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Synergy in the co-processing of lignocellulosic wastes and municipal biowaste (MB) can unlock their potential for biobutanol production. This study assessed the potential for biobutanol production through the co-processing of lignocellulosic waste and MB. Specifically, it compared the co-processing of paper waste with MB to that of garden waste and MB. Ethanol organosolv pretreatment served as a dual-function process for both pretreatment and detoxification purposes. Initial fermentation of hydrolysates from untreated paper waste using Clostridium acetobutylicum produced 0.9 g/L of acetone and ethanol but no detectable butanol. Organosolv pretreatment led to a significant increase in acetone and ethanol production but did not yield butanol. Co-processing paper waste with MB using organosolv pretreatment resulted in the production of 2.8–3.2 g/L butanol, along with increased acetone and ethanol production. Furthermore, co-processing a 1:1 (w/w) mixture of paper waste and MB under mild and severe pretreatment conditions produced 45.5 g and 43.4 g butanol, respectively, compared to 34.8 g and 14.4 g butanol when processing these waste streams separately. The study also explored the positive impact of co-processing garden waste with MB, a distinct lignocellulosic source, enhancing acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) yield by 27–40%. These findings highlight the potential of synergistic waste co-processing for achieving a more suitable balance of nutrients to enhance biobutanol and ABE production from biowastes. Additionally, the simultaneous treatment of lignocellulosic waste and municipal biowaste offers a simplified approach to waste processing, contributing to advancements in sustainable biomass utilization and bioenergy production. [Display omitted] • The fermentation of the paper-derived hydrolysates led to acetone but not butanol. • Co-processing with municipal biowaste led to butanol production from paper waste. • The synergy of co-processing and organosolv pretreatment led to higher ABE yields. • The pretreatment positively affected the starch release and cellulose hydrolysis. • Ethanol is a byproduct used as a pretreatment agent to help process circularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the Digital Product Passport (DPP) as a key tool for achieving a circular economy. An architecture of the DPP is presented built upon the principles of data spaces and W3C Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs). By leveraging data spaces, the DPP enables secure and controlled data exchange among stakeholders, fostering transparency, traceability, and collaboration throughout the product's lifecycle. The use of decentralized identifiers ensures the uniqueness and verifiability of product-related information, facilitating seamless access and sharing of data. The DPP architecture offers a promising framework for realizing the circular economy by promoting resource efficiency, sustainable practices, and informed decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive review explores recent advancements in the manufacturing of cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-based cellulose nanopaper (CNP). The analysis delves into customizing CNPs through nanofiber manufacturing, mechanical refining, and chemical treatments. The report underscores the growing interest in CNPs derived from CNF due to their exceptional properties and eco-friendly attributes. CNP strength significantly enhanced through mechanical refining encompassing cellulose nanofibrillation were breaking down of cellulose into nanofibers takes place. Conversely, dense CNF network formed through filtration and casting method. Chemical treatments such as dispersion, functionalization, and coating methods followed by drying and consolidation introduce custom functionalities for diverse applications. These applications span packaging, electronics, energy harvesting, EMI shielding, optoelectronics, nanogenerators, transparent conducting films, water treatment, bioelectronics, and neuromorphic computing. The study conducts an in-depth investigation to assess CNP's effects on promoting sustainability and minimizing environmental waste, making a significant contribution to the circular economy. This investigation underscores the pursuit of innovation and aligns with the principles of progressing toward a more environmentally sustainable future. [Display omitted] • Explores CNF production, refining and chemical treatments for CNP customization. • Remarkable properties of CNP draw academic and industrial interest. • CNP applied in packaging, electronics, energy, and environmental science. • Investigates role of CNP in circular economy. • Emphasizes CNPs as eco-friendly, fostering innovation and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity markets offer considerable promise but are accompanied by controversies. Here, we map the utilization of native species (NS) from Brazil's biodiversity across eleven industrial sectors: foodstuffs, beverages, textiles, clothing, leather, wood, pulp and paper, biofuels, pharmochemicals, rubber and furniture. We show that there exists a diverse range of NS use in industrial products (48%) and activities (73%). These economic activities represent potential annual exports of approximately USD $50 billion. However, we found that only 1% of the potential business, USD $500 million of annual exports, is consolidated and can be traced to such products. We show that biodiversity markets and larger annual revenues locate in municipalities away from places in which biodiversity products originate. Therefore, the biodiversity business in Brazil remains largely untapped. This prompts a critical examination of the role of biodiversity within the Brazilian industry and its alignment with the Brazilian Biodiversity Law and the Nagoya Protocol. Our study is a pioneering effort that provides strategic recommendations. We suggest that the responsibility for sustainable NS utilization predominantly falls on sectors dominated by major corporations, most notably pharmochemicals and biofuels. These industry sectors possess the potential to lead the transition towards responsible and sustainable biodiversity practices within Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water removal during paper manufacturing is of primary importance to production rate and cost efficiency for the pulp and paper industry. It is crucial to develop methods to reduce energy consumption by increasing the percent solids in the paper web entering the dryers from the presses. This research aimed to develop a fundamental understanding of the effect of bio-chemo-mechanical pretreatments on a bleached softwood fiber matrix and evaluate the impact on the percent solids of the paper web after pressing. Experiments included enzymatic, refining, and cationic polymer pretreatments on the bleached softwood pulps, followed by laboratory papermaking and determining the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) after pressing and the pulp and paper properties. The combined effect of mild refining, controlled enzymatic pretreatments, and cationic strength aids proved to enhance the water removal during wet pressing (up to 35 % reduction) and increase paper strength (up to 60 % increase). The results of increased solids after pressing were used to calculate the potential reduction in drying energy during paper manufacturing. Energy savings of around 10 % for paper drying could be achieved through fiber matrix modification by bio-chemo-mechanical pretreatment. Enzymatic pretreatments have previously been conventionally applied before refining as an energy-saving method. However, this research shows that synergistic actions of enzymes added after refining modify the fibers and create the optimal conditions for enhancement in drainage, press dewatering, and paper properties. [Display omitted] • Enzyme-assisted fiber modifications improve press dewatering and paper strength. • Enzyme blends can enhance fiber cell wall flexibility and fibrillation. • Synergistically, enzymes increased ∼35% press dewatering and ∼60% tensile strength. • Enzymes, mild refining, and cationic biopolymers enhance paper process efficiency. • This research introduces alternative methods for decarbonizing the paper industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological transformation represents one of the most promising optimization strategies for a sustainable economy. The rapid convergence of biotechnology, information technology and production technology provides a vast area of innovation. From an economic and innovation policy perspective, cooperation structures and value creation systems will change significantly in a biointelligent transformation process. In the future, many industries will produce personalized products in a much more decentralized manner based on locally provided, renewable resources using autonomous non-expert systems. Such a profound change affects not only products and processes but also the organization of companies and how innovations are evaluated and implemented. In this paper, we thus discuss the need for a reorientation of innovation management in companies in the context of biological transformation. This article focused the central question of how the innovation management can change in the context of biointelligence so that companies can be helped to invest strategically in biointelligent innovations. We then outline the basic elements of a framework and discuss key challenges for future research and development. In this paper, we present initial thoughts on a framework for the management of biointelligent innovation that aims to solve the complex requirements of BioIntelligence. Our approach is based on a holistic view of different