Transforming construction waste into eco-friendly foundations for lightweight housing: case study

Hong Kong's overall construction waste accounts for approximately 23% of its total solid waste. As the aging rate of buildings accelerates in Hong Kong, the number of buildings reaching 50 years old is projected to increase from 8,700 in 2020 to 13,900 by 2030. Recently, deteriorating older buildings have become potential sources of construction and demolition waste, leading to a significant rise in the total amount of construction waste. Traditionally, Hong Kong has managed construction waste by using it as landfill material or burying it, but such practices are unsustainable in a city where land resources are scarce. To alleviate the growing volume of construction and demolition waste, a circular economy approach emerges as a solution. However, there is a lack of research on implementing a circular economy model that treats construction and demolition waste as secondary building materials in the construction industry. This study focuses on the Tseung Kwan O landfill site as a case study, analyzing predominantly concrete waste generated from existing construction waste. The research explores how abandoned concrete can be effectively recycled and repurposed as a material. Additionally, it examines the integration of circular economy principles into the industry. The study concludes that incorporating recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) as a component in the construction industry's circular economy is feasible and environmentally beneficial. The establishment of a comprehensive management system for construction and demolition waste is a crucial first step towards realizing a circular economy in Hong Kong. This research provides a framework for formulating waste management policies in the construction sector, enhancing collaborative processes among stakeholders, and aiding relevant authorities in regulating construction activities.

Greenhouse gas emissions pose serious challenges to the environment alongside humans and the non-humans, and limit the achievable extent of environmental sustainability. Previous studies are largely preoccupied with carbon emissions, leaving out the emission extent and effects of methane, propane, butane and ethane. Therefore, this study explores greenhouse gas emissions as challenges to environmental sustainability and proposes the judicious leveraging of AI technologies for lasting solutions to the challenges. It draws insights from Harold-Domar’s Model of Economic Growth and Kuznets’ Environmental Kuznets Curve theory. They both theorize and relate the effects of environmental hazards to economic growth and progress of society. The study relies on secondary data, which are subjected to a systematic review, and thematic and content analyses. The analysis shows a gap in literature on greenhouse gas emissions, and demonstrates that the adverse effects of gas emissions on environment and environmental sustainability can be mitigated significantly by leveraging AI technologies for lasting solutions. The study concludes that AI technologies are indeed capable of proffering lasting solutions to greenhouse gas emissions and other challenges of environmental sustainability. It calls on stakeholders to rise to the challenges and ensure maximal leveraging of AI technologies for lasting solutions to the challenges.

Construction waste is generated from the various construction activities of building, maintaining, renovating, and demolishing infrastructure facilities. These materials include, but are not limited to, concrete, rubble, fiberglass, asphalt, bricks, wood, and scrap metals. In the last few decades, there has been a significant increase in the volume of construction and demolition (C&D) waste materials in the United States (U.S.). Between 1990 and 2017, the total increase in debris generation has surpassed 320%. According to U.S. solid waste management statistics, more than 50% of C&D waste has been and continues to be transported to landfills. The disposal of C&D waste materials in landfills can adversely affect the environment and is not viable economically. Also, C&D waste materials left on construction sites can threaten the safety of construction workers. The application of strategic C&D waste management practices through reducing, recycling, and reusing waste materials is essential for sustainable management of limited resources and thereby can benefit the environment, construction safety, and the economy. For example, the advantages of C&D waste management include reduced environmental pollution, expanded job opportunities, savings in construction project expenses, and enhanced safety for construction workers. The objective of this research was to explore various construction waste management practices to control C&D waste as well as the potential benefits they may bring to the environment, construction safety, and the economy. The findings of this research can be summarized as follows: 1) most construction companies do not deal with waste seriously that is the reason for high practice in landfilling. 2) the best way to minimize the harmful effect of construction waste is by following construction waste management practices, and 3) recycling construction waste is more cost-effective than dispose the waste.

