • These results can help managers understand what they are protecting, why and for whom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated water resources management (IWRM) has been central to water governance and management worldwide since the 1990s. Recognizing the significance of an integrated approach to water management as a way to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), IWRM was formally incorporated as part of the SDG global indicator framework, thus committing the UN and its Member States to achieving high IWRM implementation by 2030 and measuring progress through SDG indicator 6.5.1. This paper examines the extent to which the implementation of IWRM improves the sustainable management of water and the health of water-related ecosystems—a first-of-its-kind in terms of quantitative analysis on a global scale. To achieve this objective, we conducted regression analyses between SDG 6.5.1 (both IWRM (total score) and the dimensions of SDG 6.5.1) and key water-related environmental sustainability indicators: SDG 6.2.1a (access to basic sanitation), 6.3.1 (treated wastewater), 6.4.1 (water-use efficiency), 6.4.2 (water stress), 6.6.1 (freshwater ecosystems, although here the trophic state and turbidity variables were used) and 6.3.2 (ambient water quality). Our analysis covers 124 countries for all these SDGs, with the exception of SDG 6.3.1 and SDG 6.3.2, which cover 112 and 85 countries, respectively. Results show that IWRM—to different degrees—is mainly associated with the good status of water-related sustainability indicators, with the exception of water stress, water quality, and turbidity. We observe a strong impact of control variables such as governance arrangements, economic situation and environmental and geographical conditions. Lagged effects and the scope of the framework may also explain some observed variations in the degree of association. Our study highlights the importance of further uncovering the interlinkages between IWRM implementation and the achievement of water-related environmental sustainability. Overall, the results suggest that although IWRM implementation is primarily linked to sustainable water management and the health of water systems, context-specific factors should be taken into account when evaluating its effectiveness, to enable policy- and decision-makers to make the necessary adjustments to optimize its outcomes. [Display omitted] • Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) aims for sustainability of water systems. • We study the association between IWRM and water-related environmental sustainability. • The quantitative analysis of IWRM on a global scale is a first-of-its-kind. • Results show that IWRM is mainly associated with the good status of SDG 6 indicators. • We found a strong impact of control variables calling for more in-depth studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementing unified municipal solid waste management (MSWM) is often difficult due to socio-economic variables. However, spatial GIS models and statistical analysis of solid waste characterized by the weekdays, weekends, and festivals can somewhat mitigate the variance and assist with selecting suitable waste management methods. This paper presents the example of Rajouri, India, to propose a suitable MSWM based on Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) intensity maps and statistical findings. The considered region was divided into different sample sites based on the local population density, and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) was collected from four locations in each site on weekdays, weekends, and festivals. Compositional analysis of the MSW was then used to generate spatial IDW models in QGIS 3.22.7 to interpolate MSW generation over the entire area. Finally, statistical analysis was conducted to gain insight into the waste generation and accumulation trends. The results show that Rajouri produces 245 tonnes of waste daily (per capita: 0.382 kg/day) with a large organic fraction compared to other waste categories. Besides, waste generation is observed to increase over weekends and festivals due to increased consumption of material goods. Composting could serve as a vector for municipal solid waste because of its increased organic component and cost constraints. However, further research on the potential segregation techniques for the organic fraction of solid waste is needed. • Extensive MSW sampling on weekdays, weekends, and festivals is investigated. • Waste generation is observed to increase over weekends and festivals. • Spatial modeling and thorough statistical analysis of the gathered data. • Dominated MSW contents are organics (Max = 87.05%) and plastics (Max = 12.67%). • Pearson analysis showed (+) correlation for WDF, WDPl and (−) correlations for WDPa, WDTe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A climate disaster can be devastating, but its challenges and losses provide some opportunities to other countries. Therefore, in this paper, we examine the impact of climate risk on international trade with a particular focus on developed and developing countries. Using a large sample of 160 countries between 2006 and 2019, we find that climate disaster is positively associated with high international trade. An increase in the climate disaster index will lead to an increase of about 5.9% in imports as a proportion of GDP. This is significant given that the mean of imports of the sample countries is 48%. Regarding the flow of trade, importation is likely to increase by about 6.7% and export to decrease by 0.65% after the occurrence of climate disasters in developing countries. Conversely, we did not find significant changes in imports and a weak association with exports for developed countries. We attribute this differential impact of climate disasters between developed and developing countries to the preparedness and risk mitigation mechanism in developed countries. The result suggests that the long-term effect of climate disasters increasing overall international trade is due to increasing imports in developing countries. Additional analyses demonstrate the robustness of these results to different model specifications and measurements of variables. Our results imply that climate change and its associated natural disasters offer more trade opportunities for developed countries than developing countries, highlighting the climate injustices between the high and low climate change contributors. • We examine impact of climate disaster on international trade. • Climate disaster is significantly associated with high trade. • Climate disaster increases