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• A closed-loop material flow analysis model is established for China's pulp and paper industry (CPPI), followed by a comprehensive quantitative analysis from both retrospective and prospective perspectives. • By implementing sound plans and stricter regulations and standards, China has improved recycling and material use efficiency, reduced the organic material with wastewater, and shifted towards recovered paper as a raw material over non-wood fiber. • Lowering the waste paper recycling rate to increase carbon storage is not suitable for China, due to the limited virgin fiber and growing demand. • The growing paper demand requires efforts from both ends of virgin fiber supply and waste paper management towards the sustainable development of CPPI. As the largest global producer and consumer of pulp and paper, China faces significant sustainability challenges in fiber supply and waste paper management. A comprehensive material flow analysis of China's pulp and paper industry (CPPI) is needed to understand the interaction between raw material supply and waste paper management. Here, we construct a closed-loop material flow analysis model for CPPI, examine the evolution patterns of material metabolism from 1990 to 2019, and explore the demand for paper production, waste paper recycling, and virgin fiber supply in 2030 and 2050 under multiple scenarios considering critical factors. Results show that the industry has undergone rapid expansion, increased material use efficiency, and a shift towards recycled pulp from 1990 to 2019. China's paper demand will grow to 186 Mt in the next 30 years, resulting in a significant increase in both demand for fibers (173 Mt) and the generation of waste paper (138 Mt). To ensure a sustainable fiber supply for CPPI, domestic waste paper recycling needs to be prioritized. However, attention should also be paid to the availability of virgin pulp supply and proper disposal of organic solid waste. Proper management of these factors is crucial for achieving a circular economy in the industry and reducing its environmental impact. The findings highlight the importance of addressing both raw material supply and waste paper management for CPPI's sustainable development. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper-based analytical devices (PADs) enable the affordable, easy, rapid, and reliable detection of a range of analytes at the point-of-care. Cellulose is a versatile substrate for antibody attachment. However, how immunoreagents are immobilized onto cellulose plays an important role in assay performance. To provide an overview of the different antibody immobilization strategies used for developing PADs, we here critically review the existing literature from the last decade (2013–2023). First, we introduce cellulose as a substrate and summarize the different fabrication techniques for developing PADs. Thereafter, we delve into how antibodies are immobilized onto cellulose passively, covalently, or by affinity linkage. Affinity-based immobilization is further explored in a case study focused on using recombinant bifunctional proteins with cellulose-binding modules to anchor immunoreagents to cellulose. The final section discusses the validation and sustainable development of PADs addressing the existing and future challenges associated with developing such devices. [Display omitted] • Strategies for antibody immobilization onto cellulose substrates are reviewed. • Immobilizing antibodies in a site-selective manner improves analytical performance. • Cellulose requires modification before antibodies can be covalently attached to it. • Cellulose-binding modules facilitate antibody attachment onto unmodified cellulose. • Future challenges of developing sustainable paper-based immunoassays are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable application of an up-flow anaerobic baffled reactor (UABR) to treat real paper and cardboard industrial effluent (PCIE) containing bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropan-1, 3-diol) was investigated. At a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 11.7 h and a bronopol concentration of 7.0 mg L−1, the removal efficiencies of total chemical oxygen demand (COD total), COD soluble , COD particulate , total suspended solids (TSS), volatile suspended solids (VSS), carbohydrates, and proteins were 55.3 ± 5.2%, 26.8 ± 2.3%, 94.4 ± 4.6%, 89.4 ± 2.6%, 84.5 ± 3.2%, 72.1 ± 1.8%, and 22.4 ± 1.8%, respectively. The conversion of complex organics (e.g., carbohydrates and proteins) into bio-methane (CH 4) was assisted via enzyme activities of, in U (100 mL)−1, α-amylase (224–270), α-xylanase (171–188), carboxymethyl cellulase (CM-cellulase) (146–187), polygalacturonase (56–126), and protease (67,000–75300). The acidogenic condition was dominant at a short HRT of 2.9 h, where methane yield dropped by 32.5%. Under this condition, the growth of methanogenic bacteria could be inhibited by volatile fatty acids (VFA) accumulation. The analysis of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra detected peaks relevant to methylene and nitro groups in the sludge samples, suggesting that entrapment/adsorption by the sludge bed could be a major mechanism for removing bronopol. The economic feasibility of UABR, as proposed to receive 100 m3 d−1 of PCIE, showed a payback period (profits from environmental benefits, biogas recovery, and carbon credit) of 7.6 yr. The study outcomes showed a high connection to the environmental-, economic-, and social-related sustainable development goals (SDGs). [Display omitted] • First study on biogas recovery from real paper and cardboard industry effluents (PCIE). • Up-flow anaerobic baffled reactor showed 55.3% COD removal and 191 mL CH 4 (g COD removed)−1. • The acidogenic condition was dominant at a short HRT of 2.9 h. • Sustainable application of UABR was evaluated via cost benefits analysis. • Payback period from pollutant removal, biogas recovery, and carbon credit was 7.6 yr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the quest for a sustainable future, the bio-economy and biorefineries have emerged as pivotal agents of transformation. This review paper offers an accessible and comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted bio-economy landscape. Environmental concerns, resource scarcity, and the demand for renewable and bio-based products are the key drivers shaping this sustainable paradigm. Agriculture and agro-industry play an indispensable role, acting as the primary suppliers of the essential feedstock for biorefineries. They not only fuel the bio-economy but also foster sustainable farming practices and rural development, forming a mutually beneficial relationship. Biorefineries, the workhorses of the bio-economy, optimize resource usage, minimize waste, and produce a diverse range of bio-based products. Innovative biorefinery techniques are at the forefront, revolutionizing efficiency and expanding the array of feedstock's, thereby creating higher value-added derivatives. These value-added products, spanning biofuels, bio-plastics, and more, drive the market towards a greener and circular economy. The bio-economy's commitment to sustainability is evident through waste reduction and the promotion of circular economy principles. Policy, regulation, and market developments shape the bio-economy by promoting bio-based industries while favouring eco-friendly alternatives, creating a competitive and healthy ecosystem. While the bio-economy shows promise, it faces challenges. Optimizing conversion efficiency, discovering new feedstocks, and solving biorefinery environmental issues need technological breakthroughs and research. In summary, the bio-economy and biorefineries orchestrate a sustainable symphony, driven by environmental consciousness, rooted in agriculture, refined by innovative techniques, and harmonized by the production of bio-based products. The stage is set for a greener, more sustainable future. Bio-economy and biorefineries have become crucial drivers of transformation in the pursuit of a sustainable future. The review paper provides a thorough and easily understandable examination of the diverse bio-economy landscape. Environmental concerns, limited resources, and the need for biodegradable and renewable products are some of the main things that are shaping the sustainable paradigm. Agriculture and the agro-industry play a big role in this because they provide biorefineries with the feedstock they need. The bio-economy is not only fuelled by them, but they also contribute to sustainable farming practices and rural development, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. Biorefineries are the backbone of the bio-economy as they effectively utilize resources, minimize waste, and generate a wide array of bio-based products. At the forefront of innovation, biorefinery techniques are revolutionizing efficiency and expanding the range of feedstock's available. This, in turn, leads to the creation of higher-value derivatives and value-added products, such as biofuels and bioplastics, promoting a greener and more circular economy. The commitment of the bio-economy to sustainability is demonstrated through its efforts to reduce waste and promote the principles of a circular economy. Policy, regulation, and market developments impact the bio-economy by working together to support bio-based industries and encourage the use of eco-friendly alternatives. As a result, a competitive and healthy ecosystem is created. Although the bio-economy holds promise, it also encounters various challenges. Technological breakthroughs and research are necessary for optimizing conversion efficiency, discovering new feedstock's, and solving biorefinery environmental issues. In essence, a commitment to the environment guides how the bio-economy and biorefineries collaborate in a sustainable manner by utilizing innovative methods to refine and produce bio-based products. This harmonious process creates a symphony of sustainability, paving the way for the dream of a greener, more sustainable future. [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]

