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Abstract: To date, sustainable development has been the most important discourse informing planning, a powerful rhetoric for solving environmental problems that shows confidence in human ingenuity and technological advancements. However, recent advances in information and communication technologies, are prompting the development of smart(er) approaches to (sustainable) development, which might be signifying a departure from the more traditional, or perhaps earlier, greener narratives underpinning sustainable development. Within this context and informed by analysis of the literature, this paper aims to reflect on the extent to which ideas of going green and going smart are converging or diverging from the path towards sustainable development. This is done using convergence theory and Bennet's typology (1991) of similarities as an analytical framework. The findings suggest that the convergence of greening and smart ideas for sustainable development might be better achieved if smart-centric approaches to policy- and planning are subsumed in the overarching vision of environmental quality and resilience, with green approaches to urban development setting the path and driving decisions towards a sustainable future. Highlights • Climate risk and innovations in practice are suggesting a move away from greening efforts in planning for sustainable development. • In the name of resource and efficiency use, cities are responding by adopting smart(er) approaches to development. • This paper explores whether green and smart approaches converge, diverge or diffuse in their sustainable development quest. • Greater convergence could be achieved if smart = centric approaches were subsumed in green approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nowadays, the population growth leads environmental, legislative, and social concerns. As a consequence, government and companies started to be aware of the impact of supply chain operations in the environment and society. While most of research in Supply Chain Network Design (SCND) has focused on economic performance, recently some studies consider environmental and social aspects of the SCND. The majority of existing related papers deal with multi-objective optimization modelling approaches when considering sustainable aspects of the supply chain. In this study, the optimization of a hierarchized Sustainable Supply Chain Network Design (SSCND) is addressed. To model this situation, a bi-level programming approach is considered. In the proposed model, an Environmental Protection Agency from the government has the leader role and acts as the upper level decision maker. Also, the supply chain's manager assumes the follower role acting as the lower level decision maker. Leader's objective function considers environmental aspects, while follower's objective function considers economical aspects. In the modelled situation, the government tries to cause an impact in the SCND by offering financial incentives (subsidies) and by encouraging the supply chain's manager to use cleaner technologies. The resulting bi-level programming model is a mixed-integer linear program. Due to the structure of the lower level problem, the bi-level model cannot be reduced into an equivalent single-level one by using KKT conditions. Therefore, an algorithm based on the simulated annealing metaheuristic is proposed for solving the problem. The results show that an appropriate government's financial incentives strategy lead to significantly decrease the environmental impact of the SSCND. Moreover, a greater impact is achieved when the financial incentives do not depend on the total production obtained via the use of cleaner technologies (scenario 1) than assigning subsidies based on the production made with specific technologies (scenario 2). Furthermore, the proposed model could be considered as a new approach for SSCND procuring environmental and economic aspects under an assumed predefined hierarchy. Highlights • A sustainable supply chain network design (SSCND) is studied in this paper. • Incentives are offered to the companies promoting the use cleaner technologies. • A novel bi-level programming model is proposed to handle with this problem. • An algorithm based on simulated annealing is designed to find acceptable solutions. • Results show significant reductions in the environmental impact of the SSCND. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the process of urbanization, many developing countries have had, or are being confronted with severe imbalance between urban and rural development, which causes serious un-sustainability. To address these challenges, this paper designs models to explore an 'urban-rural sustainable cooperation' pattern, with the idea of realizing 'green poverty reduction' in rural areas. Firstly, the infinitely repeated game model with trigger strategy is employed to prove the feasibility of establishing long-term urban-rural cooperation mode, with two conditions of low time preference rate and high efficiency of utilizing resource. Then this paper further discusses four requirements to enhance the accomplishment of green poverty reduction by cost-benefit analysis model: high antipollution costs afterwards, low time preference rate, the society's urgent need for environmental restoration, and high output gains without destroying environment. Lastly, this paper puts forward targeted policy proposals accordingly for relieving urban-rural imbalance problems in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Being the lifeblood of socioeconomic progress, engineering is implicated in the unprecedented challenge of sustainability. The global engineering community devised sustainable engineering as a conceptual departure from conventional engineering practices. However, the extent to which the sustainability worldview has permeated the Nigerian engineering community remains unanswered. This paper is an attempt to answer the question of how sustainability literate are the members of the Nigerian engineering community. The paper undertakes an assessment of the sustainability literacy of the community with the aid of a stakeholder survey and a devised sustainability literacy test. Three criteria that are used to gauge the stakeholders' sustainability literacy are awareness of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, score on the sustainability literacy test, and self-assessment of sustainability knowledge. Survey participants were recruited mainly from two federally-run Nigerian higher education institutions, and engineering professional associations. The assessment reveals an unsatisfactory performance of the Nigerian engineering stakeholders on all three sustainability literacy criteria. The results show that the majority of the students (81%), educators (67%), and practitioners (64%) were unaware of the UNDESD. The paper therefore highlights the need to improve the sustainability literacy of the Nigerian engineering community, possibly through a sustainability education intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Attitudes in the construction industry towards emissions and cleaner production are mixed. Many in the industry do not measure their emissions, or show awareness or progress towards minimizing emissions, but rather focus on more traditional matters of time, cost and production. Some writers suggest cost, or an industry perception of extra cost, as a main barrier to implementing more sustainable practices. There has been a slow shift to a sustainability mindset, but commonly this shift is only embarked upon if there are parallel cost savings. A realistic business view is that sustainability in the construction industry will only be achieved if parallel cost reductions occur. Within this debate, the paper puts forward the proposition and shows that, for a defined type of construction operation, performing at minimum unit cost (cost per production) also leads to minimizing unit emissions (emissions per production). The implication of this is that, within an existing operation, least unit emissions can be achieved without an increase in unit cost; alternatively, traditionally efficient ways of undertaking construction have the least environmental impact. Conversely, not operating at minimum unit cost leads to unnecessary emissions. The paper demonstrates this on an array of construction practices, and opines that similar results will hold for related construction operations. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Unit cost and unit emissions performances coincide for many construction operations. • Cleaner production need not lead to increased cost. • Not operating cost efficiently leads to unnecessary emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract During modern times of economic and political turmoil, we ask how we should be educating current and future business leaders to navigate periods of global turbulence. The paper suggests that firstly, undergraduates (future managers) and executive MBA students (current managers) need sustainability embedded in their management education because both groups believe that the global supply chain practices have contributed to global turbulence and that sustainable supply chain actions could help to reduce that turbulence. Secondly, that exposure to supply chain sustainability examples in management education increases global awareness and empathy in current and future managers. Thirdly, it is suggested that a gender balance is required for improved sustainability decision making. Lastly, it is found that direct facilitation by an instructor is not required for threshold learning and that it can occur exclusively through self-reflection. The overarching contribution of the paper is that rather than viewing economic, environmental, social and political turbulence as external factors that managers must simply navigate, supply chain sustainability education enables managers to connect how their global supply chain decisions can either intensify or reduce the turbulence. Highlights • Exposure to sustainability examples in management education increases global awareness. • Sustainable supply chain approaches can help to mitigate concerns of turbulence. • Globally aware managers act as agents of positive social change. • Undergraduates and Executive MBAs have a similar threshold knowledge of sustainability. • Sustainability in management education advances alternate approaches to managing turbulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Environmental issues and cleaner production are getting increasing attentions currently, making the clean production and sustainable consumption with low emissions significant. Traditional energy vehicles are increasingly unsuitable for the development of current society. It's a trend in the current vehicle market to accelerate the substitution of new energy vehicles for traditional energy vehicles. This