importation in developing countries. • Climate disaster is not significantly related to imports in developed countries. • Our findings highlight the climate injustice between developed and developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Process-related carbon emissions, which cannot be completely eliminated by the improvement of processes and energy structure, are recognized as an enormous challenge for in-depth decarbonization. To accelerate the achievement of carbon neutrality, the concept of 'artificial carbon cycle' is proposed based on the integrated system of process-related carbon emissions from high-emitting industries and CCU technology as a potential pathway towards a sustainable future. This paper conducts a systematic review on the integrated system with the case of China, which is the largest carbon-emitting and manufacturing country, to provide a clearer and more meaningful analysis. Multi-index assessment was used to organize the literature and draw the useful conclusion. Based on literature review, the high-quality carbon sources, reasonable carbon capture approaches and promising chemical products were identified and analyzed. Then the potential and practicability of the integrated system was further summarized and analyzed. Finally, key factors of future development including technology improvement, green hydrogen, clean energy and industrial cooperation were stressed to provide a theoretical reference for future researchers and policy makers. • Demonstration on the rationality and importance of applying CCU technology on process-based carbon emissions. • Multi-index assessment on adoptable carbon sources, possible pathways of carbon capture and carbon conversion. • Analysis on the potential and practicability of the integrated system to accelerate carbon neutrality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protected areas (PAs) provide many important recreational, social, and economic benefits that are largely dependent on their ability to sustain visitation. Trail networks are a critical tourism infrastructure element that directly accommodate high quality recreation activities and experiences while providing access to and protection of irreplaceable natural and cultural resources. Unfortunately, most trail networks consist of historic "legacy" trails that were not sustainably designed and whose intensive use cause unacceptable impacts to PA resources, experiences, and values. This paper provides an international state-of-knowledge review of trail science research within the field of recreation ecology to describe common trail impacts and factors that influence trail degradation that trail stewards can manipulate to enhance the sustainability of trail networks. Two emerging models that seek to rate trail topographic sustainability are presented to illustrate their potential utility to PA managers. Expanding and incorporating trail science research into the sustainable trail planning, design, and Best Management Practice literature are also discussed. • Sustainable trails have low grades, side-hill alignments, and rocky substrates. • Steep landform grades provide greater opportunities for sustainable trail design. • Trail sustainability ratings can be applied with Geographic Information Systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's industrial parks have been playing a crucial role on driving regional economy development, but also been posing threats to local environment due to intensive resource consumption and waste emission. Chinese government facilitated eco-industrial development of industrial park, aiming to output more with less environmental burden. In our study, the eco-efficiency levels of 40 Chinese industrial parks in 2012 were assessed and ranked by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). This paper applied indicators relevant to resource, economy, and environment from industrial parks which can well reflect the characteristics of eco-efficiency conforming to the concept of sustainability. This paper introduced how to adjust less sustainable parks to be more sustainable according to the DEA results. The roles of industrial added value per capita, industrial structure, environmental policy and development scale as influence factors of eco-efficiency were discussed. The results show that large differences exist in the eco-efficiency of different industrial parks. It is shown that 20% of the parks are relatively efficient. 47% of the study parks being inefficient in terms of scale efficiency show decreasing returns to scale. Policy implementations for the management of industrial parks were also discussed based on the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arts and Cultural Organisations (ACOs) have received significant attention over the last few years regarding their environmental performance. ACOs are often non-profit organisations, relying on government funding to implement various programmes to support societal development. Funding dependence can shift ACOs' focus from creating socio-cultural value to being more commercially driven. This paper explores factors influencing organisational changes in ACOs related to environmental performance measurement. Stakeholders in ACOs based in Nottingham, England, were interviewed and participated in a workshop to validate and collect additional data. Our research uncovered five interrelated factors that influence organisational change: the role of funding bodies; local policies and networks; organisational culture and leadership; lack of resources; and building proprietary-tenant relationships. This paper contributes to understanding ACOs responses to measuring environmental performance and the challenges they face as they move from measuring to implementation. Implications are explored for how funding is allocated and understood in terms of moving beyond merely measuring the carbon footprint of activities. ACOs' funding dependence indicates a focus on carbon measurement, omitting a more holistic approach towards the environment and sustainability. • Arts and cultural organisations based in Nottingham participated in the research. • Current ACE funding leads to the implementation of a dominant environmental agenda. • Environmental performance measurement is incomplete and focused on carbon emissions. • ACOs lack the wider support to adopt a whole systems approach to sustainability. • Further research should focus on the importance of place and context in ACOs behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial wastewater discharge has increased manifolds over the last few decades. Efficient industrial wastewater treatment