methods and techniques to provide a comprehensive solution to the challenges. We discuss the basic concepts and goals of this framework as well as potential application areas and challenges. Furthermore, we present first approaches for implementation and evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, the number of member states in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) has risen by 40%. The UNCOPUOS continues to be one of the largest committees in the United Nations, with recent additions representing many emerging space nations including the Dominican Republic, Rwanda, Angola, Guatemala, and Bangladesh, among many others. This paper addresses the role of emerging space nations in updating and refining current policies and norms of behavior related to the long-term sustainability of the space environment. The paper provides examples of the recent implementation of long-term space sustainability design and operational guidelines in the national space strategies of several emerging space nations, highlighting the importance nations give to the development of legal mechanisms to regulate the peaceful use of the space environment. Examples of both national and regional initiatives are presented including Thailand's 2021 Draft National Space Act, aimed at creating a national legal regime and establishing a governmental agency dedicated to developing space policies for the registration of objects launched into outer space and space debris mitigation measures, and the National Space Law Initiative (NSLI) study group consisting of Australia, Indonesia, India, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam to create a framework that aims to promote information sharing and mutual learning in relation to the participants' respective national regulatory frameworks for long-term space sustainability. More recently, new initiatives have been developed that celebrate the efforts of satellite mission operators with the aim to reduce the likelihood of space debris and collisions among space objects. The Space Sustainability Rating (SSR) was created by the World Economic Forum, the European Space Agency, the University of Texas at Austin, BryceTech, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and is now hosted by the EPFL Space Centre. The SSR is a rating system to assess and recognize missions that are designed to be compatible with sustainable and responsible operations, reducing the potential harm to the orbital environment and the impact on other operators. The SSR comprises six modules aimed at assessing missions for their compatibility with sustainable and responsible operations. This paper specifically focuses on evaluating the Detection, Identification and Tracking (DIT) scores for satellite missions launched by emerging space nations. The DIT module of the SSR serves as a standardized measure for assessing space sustainability. The paper adopts an exploratory multi-case study approach. Through this focused study, the paper identifies barriers and unique challenges emerging space nations face, including experiences of operator organizations, launch options, financial constraints, technical options available, and other relevant factors. • Paper title: Role of Emerging Nations in Ensuring Long-term Space Sustainability. • UNCOPUOS membership rises 40%, highlighting emerging nations in space policy. • Emerging space nations prioritize guidelines for peaceful and sustainable space use. • SSR serves as an effective tool for evaluating space sustainability metrics. • Case study on THEOS, CBERS, and SumbandilaSat reveals barriers for new players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development should meet the needs of the present without compromising future generation needs. While political and standards approaches insist on regulatory directives, this paper proposes a quasi-satisficing methodology considering the sustainability topic within a larger encompassing framework. Starting from three reflections originated by the classical thermodynamics, the effect of knowledge accumulation on the Production Possibility Frontier (PPF), and a model for the human wellbeing in manufacturing ecosystem, this paper proposes a new production model and a heuristic approach to drive the decision process towards sustainable manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the use of Internet of Things (IoT) and smart bin technologies to automate the recycling waste collection process and ensure the reliability of the entire system through the incorporation of security measures and blockchain technology. With the increasing global concern for waste management and sustainable practices, the integration of IoT and smart bins brings forth a multitude of benefits. These include heightened efficiencies, reduced costs, and improved accuracy in waste collection. By integrating IoT sensors into traditional waste bins, these smart bins can gather data regarding the fill levels of waste. This enables waste collectors to optimize their routes and collection schedules, resulting in a more streamlined process. The collected data is securely transmitted to the relevant stakeholders and it is recorded on a blockchain-based platform to enhance transparency and accountability. The incorporation of security measures ensures the privacy and integrity of the collected data throughout the entire data transmission process. This paper emphasizes the immense potential of utilizing IoT and smart bin technologies to revolutionize waste collection practices, thereby contributing to a more efficient and sustainable recycling ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerogels, with their exceptional properties such as high insulation performance, lightness, and eco-friendliness, present immense potential for use in the construction industry. This paper reviews the progress in research and application of various types of aerogels in construction, highlighting notable case studies demonstrating energy efficiency gains and sustainability impacts. It delves into the lifecycle of aerogels, discussing environmental implications at each stage. Despite their potential, aerogels face certain limitations including production complexity, brittleness, and high cost which hinder their widespread adoption. The paper further discusses these challenges and highlights the need for continuous research and development efforts to overcome them, with a view to achieving more scalable production, enhanced mechanical properties, and cost reduction. Looking forward, the paper discusses the expansive horizon of aerogel research, emphasizing the potential of smart aerogels, their integration with renewable energy systems, and exploring the possibility of recycling or creating bio-based aerogels to enhance their overall sustainability. While still in early stages, aerogels promise to be a major contributor to the future of construction, leading to more sustainable and efficient built environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable evolution of international transport corridors is imperative to meet the dual challenges of growing global transportation demands and pressing environmental concerns. This paper delves into the potential of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) as a transformative tool to achieve the green objectives set for international transport corridors. Drawing from systems theory, in the paper a mathematical framework to model the nexus between conventional transport mechanisms and green transformation goals is proposed. Paper describes taxonomy of main directions for ITS oriented on green transformation of transport corridor and roadmap of such transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of a microgrid, green hydrogen production from wind power was assessed in this paper. A Wind-Hydrogen Integrated Power Grid Model was employed to address the intermittent nature of wind energy resources. Wind power generation was analyzed and integrated with hydrogen production to contribute to sustainable energy solutions. Meticulous estimation and scenarios analysis were performed to quantify the potential of green hydrogen production capacity achievable through wind energy integration. Additionally, sensitivity analyses were conducted to enhance the understanding of the system's dynamics and potential challenges. This paper significantly contributed to the understanding of this critical aspect and paved the way for the future development of a comprehensive Energy Management System (EMS) designed to optimize energy flow between the grid, wind power generation, and the electrolyzer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need of undertaking effective actions against the climate change is pushing industrial companies to find new business models and technological solutions to reduce the resource utilization and the waste production. In this context, several companies are moving towards servitization, that has been proved as a promising strategy to enable sustainable business models in a wide spectrum, namely encompassing environmental, economic and social aspects. Nevertheless, companies lacks of tools for evaluating different servitization models with a clear view of economic and environmental benefits. This paper presents a model to estimate the profitability of servitization opportunities by combining economic Net Present Value index and environmental impacts estimation. The model is targeted on the steel sector, for which a preliminary application has been developed and is discussed in the paper. The results show that adopting different servitization business models, several benefits could be exploited both from providers and customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urgent need to act against climate change is emphasized in many initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the European Green Deal, and the Circular Economy Action Plan. The role of the industrial sector is crucial. Companies, however, have to operate in a very complex environment driven by digitization and are supposed to be more sustainable. This paper explores how companies can implement the ecological transformation, with a focus on the role of digital technologies and data in enabling the twin transition. This paper proposes an approach to support SMEs in the twin transition through a combination of digital and sustainable business model development. The concept includes an interdisciplinary methodology that combines qualitative and quantitative approaches, focusing on the latter. The suggested method collection includes adaptations of the business model canvas, value proposition analysis, data-driven decision-making, and the integration of environmental and economic considerations using the system of environmental-economic accounting. In particular, approaches to define the quantification of economic as well as ecological value will be key levers for sustainable implementation. By leveraging these approaches, SMEs can navigate the challenges of digital transformation and sustainability and contribute to a more sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an academic exploration of the shifting landscape of business models toward greater sustainability, considering the environmental, social, and economic dimensions. The United Nations has emphasized the need for companies to prioritize sustainability, leading to scholarly discussions on the topic. While economic sustainability remains important, decision-makers must now navigate the transformation of their business models to incorporate environmental and social sustainability, driven by emerging regulations such as the European Union's Green Deal. This transition may initially appear as an additional task accompanied by potential investment costs and reduced profits. However, it also presents opportunities for economic growth through the creation of new value propositions, entry into untapped markets, access to novel customer segments, the provision of innovative services, and the facilitation of data-driven supply chains. This paper provides a comprehensive literature review on sustainability as a pivotal future value proposition for companies and identifies potential pathways that can leverage its transformative potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lean and sustainability are found to have the same agenda of waste reduction. Sharing waste reduction is particularly important for understanding how lean and sustainability can be weaved together to support mutual benefits. However, many publications concentrate on these strategies in isolation, paying less attention to their integration in the design phase. This paper presents an exploratory study from extant literature. It reviews more than 30 papers that have been published from 2018 to 2023 and examines the concepts of lean and sustainability on the issue of waste reduction from the early design phase. It explores the opportunities to enhance environmental and construction performance by implementing sustainability-lean practices to reduce the sources of waste generated in different design stages. Results indicate that 'Clearness, recognition, and Communication', 'Inappropriate supplying of information', 'Coordination and accuracy' and 'Design Expertise' are the most important sources of design waste since they have the highest number of waste causes. Results show that design waste sources are affected the most by a wide practice of embedding waste reduction strategies in the Preparation and Briefing and Technical Design stages. The paper shows the most applicable lean tools that aim to reduce waste from the early design phase. The overall conclusion of this study is compatible with the same studies worldwide, which were applied in terms of increasing the performance of the waste reduction plan in construction by identifying the sources of design waste to achieve positive outcomes in terms of environmental, social, and economic dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Space solar power is an old idea. From its initial suggestion in the 1940s to the first practical concept by Dr. Peter Glaser in 1968, it has been analyzed, studied, and refined many times. Multiple government institutions, including NASA, JAXA, ESA, and CAST have invested significant funds into developing direct space solar power research. In parallel to these direct studies, considerable investment has also flowed into enabling technologies that serve as the cornerstone of current space solar power development concepts, including space solar panels, space hardware manufacturing, low-cost launch, wireless power transfer, robotic assembly, and swarm monitoring/control. In the last few years, space solar power concepts and studies have received increased funding, including non-governmental funding showing a strong positive growth trend. Multiple reports in 2021 and 2022, including from this author, have found that while space solar power has been technically feasible for decades, falling launch and hardware costs have only recently made it economically viable as well. Despite these findings, translation from economic feasibility to economic reality will require additional high-value investment. Sourcing these new funds requires investment context. This technical paper will present a state of the industry report on space solar power, including the total and source distribution of historical investments. It further contextualizes the investments in space solar power with the scale of investment in key technologies and their current technology readiness levels. The methodologies developed for this report and the data sourced are intended to serve as a catalyst, alongside industry feedback, to create a template for ongoing reporting of this growing market sub-sector and ultimately drive the full deployment of this technology. • NASA found in 1979 that Space Solar Power was technically and economically viable. • A half-century later solar power cost has fallen 99.8 %, launch has fallen 97.6 %. • A given solar panel will produce 6–20 times as much energy in space. • Direct investment into space solar power has reached $879 million. • Critical indirect investment, including into solar PV, is in hundreds of billions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological transformation is the transfer of principles of natural systems to technical materials, processes and systems. The essential concepts of biological transformation - inspiration (learning from the observation of nature for the adaptation of technology), integration (symbiosis of technical systems based on biological principles) and interaction (interweaving of nature with technology) - can be transferred to Industry 4.0 solutions. One of these solutions is the Digital Twin, which can be used to provide transparency of an individual product's environmental impact and to positively influence it throughout all lifecycle phases. A Digital Twin can be seen a digital ecosystem that inherits various biological principles itself, but also serves as an enabler of biologically transformed products. The application of the principles of biological transformation to Industry 4.0 helps achieve sustainable value creation. Manufacturing and operating companies, leveraging operational data with the help of Digital Twins, are equipped to better understand a product ecosystem's performance and identify constraining resources that determine its lifecycle sustainability. This paper demonstrates the concept development of a Digital Twin for a biologically transformed product-ecosystem with integrated sustainability assessment focused on the production phase and its corresponding user interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a method for the short-process recovery and reuse of rare earth secondary resources. Low-value rare earth polishing powder waste (WP), trichromatic phosphor waste (WT), NdFeB permanent magnetic waste (WN), and SmCo permanent magnetic waste (WS) were used as the raw materials. Based on the concept of combinatorial chemistry, energy-efficient cool pigments and environmental remediation materials were synthesized by a solid-phase method. The results showed that the synthesized materials had fluorite-type and garnet-type structures. In terms of cool pigments, doping with different rare earth permanent magnets can enrich the color (including yellow, green, brown, gray, and blue) and cause fluctuations in the near-infrared (NIR) reflectance (59.05–99.54 %) and NIR solar reflectance (55.32–95.64 %). Yellow fluorite-type pigments (WP: WT = 1:1) have the highest NIR reflectance (R = 99.54 %), while brown fluorite-type pigments (WP: WN = 1:0.1) and blue garnet-type pigments (WP:WS = 1:0.1) have relatively high NIR reflectance, 88.18 % and 59.30 %, respectively. The synthesized pigments possessed better chemical stabilities and thermal insulation performance. In terms of environmental remediation materials, the adsorption capacities of fluorite-type materials for F− and PO 4 3− can reach 84.03 mg/g and 85.3 mg/g, respectively. In summary, materials synthesized from rare earth waste exhibit excellent potential for use in energy-efficient wastewater treatment and promote the sustainable utilization of secondary rare earth resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of CaO for lime-based plaster and render generates 1.2 t CO 2 /t CaO, consumes 1.78 t CaCO 3 /t CaO. This research paper examines the environmental and economic performance of upcycling paper mill sludge (PMS) and carbide lime (CL) as replacements for hydrated lime (HL) in lime-based plasters production. For this, a new