paper makes a theoretical study on the development of new energy vehicle market supported by the government. First, this paper establishes a Cournot duopoly model which includes domestic and imported new energy vehicle manufacturers. Through the analysis of this model, this paper argues that government support policies such as subsidies and tariffs can effectively expand the market share of domestic new energy vehicles with less technology. Yet this approach is unsustainable, because domestic new energy vehicles with less technology can only survive in the market by shortening the gap with imported brands. Secondly, this paper establishes a Stackelberg model with product price as the decision variable and find that when there is a technical gap, the first mover advantage in the market will no longer exist. Finally, this paper compares two kinds of subsidies for domestic new energy vehicles and shows that the two subsidies are not different from subsidizing consumers or enterprises in expanding market share, and the consumer can obtain higher social welfare level as the subsidy object. Highlights • New energy vehicles boom with obvious substitution effect on traditional ones. • Both subsidies and tariffs can expand the production of domestic new-energy cars. • First move of domestic brands into the market can narrow the price difference. • First mover advantage no longer exists in the Stackelberg game. • Consumer subsidy is superior to enterprise subsidy in new energy auto industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The governance of industrial energy use in recent times has been driven by the quest for greater energy security and sustainable industrial growth. Sustainable use of energy necessitates a rethink in the production, use and governance of energy resources that stimulates and supports transition to a more effective and efficient energy system. However, how do we ensure an effective transition in industrial energy use in the midst of gross energy poverty within a developing country context? This paper explores the motives and drivers of changes in energy use within the industrial sector. Statistical data from published reports, as well as informal interviews of stakeholders in Nigeria's industrial sector were used. Following analysis of data, four important salient phases (eras) of industrial energy transition in Nigeria's manufacturing sector was established. These distinct eras are: (1) Grid-dependent era; (2) Self-generation era; (3) Industrial energy outsourcing era; (4) Industrial energy conservation era. The study reveals that: outsourcing of industrial services; cost reduction; and business realignment motives are key drivers of transitions in Nigeria's industrial sector. This paper concludes by highlighting the implications of these changes for the future of energy and sustainable industrial growth in Nigeria. Highlights • Industrial energy transitions in Nigeria is happening but rather slow. • There is high dependence on biofuels and wastes for certain industrial processes. • Cost reduction and business realignment motives are key drivers of transitions. • Outsourcing industrial energy services is viewed as one way to drive transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract As many manufacturing cities are currently experiencing serious environmental deterioration and energy crises, it is essential that they implement sustainable transitions by using cleaner production (CP) as a hopeful tool. We summarized the CP instruments applied in manufacturing cities and investigated their effect in urban sustainable transitions in this paper, by selecting Dongguan-a typical manufacturing hub in China-as a case. 264 related documents of policies, regulations, files, and notices promulgated by the Dongguan government during 2002–2017 were analyzed via content analysis to reveal the priority of major utilized tools for policy makers. We also summarized and analyzed the lifespan, dynamic trajectory, performance, function, and quantitative outcome of integrated CP instruments for sustainable transitions. It was found that CP instruments effectively decrease pollution generation, save energy, reduce resource consumption, and adjust and optimize industrial structure. It was also revealed that CP instruments embedded in sustainable transitions strategies was more effective and efficient at urban scale than that at larger scale. This paper provides a general reference for integrating CP instruments to push forward sustainable transitions in manufacturing cities, especially those cities without local legislative power in developing countries. Highlights • Content analysis were applied to analyze various cleaner production (CP) policies. • CP instruments effectively assists sustainable transition at urban scale. • Combining pollution prevention with energy conservation is effective strategies. • CP level and energy efficiency are useful indices for industrial structure optimization. • Continuity impacts the performance and outcome of CP policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In a recent Volume of this journal, authors Sakao and Brambila-Macias ask if we "share an understanding of transdisciplinarity in environmental sustainability research?". This response to their timely question argues that while transdisciplinarity is highly desirable, the accepted goal of incorporating multiple stakeholders in research projects (T2) may be problematic due to the heterogeneity that this introduces. This challenge is explored in two case studies taken from sustainable urbanism research, one focused on green gentrification, the other upon urban food production. The paper concludes with an endorsement of a sequential program of T1 and T2 research. Highlights • A Response to a paper in this journal, which asks if we "share an understanding of transdisciplinarity in environmental sustainability research?". • Explores two cases, one of green gentrification, the other urban food production, demonstrating the complicated content of sustainable cities research. • Response concludes that transdisciplinary research is necessary but must include a sequence of academic research (T1) and stakeholder participation (T2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper presents a comprehensive review of literature on most widely used urban sustainability assessment tools. The aim of this paper is to understand the similarities and differences in existing urban sustainability assessment tools and identify the gaps so as to find out whether these are capable of and suitable for addressing multiple issues of urban sustainability in multiple contexts, including settlements in diverse geo-climatic and ecologically sensitive regions such as the Himalayan hill regions of India. Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA) is employed in this study to identify various themes/categories associated with various dimensions of sustainability. A total of 2594 articles were selected, of which 105 have been analysed in detail. The research reviews six most widely used urban sustainability assessment tools i.e., Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM)for Communities, Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency (CASBEE) for Urban Development, Green Building Index (GBI)for Township, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Neighbourhood Development that are used in other countries, and Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)for Green Townships and Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) for Large Development which are used in India. Analysis of these assessment tools reveals that most of them view sustainability from different perspectives by laying more emphasis on some aspects like infrastructure and resource management while ignoring others like cultural, business and innovation. The findings of the analysis highlight that certain aspects are given more importance in all the urban sustainability assessment tools reviewed and certain other aspects are given much lower or no consideration in all tools reflecting an incomprehensive understanding of urban sustainability on one hand; most tools reviewed do not address all context-specific aspects on the other. Further, it is observed that these tools are unable to address the complex relationships among various criteria and categories and each criterion is assessed in isolation irrespective of the fact that it can influence or be influenced by other criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper aims firstly to provide a conceptual overview on the two main objectives that should be addressed when modifying international environmental law and subordinated law in a more sustainable direction in the sense of Ecological Economics. This first aim is addressed based on ongoing research on '3-D Sustainability', a concept providing decision-making support for priority setting between environmental, social and economic dimensions within sustainable development. The two main objectives identified within this aim are to stay by means of international environmental law within the ecologically sustainable scale and to legally define flexible trade-off mechanisms, which better deal with conflicts of interests among the three sustainability dimensions. Secondly, the paper strives to identify ways to further strengthen the application of the existing international law in this respect. Thus, several innovative mechanisms within international law are identified that overcome current implementation and enforcement deadlocks, without necessarily changing the existing law, in order to serve a sustainable development in the sense of Ecological Economics. Highlights • Elaborates the relationship among Ecological Economics, Sustainable Development and Law • Provides proposals for improved sustainable law- and decision-making • Summarizes proposals for improved legal implementation based on existing law • Embeds proposals for new law as well as based on existing law into an overall sustainability concept [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Market-based instruments (MBIs) have proliferated to address environmental degradation outside Protected Areas (PAs). Coffee plantations have been one of the most active spaces for MBIs through third-party certifications. In the certification context, the logic of extrinsic motivators is explicitly used to incentivise coffee growers in the short-term to adopt environmentally sustainable and socially responsible production, including maintaining native tree species on plantations. Coffee growers that qualify with the environmental and social standards are audited, certified and eligible to the incentive. However, there is little empirical evidence on what encourages people to adopt and maintain an ecologically compatible lifestyle. This paper attempts to question the assumption regarding the importance of extrinsic catalysts as a motivation for changes in land management