The emphasis on collaborative governance and effective leadership to bring any social change is gaining prominence among researchers. This study investigates how leadership and collaborative governance can drive social change in waste management in Campania, using a qualitative, multi-site case study approach. Interviews of relevant politicians, public managers, citizens, waste management organizations and academics were conducted (2023–2024). This research uses the lens of multiple theoretical frameworks such as collaborative governance, network agency, public value framework and transformational leadership to explore different dynamics of the research such as stakeholder engagement, public value creation and leadership effectiveness in waste management. Moreover, several obstacles in the way of achieving social change in Campania concerning waste management and environmental sustainability are identified. The findings of this study added to the theoretical understanding of collaborative governance and social change through the demonstration of how transformational leadership, stakeholder participation and trust-based relationships drive good waste management while identifying structural limitations such as corruption and organized crime that hindered governance. Practically, it highlights five interconnected themes from interviews of leadership that civic leaders and managers must establish to promote positive social change: Difficulties in leadership effectiveness, civic potential unused, media mobilization, hope for a miracle and stakeholder engagement diversification. The public value framework is used to analyze the potential role of leadership in bringing change in society. The research findings are replicable and can be applied to a similar set of circumstances. This study advances existing research by addressing the gap in understanding how collaborative governance and transformational leadership can be integrated to tackle waste management and environmental sustainability challenges. The findings can be applied to other regions facing similar governance challenges, making it relevant for global sustainability efforts. Italy’s government has green-lighted projects to make these activities more visible while downplaying their negative impacts on the environment and public health.

Objective This study examines the potential of agricultural waste from plantain, coconut, rice, and maragnon for composite material production in Córdoba and Sucre, Colombia. It addresses challenges in environmental sustainability and waste management by exploring eco-industrial development and regional industrial symbiosis, with explicit alignment to SDGs 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 13 (Climate Action), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and 15 (Life on Land). Methodology/Technique The Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) was applied to evaluate and prioritize four agricultural waste types against seven main criteria: SDG alignment, economic feasibility, technological suitability, social equity, economic costs, economic benefits, and environmental impact. Expert judgments were collected from a panel of 12 specialists (circular economy, industrial engineering, agronomy, environmental science; ≥8 years’ experience). Consistency ratios (CR < 0.10) and sensitivity analyses (three weight scenarios) validated robustness. Centroid (center-of-area) defuzzification converted triangular fuzzy numbers into crisp weights. Findings Plantain waste shows the highest composite production potential (38.51%), followed by coconut (34.38%), rice (15.00%), and maragnon (12.11%). Plantain’s strong SDG alignment and economic and environmental advantages make it the most promising material. Novelty This study advances the field through a structured, multi-criteria FAHP framework for agricultural waste ranking in a Colombian regional context, integrating contextual, social, and policy dimensions into a replicable eco-industrial decision model.