Green development is the inevitable requirement of high-quality development in the resource-based regions, and it is also the fundamental guarantee for realizing environmental sustainability in the resource-based regions. Based on the panel data of 242 cities in China from 2006 to 2019, this paper explores whether mineral resource abundance is a blessing or a curse for carbon emission intensity and whether fiscal policy plays an intermediary role. We draw the following conclusions: (1) The overall performance of mineral resources is a carbon curse effect, because the carbon curse effect of mineral resources is greater than the carbon blessing effect. (2) Mechanism analysis reveals that the decrease in fiscal pressure and the increase in fiscal dependence are the formation paths of carbon blessing and carbon curse, respectively. (3) Heterogeneity analysis shows that the occurrence and intensity of the carbon curse are related to the level of local foreign investment, government intervention, and industrial diversification. The research results explain the supplementary motivation of government quality and provide Chinese evidence for the transformation and upgrading of resource-based regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides an in-depth analysis of the potential role of hydrogen (H 2) in the Belgian transport sector in the context of sustainable and environmentally friendly growth. This paper starts by examining the energy-climate roadmap and the emission mitigation programme defined by the Belgian federal government in the context of environmental sustainability. Then, the Belgian situation is critically evaluated in light of the needs for H 2 fuel in the transport sector, as well as issues about a roadmap on environmental considerations for a sustainable future, while preserving the country's economic stakes. There are several key advances in this direction, especially as H 2 is seen as one of the best viable options for sustained development, unlike other possibilities. This paper also highlights some limitations that make it difficult to accelerate the transition to a sustainable H 2 energy future. Although there are many interests in favour of an advanced and non-polluting transport system, there are differing views on the approach to be taken in political decision-making at national level. Therefore, this study will help public authorities to better integrate environmental and sustainability issues in the context of a transition to a comprehensive hydrogen economy in the current transport sector. • An in-depth analysis of hydrogen's role in the Belgian transport sector is presented. • Considerations of sustainable and environmentally friendly growth are addressed. • It highlights the constraints and barriers to the full development of H 2 in Belgium. • There is no unified national public policy for hydrogen development. • Policies should prioritise R&D, training and social empowerment of hydrogen energy. [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]

• Adoption of sustainable investing exchange-traded funds is shaped by various factors. • Insurance companies and pension funds with positive effects. • Also supporting impact of stock markets, new technologies and financial development. • Lesser importance of the financial motives. • In case of mutual funds and institutional variables results are mixed. Despite the growing interest in various topics related to sustainable (ESG) investing, some issues remain understudied, such as the determinants of their utilization at the macro level. This paper contributes to the state of knowledge two-directionally. First, it shows the development of sustainable investing exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in European countries. Second, it traces the significant determinants of adopting sustainable investing/ESG ETFs in Europe. More specifically, we aim to determine which financial, technological, social or institutional factors have the most significant impact on the growth of levels and over-time dynamics of the sustainable investing ETFs. The empirical sample covers five European economies: France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom and the period of the analysis is 2006–2020. Adopting panel regression analysis, we investigate twenty different variables that potentially impact the development of sustainable investing ETFs across examined countries. Our results confirm the positive effects of the development of insurance companies and pension funds for the assets of the ESG ETFs. Also, factors such as stock markets development, ICT adoption, financial access and literacy, and the prevalence of tertiary-level education demonstrate a positive impact on ESG ETFs. The role of the financial performance and tax levels resulted in being neutral, thus indicating the lesser importance of the financial motives in relation to the other factors. The results were mixed in the case of the mutual funds and institutional variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A methodology that defines and ranks KPIs encompassing the entire FSC. • A KPIs co-creation process involving experts and FSC stakeholders. • A new criteria (SMART +) that incorporates the digitization capability of KPIs. • An index that assesses the readiness of FSCs to implement FLW prevention strategies. The impact of food loss and waste (FLW) generation on food supply chains' (FSC) sustainability represents a challenge embodied in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3. This problem requires a methodology to measure such an impact in a rigorous, holistic, and standardized way that can be applied to any FSC. This paper aims to develop and validate a single index to assess the readiness of FSCs to implement FLW prevention strategies and measure their impact: the so-called FOODRUS index. The co-creation methodology followed incorporates experts and FSC stakeholders feedback. The index has been validated in 3 FSCs: The Slovak pilot scored 74.35%, the Spanish pilot reached 68.79%, and the Danish pilot was rated 61.14%. Its calculation, eased by the FOODRUS index self-assessment tool (described in the Appendix), allows quick diagnosis of the FSC capability to implement FLW prevention strategies considering both the knowledge provided by experts and the experience of the FSC stakeholders that participated in its co-creation process. In this way the FSC can assess its FLW prevention performance at a strategic and management level, with the aim of improving its sustainability impact. [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 aims to examine methods of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in Ghana, map their perceived impacts on water resources, and analyse the implications of these perceptions for meeting the targets related to Clean Water of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). The paper draws on 74 interviews with artisanal and small-scale gold miners and other stakeholders to investigate communities' perceptions of the effects of ASM methods (alluvial mining, surface/open-pit mining, and underground mining) on water bodies. We find that different ASM methods impact surface and groundwater in distinct ways while concurrently having a synergistic negative effect on water bodies. Stakeholders – including community leaders – perceive that the mining methods employed in ASM cause various forms of environmental degradation – thus affecting progress towards SDG 6, target 6.3 (water quality) – and severely hinder the availability of clean water for domestic and agricultural purposes, thus endangering the livelihoods of communities and affecting progress towards SDG 6, target 6.4 (sustainable water use). The community perceived impacts of ASM activities on water resources have implications for community acceptance of formalisation efforts in Ghana. We contend that a better understanding of these perceived impacts can help shape the country's policy for achieving the targets of SDG 6 in relation to Clean Water by 2030. In particular, we propose that the integration of the Community Mining Scheme as part of formalisation efforts of informal gold mining in Ghana not only responds to SDG 6 target 6b (participation of local communities in water management) but also has the potential to reverse the current large-scale mining 'bias' in policy, while addressing the galamsey challenge that contributes to the increasing impact of informal gold mining on SDG 6, targets 6.3 and 6.4. • There is a nexus between ASM methods (alluvial, surface/open pit, and underground mining) and their impacts on water resources. • ASM methods impact surface and ground water in distinct ways. • Formalisation policy and ASM methods have implications for achieving the targets related to SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation. • The Community Mining Scheme (CMS) in Ghana has the potential to challenge the large-scale mining 'bias'. • The CMS provides directions for other African countries which face similar ASM concerns such as the formalisation hurdles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using seawater and sea sand to prepare concrete could effectively alleviate the shortage of freshwater and river sand resources and promote the sustainable development of concrete. However, the current research on the setting process, hardened properties, and sustainability of ultra-high-performance seawater sea sand concrete (UHPSSC) remain considerably limited. In this paper, the UHPSSC was designed to mitigate the autogenous shrinkage and enhance the sustainability, and the effect of seawater, untreated and desalinated sea sand on the setting process, mechanical properties, durability, and sustainability was explored by various tests. Results show that the abundant ions (e.g., Cl- and SO 4 2-) in seawater and untreated sea sand promote the dissolution and nucleation of cement, accelerating the hydration process, and seawater provides a high pH hydration environment, which enhances the pozzolanic reaction activity of silica fume and fly ash. This leads to the enhanced flexural and compressive strengths at early age, reduced flowability, and increased autogenous shrinkage. Although the seawater and untreated sea sand considerably alleviate the natural raw materials consumption, the mechanical performance at 28 d and durability are reduced, thereby decreasing the sustainability index by 7.8 %. The desalination treatment of sea sand decelerates the hydration process of UHPSSC with untreated sea sand due to the lower ion content in desalinated sea sand. The application of desalinated sea sand mitigates the adverse impact of untreated sea sand on the workability, mechanical properties, and durability. However, this desalination process requires more energy and freshwater consumption, thereby decreasing sustainability index. The fly ash incorporation could improve the workability of UHPSSC, and decrease the autogenous shrinkage value by 17.9 %. Moreover, it mitigates the environmental effect without compromising the mechanical properties and durability, leading to an impressive 42.8 % improvement in sustainability. Durability assessment reveals that the prepared UHPSSC specimen maintains outstanding mechanical properties even after 360 d of exposure to severe marine environment, indicating its excellent durability. This paper provides novel insights for achieving a cleaner and more sustainable concrete production. • A comprehensive assessment of the sustainability of UHPSSC is performed. • The sustainability of designed UHPSSC is increased by 42.8 %. • The correlation between the autogenous shrinkage values and IRH is established. • 360 d of marine exposure test implies the excellent durability of prepared UHPSSC. [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]