strategies. We test this hypothesis in the Indian context, where the history of direct payments for conservation has been very limited. Our work finally ask the question: have conservation programmes that use direct payments ignored intrinsic motivations in their programme design? The empirical findings presented in this paper contribute to a better understanding of the range of psychological, behavioral and social factors that drive these land-use and land management decisions and explicitly engage with debates on crowding-in and crowding-out in conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Abstract This paper deals with the geographically uneven distribution of urban sustainability experiments. It focuses on largely neglected demographic, socio-economic, and socio-cultural characteristics to explain where and why experiments are likely to emerge — or not. In doing so, it presents the first quantitative study to examine a systematic relationship between the incidence of experiments and neighbourhood-level indicators. Theoretically informed by transitions studies and urban geography, the study draws on unique data from an urban agriculture initiative consisting of nearly two thousand individual projects across metropolitan London. Applying spatial statistical analyses, its results suggest that, on the one hand, gentrifying and, on the other hand, income-deprived neighbourhoods provide distinct urban milieux in which initiatives emerge disproportionately often. In contrast, already gentrified or otherwise advantaged urban neighbourhoods are found to have a disproportionately low number of projects. The paper discusses the socio-spatially variegating roles of experiments and identifies implications of these findings for our theoretical understanding of the emergence of sustainability experiments, their interrelationship with differing socio-economic and cultural contexts, and their expected significance for wider societal sustainability transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Sustainable business model innovation is about creating superior customer and firm value by addressing societal and environmental needs through the way business is done. Business models require intentional design if they are to deliver aspired sustainability impacts. Scant research has been done on 'ecologies' of different business models in order to understand and improve these and create positive impact on the environment, society, economy and other key stakeholders. Hence, in this paper a novel framework is presented to enable a systemic form of sustainable business model experimentation. The framework is based on the recognition of three key issues which have not yet been sufficiently incorporated in the literature on sustainable business models: construct clarity, boundary setting and uncertainty about outcomes. These concepts are discussed first. Building on earlier work, the resulting framework incorporates potential side-effects and boundary setting based on the concept of an 'ecology of business models'. Second, an approach is proposed that could stimulate more profound forms of sustainable business model innovation: The Ecology of Business Models Experimentation map. Third, the approach is illustrated through two cases. The approach could help minimise symbiotic dependency on less sustainable business models; help destroy unsustainable business models by outcompeting them; and maximise contributions to favourable institutional infrastructures for more sustainable business models. This paper contributes to research on sustainable business model innovation, design and experimentation by providing a potential approach for 'business model ecology redesign'. Highlights • 3 issues in sustainable business model design are identified: • Construct clarity, boundary setting and uncertainty about outcomes. • A framework to enable systemic business model experimentation is presented: • The Ecology of Business Models Experimentation (EBME) map. • The cases of THANKS and HOMIE are used to illustrate the EBME map. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Concerns about environmentally sustainable supply chain management have increased widely in recent years. As a consequence, supply chain members have cooperated with one another to make efficient contracts, frequently called green supply-chain management contracts. The purpose of this paper is to investigate one such contract between a single manufacturer and multiple retailers with limited resources for several types of products under greenhouse-gas emission regulations. Each retailer orders the products regularly within a limited budget and warehouse capacity. In response to orders, the manufacturer produces products and ships them after inspections. Demand for the products can be either known or have some uncertainty, which can best be represented using fuzzy number demand. To reflect demand properties, this paper introduces two nonlinear integer programming models, a crisp model and a fuzzy model. A genetic algorithm (GA) and hybrid genetic algorithm-pattern search (HGAS) are developed to solve the models. Numerical experiments evaluating the efficiency of the algorithms showed that the HGAS method performed better than the GA. Also observed is that the crisp model's average total costs were lower than those of the fuzzy model. The results as a whole indicate that the models can evaluate the performance of contracts and optimize cooperative green supply chain management. Highlights • We formulate two NIP models for GSCM with GHG emissions constraints, assuming constant and fuzzy demand, respectively. • The extension principle is used to apply the fuzzy set theory to the fuzzy model. • GA and HGAS methods are proposed. • HGAS performs better than GA in accuracy. • The total cost of GSCM is changing in accordance with the upper limit of GHG emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Abstract Progressing towards sustainable development remains a key global challenge. And yet, the various interpretations of the concept of sustainable development and the questions it raises about economic growth make its implementation difficult. Higher education institutions may help to overcome these difficulties by developing new processes of change. However, to achieve this they need to integrate sustainable development in all their areas of activity. The aim of this paper was to develop new insights into organisational change processes in universities relating to sustainable development. Contributing to this aim, this paper reports on a case study of United Kingdom higher education drawing on findings and conclusions from a survey of their policy frameworks relating to sustainable development. The method comprised a critical policy analysis in order to identify, differentiate and categorise stakeholder interactions. The data generated comprised the range of higher education stakeholders and the network of interactions that they formed. Theoretical insights from social network analysis, stakeholder theory and the normative business model were used to find opportunities to address the difficulties in the implementation of sustainable development. Results suggested that the existing networks identified in the policy frameworks may not support the effective integration of sustainable development in higher education. Low-density of the national networks; the lack of a clear governance vocabulary for national policy frameworks; and the lack of explicit funding flows between organisations all pose problems for organisational change towards sustainable development in higher education. Highlights • The paper develops insights in organisational change at universities in sustainable development. • Critical policy analysis identifies, differentiates and categorises stakeholder interactions. • Social network analysis, stakeholder theory, Normative Business Model inform interpretation. • Density, governance and funding of policy networks could aid change at universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Sustainable Development Goals agreed by the United Nations in September 2015 comprise 17 goals and 169 targets aimed at integrating matters related to sustainable development into the overall economic, environmental and social frameworks of countries. Whereas the SDGs have a global dimension, their action implementation depends on the level of priority different countries give to them, and on how sustainability issues compete with a country's main problems. The aim of this paper was to identify the main Sustainable Development Goals approached by experts from different geographic regions, according to their experience and research area, and to discuss the relation between these goals and the main local issues and challenges of each region. The methodology starts with snowball sampling to collect information from experts from all geographic regions, through contact networks of universities in different countries. With the information about the goals researched by the participating experts, an analysis of the relation between the study focus and the geographical regions of origin was conducted. A total of 266 specialists from North America, Latin America/Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania participated in the survey. Based on the sample used, it can be said that there is a relation between the local problems or challenges observed in some regions and the main areas of interest of the surveyed experts, with a general emphasis on the study of goals 4, 11 and 13. Based on the data gathered, the paper presents a set of examples of positive and negative situations in the various regions, and considers the extent to which some Sustainable Development Goals are being pursued by research on a worldwide basis. Graphical abstract Image Highlights • The SDGs are now being implemented by many countries. • There are differences in the emphasis to the implementation of the SDGs across different geographical regions. • Goals related to Climate Action, Sustainable Cities and Education seem to be among the most popular ones. • The research gaps suggest that many SDGs deserve more attention in order not to "leave anyone behind". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • There is a need for a systematic approach for compact and green cities. • Concepts from smart growth and green infrastructure are found to be compatible. • We developed a hierarchical target system for smart-compact-green cities. • The targets cover smart environment, multifunctionality, government, governance. • The systemic framework can be used for spatial monitoring and planning analysis. Abstract In contrast to the ongoing worldwide uncontrolled expansion of urban development resulting in sprawled cities, compact cities have been argued by planners and researchers to be the more sustainable urban form. However, in compact cities, it has been shown that a low proportion of green spaces jeopardizes the sufficient supply of urban ecosystem services. This suggests that there remains a deficiency in clear visions for operationalizing compact and green cities. To remediate this, this paper introduces a systemic conceptual framework for compact and green cities by combining the concepts of smart growth and green infrastructure. The indicator-based, smart-compact-green city framework includes two aspects: 1) smart compact cities (considering the need to limit urban sprawl through smart growth) and 2) smart green cities (reflecting the preservation and (re-)development of urban green infrastructure). The paper suggests that there is the need to balance these two aspects to develop a systemic approach towards smart-compact-green cities. A hierarchical target system grounded on four characters for smart compact and smart green cities is developed. Smart-compact-green cities can be characterized through a 1) smart environment of compact and green cities, 2) smart multifunctionality of compact and green cities (economic, social, environmental), 3) smart government for compact and green cities and 4) smart governance for compact and green cities. The characters comprise twelve factors defined by 39 indicators for smart compact cities and 44 indicators for smart green cities, respectively. The systemic framework can support researchers and practitioners to develop visions of how existing or future cities can approach smart-compact-green cities in mainstreaming the ecology of and for cities by better understanding the complexity of urban systems and providing a basis for a systematic spatial monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Against the background of an often wasteful use of natural resources, the European Union has made resource efficiency a top policy priority. Policy formulation is, however, at a very early stage in many Member States, with often vague notions of what resource efficiency means, characterised by fragmented instruments and overlapping competencies. This paper develops a conceptual framework for defining, assessing and developing resource efficiency policy mixes. It argues that a mix of policies and instruments is best suited to overcoming the complex challenges of the 21st Century. Such a mix addresses multiple resource domains at a strategic, high level and contains interacting instruments targeting multiple actors, levels of governance and sectors and life-cycle stages of resource use. This paper looks at criteria for effective resource efficiency policy instruments, presents both an indicative policy mix across 9 policy domains and case studies (on environmental harmful subsidies, supply chain efficiency in food systems and product-service systems) and identifies key challenges to overcome trade-offs in instrument design, maximise synergies, reduce conflicts, promote coherence, coordinate activities and move from theory to practice. Research needs are discussed regarding who shall devise, implement, and coordinate such a policy mix, considering negotiating power, timing and complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Sustainable consumption and production is identified as one of the essential requirements for sustainable development. Due to different economic conditions and socio-cultural factors, sustainable consumption and production requires a diverse focus in developing and developed economies. To date, few efforts have been made to systematically compare the status of sustainable consumption and production and its direction from the perspective of developing and developed economies. This paper provides a literature review of published articles in international scientific journals related to sustainable consumption and production between 1998 and 2018 inclusive. Three carefully designed questions are proposed and answered in this article, forming the basis for conducting a comprehensive comparative analysis of the differences and challenges in sustainable consumption and production practices within developed and developing economies. The findings strongly suggest that countries in Europe hold international leadership in sustainable consumption and production practices. This finding, alongside others, is analyzed and discussed in greater detail in this paper, resulting in the articulation of gaps and future research opportunities in the current body of the literature. Highlights • Sustainable consumption and production (SCP) in two distinct economies is studied. • A three-dimension taxonomy is designed for performing the content analysis. • It is found that Europe hold international leadership in SCP practices. • SCP is a complicated and slow process with uncertain grounds in both economies. • Current trends and future research opportunities in SCP practices regarding different economies' status are articulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract By applying an integrated framework, this paper examines the impacts of population decline, urban sprawl and industrial transformation on rural residential land use change at the peri-urban interface. The examination is conducted from the perspective of the spatial structure of rural residential land based on a comparative regional analysis. The results show that the pace and pattern of spatial structure change in three regional areas are quite different: the changing process in mountainous areas is much slower, together with low-density development; conversely, the spatial structure in plains and semi-mountainous areas experiences considerable change, and development is more diversified. This can be explained by the differential impacts of urbanization and industrialization: rural population decline, which often occurs in exurban areas with monotonous economic structures, easily causes land and environmental degradation, as evidenced by large quantities of abandoned land. Nevertheless, suburban areas present a compact and multifunctional land use pattern, which is attributed to benign industrial transformation and the external benefits of urban sprawl (e.g., industrial transfer, infrastructure expansion, and urban-rural migration). Based on these findings, this paper also offers a critical discussion of the limitations of rural residential land use and potential adaptive strategies, arguing that the multifunctionality of rural areas and local village characteristics should be taken into account by Chinese policy-makers to achieve man-environment systems compatible with development and rural sustainability. Highlights • Rural residential land use change is always embodied in its internal structure. • Regional differentiation of land use changing patterns existed clearly. • Rural population decline easily causes land and environmental degradation. • Multifunctional land use pattern is attributed to benign industrial transformation and benefits of urban sprawl. • Multifunctionality should be encouraged in rural environmental restructuring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract How to protect the Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (IAHS) has become a practical problem to be solved due to its number increasing rapidly. To promote the industrial integration development (IID) in IAHS sites was an essential measure regarded widely. This paper first reviewed IID theories, and then analyzed resources characteristics in IAHS sites and IAHS conservation requirements. Then based on these aspects, an IID theoretical framework was built for IAHS sites. In the theoretical framework, the definition and connotation and the principles that IID should abide by were proposed first, and then an implemented procedure of IID was built. The implemented procedure drew an IID route for IAHS sites, which describes the key indexes of assessment on the IID level, how to analyze resources characteristics, which resource types can be used, how to achieve industrial integration, how to organize operating entities of industries and how to balance benefits of stakeholders. The theory indicated the distinctiveness and key aspects of IID in IAHS sites and suggested how to promote the IID in IAHS sites and which themes are research priorities. Highlights • Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (IAHS) conservation is a crucial work for IAHS sites. • Promoting Industrial Integration Development (IID) in IAHS sites is an essential protective measure. • IID in IAHS sites is restrained by conservation conditions but also has many resources advantages. • This paper proposes a theoretic framework of IID in IAHS sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In Southwest China (SWC) soil loss is becoming a serious threat to the sustainable development of resources and the health of the environment. A large number of studies have been conducted to investigate the causes (e.g. environmental factors and human activities) and impacts (e.g. karst rocky desertification) of soil loss. However, the following are some important problems related to soil loss in the karst of SWC: 1) although soil loss is caused by chemical weathering, gravity and water interaction in karst, the mechanisms by which soil loss takes place in the SWC and their interaction are still not clear; 2) subsurface soil loss varies under different geological and hydrological conditions, and there is still no consensus on the common the ratio between surface soil erosion and underground soil loss; 3) traditional methods for soil loss risk assessment are difficult to apply over the whole of SWC; and 4) a large number of studies have been published only in Chinese and remain inaccessible to the international science community. Therefore, a review paper is needed to address this gap and introduce the contributions of Chinese researchers to soil loss in karst. This paper proposes a novel modelling approach for the grouped soil loss styles and presents a comprehensive discussion for the mechanism, causes, and risk assessment of the various soil loss styles in SWC karst. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Soil is eroded not only in the surface but also in the underground rock layer. • Surface/subsurface soil loss and soil leakage are typical soil loss styles in karst. • Novel modelling is proposed to discretize the grouped soil loss styles in karst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The study allows the income elasticity of emissions to vary over time. • It is a first use of the TVC cointegration method to study the CO 2 -GDP relationship. • We found a positive income elasticities of CO 2 emissions in all studied countries. • We found evidence in favor of relative decoupling in 8 out of the 12 countries. Abstract The relationship between CO 2 emissions, the main gas responsible for global warming, and economic growth is among the most studied themes of environmental economics. Reducing overall emissions while keeping a high pace of economic development is at the heart of the sustainable development concept. When emissions grow less rapidly than GDP environmental economists speak of relative decoupling; if emissions even decrease relative to the pace of economic growth, then decoupling is absolute. Assessing these options requires an empirical analysis of the emissions-GDP relationship. The study of this nexus has special importance for developed countries, given their historical responsibility towards global warming. At the same time, in the last decades, the same countries have been at the forefront of the fight against climate change in terms of emissions-reduction efforts. By applying cutting-edge econometric techniques, this paper aims to investigate the decoupling options, if any, for a group of European economies which can be considered as pioneers in pursuing the sustainable development goals. This question gains further importance considering that some recent studies have found positive GDP elasticities of emissions for certain developed countries, which may be seen as a cause of concern for the sustainable development path of such countries. Unlike the bulk of the literature, in this paper, we allow the income elasticity of emissions – a critical indicator for the study of decoupling – to vary over time. The reason is that the elasticity might change through the time due to the factors affecting the main drivers of the CO 2 emissions. We use a time-varying coefficients cointegration approach to investigate the CO 2 emissions-GDP relationship for 12 Western European countries over a long time period ranging from 1861 to 2015. Our main finding is that the income elasticity of CO 2 emissions is positive in all investigated countries. In addition, we find evidence in favor of relative decoupling in 8 out of the 12 European countries. This is in line with the fact that the selected European countries have shown more determination in adopting carbon reduction policies before and after the Kyoto protocol period and toward the Paris agreement compared to other leading economies such as China, United States, and Russia. For the remaining 4 cases, the income elasticity of CO 2 emissions is in excess of unity. This can be considered as a call for policymakers to take quick and relevant measures to mitigate emissions level without harming the economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Transdisciplinary research has been introduced as an approach to integrate different bodies of knowledge to learn and to develop solutions towards socio-ecological transformations. In these concepts, broad stakeholder involvement is intended to promote knowledge integration, consensus formation and activation of local actors to initiate and advance learning and change processes. In doing so, however, transdisciplinary processes enter societal battlegrounds and meet conflicting interest and knowledge claims. Thus, building on the discussion on transdisciplinarity in the context of sustainability-related research, the paper seeks to understand when and why which types of conflicts emerge in sustainability-related transdisciplinary research, how they affect knowledge integration, and how they can be resolved. It develops a categorization of conflicts including differing values, conflicting interests, dissimilar claims of legitimacy, and diverse knowledge claims. They are applied empirically in the analysis of a project on regional adaptation to climate change in Northwestern Germany. It studies processes and outcomes with regard to the societal impact of the project and discusses experiences of conflicts and relevant solutions. The paper finds that societally relevant transdisciplinary research processes need to be prepared for conflict resolution and overcoming resistance and blockages in cases when consensus formation and mutual agreement is not attainable. Highlights • Analyses types of conflicts in sustainability-related transdisciplinary research • Finds that conflicts are rarely addressed in this literature • Identifies conflicts from differing values, interests, claims of legitimacy, and knowledge claims • Studies conflicts in an adaptation case in Northwestern Germany • Finds conflicts between values and legitimacy claims in the case study [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper aims to better manage the reverse supply chain of the automotive industry in the context of green, circular, and sustainable development by predicting the number of end-of-life vehicles to be recycled through the establishment of a multi-factor model. The prediction of the number of end-of-life vehicles to be recycled in this paper will support the end-of-life vehicle recycling industry in terms of recycling management and investment decision-making and provide a reference for the formulation and implementation of policies relating to end-of-life vehicles. To solve the problems posed by nonlinear characteristics and uncertainty in the number of end-of-life vehicles recycled, and deal with the multiple factors influencing the recycling number, this paper presents a combined prediction model consisting of a grey model, exponential smoothing and an artificial neural network optimized by the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Using Shanghai's end-of-life vehicle reverse logistics industry as an example, this study selects historical data about end-of-life vehicles recycled in Shanghai during the 2005–2016 period, identifies multiple influential factors, and validates the effectiveness and feasibility of the prediction model through empirical research. This paper proposes an effective prediction model for end-of-life vehicle industry managers, researchers, and regulators dealing with the industry's common challenges. Highlights • Hybrid prediction model based on grey model and artificial neural network predicts end-of-life vehicles recycling volume. • Hybrid prediction model improves prediction performance on data featuring randomness and small sample size. • Hybrid prediction model improves prediction performance of end-of-life vehicles recycling volume affected by multi-factors. • Artificial neural network prediction model using particle swarm optimization algorithm has better prediction performance. • Model proposed in this paper is tested by application to real-life data from the reverse logistics industry in Shanghai. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the context of built environment, buildings are amongst the principal generators of environmental externalities. Life Cycle Assessment (LCAs) of energy efficiency and environmental performance of buildings are deemed critical to address sustainable development issues. This paper aims to investigate LCA as a tool to support the design of buildings with two objectives in mind. Firstly, it determines the role of LCA in the evaluation of energy efficiency and environmental performance of buildings. Secondly, it elaborates LCA of these constructions through the lens of international standards. The methodological approach of the study leads to development of a whole building life cycle formula that sums up the contributions from a set of LCAs. By doing so, the paper highlights the necessity of LCA applications in buildings, and the need for minimisation of resource and energy consumption, and environmental impact. The study helps in better understanding the way LCA supports the search for and identification of innovation pathways in buildings. This paper contributes to the efforts in providing theoretical expansions in LCA of buildings and stimulates the creation of technical standards for the residential building construction sector. Graphical abstract Image Highlights • The study overviewed Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) in residential buildings. • The study discussed stages and methodological aspects related to LCA elaborations. • LCA can have huge applications for quality and sustainability of buildings. • The whole building LCA was formulated as the sum of a set of partial LCAs. • LCA in buildings minimises resource and energy use and related environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The building sector is responsible for several environmental impacts, as well as economic and social consequences. Hence, the adoption of energy efficiency measures in building renovation projects can lead to benefits to several stakeholders in a holistic sustainability perspective. However, these projects require a gradual shift of their business models towards sustainable business models. In particular, performing quantitative sustainability analyses can help to overcome the traditional focus of business models on economic value and customers by defining wider costs and benefits for the environment and the society. This paper first provides a review of the state-of-the-art of sustainability analyses and business models for building renovation projects. Then, it proposes an analytic process based on the execution of quantitative sustainability examinations, as a support for the project proposition, creation, and capture of sustainable value in a multi-stakeholder perspective. The analytic process is applied to a case study that is the energy renovation project of a Norwegian single-family house, and several sustainability criteria are computed for three possible scenarios that are inclusive of different energy efficiency measures. The paper's findings can be relevant for both practitioners and academics who search for new approaches to embed quantitative analyses into the business context of building energy renovation projects. Furthermore, the findings can represent the groundwork for the possible operationalization of sustainable business in such projects, striving for a systematic execution of quantitative sustainability analyses as a key step towards sustainable business models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postharvest losses along food supply chains have far reaching consequences for the environment and affect the social and economic conditions of food supply chain participants, especially of those in developing countries. This paper explores the structural inefficiencies that lead to postharvest losses and analyses how innovative collaboration could lead to more sustainable food supply chains (FSCs) by reducing those inefficiencies. Innovative collaboration is defined as the improvement or creation of inter-organizational relationships through which FSC participants can exchange information, align incentives, engage in effective partnerships and improve their use of technology. This research distinguishes two research questions: First, how do FSC participants interact and which structural inefficiencies leading to postharvest losses can be identified in global food supply chains? And second, what are the main drivers and barriers of FSC participants to engage in innovative collaboration to reduce postharvest losses within global food supply chains? Two case studies explore the supply chain of avocados, especially due to their high susceptibility to postharvest losses, and focus on avocados from Mexico and Colombia imported into the Netherlands. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with avocado importers, producers/exporters, packers and growers' associations, governmental organizations, and knowledge institutions. Informal interviews were held with producers and suppliers of other agricultural products traded globally. Using the software NVIVO, the collected data from interviews, documents and literature was structured allowing patterns and categories in the data to be discerned. The contribution of this paper is a typology of structural inefficiencies in global food supply chains, which provides insight into the social drivers of postharvest losses. Three categories of structural inefficiencies leading (directly or indirectly) to postharvest losses were identified: (1) corporate inefficiencies, (2) cognitive and affective inefficiencies, and (3) tangible inefficiencies. Effective partnerships were found to be the backbone of innovative collaboration, and the largest contributor to the reduction of postharvest losses, functioning as catalysts of trust, communication, cooperation and innovation, in addition to contributing to reduce structural inefficiencies along food supply chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agreed by Heads of Government in 2015 represent a major multilateral effort to shift the world towards more sustainable and resilient pathways, also taking into account the needs of developing countries. The SDG Agenda calls for a global partnership – at all levels – between all countries and stakeholders who need to work together to achieve the goals and targets, including a broad spectrum of actors such as multinational businesses, local governments, regional and international bodies, and civil society organizations. The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive review of the literature and develop a novel framework in order to tackle the barriers and challenges to operationalize and monitor the implementation of the SDGs. To achieve this, this paper reports on a state-of-the-art review of the SDGs, with a particular emphasis on their applications and linkages with sustainability science and aspects of knowledge management. This paper also reviews the rationale and aims of the Sustainable Development Goals, outlines some of the problems and barriers related to their implementation, and presents some areas which deserve future attention. Ultimately, this paper seeks to uncover the various gaps and suggests some means via which some of challenges seen in the accomplishment of the 17 SDGs may be faced. Highlights • The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) should shift the world towards a sustainable and resilient pathway. • The SDG Agenda calls for global partnerships at all levels. • A novel framework to tackle barriers and challenges is needed. • We need to operationalize and monitor the implementation of the new 2030 agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Physical, Regulatory and Brand value risks due to climate change challenges are foreseen by businesses globally. This paper is oriented towards these challenges and prepared a comprehensive Greenhouse gases (GHG) footprint plan and identification of mitigation opportunities for ONGC, a fortune 500 and national oil company of India. Internationally recognized standards and guidelines like Greenhouse Gas Protocol, ISO-14064, and American Petroleum Institute compendium have been referred for quantifying carbon emissions in nearly real 400 + operation control facilities. The GHG inventory is based on Operational Control approach to identify the boundary for which emissions are to be quantified and two significant scopes of emissions viz Direct Emissions and Indirect Emissions are identified and quantified. The quantification concluded that GHG emission footprint for the year 2016–17 is in the range of 9 million tons of CO 2 equivalent. GHG emissions mainly account due to stationary combustion, fugitive emissions and wastewater treatment, which share the around 56% of total emissions. Another 24–26% of emissions are contributed due to flaring, processes by glycol dehydrator, acid gas removal units, and by electricity purchased from the grid. As a result, it has been found that ONGC emits 187 kg CO 2 e emissions per tonne throughput and also compared with its global peer organizations. At the organization level, "Key Industrial Sites" have been identified as contributing higher GHG emissions and accordingly key "hot-spots," a list of 15 GHG mitigation opportunities have been proposed in the paper. Two GHG mitigation initiatives based on solar energy and bioenergy application undertaken at ONGC has also been briefed on case studies. Highlights • Comprehensive carbon footprint plan and identification of mitigation opportunities for Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), a fortune 500 and national oil company of India. • Guidelines like Greenhouse Gas Protocol, ISO-4064 and American Petroleum Institute compendium are referred for quantifying carbon emissions from direct and indirect sources. • Green policy, incentives and mandatory compliance. • CO2e emissions per tonne throughput and also compared with its peer global organisations. • Key hot-spots, with a list of 15 GHG mitigation opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract With the focus on sustainable development, the value recovery from End-of-Life (EOL) and End-of-Use (EOU) products has been given considerable attention by the whole society. Reverse logistics is the process for value recovery and re-creation through a series of activities, i.e., repair, remanufacturing, recycling and energy recovery. However, due to the stochastic reverse product flow, unstable quality of used products, and the price fluctuation of recycled and remanufactured products, the planning of a reverse logistics system is more complex compared with that of a forward supply chain. In this paper, we propose a two-stage stochastic bi-objective mixed integer programming model for the network design problem of a multi-product multi-echelon sustainable reverse logistics system under uncertainty, which aims at providing a set of Pareto solutions between profitability and environmental performance. Furthermore, due to the heterogeneous nature, the processing operations performed at remanufacturing and recycling centers for different products are by no means identical. Different from the previous modelling efforts derived from a genetic "capacitated location problem", this paper considers the impact from the system flexibility on sustainable reverse logistics network design. Thus, the model is formulated in two parallel ways with either efficiency-focused non-flexible capacity or effectiveness-focused flexible capacity. The experimental analysis illustrates that increasing environmental requirement will decrease the profitability of the reverse logistics system, while, increasing flexibility may yield positive impacts on both economic and environmental performance when the efficiency loss is kept at a proper level. Highlights • Incorporating flexibility in sustainable reverse logistics network design. • Formulating mathematical model for decision support under uncertainty. • Different solution methods were tested, compared and discussed. • Results were analyzed for providing managerial implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A skeletal ontology is proposed for eco-industrial parks. • The ontology is used to create an ontological knowledge base for Jurong Island in Singapore. • A decentralized information management system is proposed. Abstract In this paper, we develop a skeletal ontology for eco-industrial parks. A top-down conceptual framework including five operating levels (unit operations, processes, plants, industrial resource networks and eco-industrial parks) is employed to guide the design of the ontology structure. The detailed ontological representation of each level is realized through adapting and extending OntoCAPE, an ontology of the chemical engineering domain. Based on the proposed ontology, a framework for distributed information management is proposed for eco-industrial parks. As an example, this ontology is used to create a knowledge base for Jurong Island, an industrial park in Singapore. Its potential uses in supporting process modeling and optimization and facilitating industrial symbiosis are also discussed in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we estimate the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI), which is a measure of sustainable economic welfare, for California for a five-year period, 2010–2014. This relatively short time period, which covers the recovery from a deep recession, allows us to examine how integration of environmental degradation, nonmarket activities, and inequality affects the GPI of California. The California GPI is only 52% of Gross State Product (GSP) – comparable to other GPI to GDP proportions – because the large negative environmental components offset the large positive social components and because many government expenditures, such as those related to defence and law enforcement, are excluded. Between 2010 and 2014, California GSP grew 9.2% and GPI grew 9.8%. We evaluate our estimation of the California GPI (CA-GPI) in two specific ways. First, we compare California’s GPI to an alternative indicator of social welfare, the Human Development Index (HDI) for California. Our comparison points out that the GPI is a more holistic measure of sustainable economic well-being, although the HDI is useful for evaluating educational attainment, life expectancy, or earnings across regions or demographic groups in the state. Second, we compare our estimation of CA-GPI to the California results from a recent GPI estimation for all fifty states for 2011, in order to evaluate how different methodological decisions and data selection affect the results. Our overall estimate is 13 percent higher, with the primary differences reflecting discrepancies in methodological assumptions or data sources in the calculation of a few key variables, including the value of time used for calculating nonmarket activities. These two estimates of CA-GPI allow us to analyze the sensitivity of two widely used approaches for calculating the GPI, and the sensitivity of using California-specific public data sources compared to national public data sources (scaled to California). The variation in the two California GPI estimations demonstrates the importance of standardizing the method and the data sources, with the goal of creating a viable alternative to the GDP for measuring economic performance. Comparison of the two GPI estimations shows how the use of region-specific data increases the accuracy of estimates, which is important for evaluating regional outcomes and trends over time. However, using data and