Cradle-to-Gate industrial-scale inventory is designed, upscaling recent lab-scale innovations, investigating PMS and CL treatment processes, followed by a Cradle-to-Grave scenario analysis. The results show that incorporating CL in the plaster yields better environmental and economic outcomes compared to PMS. The intermediate treatment for CL is cost-effective and has low carbon emissions. The upcycling of CL eliminates 100% of CO 2 emissions, while PMS reduces emissions by 11%. The production of the traditional binder HL is more expensive than upcycling PMS (+69%) and CL (+65%), with carbon taxes accounting for 35%, 44% and 15% of production costs, respectively. The effect of an equilibrated carbon price to ensure fair market competition, considering the natural carbonation of lime (carbon credit) is discussed, and the cost assessment reveals a 47% and 54% reduction for upcycled plasters using PMS and CL, respectively, compared to traditional HL. [Display omitted] • Availability, properties, and treatments of secondary lime resources. • Industrial-scale inventory for upcycling carbide lime (CL) & paper sludge (PS). • Cradle-to-Grave assessment: CL reduces CO 2 most, trailed by PS and hydrated lime. • Key factors for Cradle-to-Grave impact: lime kiln heat consumption (PS) and drying operation (CL). • Cost analysis of carbon taxes and credits across the material's life-cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought global physical, psychological, social and occupational health challenges. Telework and hybrid work have been a necessary response that has sustained and transformed companies and work at a global level. The main objective of this paper is to understand and characterize how ecosystems of healthy work environments in the context of telework and hybrid work. The Healthy Workplace Model proposed by the World Health Organization (Burton, 2010) was adopted. Thus, we analyzed the relationship between core principles related to physical work environment, psychosocial work environment, organizational culture, enterprise internal and external social responsibility and resources for occupational health in teleworking and hybrid working contexts. The study involved a total of 1829 participants, 1246 (68.1%) female and 571 (31.2%) male. The age of the professionals varies between 18 and 72 years, with a mean of 43 years and standard deviation of 10.45. The Healthy Workplaces Ecosystems Tool (EATS) was used (Gaspar et al., 2022). 57% of participants were in telework, 16% in hybrid work and 27% in face-to-face work. The comparative results showed statistically significant differences in relation to all dimensions of healthy work environments between the three types of work. The professionals in hybrid work situations have a more positive perception of the organisational culture, psychosocial work environment, physical work environment, resources for health and social responsibility, and better mental health indicators. The professionals in hybrid situations are followed by the professionals in telecommuting and, finally, the professionals in face-to-face situations. Three linear regression models were performed to understand the factors that best explain the psychosocial risks related to mental health (PRMH) in the three types of work. The results reveal that for workers who are in face-to-face exclusive work what best explains PRMH (R2 =.41) is marital status, psychosocial environment, leadership commitment, professional engagement, physical environment and stress management skills. For professionals in hybrid work what best explains the PRMH (R2 =.36) is age, marital status, psychosocial environment, professional engagement and stress management skills. For teleworking professionals that best explains the PRMH (R2 =.39) is psychosocial environment, leadership commitment, professional engagement, community engagement/social responsibility, physical environment and stress management competencies. The results show that workers in hybrid situation reveal a more positive perception of the ecosystems of healthy work environment. The professionals who have exclusive face-to-face job are those who report a more negative perception of the work environment. For all workers, PRMH are explained by the psychosocial environment, the professional's involvement and stress management skills. Specificities are identified for each type of work that should be taken into account in the promotion of healthy work environment ecosystems adapted to the new types and diversity of work models in order to promote mental health and prevent psychosocial risks at work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a society based on data-driven, data inclusion and data access play a significant role in societal development. A called democratization of data through open access, Open Data, must be nurtured by countries to empower their citizens, entrepreneurs, companies, industries, academics, and organizations, in general. Open Data Scoring System is an evaluation system that ranks countries in 22 categories of openness in data, divided into the 3 pillars of sustainability. In this paper, we will present the importance of Industry 4.0 and its relation to sustainability and the role of Data Science in Industry 4.0 assuming an Open Design approach. Then, an analysis is made considering the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the most relevant countries worldwide, the USA and China, concerning the six (6) higher ranked categories of openness data of these countries, supported by the Open Data Scoring System from 2015 to 2020. Our findings reveal that in the USA and China the main categories are seven (7), five (5), and 2 (two) categories of economic, social, and environmental sustainability, respectively. Through a correlations and co-occurrences analysis of the open data scoring worldwide reveals that the most significant categories are four (4) economic, one (1) social, and two (2) environmental. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entrepreneurship education (EE) is about developing students' ability to create economic, social, or cultural value. For sustainable development and achieving the SDGs, collaboration and new alliances will be of key importance. Collaboration can drive and enable innovative practices that bring benefits to the environment, society and organizations. A fully circular economy (CE), aiming to keep resources in economic cycles as long as possible, is required according to the European Green deal. In this paper the connection between sustainability, collaboration, and mentoring in entrepreneurship education has been strengthened. Two theoretical positions have been selected: (1) Entrepreneurship, sustainability and collaboration; and (2) Entrepreneurship education anchored in experiential learning and collaborative orientation in universities' Third Mission. EE and entrepreneurial pedagogy lay out student centered principles for experiential learning, aiming to develop students' creativity, opportunity orientation and innovation skills. Mentoring is an experiential learning concept, regarded as fruitful in higher education and widely used in the business industry. Student teams are often challenged with real-world problems. We explore a collaborative project initiating and structuring industry mentors. The educational setting is two courses at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) with partially common educational activities. The course challenges come from organizations in the region and are rooted in sustainability and CE. During 2019 industry mentors were assessed in a pilot-project and implemented after proving the viability of the idea. Initiating industry mentors shows positive outcome, and the three main findings are: (1) Industry mentors seems to cover an important function and role the professors do not cover; (2) Engaging industry mentors confirms the perceived need for structure and a collaboration network; and (3) Applying industry mentor service can lead to more outward and practice-oriented professors and university. Sustainability orientation and external collaboration by industry mentors' entails promising possibilities for experiential learning, knowledge development, networking, value creation, and educational re-directing in line with the Third Mission of Higher Education (HEI). A deeper understanding of entrepreneurial mentoring and the role of industry mentors is achieved. There is a need for further empirical examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interest in portfolio management has grown in time, especially due to the economical restrictions of the recent years. Selecting the best portfolio of projects and manage it to reach the strategic goals is therefore crucial, but the criteria to consider in the evaluation are getting more complex. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA) is one of the actors that operate in complex environment, dealing with different portfolios and different types of projects. In the management of these portfolios, the new strategic initiative is to bring sustainability among the set of criteria to be evaluated. This is creating a challenge where the importance in selecting the projects to form the portfolio and manage the existing portfolios actively has grown with the difficulty of handling inhomogeneous criteria, also difficult to measure. The structure of NPRA's portfolios has been investigated, conducting semi-structured interviews and analyzing strategic and organizational NPRA's documents and tools used for portfolio management. The paper describes the different portfolios for the NPRA and focuses on the actual system for the selection and management of the portfolio of projects, for chosen specific portfolios. For each of them, the strengths and weaknesses for the project portfolio selection and management in NPRA are discussed, with the focus on sustainability as evaluation criteria. Literature and portfolio practice is used to evaluate criticalities for the public agency and to suggest further work to develop a coherent and effective portfolio management focused on sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measuring the sustainability performance of an organisation is a rather complex task. This study aims at analysing a broad number of performance indicators related to the economic, environmental, and social pillars of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework and evaluates their applicability toward the development of a sustainable performance measurement system (SPMS) of projects. To this purpose, an analysis of the annual sustainability reports of the listed EURO STOXX Sustainability 40 companies was conducted, identifying the sustainability indicators incorporated in each individual report, and classifying them according to the three pillars of the TBL framework. The analysis of the reports yielded 67 economic indicators, 109 environmental, 130 social, and 38 additional ones, mainly combining the latter two categories, giving 344 unique indicators in total. The proposed system, based on empirical evidence, recommends that selected indicators for an SPMS for projects should relate to predefined subcategories. These are costs, efficiency, and shareholder return for the economic dimension; emissions, energy, paper, resource consumption, waste, and water for the environmental dimension; diversity & equality, ethical behaviour, external commitment, health & safety, training & development, and working conditions for the social dimension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents research performed on set-based multi-criteria optimization for the preliminary design of slab frame bridges. As a result of immense CO2 emissions emerging from concrete production, there is a need for optimization methods decreasing the volume of concrete without affecting the function of the structure. Previous research suggests a general correlation between CO2 footprint- and cost reduction, due to minimized material use. However, the aspect of buildability may conflict with lessened material, as optimized designs might simultaneously be less buildable. This research aimed to develop an optimization method with respect to the investment cost and environmental impact while also considering buildability cost aspects. The optimization algorithm shows the possibilities of reducing the environmental impact by up to 13.7% for a slightly increased cost of 2.3%. Thus, by implementing optimization procedures in the early stages of the planning process the holistic cost effects related to green solutions can be presented, favoring the choice of sustainable designs amongst clients during tendering procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strategic planning of industrial systems has become increasingly challenging for decision makers at different production levels, due to everal aspects, such as global competition, market uncertainty and volatility, and changing regulations. These evolving aspects often lead to unplanned and high-effort reconfigurations of systems. Additionally, high-paced innovation in industrial technologies and the diffusion of software, data analytics, and big data technologies in industrial systems, while potentially supporting ever smarter, safer, and greener decisions, also challenge decision makers, as often multi-disciplinary knowledge is required to successfully plan and operate increasingly complex systems. Existing literature provides little guidance on how strategic planning of industrial systems is expected to evolve in order to fully exploit advanced industrial technologies to responsively and cost effectively respond to global challenges. To fill this gap, this paper reviews existing literature on industrial systems' planning and reconfigurability and derivesmulti-sectorial requirements. Based on the findings, a life cycle conceptualmodel for strategic planning of reconfigurable industrial systems and value chains is provided. Moreover, the concepts of hierarchical interfaces, functional interfaces, and reconfigurability bottleneck are introduced and directions for future research are accordingly outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in global material demands while having finite natural reserves has made the transition from a linear to a Circular Economy (CE) more crucial. Various approaches have been proposed for such a transition, which closed-loop system is an approach aiming to maximize resource efficiency ensuring that materials are continually reused and recycled, thereby reducing waste and conserving resources. However, there are some obstacles/gaps in the implementation of CE practices, one of them is the lack of a proper Circularity assessment unit, as called Circularity Indicators (CIs). The CIs play a crucial role by enabling to quantify the success of circularity strategies. This paper critically reviews the existing CIs and introduces a novel scoring system that evaluates them against five main circularity categories. This scoring system allows for assessing CI's alignment with core CE principles. Our findings reveal that some CIs demonstrate broad applicability and robustness, while others have more narrowed focuses. This dementated the need for a unified CI that is versatile, comprehensive and integrates various 'R' strategies with the triple bottom line model of sustainability. This scoring system can be used in policy making and business strategy decisions to embed CE in new developments such that support sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pursuit of environmental sustainability and resource conservation has underscored the growing significance of the circular economy paradigm across industries. This transformation is particularly pertinent within the automotive industry, necessitating a profound restructuring of the value chain, with a specific focus on end-of-life considerations. Significant potential for circular economy arises from the thorough examination of end-of-life vehicles and processes, involving strategies such as component reuse, material recycling and primary resource reduction. Providing process-, product-, component-, and material-specific information at the end-of-life of automotive vehicles can improve decision-making regarding circular strategies. It also demands for new digital solutions. This paper addresses an integrated approach of data flow analysis and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to enable a comprehensive monitoring of the environmental impact of these processes. First, the use case of end-of-life dismantling processes is presented - including pyrotechnics neutralization, vehicle dehydration, disassembly of reuse components as well as vehicle compaction. Secondly, the data demand respective information and material flows is depicted. As a main result, the LCA data flow model specifically tailored to the end-of-life vehicle dismantling processes is described. This model serves as a fundamental basis for analyzing the environmental impact of end-of-life processes combined with the underlying data flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relevance of digital solutions to enable sustainable value creation, the monitoring and ultimately the reduction of the environmental footprint has increased. New information technologies and increased data availability along a product's lifecycle offer more tools to assess product sustainability than ever before. This paper presents how a Digital Twin needs to be designed to help monitor product-level energy efficiency and how such a Digital Twin can be implemented. State-of-the-art research on Digital Twins and their development, lifecycle assessment, and energy efficiency are introduced. There is a lack of evaluated implementations of methodical DT development in different scenarios, especially for the evaluation of product-level energy efficiency during production. Results of a research project with the focus on the development and implementation of Digital Twins are presented. The use case is set within the scenario of the sequential development of a product simultaneously with the development of the Digital Twin. The focus is put on the implementation of an energy consumption prediction and product carbon footprint analytics module as part of the Digital Twin. The development approach is presented and recommendations for the development of future Digital Twins are derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the unique technological merits of additive manufacturing (AM), design for AM, particularly eco-design for AM, has been gaining attention in improving the sustainable performance of AM-fabricated (AMed) parts. The main challenge in harvesting potential sustainability benefits is how to capture the impact of design on sustainable performance. Though several existing studies adopted quantitative evaluation on AM sustainability and investigated the relationships between design information and sustainability information of AMed part, the sustainability information is still unavailable in the design phase. This hardly guides eco-design for AM in practice. To support the increasing industrial applications of AM, this paper illustrates related knowledge, that is, material-process-structure-ecoProperty (MPSeP) relationships to connect design and sustainability information in eco-design for AM. An ontology-based method is proposed to model the MPSeP relationships of the AMed part in a structured way. An example of an AMed hydraulic valve body was used to demonstrate the MPSeP modeling process. It is discussed that how the constructed model effectively assists