is mandatory to meet stringent discharge regulations. Biological treatment systems, such as the sequencing batch reactor (SBR) are generally employed for domestic wastewater treatment. However, low infrastructure and energy requirements, as well as low footprint, make SBR a prominent technique to treat industrial wastewater. In the present review, the feasibility of SBR to treat wastewater generated from industries, such as textile, pulp and paper, pharmaceutical, tannery, etc., has been discussed. The factors affecting the treatment efficacy of the SBR in terms of organics and nutrient removal have also been investigated. It has been observed that the SBR system is effective for industrial wastewater treatment as it is easy to operate, resistant to shock loads, and can retain high biomass concentrations. The modifications to the conventional SBR, such as sludge granulation, the addition of bio-film carriers, and the incorporation of adsorbents, salt-tolerant microbes, and coagulants have been discussed. Further, various novel combinations of SBR with the other advanced treatment technologies, such as Fenton, membrane-based process, and electrochemical process have shown enhanced removal of various conventional and recalcitrant pollutants. The current review also accentuates the sustainability aspects of SBR technology to treat industrial wastewater which may be beneficial for researchers and engineers working in this field. [Display omitted] • Presence of recalcitrant pollutants is the main concern in industrial effluents. • The potential of SBR for treating industrial wastewater is investigated. • Cyclic time, SRT, aeration rate, and OLR are the main influencing factors of SBR. • Modifications and recent advances enhanced the removal performance of SBR. • SBR is found to be more sustainable compared to other biological techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The paper describes the results of a specific LCA based analysis of the production of olive oil in the region of Calabria, in southern Italy. The goal of the study is to assess the energy and environmental impacts of different scenarios involving conventional and organic cultivations, plains and hills cultivations and involving different operating techniques. The study also aims at assessing the share of each life cycle step on the total of energy and environmental impacts. The functional unit chosen for the comparative analysis is a glass bottle of 0.75 L of extra virgin olive oil. A "from cradle to gate" perspective was chosen. The analysis was developed according to the LCA standards of the ISO 14040 series. The analysis is based on a field analysis developed in the last years in the province of Reggio Calabria between more than 50 enterprises and stakeholders of the field, representative of the whole Calabria region and of most southern Italy. The data used for the development of mass and energy balances are related to the years 2013–2015. The results clarify that for all indicators that the first part of the life cycle – from the production, including the growth of the olive plant to the full production stage – is the most relevant, variable between 80.6% share in the case of the particulate matter indicator to the 99.64% in the case of land use (Hill – Biological agriculture scenario). Relevant differences can be also traced for each specific indicator among all scenarios; high impacts are traced for the agricultural stages among all scenarios (70% −90% in all indicators) with high impacts caused by fertilizers. Among the transformation stages the bottle production is one of the most relevant sources of life cycle energy uses and environmental impacts (80–90%). Highlights • A life cycle (LC) assessment for different olive oil production techniques in southern Italy is proposed. • The agricultural stages cause more than 70% of the life cycle environmental impacts. • Bottling is a critical step in terms of environmental impacts among the transformation stages. • Energy efficiency in the transformation stages has only moderate positive impacts in the LC perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract After twenty-four years of government efforts, the latest national recycling rate in Malaysia rose from 5% in 1993 to approximately 24.6% in 2017. However, the practice of solid waste recycling in developing countries is still challenging compared to developing countries. Especially in Malaysia, a multi-ethnic country where people with different ethics have different living lifestyles. Still, Malaysia faces rapidly increasing solid waste and management costs, lacks appropriate data on solid waste management and recycling, lacks awareness of the 3R's (reduce, reuse and recycle) culture and lacks policies to promote 3R's culture. In addition, prior to the enforcement of ACT 672, information and networks between stakeholders have been limited for more than 20 years. Some scholars believe that the success of recycling practices is mainly influenced by community recycling behaviours. Therefore, in order to improve and evaluate the effectiveness of current national solid waste recycling management systems, research and assessment of community recycling behaviours are essential. This paper aims to evaluate the factors that attract communities to implement recycling in their daily lives and to obtain data through quantitative survey methods. Face-to-face questionnaires are conducted through purposive sampling and collected data is further analysed by PASW statistical tools. The comparison between recyclers and non-recyclers are presented in terms of frequency, means scores and radar chart. The results indicate that policy makers involved in the planning, organisation, and implementation of community recycling programs have to focus on strategies that engage community members and adopt recycling practices to improve environmental impact by changing their attitudes. Based on the results of means scores, the type of age, occupation and place of life must be taken into consideration in order to organize future recycling campaigns or awareness programs. In conclusion, the information will help policymakers make better solid waste recycling management to meet the needs of the public. Highlights • Malaysian recycling behaviour survey conducted before mandatory waste separation at source on 1 September 2015. • The sociodemographic aspects must be taken into consideration in order to organize future recycling campaigns. • The solutions could increase the publicity of recycling programs via various mass media to disseminate the information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]