method that prioritizes standardization is essential for cross-regional comparability, even though the trade-off is diminished regional accuracy. The paper concludes with a discussion of the uses of the GPI to evaluate policies, and suggests fruitful steps forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a probabilistic model for assessing corporate sustainability performance. The need for probabilistic approaches to sustainability measurement is on the rise. Existing approaches to measuring strong sustainability, which emphasize the non-substitutability of resources, overwhelmingly focus on the national- or regional-levels. Few “strong” sustainability models explicitly address performance at the company level. The model proposed in this paper is also unique in that it addresses situations where the variables used to measure performance are dependent on one another. Existing approaches focus on independent variables. The model is provided in a generalized form and offers a straightforward approach to assessing the sustainability performance of corporations. Also discussed in the paper are some managerial and academic implications of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Cyanobacterial bloom has posed a serious threat to the sustainable development of Taihu Basin. All basin stakeholders could not make an agreement on pollution solution. During decision-making, they insist on “gross domestic product (GDP) only” rather than a sustainable development preference. This paper establishes a new cost-risk decision-making system from the sustainable perspective. Contrary to the work carried out by others, water rather than money is taken as management cost here. With grey water footprint concept, pollution in water can be measured by converting into water. Due to emission reduction space limitation, some basin areas suffer the vicious circle of “management after pollution”. Management responsibility allocation alone cannot combat the pollution management due to the mismatch between responsibilities and reduction space, which should be optimized. Therefore, it is suggested that each agent, with the purpose of cost (water) saving, selects responsibility allocation schemes and cost allocation institutions through mutual negotiation. It is found that a grand coalition in any scheme or institution can achieve the minimum management cost, with approximately 24.05 billion m 3 water being saved. In the grand coalition, Changzhou has the largest discharge reduction space with small management responsibility, so the other five cities may transfer their responsibilities to it by inside compensation. However, to achieve fairness and stability inside the grand coalition, Nash-Harsanyi institution in the Emission Sharing is the most optimized scheme, which can ensure a sustainable full-cooperative pollution management in Taihu Basin. In short, this paper provides a new decision-making plan to pollution management in Taihu Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eco-efficiency is an important index to measure the degree of sustainable development, and is now attracting emerging attentions from both academia and industry. Based on previous data envelopment analysis (DEA) studies on environmental performance, this paper combines the big data environment, specific environmental issues in recent years, and related environmental policies. This study illustrates a more specific production process for pursuing higher environmental performance (it is not possible to further reduce undesired outputs by remodelling the process) and proposes a dynamic environmental performance evaluation model that considers the use of environmental inputs multiple times based on DEA. Our model can achieve dynamic and forward-looking evaluations of environmental performance in all stages based on real-time data that contains environmental protection inputs in sustainable cycles. Due to the dynamic and forward-looking results of the model evaluation, our model can also assist DMUs (decision-making units) in selecting schemes to enable them to have higher eco-efficiency from numerous schemes of environmental protection and achieve scientific decisions in the era of big data. This paper also demonstrates an illustration of real-world data of China's major coal-fired power plants. Besides quantitatively showing how the power plants to adjust their production plans and environment protection plans, the results imply that there exists a positive correlation between the redundant inputs and the scales as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emissions trading system is one of the primary instruments of the European region to achieve emissions reduction targets. As an alternative, some scholars investigate the potential role of electricity trading on emissions reduction as well. Acknowledging the fact that renewable sources and technical expertise may be concentrated in a few geographical areas, cross-border electricity trading provides a means to exploit these renewable resources, and therefore increase the potential for cleaner production of electricity. In the research presented in this paper, we decompose the effects of electricity trading to changes in CO 2 emissions of the top 20 electricity trading countries in the European region. We compare the contributions of electricity imports and exports to changes in carbon emissions with those of traditional drivers, e.g. energy intensity, economic activity and population growth. A novel identity function was formulated in this paper to include the effects of electricity imports and exports in the decomposition analysis, using the logarithmic mean divisia index. Our results show that the European region offset approximately 10.3 MtCO 2 from 1990 to 2014 due to electricity trading. This is because of large clean energy exports from France, Sweden and Switzerland. However, some countries have been adversely affected by electricity exporting, significantly increasing their emissions. In some countries, the increases in carbon emissions due to electricity exporting even outweighed increases due to population growth. To conclude, we discuss policy and wider implications for sustainable practice of electricity trading in the context of emissions reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular economy (CE) is gaining popularity at different levels with the promise of creating more sustainable processes. In this context, cities are implementing a number of initiatives that aim to turn them into sustainable circular systems. Whether these initiatives achieve their sustainability goals, however, is largely unknown. Nevertheless, as the application of CE strategies is actively encouraged by many policies across the globe, there is a need to quantify the environmental impacts and to identify the strategies that support urban sustainability. This paper analyses the extent to which research focuses on quantifying the environmental balance of CE initiatives promoted at the municipal level. To this end, the analysis scanned CE initiatives reported in cities around the globe and classified them into urban targets and CE strategies. In parallel, the paper conducted a review of the literature that uses industrial ecology tools to account for the environmental impacts of CE strategies. Results show a diverse geographical representation, as reported cities concentrated in Europe, whereas for environmental research, the main results came from China. In general, cities encourage strategies relating to urban infrastructure (47%), with and additional focus on social consumption aspects, such as repair and reuse actions. In comparison, research mainly addressed industrial and business practices (58%), but the approach to infrastructure was similar to that of cities, both with a special interest in waste management. Research has yet to assess social consumption and urban planning strategies, the latter essential for defining the impacts of other urban elements. Hence, there is a need to define the environmental impacts of the strategies that cities select in their quest for circularity. Research and practice can also benefit from working collaboratively so as to prioritize the CE strategies that best fit into the features of each urban area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This editorial describes a 12-paper special issue that began with a symposium at EcoSummit 2016 in Montpellier France in August/September 2016 with a focus on ecological engineering and spatial planning in coastal seascapes. The papers in this issue review ideas around experimental design for testing and application of eco-engineering to reduce the impacts of coastal infrastructure and improve ecological outcomes. Similarly, the need for early integration of ecological principles into engineering designs (eco-design) is highlighted as a key factor in the success of impact mitigation (2 papers). Ideas are presented on spatial planning for coastal infrastructure to mitigate and offset impacts at regional scales (3 papers). At more local scales, empirical evidence is presented to support the manipulation of physical complexity on coastal infrastructure through the addition of artificial rock pools and turf mimics, as well as complex crevice and ledge habitat (3 papers). Chemical manipulations of substrate (concrete) are also explored (3 papers) with the aim of increasing the sustainability of structures and improving specific ecological outcomes. While increasing human pressure has pushed our oceans out of balance, this special issue provides practical solutions, supported by case studies and empirical data to begin helping the “feng shui” of our coastal seascape. Highlights • Modern day seascape comprises a mix of natural and built ecosystems • This special issue is on ecological engineering science of coastal development • Many of the 12 papers began at the EcoSummit 2016, Montpellier France • Authors were from United Kingdom, Australia, United States, France, Hong Kong and Chile • Major advances in ecological engineering need to keep pace with coastal development expansion [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current environmental, social and economic sustainability challenges are increasingly becoming sources of motivation for both manufacturing and service companies when attempting to innovate their businesses. In recent years, there has been growing interest from academics, policy-makers and practitioners on service innovation as a new business logic for companies to address societal challenges regarding sustainability. Nevertheless, research specifically focusing on service innovation in relation to sustainability is scarce and ultimately scattered across different research fields. Thereby, only limited clues are available for companies willing to address sustainability challenges through service innovation. To encourage further research in this direction, this paper systematically reviewed the available