• Tailored set of 116 regional indicators for monitoring EU's 2030 SDGs. • Harmonized standardization and customization for robust regional sustainability monitoring. • Emphasis on fostering regional data capacities and infrastructure for effective monitoring. • Facilitates strategic policy alignment with significant EU initiatives such as the European Green Deal. • Encourages mutual learning and collective growth among European regions. The adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the United Nations General Assembly, encompassing 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established a universal framework for addressing global challenges. Within the European Union (EU), the commitment to these goals has prompted the integration of the SDGs into a strategic framework for sustainable and inclusive growth. Recognizing the need for localized and detailed monitoring to capture the nuanced progress and challenges across Europe's diverse regions, this paper proposes a comprehensive set of regional indicators specifically designed for the European context. Through a systematic review of existing SDG monitoring frameworks at different territorial levels and an extensive methodological process, the paper identifies 116 indicators that address 75 SDG targets. This tailored set is derived from a combination of national, regional, and supranational sources. The paper discusses the critical balance between standardization for comparability and customization to accommodate unique regional characteristics. The proposed indicator set is evaluated for its capacity to reflect the holistic vision of the SDGs while allowing for effective regional benchmarking. The research emphasizes the need for robust regional data infrastructure, the importance of aligning policies with broader sustainability objectives, and the dynamic nature of indicators that can adapt to societal changes such as demographic shifts. Finally, the paper highlights the significance of a pragmatic and adaptive regional approach to SDG monitoring. The proposed indicator set is a strategic tool for policymakers, stakeholders, and practitioners, guiding Europe's regions towards a sustainable future and contributing to the global effort to achieve the SDGs by 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban vacant spaces represent a potential for sustainable development, but their reuse is a complex and conflicting decision-making problem. This paper draws on social-ecological justice (SEJ) approach, as proposed by Grossmann, Connolly, Dereniowska, Mattioli, Nitschke, Thomas and Varo (2022), who argued that sustainability needs a major reconceptualization to deliver its social and ecological goals. The aim of this paper is to contribute to SEJ development on three levels: 1) on the conceptual level, SEJ is connected to vacant space reuse, where recognition, procedural and distributional dimensions of SEJ are explored; 2) on the practical level, a context-sensitive approach to achieving SEJ in vacant space reuse policies (demolitions, temporary use of buildings and lots, infill development & redevelopment) is employed, drawing on the case study of Czechia; 3) on the methodological level, the way how the SEJ normative concept was reflected in the mixed-method research is discussed. Utility of SEJ concept was demonstrated in the studied context, although achieving all three dimensions in practice was significantly conditioned by national-level institutions catered towards interests of market actors, unequal power relations among policy stakeholders, and internalized norms on the level of individual public officials. The paper concludes by showing conceptual, practical and methodological opportunities and challenges of achieving SEJ beyond the studied context. • Social-ecological justice (SEJ) aims to transcend mainstream sustainability. • We contribute to SEJ on conceptual, methodological and practical level. • Recognition, procedural, and distributional justice is explored. • Socio-spatial factors are accounted for in vacant space reuse policies. • SEJ was in Czechia notably moderated by political-economic institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI technology, has surged across various industries. However, a notable drawback of this technology is its significant energy consumption during model training and operation, which poses challenges to sustainability goals and the environment. Consequently, various initiatives have emerged to promote what is termed "green artificial intelligence," aiming to mitigate these environmental impacts. Nevertheless, research discussing these initiatives remains scarce. Hence, this study aims to identify green artificial intelligence initiatives that contribute to environmental friendliness. This paper has comprehensively reviewed the existing literature, professional websites, and expert blogs to identify and analyze available green AI initiatives. This paper has identified 55 such initiatives, broadly categorized into six themes: cloud optimization, model efficiency, carbon footprinting, sustainability-focused AI development, open-source initiatives, and green AI research and community. This study discusses the strengths and limitations of each initiative to offer a comprehensive overview. The findings provide valuable insights, particularly for industries interested in green artificial intelligence and green technology in general. While some tools have been recognized and studied, comprehensive research and analysis are still required to empirically evaluate the majority of other tools due to their early stages of development in this field. • Study explores the growing awareness and concern about environmental impact of AI. • It investigates development of tools and approaches to address Green AI. • Significance of collaboration, open-source initiatives, in Green AI development. • Examine importance of ethical considerations in green AI development. • Provide insights for industries in green AI and green technology in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Critical challenge in developing countries. • Limitations of demand flexibility. • Innovative multi-strategy approach with community engagement. • Quantified benefits and sensitivity analysis. Electricity shortage remains a critical challenge in developing countries striving to achieve the United Nations' universal electricity access goal by 2030. Limited fuel availability and limited funds for renewable energy investments, while demand flexibility is implemented to regulate electricity access, it faces limitations due to voluntary participation, rotating load-shedding schedules, and lack of electrification in certain communities. This research paper proposes a multi-strategy approach as an alternative solution by scheduling essential appliances and optimizing power flow in distribution grids. The article aims at community engagement and utility collaboration to improve electricity access. This paper proposes a multi-strategy framework for regulating social organization and utility operations, and attaining energy conservation, efficiency, and incentives. Optimization tool is developed to extend benefits of optimal scheduling of end user devices under power supply shortage, uncertainty of demand and grid operational codes, using multiple strategies regarding to consumers' fairness of electricity access in a community, and maximum electricity access per customer and region. Such strategies are also compared with the case of customized appliance priority of preference. The results demonstrate that energy efficiency and economic sustainability indices can achieve 94 % and 29.5 % improvement, respectively, compared to conventional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, a large number of studies have focused on the application of functional packaging films containing anthocyanins for food freshness monitoring and preservation. The chemical properties of anthocyanins bestow upon them the pH indication function. Anthocyanins are flavonoids with a variety of biological activities such as reactive oxygen species scavenging ability. Anthocyanin is also a functional additive that can improve the physical and functional properties of packaging films. The focus of this paper therefore is to review the chemical and biological activities of anthocyanins, as well as their effects on the mechanical, optical, water vapor, thermal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties of films as packaging materials. The properties of anthocyanin-based films depend mainly on the source and content of the anthocyanins and on the interactions with biopolymers. In addition, suitable preparation methods (casting, electrostatic spinning, 3D printing, dip coating, hot pressing extrusion, nanoparticle embedding) also have a significant effect on the films' properties. Lastly, the paper also discusses the latest applications of anthocyanin-based films in different types of foods (meat, seafood, dairy products, fruits and vegetables). Anthocyanin-based films combined with intelligent technology can not only enable freshness monitoring of food products, but also extend their shelf life. Nevertheless, future research should also consider key points for achieving sustainable production in industry, such as film performance parameters, consumer acceptance, biosafety and toxicological assessment, which are important for the future development of sustainable intelligent packaging systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, sustainability guidelines such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) or the EU Taxonomy Regulation have become legally binding, thus requiring enterprises to monitor, control and report their contributions in compliance with sustainable development goals (SDGs). Comprehensive sustainability assessment methods are, therefore, crucial for ensuring competitive advantages of enterprises in the near future. Yet, lack of tailor-made methods particularly for manufacturing SMEs is evident. To address this pathway of research, this paper proposes a comprehensive indicator scheme for measuring and monitoring sustainability performance of manufacturing SMEs aligned with the SDGs. The proposed method is based on a literature analysis of existing measurement approaches. It combines methods from quality and innovation management in a sustainability evaluation scheme especially designed for manufacturing SMEs. The method is demonstrated in excerpts from an industry case study. The preliminary results reveal plausibility of the approach towards enabling enterprises to systematically define sustainability roadmaps and conduct progress monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart production scheduling has gained significant attention due to advancements in industrial informatics and technologies that enable the monitoring, control, and adaptation of task scheduling in response to disruptive events. These events can include machine breakdowns, variations in task processing times, and the arrival of new or unexpected tasks. Concurrently, sustainable production scheduling aims to optimize task scheduling by considering economic, environmental, and social factors. This paper introduces a novel optimization model for the development of smart and sustainable production scheduling in a distributed permutation flow shop. The proposed model aims to minimize the makespan while simultaneously limiting the number of lost working days and energy consumption. It also strives to increase job opportunities within acceptable limits. To evaluate the proposed model, we conduct numerical simulations using various examples and a real-case study focusing on auto workpiece production. The results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed model. Sensitivity analyses are performed to assess the model's ability to deal with disruptions and uncertainties while satisfying economic, environmental, and social considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays the improvement of environmental performances is one of aims of innovation in factories, to implement the sustainable development. For the achievement of the environmental goals, a firm can follow Green Innovation, namely developing environmentally friendly products and processes. In spite of the interest on Green Innovation, the progress towards the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, at halfway, is insufficient. In searching for solutions probably the complexity of introducing Green Innovation in factories is an issue. The aim of the paper is to show the complexity of innovation management by a real case: the pretests of new inorganic binders in a ferrous foundry. After a brief description of the Green Casting project case is considered by showing all the activities and entities involved. Finally, the results are discussed, and possible future developments are drawn. Results will show that development of project management tools and new technologies for training could be useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The need to build a long-term or even permanent base is now a significant concern with the development of the exploration of extraterrestrial celestial bodies. Sulfur concrete was first proposed as a new building material in the 20th century. Recently, sulfur concrete has attracted much interest, as sulfur is considered one of the most accessible resources on the Moon and Mars, thanks to the in-situ resource utilization methodology. In addition, sulfur concrete is one of the most promising building materials for improving terrestrial sustainability or extraterrestrial exploration. So far, reviews have only focused on developing sulfur concrete and extraterrestrial building materials. This review paper summarizes the history of sulfur concrete development and different modified sulfur concretes. Previous research on extraterrestrial building materials is also reviewed. The unique advantage of sulfur concrete as an extraterrestrial material is justified, as no water is used during mixing. Lunar and Martian soil simulants are also examined as possible aggregate types. Finally, further improvements are proposed to broaden the application of sulfur concrete and the corresponding treatments. The possibility of recyclability and circularity is discussed from a sustainable development point of view. This review article provides readers with a detailed overview of sulfur concrete and its history, why it is more promising and accessible as an (extra)terrestrial building material, the challenges of its future application, and corresponding treatments to overcome the obstacles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A world with large disparities in development between rural and urban areas could never achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). Issues related to agriculture, rural areas, and farmers are fundamental to the stability and people's welfare of China as well as other developing countries. Despite the growing demand and national initiative for rural revitalization, rural innovation has received little attention in the innovation literature. Drawing from the new growth theory, institutional theory and innovation system theory, this paper proposes the rural innovation system, which is a complex socioeconomic network that aims to revitalize the countryside and achieve balanced and sustainable development. This paper compares the rural and urban innovation system, introduces a theoretical structural model of the rural innovation system, including a) technology innovation, b) institutional and management innovation, and c) community-based network and intermediary platform innovation. Then it outlines the future challenges in fostering a strong rural innovation system. The rural innovation system proposed makes direct contributions to the literature of rural studies, innovation system, and public policy, and offers both China and the world a new perspective for realizing rural revitalization, anti-poverty and global sustainable development. • Despite the growing demand and initiatives for rural revitalization, rural innovation has received little attention in the literature. • This is a pioneering study on the rural innovation system, providing a new perspective on rural revitalization and sustainable development. • Similarities and differences between rural and urban innovation systems are compared. • A theoretical structural model of the rural innovation system is proposed based on cases from China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations require relevant social changes that sometimes involve the development of innovative projects that cause rejection and confrontation. Agent-Based Models (ABM) are powerful tools to represent the behavior of systems, and they have become valuable for the social sciences as they can simulate the behavior of a society under different conditions. Superblocks are innovative city projects that reorganize urban space and minimize private motorized transport. In this paper, we present an ABM that simulates the implantation of superblocks in two Spanish cities: Vitoria-Gasteiz and Barcelona. The interest of this model is to provide policymakers with relevant scientific information that can be used to support their planning and decision-making processes by running possible alternative policy scenarios. This paper presents the details of the designed model and the simulation of different policy scenarios to increase the acceptability rates of citizens about the project, demonstrating how the model takes into account local differences and its usefulness for those political leaders from other cities interested in implementing this type of project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Changes in BRL reflect human-land relations in KMA of Southwest China. • This paper summarizes the evolutionary stages of BRL. • Explaining changes in BRL from a socio-ecological system perspective. • We demonstrate the greening in KMA of Southwest China from a micro perspective. Rock exposure is a prerequisite for the emergence of bare rocky land (BRL), a severe ecological and environmental problem in karst mountain areas (KMA) of Southwest China, severely restricting the region's sustainable development. An in-depth analysis of the evolution of BRL in KMA of Southwest China based on socio-ecological perspectives is significant for promoting the region's sustainable development. This paper firstly analyzes the evolution of the social-ecological system and BRL and the transition of human-land relations in KMA of Southwest China, then selects a typical KMA, Huajiang Canyon in Guizhou Province, for a case study and applies ArcGIS to analyze the dynamics of the BRL of Huajiang Canyon in the past 60 years from 1969 to 2020, and reveals the reasons for the evolution of BRL. The results show that: (1) The evolution of BRL in KMA of Southwest China is closely related to the changes in the local socio-ecological environment. (2) The number, spatial distribution, and landscape pattern of BRL in the Huajiang Canyon from 1969 to 2020 underwent significant changes, with the area of BRL transitioning from an expansion phase to an accelerated shrinking phase and with prominent spatial dispersion characteristics. (3) The transition of the BRL of the Huajiang Canyon into forest grassland and economic and fruity forest land, and the transition of land use from production to ecology and eco-economy, have proved the greening of the KMA of Southwest China from a microscopic perspective. (4) This paper shows that the expansion and contraction of BRL areas can reflect the human-land relations in KMA of Southwest China. Finally, the development path proposed in this paper has a certain positive effect on promoting the future sustainable development of the KMA of Southwest China and can also provide a reference for developing other mountainous areas with similar situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific contributions to BIM-sustainability integration have gained momentum in recent years due to the influential role of BIM as a well-accepted approach for sustainable construction practices. In this regard, some systematic reviews and informatic analysis papers have addressed this topic. Although these papers have provided useful insights, we go deeper into the body of knowledge through