AM designers through providing eco-design recommendation, and enables design software tools to perform sustainability analysis towards eco-design for AM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monitoring of complex industrial systems through the implementation of smart approaches provides unique opportunities, such as the characterisation of their real-time performance. Within this scope, there exists the need to support decision-making during maintenance processes, due to the presence of a multitude of faults in real-world systems and the difficulty of identifying the appropriate mitigating solutions. The proposed solution uses intelligent optimisation techniques to identify the ideal control solution within these complex systems when faults arise. This paper presents a framework based on an intelligent optimisation approach, which provides a workflow process for the support of decision-making during faulty situations. It is adapted and implemented to the demand-side of a Compressed Air System (CAS), thus providing a holistic approach in automating fault mitigation during real-time system operation. In implementing this framework, multiple intelligent optimisation techniques such as the Genetic Algorithm and the Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithms were adopted and implemented. Both algorithms were successful in providing the ideal control solution under fault conditions. For a typical production case study, the proposed optimisation approach results in a reduction of 40% in its air consumption, which directly improves its environmental performance and energy costs. This result demonstrates that this approach contributes a suitable control strategy for CAS when experiencing a pneumatic fault, which has a direct positive effect on the operational energy performance and costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resource consumption of products and production processes, regarding energy and material, is the most important parameter in assessing economic and ecological sustainability. Existing approaches for measuring resource consumption calculate key performance indicators, such as the carbon footprint, from which actions can be derived. The data acquisition, processing, and visualization are usually complex and individually adapted to the products and production machines. This paper presents a method to capture the resource consumption of a product and production machine with low effort and in a targeted manner to calculate the carbon footprint subsequently. The approach's novelty lies in linking any sensor technology with a cross-platform application, integrating existing data sets, and incorporating gamification techniques. Gamifying the process, users engage more with the data, leading to higher awareness and deeper insights. The application offers an intuitive user interface displaying resource consumption by calculating the environmental impact of the production. The live data integration allows for immediate monitoring of the effect of adaptions to the production process, that helps to create a better understanding of contributions to resource consumption. The use of the application is highlighted in a case study of industrial complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the drive towards sustainable design, the push for products with greater longevity, reparability, and recyclability has never been more crucial. Central to this is the integration of eco-design principles within manufacturing processes. However, there is a gap: manufacturers lack both standardized processes and digital tools to support them, even though the promising digital product passport largely focuses on product lifespan. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are paramount, serving as benchmarks for both the manufacturing process and environmental sustainability of a product. These KPIs encompass factors like energy, water, compressed air, and material resource consumption. To emphasize the importance of these metrics, Europe is vulnerable to supply disruptions due to its high dependence on raw materials from non-EU countries. This paper discusses the state of the art of digital twins and presents a digital shadow—a comprehensive digital tool design to support manufacturers during the product design phase. Drawing from a case study in the automotive sector, this tool not only aligns with recycling and sustainability objectives but also mitigates risks associated with raw material dependencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 74.7 Mt (Million Metric Tonnes) of e-waste is expected to be produced in 2030, and laptop e-waste is one of the major constituents of this. The goal of this paper is to develop and optimize a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) mathematical model for a laptop manufacturer in India, based on a framework that integrates secondary reuse concept associated with traditional circular economy waste avoidance strategies. The multi-objective solution techniques of ε-constraint, LP-metric, and weighted sum methods are used to optimize the circular economy model. The proposed model aids as a policy tool to decide the optimum number of inspection/collection centers, sales/distribution centers, disassembly centers, refurbishing centers, recycling centers, and their optimum locations and allocations. This study results suggest that reuse, secondary customer centers, refurbishing, and recycling of the laptops is not only economically beneficial to the organization but also environment friendly and helps to create more jobs in the rural economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental impact of new products and production processes is one of the most important indicators of the current time. Many methods exist to estimate ecological metrics, such as the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) in the individual product development phases with stand-alone software. However, methods to integrate the PCF in the entire process chain with the possibility to interact in the process are missing. This paper presents a new approach to measuring the ecological impact of an Additive Manufacturing production process, exemplified by the Material Extrusion (MEX) process. The novelty of the approach lies in implementing a single software for machine control, processing, and visualization of sensor signals, parameter variation, and reporting functions to enable comprehensive PCF management. The workflow includes a model-based prediction of the PCF based on the G-code, live monitoring during the production phase, and a subsequent automated evaluation at a central interface. Critical points can be identified, and approaches for optimizing the MEX process can be designed. Uncertainty evaluation of the PCF based on the combination of uncertainty of the sensors and the Life Cycle Assessment is included in the method. The developed prototype software can be used in the design phase for prediction and in the process phase for optimization, enabling seamless PCF management for the MEX process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of Industry 4.0, achieving both energy efficiency and robust security in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) presents a significant challenge because of the resource requirements and complexity of these systems. This paper presents a novel method to integrate energy efficiency and robust security measures in CPSs. We propose the integration of anomaly detection techniques into the CPSs, to facilitate self-adaptation to changing conditions and threats, thereby enhancing system flexibility and reliability while also optimizing energy consumption. Our approach enhances the flexibility and reliability of CPSs by integrating Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) into the MAPE-K (Monitor-Analyze-Plan-Execute with Knowledge) control loop. This integration not only streamlines anomaly detection but also optimizes energy consumption, ensuring efficient and effective management of critical system functions. The outcome is a marked improvement in the adaptive decision-making capabilities of CPSs, leading to heightened security and better energy efficiency across various sectors and applications. This study significantly advances sustainable industrial practices within the Industry 4.0 paradigm, emphasizing the development of CPSs that excel in both energy efficiency and robust security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Flank face textured cutting tool found superior than plain tool for dry machining of Mg. • The dimple textures on the flank face of the cutting tool reduces its wear significantly. • Cutting speed is the most influencing factor. • Abrasive wear and discontinuous chips were obtained at low-speed machining. Magnesium alloys have many advantages as lightweight materials for engineering applications, especially in the fields of automotive and aerospace. They undergo extensive cutting or machining while making products out of them. Dry cutting, a sustainable machining method, causes more friction and adhesion at the tool-chip interface. One of the promising solutions to this problem is cutting tool surface texturing, which can reduce tool wear and friction in dry cutting and improve machining performance. This paper aims to investigate the impact of dimple textures (made on the flank face of cutting inserts) on tool wear and chip morphology in the dry machining of AZ31B magnesium alloy. The results show that the cutting speed was the most significant factor affecting tool flank wear, followed by feed rate and cutting depth. The tool wear mechanism was examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis reports, which showed that at low cutting speed, the main wear mechanism was abrasion, while at high speed, it