literature by investigating peer-reviewed publications (from 2004 up to and including 2015) across different fields, which jointly focus on services, innovation and sustainability. The literature review confirmed both the growing amount of research on service innovation in relation to sustainability, as well as the lack of an overarching field to clearly identify such a phenomenon. The review also revealed that three main existing research streams (service innovation, product-service system and sustainability-oriented innovation) contribute to the investigation topic, though all have specific focuses when it comes to the sustainability and innovation dimensions considered. Taking stock of the descriptive and thematic analysis of the review and the identified research gaps, the paper concludes by discussing the need for a clear recognition of the emerging field of sustainability-oriented service innovation, and by outlining several future research pathways for its further enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policy has been the driving force behind the rapid development of China's new energy vehicle (NEV) industry. However, the policy network that supports NEV development has been underexplored. This paper explores NEV as an innovative niche for sustainable transition and investigates the evolutionary mechanism of its policy network by combining insights from policy network, strategic niche management and technology innovation system (TIS) theories. Operationally, this paper adopted a social network analysis method to study the NEV policy network in various niche development stages consisting of 377 NEV policy documents formulated by government agencies between 2000 and 2021. Results show the NEV policy network evolves towards bigger, newer actors and is more heterogeneous in creating joint efforts in policymaking that promotes niche development and facilitates a transition to a market niche. Specifically, the policy network expands continually, and network density reaches the maximum of 0.635 at the end of the technological niche. Six agencies are identified as dominators in NEV policymaking. Collaboration on NEV policymaking exhibits obvious organisational heterogeneity, especially in the market niche with an E-I value of 0.576. This study enhances understanding of the evolutionary patterns of policy network and its function on supporting TIS development for immaturely sustainable technologies. The findings also provide important insights into the NEV policymaking process. [Display omitted] • The policy network of China's new energy vehicle continually expanded as the niche evolved. • Several government agencies are identified as dominators that lead policymaking. • Collaboration on policymaking has evolved towards greater heterogeneity. • Network evolution pattern differs significantly in different stages of the technological niche. • Network evolution pattern tends to be stable when it comes to the market niche stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although trade does not only boost the economy but also exacerbates environmental transfers but still the evidence for air pollution's unequal exchange embodied in trade among the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries is rarely discussed in the extant literature. From the perspective of an integrated evaluation framework comprising a multi-regional input-output model, system balance theory, and complex network theory, this research paper uncovers the spatial- and temporal changes of trade-induced air pollution inequality among countries along the BRI route for the time period from 2011 to 2016. The study findings point out that there exists an obvious spatial heterogeneity in the unequal relations among BRI economies. This implies that a large number of country pairs demonstrate weak inequalities, whereas a relatively small number of country pairs represent strong inequalities. In addition, the countries' positions indicate a unique characteristic of "duality and inverse", which is majorly manifested as pure causers represented by Moldova and Belarus, net beneficiaries symbolized by China and Russia, and pure victims exemplified by Bhutan. Meanwhile, nearly half of the dual identities are represented by Singapore. Besides this, the proposal and implementation of the BRI exert a positive influence on both system stability and inequality mitigation by supporting the balance of triangles. Finally, this paper posits that the environmental inequality system of the Belt and Road is not as complex as imagined since the 3-node motif classification is relatively simple. Our findings are helpful for mitigating air pollution inequalities so as to support the sustainable development of green BRI. • Evolution of the environmental inequality in BRI countries is studied. • The initiative exerts a positive influence on stability and inequality mitigation. • Most countries illustrate a feature of "duality and inverse". • Five identified subgraphs indicate that the system is predictable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small islands are fragile and dependent territories in many sectors, especially energy. Hence, renewable energy microgrids (MGs) can offer an opportunity for environmentally sustainable energy supply but also a driver for new development strategies in these territories. This paper aims to analyse the role that MGs can play in insular spaces for the achievement of more sustainable communities. Initially, MGs played a crucial role in ensuring energy supply in spaces characterised by a difficult supply. However, with technological improvements in both generation and storage, as well as institutional and legislative changes, MGs can play a fundamental role in achieving more socially cohesive and environmentally sustainable spaces beyond their role as energy suppliers. We discuss three main topics after a meta-analysis of 18 MGs, both on-grid and off-grid, located in insular spaces: 1) the characteristics of MGs built in insular territories in the last 25 years; 2) MGs influence islanders' well-being and lifestyle; and 3) how MGs can encourage responsible consumption and promote postgrowth strategies. Thus, this paper explores the role that MGs have played in the past and present and what role they could play in the future of small island spaces. It might be concluded that MGs are a key factor in the development of more sustainable societies. However, they must be accompanied by changes in our economies, societies and lifestyles in a direction other than the pursuit of economic growth traditionally understood as a limitless increase in consumption and production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An evaluation system has been developed to assess the carbon neutrality potential. • A rising curve and function model of carbon neutrality potential are established. • The upgrade law of urban agglomeration's carbon neutrality potential has been verified. • Carbon neutrality potential of Chinese urban agglomeration is wavy upward. The formation and development of urban agglomerations are frequently accompanied by the enhancement of regional carbon neutrality potential. The specific performance demonstrated that the carbon neutrality potential of urban agglomerations exhibited a wavy upward tendency over time due to the agglomeration of production elements, industrial transformation, and the evolution of a joint game among cities. To begin with, this paper analyzes and models the fundamental principles of the evolution law of carbon neutrality potential of urban agglomerations, as well as the geometric expression of their evolution. Afterward, an evaluation index system for urban agglomeration carbon neutrality potential is constructed in this paper, and the entropy weight method is employed to calculate the carbon neutrality potential of each city within the agglomeration as well as Chinese urban agglomerations as a whole. Following this, a global spatial analysis of the carbon neutrality potential of various urban agglomerations and cities within agglomerations is conducted using Arc GIS10.8, and a method for calculating the joint intensity and threshold value of the carbon neutrality potential of urban agglomerations is developed. As a last stage, the MATLAB simulation verification approach is utilized to verify the evolution law of carbon neutrality potential and to explore the sustainable development path of carbon neutrality for Chinese urban agglomerations. The conclusions of this research indicate: (1) The spatial and temporal pattern of carbon neutrality potential of Chinese urban agglomerations is unbalanced; (2) By constructing a joint strength model, this study calculates the joint intensity and joint threshold value of the carbon neutral potential of Chinese urban agglomerations;(3) The evolution curve of the carbon neutrality potential of Chinese urban agglomerations essentially exhibits a wavy upward pattern that varies with time and urban joint development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional buildings will lead to a series of problems such as high energy consumption, high pollution, and serious waste of resources and environmental damage. It is of great significance to construct a green building evaluation system based on the physical building framework to achieve energy saving and consumption reduction and to fit the sustainable development. In this study, a building greenness evaluation system combining BIM data model and prior knowledge of experts is constructed and the applicability of the method has been verified. IFC information is expressed and transmitted in terms of components, materials, equipment, environmental quality impact, etc., and BIM based building performance design data information conversion and greenness evaluation process is constructed; Based on the comparison and summary of the existing green building evaluation systems at home and abroad, the evaluation model of building greenness is determined; Based on the ideas and steps of establishing the index system proposed in the research, the index system of building greenness evaluation is established from the aspects of environmental quality (Q) and building load (L) on the basis of questionnaire, prior knowledge of experts and other methods; Combined with the mathematical model of greenness evaluation, the paper analyzes the indexes of different levels, determines the structural calculation methods of different indexes, and carries on the quantitative classification of the overall greenness evaluation. Finally, taking a citizen's house as an engineering case, the paper makes an empirical analysis on the greenness evaluation of green buildings. The results show that the green degree of the building is excellent(class A), which is consistent with the project positioning, and provides the basis for the efficient and accurate evaluation of green building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]