a critical lens. In addition, in this paper, keyword combination is broadened as opposed to other reviews, and critical insight is applied to synergies between BIM and sustainability through gap-spotting. For this purpose, 98 journal articles are selected and grouped into four major categories, namely: (i) BIM-based Life-Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA); (ii) BIM for green buildings; (iii) BIM-aided construction waste management; (iv) state-of-the-art topics. The work's novelty lies in giving a holistic understanding of previously dismissed issues and a critical area review. Finally, the research gaps and future opportunities are discussed and tabulated. [Display omitted] • 543 articles on BIM and sustainability are analysed, deploying critical review and gap-spotting techniques. • The application of BIM in all sustainability dimensions is critically discussed. • BIM-LCA and BIM-LCC have received the most attention in synergy between BIM and sustainability. • BIM-Sustainability integration is rarely implemented in infrastructure projects. • This paper can be expanded into open-BIM to address some of the data-interoperability difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Challenges to social, economic, and environmental sustainability are global in scale, yet sustainable development policies must be implemented locally. There has been a tendency for sustainable urbanism projects to engage in the conspicuous sustainability of spatially bounded and highly visible sustainability achievements, rather than spatially expansive, long-term achievements. China's complex system of multilevel governance encourages policy experimentation, but it is also frequently productive of entrepreneurial urbanism and intercity competition. This paper analyses spatial planning documents concerning Hengqin (Zhuhai Municipality, Guangdong Province), an island adjacent to Macao SAR, to show how the ambitions for a new-build district's contributions to sustainable development have become more spatially expansive and ambitious over time. This has occurred alongside changes in project leadership (from city, to provincial, to central government leadership) as well as a deepening awareness of the Greater Bay Area as a region for crossborder policymaking. The paper argues that crossborder perspectives are vital for genuine sustainable development but face certain obstacles in relation to the sites at which policy decisions are made. • Policymakers often prefer conspicuous sustainability to long-term achievements. • Innovative urban entrepreneurialism is common in China's multilevel governance. • Hengqin's spatial planning initially prioritised immediate, localised results. • Centralised leadership and regional awareness can raise sustainability ambitions. • Crossborder perspectives better reflect sustainable development needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Transformations involve undoing conditions stabilizing unsustainable unjust systems. • 'Transformative labor' is the often invisible work of achieving transformations. • Seven types of transformative labor by researchers/societal partners are described. • Research directions are offered to further conceptual development and application. The urgent need for transformations to sustainability has been widely established, but the seeming lack of swift and comprehensive progress have led to well-founded doubts about meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement, the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and other related global agreements. Often vacuous and potentially misleading pointers to partial progress are not reassuring, while defeatist statements on blanket failure conceal important breakthroughs and advances. This paper resists the unhelpful extremes of this dichotomy and takes a closer look at the work done by activists, researchers and other supporters to mobilize for and foster transformative efforts even if they are often not easily visible. Based on an integrative synthesis of three international, multi-case research projects on transformations to sustainability, it introduces the concept of transformative labor – the work, inner and outer, that has the power to affect transformative change. Often hidden and largely underappreciated, transformative labor helps break through existing systems, and puts creativity, courage, persistence and other physical, social, cognitive and emotional qualities and skills along with physical and financial resources toward achieving system-transcending change. Seven overlapping and interacting categories of transformative labor are described: (1) Detecting & Naming Conditions (Symptoms); (2) Creating Transformative Spaces; (3) Fostering Agency & Empowerment; (4) Enacting Steps to Change Conditions; (5) Visioning & Moving toward Desired Outcomes (Purpose, Horizons); (6) Caring, Tending & Learning; and (7) Scaling Out, Up and Deep. Transformative labor is performed by advocates, researchers and other allies and is always political because it intends to advance a profound change in the status quo. The paper concludes with proposed future research directions to test and advance this novel concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable and integrated management of resources is a crucial approach to achieving sustainable regional development in the face of limited land and increasingly scarce water resources. This paper proposes a multidimensional optimization model to jointly optimize land use patterns and water resource allocation under the conditions of maximizing economic benefits and minimizing social differences, ecological loads, environmental pollution, and carbon emissions. The optimization model is solved using the affiliation function method and then combined with random forest (RF) and cellular automata (CA) models to further obtain the optimal spatial layout of land use. This paper takes the Mid-Yangtze River City Cluster as an example and optimizes the land use pattern and water allocation in the region in 2020 and 2030. The results of the study show that the optimized water and land resource allocation scheme performs better than the status quo in all dimensions. The optimized economic benefits, social effects, ecological effects, environmental effects, and overall sustainability in 2020 are increased by 45.97%, 22.89%, 10.07%, 24.65%, and 42.73%, respectively. By 2030, overall sustainability reaches 0.69. The developed modeling framework helps to elucidate the internal linkages between land use and water allocation, and it provides decision-makers with diversified approaches to land and water resource management and adjustment for different cities in different periods, which promotes the sustainable development of urban agglomerations. [Display omitted] • The intrinsic relationship between different land use types and water demand is addressed. • A sustainable approach to integrated management of land and water resources is proposed. • The synergistic optimization of the economy, society, ecology and the environment is developed. • The spatial patterns of land use for the balanced development of urban agglomerations are promoted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One key driver of sustainable goal development is the transition to sustainable electricity resources. The sustainability impact assessment of power production evaluates all potential impacts on society, the environment, and the economy, as well as finds a reasonable solution to shift towards renewable. Given the multitude of quantitative and qualitative methodologies for sustainability analysis, alongside the absence of a unified procedure, selecting an appropriate method poses a significant challenge in conducting this task. Therefore, this paper conducts an extensive review of the methodologies employed for assessing the sustainability of power generation within the future energy mix, as reflected in scientific publications over the past decade (2013–2024). The main objective of this paper is to compare the methodologies and assess their efficiency as suitable tools for analyzing the sustainability of technologies in different geographical regions. The research methodology, following the screening process, selects 102 papers within the study's scope to undergo a critical examination based on sustainability evaluation approaches. It also provides an overview of novel dynamic methods and the application of artificial intelligence in sustainability assessment. The primary findings indicate a deficiency in a standardized approach for sustainability evaluation within electrical technology. In addressing uncertainties in impact assessment due to various parameters, dynamic methods with multiple temporal accuracies are recommended over a static life cycle. The paper includes a case study comparing methods—multi-criteria decision-making, and ranking, scoring—in the Indonesian context. Considering 15 environmental, social, and economic indicators to evaluate the sustainability in Lombok, results indicate that hydropower, gas, and solar technologies exhibit the highest sustainability scores, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global population growth drives demand for clean water, energy, and wastewater production in urban areas. Most existing wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are energy- and cost-intensive. To achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, many regions have implemented strict policies for energy consumption and contaminated water discharge, promoting environmental sustainability. This paper attempts to enhance the achievement of SDGs in the wastewater treatment industry by proposing a novel method for hierarchical control of wastewater treatment plants to ensure energy and cost efficiency with less knowledge of the process model, fewer measurements, and fewer control loops. This controller is the combination of a machine learning control technique with a bio-inspired computational algorithm. To evaluate and validate the performance of the proposed controller on the WWTP, the benchmark simulation model no. 1 (BSM1) has been used. The most significant contributions of this paper show that 488.96 KWh/d, 3620.08 Kg/d, and 3454.55 KWh/d of aeration energy cost index, sludge production cost index, and operational cost index are respectively saved when compared to the default control strategy (DCS). Also, 893.69 Kg pollution units per day of effluent fine-related costs have been successfully recovered when compared to the DCS. The experimental results illustrate that the proposed