was adhesion. The chips are discontinuous at low cutting speeds, while continuous at high cutting speeds. The dimple textured flank face cutting tools facilitate the dry machining of AZ31B magnesium alloy and contribute to ecological benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into various aspects of organizational management has caused a fundamental upheaval in leadership practices. This article provides an in-depth discussion of how AI alters traditional leadership paradigms and promotes more adaptable, data-driven, and customized approaches to leading teams and organizations. By utilizing AI, leaders can enhance communication and collaboration, anticipate talent needs, analyze data in real-time, and eradicate ethical biases. Additionally, they can tailor leadership development to specific individuals. However, issues are associated with this progression, such as ethical concerns, privacy concerns, and the eventual replacement of certain work responsibilities. This paper emphasizes the need for responsible and adaptable leadership in the AI era by envisioning a future in which AI-assisted leadership practices coexist with human intuition and values through compelling case studies and a forward-looking perspective. AI's integration into leadership necessitates a balanced approach to harness its benefits while preserving vital human qualities, shaping a more adaptable and sustainable future for leadership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the fresh and mechanical properties of high-strength concrete (HSC) by incorporating recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) of varying sizes and concentrations. The recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) was prepared by partially replacing RCA with natural coarse aggregate (NCA) at 0%, 15%, 30%, and 45%, with aggregate sizes ranging from 5 to 12 and 12–20-mm. Fresh concrete properties, such as slump, Kelly ball, compacting factor, K-slump, and fresh density, were tested to determine the influence of RCA size and concentration. In addition, the mechanical properties were studied through the execution of compressive, split-tensile, and stress-strain tests. The test results revealed that increasing the RCA concentration declines the fresh and hardened properties of HSC. In the fresh concrete experimentation, the 12–20 mm aggregate size RAC mixes exhibited greater workability than the 5–12 mm aggregate mixes. On the contrary, 5–12 mm aggregate mixes RAC had higher compressive and split-tensile strength and a higher modulus of elasticity than 12–20 mm aggregate mixes concrete. When it comes to sustainability, the study found that the smaller size range of RAC produces inferior embodied CO 2 (eCO 2) and provides a cost-effective and sustainable solution for the construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT) has enriched modern life, but their increasing ubiquity raises concerns about environmental impact. To address this, comprehensive Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) of IoT products, which have historically been manual, costly, and time-consuming, are vital. Noting the recurring nature of core components in IoT devices, such as CPUs and sensors, we propose to use graphs and machine learning to simplify and scale LCA estimations for IoT products. This paper introduces a novel approach to representing IoT devices as graphs with specific component characteristics and interconnections. Applied to a preliminary dataset of smart home IoT devices, the methodology unveils insights into structural similarities using a composite kernel approach. This initial phase lays the groundwork for the machine learning component. The integration of machine learning planned as part of ongoing research, provides a pathway for efficient and timely ecological assessments, ensuring that the rapid growth of IoT aligns with sustainable practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, we are confronted with the presence of two significant transformations. The emergence of technologies like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, social media, Industry 4.0, and Society 5.0 is significantly impacting the behavior of individuals, societies, and countries in the 21st century. The second transformation pertains to various critical issues such as climate change, desertification, food and water security, and the future of life on our planet. This paper aims to analyze the impact of emerging technologies on mitigating climate change. The central inquiry at hand is whether humanity possesses the ability to transform the ongoing digital revolution into effective climate action. Specifically, we will analyze the fundamental question. Do digital technologies and information management contribute to the problem or offer a solution? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Social Network Analysis and Text Mining to analyze 8024 abstracts on LCA and Building. • The semantic brand score measures the semantic importance of seven issues related to Building and Sustainability. • Limited publications assessing the social impact of LCA in buildings. • Materials are the most central issue in the literature on sustainable buildings. Research on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is being conducted in various sectors, from analyzing building materials and components to comprehensive evaluations of entire structures. However, reviews of the existing literature have been unable to provide a comprehensive overview of research in this field, leaving scholars without a definitive guideline for future investigations. This paper aims to fill this gap, mapping more than twenty years of research. Using an innovative methodology that combines social network analysis and text mining, the paper examined 8024 scientific abstracts. The authors identified seven key thematic groups, building and sustainability clusters (BSCs). To assess their significance in the broader discourse on building and sustainability, the semantic brand score (SBS) indicator was applied. Additionally, t building and sustainability trends were tracked, focusing on the LCA concept. The major research topics mainly relate to building materials and energy efficiency. In addition to presenting an innovative approach to reviewing extensive literature domains, the article also provides insights into emerging and underdeveloped themes, outlining crucial future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An integrative literature review was carried out, with 269 papers reviewed. • Italy publishes the most on the subject, followed by China, Spain, and the USA. • Improving the envelope's thermal insulation is the most used strategy worldwide. • Other aspects of retrofits were discussed, including benefits and disadvantages. • Future retrofit assessments were suggested based on the conclusions. Given the high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with buildings worldwide, sustainable strategies that provide conscious use of natural resources and suitable conditions of indoor environments for users are essential. In this sense, the objective of this paper was to present an overview of retrofit strategies aimed at improving energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings. The work is based on an integrative literature review of studies carried out in several countries over the last seven years. The main benefits of the retrofit strategies are reducing energy consumption, decreasing pollutant emissions, and improving the indoor environmental quality for the occupants. Active retrofit strategies are related to building systems and renewable energy sources, while passive strategies use natural resources more efficiently and generally at a lower cost. Methods and software can support the selection of the best retrofit strategies for each building. This paper compared and discussed the relevant results of the case studies, which comprised 72.9% of the papers selected for the integrative review. In all types of buildings and climates, the most discussed retrofit strategies were building envelope insulation, improving the climatisation and lighting systems, and using renewable energy sources – representing approximately 70% of the strategies. There was also a significant frequency of optimisation of natural lighting, natural ventilation, and ventilated façades in non-residential buildings or other types, mainly in semi-arid, temperate, and Mediterranean climates. Finally, recommendations for future studies were presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Welded connectors are commonly utilized in steel-concrete composite construction. However, these connectors lack demountability, hindering the recycling or reuse of steel sections. In response to this limitation, high-strength bolts have been proposed as alternatives to traditional welded shear connectors to facilitate demountability. Nevertheless, the use of numerous high-strength bolts may negatively impact construction costs due to their limited capacity. This paper introduces a novel solution: the bolted angle shear connector. Comprising a standard angle section, a smaller size angle section functioning as a hat, and a high-strength bolt, this connector aims to balance the demountability advantage while avoiding the drawbacks associated with high-strength bolts. To assess its performance, the proposed connector was embedded into a solid concrete block, and horizontal pushout tests were conducted on 31 specimens. Variables considered included the angle section size, bolt diameter, bolt grade, concrete compressive strength, loading direction, and bolt thread condition. The findings reveal that the proposed connectors demonstrate a ductile response, meeting the mandated slip capacity of at least 6 mm according to EN 1994–1-1. Two