control yields significant amelioration of the energy and cost profile of the WWTP with no effluent violation in dry, rain, and storm weather conditions. • A hybrid bio-inspired machine learning control scheme has been developed to enhance energy and cost efficiency in WWTP. • Excess sludge production in wastewater treatment plants has been reduced. • Levies related to the discharge of polluted wastewater into the environment have been significantly reduced. • Sustainable development goals can be achieved when the proposed controller is implemented in pilot WWTPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to introduce a new sustainable business excellence model, called Knowledge Management Excellence Model 21 (KMEM21), a theoretical framework that combines Knowledge Management and Business Excellence Models (BEMs), proposing an approach applicable to organizations to directly contribute towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The paper through a qualitative-exploratory methodology makes an analysis and benchmarking, emphasizes the integration of Knowledge Management and three specific Business Excellence Models (Management Excellence Model (MEG) from Brazil, Baldrige Excellence Framework, and EFQM). This integration uncovers relationships between organizational concepts associated with Knowledge Management and BEMs, which contributes to new insights in the literature regarding these concepts' interplay. BEMs are presented as tools that can catalyze the power of Knowledge Management towards achieving SDGs. However, it's noted that the existing BEMs might not be adequate, as the goal extends beyond organizational improvement and excellence to encompass sustainable development aligned with SDGs. The article suggests that specific organizational concepts, identified through a literature review and aligned with Knowledge Management and BEMs, can be selected as indicators associated with the constructed KMEM21 and the SDGs. These indicators are intended to form a bridge between the new model and the SDGs. However, given the comprehensive nature of the theory, model development, application, result acquisition, and analysis, the article's primary contribution will be in its focus on elaborating the instrument and technique, demonstrating the creation of a theoretical framework for the SDGs. Future works will showcase the application of the proposed KMEM21 method in five Brazilian organizations, members of Global Compact, to compare the achieved objectives and the results obtained with the organizations' performance and their sustainability reports. [Display omitted] • There is a visible relationship between knowledge management and business excellence models, aided by shared organizational concepts. • Achieving the SDGs in organizations can be done by using the traits incorporated into knowledge management and business excellence models. • The Knowledge Management Excellence Model 21 represents an original approach, acting as a new sustainable business excellence model. • A comprehensive model can be constructed using a methodology that incorporates an instrument, a technique, and a method. • KMEM21 presents a strategic path that aligns with business excellence principles and the sustainable development objectives, offering a framework for organizational success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a world faced with constant and varied sustainability challenges, local communities stand at the forefront of global sustainability efforts. What happens at the local level may affect the larger social and environmental systems. Meanwhile, global environmental impacts are also experienced locally. The current global sustainability agenda, Agenda 2030, calls for local action to realise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, we have limited understanding of what enables and constrains local action, particularly in the context of the challenges related to trade-offs between goals, the complexity and uncertainty embedded in the social and environmental systems, and the necessity to align efforts with multiple levels of governance. In this paper, we aim to synthesise lessons learnt from the application of a previous major local sustainability agenda, Local Agenda 21 (LA21), to inform local action for the SDGs. Using a systematic review of 87 empirical cases of LA21 all around the world, we find that availability of reliable resources, supportive planning and policymaking practice, competent local actors, and trust between local actors appear most frequently as enablers of local sustainability processes in the context of LA21. In the end, we discuss the implications of these findings for SDGs implementation at the local level. • We identify enablers and constraints to the key elements of Local Agenda 21. • There were four most frequent enablers to Local Agenda 21 processes. • These enablers are resources availability, supportive planning and policymaking practice, competent local actors, and trust. • Findings and discussions from this paper can be used to anticipate key concerns in the local implementation of the SDGst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the potentials and limitations of transdisciplinary research on sustainability issues characterized by extensive uncertainty and complexity. Transdisciplinary approaches that support the co-creation of knowledge in collaboration between science and society are advocated in research that aims to explore pathways for societal transformations towards sustainability. However, there is limited research on how co-creation research plays out in practice and what are its implications, in particular with regards to how data collection and analysis can be developed to increase the quality and reliability of the research, and to the roles that researchers themselves play in shaping the research. This paper makes two contributions: First, it offers insight into the design and implementation of co-creation endeavors based on scholarly literature as well as experiences from a research program that seeks to support foresight capacity for sustainable development under geopolitical uncertainties. Second, the paper elaborates methodological support for co-creation research by highlighting the potential of co-dissemination for transdisciplinarity and arguing for a systematic approach to reflection and self-reflexivity. Specifically, the paper reflects on experiences from the ongoing Mistra Geopolitics research program, which explores the intersections between geopolitics and sustainable development, and where co-creation has been at the core since the start of the program. We explore three stages in transdisciplinary research: (i) co-design of the research agenda, (ii) co-production of knowledge, and (iii) co-dissemination. Specifically, we examine the role of non-academic partners, the role of knowledge brokers and facilitation, and the need for flexibility, adaptability and reflexivity throughout the process. • Co-creation can support foresight capacity and identification of new challenges. • Flexibility, adaptability and reflexivity are key to transdisciplinary projects. • Co-dissemination can make a relevant contribution in a transdisciplinary program. • Critical assessments should be an integrated part of co-creation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Expert technical and economic rationalities overlook political aspects of sustainability. • Local experiences reveal structures and processes that shape inequitable outcomes. • Sustainable developmentality creates a triple-bind for rural mountain residents. • The triple-bind contributes to large numbers migrating from mountain dwellings. • Mountain migration and land abandonment is a political not an inevitable process. Sustainability challenges persist in the central Indian Himalayas (CIH) despite an array of solutions proffered by external experts. This paper interrogates the 'sustainability gaze' of external experts – which reflects attempts to reconcile neoliberal economic growth with environmental conservation within the logics of technical and biophysical rationalities - by exploring local experiences of rapid and uncertain social and environmental change. Three strands of policy and practice shape the gaze: (i) natural hazard mitigation for climate change adaptation; (ii) reducing social vulnerability through pro-poor development; and (iii) increasing resilience through environmental management and conservation. Results challenge narratives that overpopulation causes environmental degradation and changing patterns of migration are a natural process of modernisation in the CIH. Alternative local narratives highlight haphazard and inequitable economic growth, lack of mountain planning and disaster management, inadequate social welfare programmes, and monkey relocation policies as the major sustainability challenges. The paper discusses how the gaze produces 'sustainable developmentality' - a depoliticising process that cultivates multiple and conflicting mountain subjectivities, namely: (i) active community members responsible for mitigating natural hazards, (ii) productive farmers and flexible waged labourers, and (iii) custodians of the environment. This creates a triple-bind for smallholders which has forced huge numbers to migrate from their mountain dwellings with unsustainable outcomes. Exploring local perspectives re-politicises the debate, exposing the contradictions and tensions of the gaze and the broader systemic issues of power and inequity the gaze overlooks. Such insights are crucial for rendering development policies more relevant to mountain residents of the CIH and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development processes and action on climate change are closely interlinked. This is recognised by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its fifth assessment report, which reports on climate-resilient pathways, understood as development trajectories towards sustainable development which include adaptation and mitigation. The upcoming sixth assessment report dedicates a chapter to climate resilient development pathways. In this context, this paper asks what conceptual and empirical advances on climate resilient development pathways were made since the fifth assessment report. Through a literature review, this paper analyses goals and approaches for climate resilient development pathways, and discusses what conceptual advances have and could still be made. We find little evidence of dedicated concept development. Rather, we observe conceptual ambiguity. Literature showed four non-exclusive clusters of approaches: (a) climate action oriented, (b) social-learning and co-creation oriented, (c) mainstreaming oriented and (d) transformation oriented. We recommend operationalising climate resilient development pathways as the process of consolidating climate action and development decisions towards long-term sustainable development. This process requires explicit engagement with aspirations of actors, and connecting past developments with future aspirations and understandings of risk. Working with multiple pathways allows us to embed flexibility, anticipation and learning in planning. A greater focus is needed on issues linked to justice and equity as climate resilient development pathways will inevitably involve trade-offs. Substantiating the concept of climate resilient development pathways has the potential to bridge climate and development perspectives, which may otherwise remain separated in development and climate policy, practice and science. • We find little evidence of dedicated concept development on climate resilient development pathways. • The use of the concept climate resilient development pathways in different domains has giving rise to conceptual ambiguity. • Climate resilient development pathways consolidate climate action and development towards long-term sustainable development. • Climate resilient development pathways will involve debate and struggle, resulting in winners and losers. • Lessons are engagement with justice and equity issues and imbedding flexibility, anticipation and learning in decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are inherently complex. This paper contributes to the literature on co-production of knowledge at the interface of science, policy, and society in integrated, transdisciplinary research (TDR) projects. By analysing five projects of the Leading Integrated Research for Agenda 2030 in Africa (LIRA) implemented in nine African cities, the paper identifies the pathways for science-policy-society interactions (SPSI) within the TDR projects, the cross-scale and contextual dynamics influencing the interactions as well as the challenges of foregrounding the interactions. We identified four SPSI pathways: i) TDR processes, ii) explicitly conceptualising and communicating research projects in relation to mandates and policies, iii) the global sustainability agenda, and iv) relationships and networks. We argued that these pathways can be construed as important windows for foregrounding SPSI in TDR projects. Cross-scale dynamics such as the spatial scale of interactions, actors' roles, and purposes of engagement were critical determinants of the intensity and frequency of the interactions between the project actors. The analysis suggests that being context-sensitive is key to foregrounding SPSI in TDR projects. Conceptual threshold crossing, resource intensity, power differentials, discontinuity, as well as a history of academic and practice silos present formidable challenges to SPSI in TDR projects. These challenges can be addressed through the identified pathways, adequate capability development; incentivising academics and practitioners engaged in co-production of knowledge; stimulating co-production through adequate resources; building redundancies within the project teams, ideas, and processes, and paying attention to the politics of co-production of knowledge. • Context-sensitivity is crucial to SPSI in Transdisciplinary research (TDR). • Science-policy-society interactions (SPSI) is complex in TDR projects. • Intensity and frequency of SPSI interaction depends on actor's role. • The supra-system is important to understanding influence of external context. • SPSI in TDR contributes to addressing the sustainable development goals (SDGs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to analyse the relationships among tourism, sustainability, and innovation in the Bangladesh economy. Based on annual data covering 1980 to 2019, we apply robust and standard time series econometric techniques and reveal that innovation and sustainability are significantly linked with tourism in Bangladesh. Furthermore, we use Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) modelling method to find the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the tourism industry. We find that the tourism industry is one of the highly affected industries in Bangladesh. As a recovery strategy, we reveal that innovation efficiency and government stimulus packages are much more effective in tackling the pandemic's adverse impacts. Based on the holistic analysis, we also provide key policy suggestions for the sustainable development of the tourism industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Anthropocene era, characterized by sustainability and environmental challenges, the Metaverse emerges as a virtual alternative with the potential to reduce the ecological footprint while enhancing human experiences. However, the development of Metaverse encounter unprecedented technical, social, and ethical challenges. Bioinspired technologies, referring to those developed with inspiration from the biological world, have demonstrated successful applications across various fields and show potential in addressing challenges within the Metaverse. This paper explores the integration of bioinspired technologies with the Metaverse, focusing on its social and ethical implications. It proposes a conceptual model for a bioinspired Metaverse, elucidating how bioinspired technologies may shape the evolution of the Metaverse through four dimensions: Enhancement of User Interaction, Promotion of Digital Inclusivity, Advancement of Sustainable Development, and Guidance of Ethical Considerations. This paper makes a significant contribution by adopting an innovative context - the bioinspired Metaverse - that facilitates a deeper reexamination of the relationship among technology, nature, and human society through interdisciplinary discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digitalisation and the green transition are driving change to societies at large. These intertwined processes play a key role in the broader topic of sustainable development, which is making its way into different sectors of society. Sustainable development is not only about technology development but involves several business and regulatory decisions that have a fundamental impact on our future society. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are important enablers in this sustainability transition and the ICT sectors own sustainability role is yet underdefined. To help scholars, industries, and regulators to better structure the complex topic of connecting sustainable development and the ICTs, this paper discusses development of sustainable 6G mobile communications with a multi-perspective approach including environmental, social and economic sustainabilities, business, regulation and technology dimensions, and academia, industry and regulator stakeholder perspectives. The paper presents findings for 6G development from the three identified perspectives. This paper further explores an illustrative case study of spectrum management in 6G, which has a fundamental role in defining the future mobile connectivity market. • Multi-perspective approach for sustainable 6G mobile communications is proposed • The approach includes environmental/social/economic sustainability, business/regulation/technology and stakeholder perspectives • Illustrative case of spectrum management for future 6G is presented [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel approach to the strategic planning of the supply chain for lime cultivation. The uncertainty associated with lime production due to factors such as transportation, crime, and water availability, among others, represents different challenges. To address these challenges, the authors propose the use of machine learning tools coupled with deterministic optimization to obtain optimal solutions for the supply chain for future years. This paper highlights the use of justice schemes to ensure an equitable distribution of lime production between farmers and learning machines to quantify the insecurity impact on lime production in Michoacan. The problem can be solved using a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model that focuses on maximizing economic benefits, minimizing the use of irrigation water in crops, and minimizing Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO 2eq) emissions within the supply chain. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach can effectively address the challenges facing the lime production supply chain, resulting in an optimized and equitable lime production and distribution between farmers using the Social Welfare Justice scheme. Scenario A presents a utopian viewpoint with maximum benefits and minimum CO 2eq generated emissions, corresponding to $ 4.08 × 109 and 1.94 × 106 tons of CO 2eq , respectively. This paper contributes to the growing body of literature on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in supply chain management, specifically in the optimization of supply chain processes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The western coast of El Salvador has seen rapid tourism development over the last decade, the impacts of which have been highly uneven. • Drawing evidence from a high-profile case study site, the research analyzes development-driven reconfigurations in livelihoods, land and resource access, and the securitization of space, which reproduce socio-spatial inequalities. • These uneven impacts tend to benefit and protect foreign and elite interests, while compounding social-environmental insecurities for poor rural residents. • Based on these findings, the paper explores the implications of tourism development for security, migration, and sustainability in El Salvador and other Global South destinations. Over the last ten years, El Salvador has emerged as a popular coastal tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and world-renowned surf. Riding this wave, the government, international donors, and investors have championed tourism as a strategy to alleviate poverty, promote sustainable development, and address the country's long-standing migration and security crises. Yet, while tourism has brought novel economic opportunities to coastal communities, it has also increased pressures on local people, land, and resources, as well as complicated gang-state security dynamics in complex ways. This paper contributes to geographic scholarship on tourism in the Global South by