distinct failure modes were observed: bolt fracture and a combination of concrete crushing and angle bending. The shear resistances at 6 mm slip ranged from 146 kN to 280 kN, influenced by the angle size and concrete compressive strength. Capacities were formulated as functions of these variables, leading to the development of design recommendations, which are presented in this paper. • Bolted angle shear connectors proposed for demountable construction. • Shear resistance investigated through 31 direct shear (push-out) tests. • Proposed connectors showed ductile behavior with slip capacity in excess of 6 mm. • Shear resistance varied between 146 kN and 280 kN. • Design recommendations were developed for the proposed connector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generative design (GD) has gained widespread attention in the built environment domain, revolutionising traditional methodologies in the field. It operates on a set of rules, utilising algorithmic and parametric modelling techniques to explore and enhance design options. By determining the existing challenges and ongoing research in 85 representative papers, this paper seeks to explore the implications of GD within built environment, sustainability, BIM, and AI design practices, clarifying its potential to shape a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive built environment for future generations. It contributes to the dialogue surrounding the utilisation of GD as a tool for building and infrastructure design practices via a content analysis-based review method. Incorporating advanced technologies could facilitate a more effective and immediate response to design methodologies, thus promoting enhanced innovation and sustainability in design practices. The selection of, and proficiency in, programming languages constitute important aspects in advancing GD aligned with built environment objectives. • Content analysis-based review of 85 publications categorised into built environment, sustainability, Building Information Modelling (BIM), and AI design practices. • Positive trend in generative design applications, with textual programming languages (TPL) still prevalent but virtual programming languages (VPL) gaining attention. • Hybrid Programming Approach for Generative Design (HyPAGeD), combining TPL and VPL. • Integration of AI algorithms becoming instrumental in optimizing and innovating design processes. • Relationship between generative design and its application across structural design, construction, infrastructure, environment, prefabrication, hydraulics, geotechnics, and urban planning, highlighting generative design's effectiveness in various design methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence and its subfields, such as machine learning, robotics, optimisation, knowledge-based systems, reality capture and extended reality, have brought remarkable advancements and transformative changes to various industries, including the building deconstruction industry. Acknowledging AI's benefits for deconstruction, this paper aims to investigate AI applications within this domain. A systematic review of existing literature focused on AI applications for planning, implementation and post-implementation activities within the context of deconstruction was carried out. Furthermore, the challenges and opportunities of AI for deconstruction activities were identified and presented in this paper. By offering insights into AI's application for key deconstruction activities, this paper paves the way for realising AI's potential benefits for this sector. • Artificial intelligence, types, and subfields in deconstruction. • AI applications in planning, implementation, and post-implementation activities. • Challenges of adopting AI in the deconstruction industry. • Potential opportunities of AI in deconstruction. • Future studies like extended reality, digital twins, and generative AI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Museums environment is complicated and defined by indoor air quality, thermal and lighting comfort. Artifacts deterioration is factored by extreme conditions of thermal exposure or excessive lighting. With high control required for exposed old monuments and visitor comfort, museums energy systems reach extreme levels. In this paper, we aim to find the gap in museums high energy loads and reach solutions through architectural design. The paper studies comparison results for different techniques in fifty recent case studies to identify the specific factors that matter most to museum buildings. These factors are implemented simultaneously on one base model in three climatic states by multi-objective optimization. The best option will showcase each climate optimum conditions. The paper introduces optimum architectural procedures optimizing sDA and ASE to minimum 70% and maximum 10% respectively while decreasing thermal load. The results help architects and policy makers achieve daylighting and energy optimization in museums through architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces an innovative solution for clean energy autonomous building (AB) sustainability, offering a 5Z concept—zero-carbon, zero-energy, zero grid connections, zero energy bills, and zero emission mobility. This paper focuses on fundamental research to design sustainable, energy-ABs striving for self-sufficiency in arid climates, using Kuwait as a case study. The study highlights the importance of stringent engineering AB modeling, renewable technology integration, and clean energy storage. The technical approaches include characterizing non-thermal and thermal demands, achieving net-zero energy generation, and custom sizing renewable energy and energy storage systems (ESS) for electric vehicle (EV) charging points. The research methodology involves local construction with yearly weather and energy profile data to simulate the actual system using ESP-r building model. The study's findings reveal the need for a large-scale energy system, energy demand reduction (EDR) inclusive of heating, cooling, appliances, and EV, with the corresponding changes in local energy production system size, battery capacity, and the number of photovoltaics (PVs). The results show varying EDR levels ranging from base case to 10% and to 50% leading to proportional changes in energy system size, size of battery from 3415 kWh to 1710 kWh and the number of PVs from 362 to 181, which means EDR not only optimizes space but also proves cost-effective. The significant implication of this study, not only bridging the knowledge gap and the lack of how-know, but also making a significant advancement and forward thinking in sustainable green electric home modernization and environmentally friendly transportation. This approach transforms energy management practices for more sustainable cities and societies, reducing emissions in both urban infrastructure and transportation. • 100% green-powered residential autonomous building (AB) in hot climate using PVs. • Year-long free electric vehicle (EV) charging point in a rural area without a grid. • AB simulated using ESP-r building model with yearly weather and energy profile data. • Energy demand reduction (EDR) showed space optimization and proved cost-effectiveness. • Unprecedented integration of AB&EV with clean energy for Kuwait case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Inner and marginalized areas: an increasingly relevant issue at European level. • Inner areas as socio-ecological systems (SES): an integrated sustainability approach. • An innovative methodology to design a system of indicators of sustainability. • Theoretical background based on Ecological Economics and strong sustainability. • Multi-criteria framework for a standardized social-biophysical evaluation grid. The phenomenon of inner peripherality is on the rise in Europe. Inner peripheries can be defined as peripheral rural areas experiencing territorial disconnection and progressive marginalization given their distance to urban centres, where the supply of services is concentrated. Assessing and comparing the sustainable development of these areas according to nuanced and integrated social-biophysical perspectives is crucial to highlight their genuine long-term sustainability potential and critical aspects. Moreover, it is essential to monitor that the socio-economic development of the latter goes hand in hand with territorial stewardship and an appropriate management of their extensive natural endowments. To achieve these objectives, this paper illustrates an innovative methodology to design a multi-criteria evaluation framework named PAISDA (Peripheral Areas Integrated Sustainable Development Assessment). The framework, based on the theoretical background of ecological economics, makes it possible to monitor the sustainable development of inner and marginalized areas according to a "post-growth" approach. It also allows a shift towards a strong sustainability perspective by assessing the phenomenon in an integrated way, which combines social and biophysical dimensions. This can help to design more robust and better targeted policies for these areas, thereby improving local strategic planning. The assessment process is as follows: first, the values of lower order components are computed through a reflective measurement model, then aggregated to form the values of higher order components, which are used as criteria in the last phase of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). The choice of normalization and aggregation methods responds to methodological coherence. The paper describes a step-by-step procedure for applying the PAISDA framework in any European country, providing an illustrative example of its implementation in relation to Italian inner areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]