examining the uneven social and environmental impacts of tourism development on rural coastal communities in El Salvador. I use a mix of ethnographic and survey methods to analyze socio-spatial reconfigurations in livelihoods, land and resource access, and the securitization of space in a case study site from the country's rapidly touristifying western coast. The results find that inequalities are produced through development-driven processes of socioeconomic and resource stratification between mostly affluent, White foreigners and domestic elites and poor Salvadoran residents. The benefits of job growth in tourism-related sectors are largely undermined by the loss of access to land, economic power, and community identity through the foreignization of space. These impacts are compounded by uneven geographies of securitization, which protect wealthy tourist spaces while exposing poor rural residents to both gang and state-sponsored violence. Advancing a critical framing of tourism (in)securities, the paper argues that rather than promoting sustainable development, tourism contributes to the in security and un sustainability of life for many poor rural residents, reinforcing rather than reducing incentives to migrate. By highlighting the socio-spatial production of inequalities in the context of tourism, the research calls for policies ensuring more just and inclusive tourism development in El Salvador and other Global South destinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments are an important governance instrument for fostering learning between actors, improving governance, and managing transition pathways for sustainable development. However, determinants of the up-take of the result of experiments are underexplored in the transition experimentation literature. Consequently, we explore the role of experimental design and institutions in this up-take. This paper examines the following research question: How is the up-take of regulatory experiments for sustainability transitions influenced by their design elements and what role do institutions play? The paper uses comparative qualitative content analysis to examine 27 international regulatory experiments. In analyzing the up-take of experiments, we focus on three dimensions: transferability, scalability, and unintended consequences. The analysis demonstrates that the transferability of regulatory experiments depends on its regulatory and geographical context as well as its timeframe and the selection of participants. The scalability appears to be mainly influenced by the timeframe and timing of the regulatory experiment as well as the communication of the experimenters with stakeholders and the support of political actors. Furthermore, the influence of unintended consequences from regulatory experiments depend on the diversity of the participants, the communication of the involved actors, and the use of several design options. Our results can inform policymakers and stakeholders about the design and role of institutions in regulatory experiments. • Contributes to the discussion on the up-take of transition experiments. • Cross-case analysis of international regulatory experiments, a subgroup of governance experiments. • Applies an institutional analysis to the up-take of regulatory experiments. • Provides insights on factors influencing the up-take of regulatory experiments. • Informs practices for further implementations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent focus on sustainability and its three pillars (economic, environmental, and social) brought new issues, especially for manufacturing companies, to be addressed. The article uses the methodology of a case study based on observation, panel expert, interviews with employees and the documentation analysis. The research had been carried out in steel processing enterprise in West Pomeranian region in Poland. The purpose of the article is twofold. Firstly, the aim is to present the company in the context of the production scheme and information flow, as well as the scheme for solving a decision problem that may increase the company's sustainable development potential. Secondly, the aim of the paper is to present the methodology of the process of selecting and assessing a range of criteria and fields of operation based on the identified sustainability criteria, which should be taken into account when deciding what type of the product to choose to improve the potential of sustainability of the company. The described methodology of this process is a scientific contribution based on literature research, observation of the company under study, interviews with employees, analysis of documents and work with experts inside the company, which allowed the creation of a tool for determining operational and decision-making areas that are directly related to the company's sustainable development potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes the subject of wearables and Sustainable Development (SD) in the scientific literature and is an attempt to present possible implications for Green Jobs (GJs) and the green labor market. There is a growing trend toward purchasing new wearable devices among consumers, which are more and more interested in the SD. These devices combine the functions of many other devices using smart technology and connectivity. They can communicate with other wearables or equipment, such as vehicles, machines, and buildings. Wearables have a wide range of applications. They allow monitoring of vital functions, and behavior, display information, improve communication, help to plan daily activities, and aid decision-making. Therefore, these devices are becoming increasingly important in daily life and business. Wearable technology uses the Internet of Things (IoT) and connectivity to synchronize data between devices. From a scientific perspective, it is interesting to explore how wearables are related to the SD in transitioning the economy toward green economy areas. The main goal of this article is to demonstrate the relevance of wearables to SD in scientific literature. Additionally, this paper aims to outline future implications for GJs, green self-employment, green competencies, and the green labor market. The method adopted in this study was a bibliometric review conducted in the Scopus database with the VOSviewer software support. The results are presented in the form of bibliometric maps and keyword tables. The study's results suggest that wearables have been rarely addressed in the context of managing employees in the workplace from the SD perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the imbalance between their historic physical buildings and the requirements of its residents, heritage sites are subject to several urban pressures. However, the major potential for urban growth in such locations is in their historic assets. The purpose of this research is to provide an approach for conserving and enhancing urban history in a manner that is beneficial to the environment, society, culture, and economics. Heritage conservation is attempting to distinguish itself. This is due to the fact that conservation and sustainability objectives do not always coincide. The findings are based on research conducted in Mosul and a study of sustainable development's concepts and pillars. With the use of UNDP reports, the present condition in Mosul was determined. The results demonstrate the need of devising a strategy to safeguard historic cities while allowing residents to continue to reside there. This plan should include objectives, strategies, and instruments to ensure that the "historic living city" can adapt and evolve in accordance with the sustainable development principles and the sustainability cycles. The paper uses an inductive methodology to apply sustainable development to historic city centers worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a context of ecological transition, the city of Casablanca has set itself the goal of building an eco-metropolis. Its development plan provides to convert industrial wasteland into business parks with consideration of sustainability in development operations. Sustainable management approaches have been initiated, such as the CasaNearshore Technopole greening project. The paper proposes an analysis of the perceptions of actors on the themes of actions to be implemented within the framework of this project. The evaluation by the actors of the relevance of these themes reveals that actions in favor of the preservation of the environment, although known as approaches of general interest, can nevertheless lead to situations of location conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous missions to Low-Earth Orbit, Moon and even Mars missions are the prospect for the coming decades of especially human spaceflight. The actors in these missions are commercial and institutional, public and private. The bandwidth of planned missions is wide, ranging from scientific exploration to commercial exploitation. In-situ resource utilization is planned to support such missions and thus reduce the amount of effort needed for transportation of goods to mission regions, e.g. by supplying water or fuel on the lunar or Martian surface. In the past decades the concept of sustainable development and sustainability has been evolved and became more and more relevant for many aspects of human life and society. These terms have also migrated into more specialized fields such as spaceflight. This paper systematically reviews the concepts of sustainable development and sustainability which have been formulated in a spaceflight context implicitly and explicitly. For this purpose, four perspectives are defined which originate from either Earth or space and alternate with the addressed object between Earth and space as well. It is explained and discussed how these concepts manifest in a spaceflight context, how they evolved over time and which implications result from the respective point of view. Subsequently, the formulation of space in-situ sustainable development is coined and an outlook is given how to further evolve this centric idea to enable a comprehensive evaluation of mission scenarios and roadmaps with regard to their sustainability. • Review of existing concepts concerning sustainability in spaceflight. • Relating these concepts to the original formulation for sustainability. • Pointing out gaps in existing concepts, e.g. disregard of social or environmental aspects. • Proposal of a new, comprehensive definition for space-in-situ-sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]