This editorial introduces the special issue “Environmental sustainability based on clean energy production and management,” which brings together selected high-quality contributions addressing contemporary challenges in environmental sustainability. The purpose of this special issue is to provide an integrated perspective on how clean energy production, environmental management strategies and sustainability-oriented policies can jointly support the transition toward more resilient and low-impact socio-economic systems. By assembling interdisciplinary research from energy sciences, environmental management, policy analysis and socio-economic studies, the issue aims to advance understanding of pathways that align technological innovation with environmental protection and sustainable development objectives.The special issue is based on a rigorous selection of peer-reviewed research papers originating from international scientific collaboration and conference-based dissemination, followed by independent review within the journal's editorial process. The collected contributions employ diverse methodological approaches, including quantitative modelling, empirical analysis, life-cycle assessment, policy evaluation and systems-based frameworks. This methodological diversity reflects the multifaceted nature of sustainability challenges and allows for a comprehensive examination of clean energy systems, environmental impacts, governance mechanisms and socio-economic implications.The papers included in this special issue highlight the critical role of clean energy technologies and integrated management approaches in reducing environmental pressures while supporting economic and social development. Key findings emphasize the importance of renewable and bioenergy systems, energy efficiency, environmental impact mitigation and ecosystem protection. Several contributions demonstrate how policy design, governance structures and market mechanisms influence sustainability outcomes, while others underline the need for holistic indicators and assessment tools to better capture environmental and social performance. Collectively, the studies illustrate that effective sustainability transitions require coordinated action across technological, institutional and societal dimensions.This special issue offers original value by consolidating interdisciplinary insights that link clean energy production with environmental management and sustainability governance. Unlike studies focusing on isolated technological or environmental aspects, the issue emphasizes integrated solutions and cross-sectoral perspectives. It contributes to the literature by highlighting practical strategies, analytical tools and policy-relevant findings that support progress toward global sustainability goals. The issue is intended to serve as a valuable reference for researchers, policymakers and practitioners seeking evidence-based approaches to managing environmental sustainability in the context of clean energy transitions.A photograph of Chafic Salamé, standing behind a podium. The male figure is in formal attire.With over 45 special issues edited for leading academic publishers – including Elsevier, Emerald, AIP, IOP, Inderscience and Tech Science Press – Professor Chafic Salamé has demonstrated extensive editorial and subject-matter expertise in sustainability, energy and environmental management.Holding a Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (HDR, 2005) and a Ph.D. in Physics–Microelectronics (2000) from the University of Perpignan, as well as a Diploma in Radiological Protection from Delft University of Technology (2001), Professor Salamé brings a strong academic foundation to this work.Currently serving as Director of the European Academy for Sustainable Development (France), an institution devoted to fostering sustainable communities through the dissemination of scientific knowledge – including books, journals and periodicals – Professor Salamé also leads the TMREES international conference series (since 2011) and coordinates Erasmus + projects across the Euro-Mediterranean region.The Academy's mission focuses on promoting resource-efficient practices and advancing long-term improvements in environmental quality, public health and social cohesion.

In this study, the infiltration quantity of fine-grained soil into coarse-grained soil or aggregate for methods to accelerate consolidation drainage is checked by laboratory tests under various conditions and those characteristics on infiltration are examined closely. Irrespectively of pressures to fine-grained soil corresponding to stresses in a soil mass or moisture contents of fine-grained soil, fine-grained soil does not infiltrate into standard sand and marine sand, so it is verified that drain-resistance into sand mass of drainage / pile does not occur entirely and its shear strength would increase highly by water compaction. It is known that the infiltration depth of fine-grained soil into aggregate increases according that those size is larger in case of aggregates and it increases according that the pressure or the moisture contents is higher in case of same size aggregate. It is thought that drain-resistance into aggregate mass of drainage / pile would occurs by infiltrated fine-grained soil in advance though the infiltration depth of fine-grained soi of lower moisture content than liquid limit into 13 mm aggregate is low quietly. So gravel drain method or gravel compaction pile method, etc. using aggregate of gravels or crushed stones, etc. larger than sand particle size should be not applied in very soft fine-grained soil mass of higher natural moisture contents than liquid limit, and it is thought that its applying is not nearly efficient also in soft fine-grained soil mass of lower natural moisture contents than liquid limit.

Grouper aquaculture is a key industry in Taiwan, yet its processing generates significant byproducts, leading to challenges in waste management and environmental sustainability. Recent research has focused on developing innovative methods to valorize these byproducts, with grouper bone hydrolysate (GBH) emerging as a potential candidate for applications in health promotion and exercise performance enhancement. In this study, we investigated the amino acid composition of grouper bone hydrolysate (GBH) and analyzed its peptide contents. We also investigated GBH supplementation in relation to body composition and exercise performance in mice. Male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were divided into 3 groups (n = 7 per group) and orally administered GBH once daily for 6 weeks at doses of 0 g/kg/day (vehicle), 103 mg/kg/day (GBH-1X), 205 mg/kg/day (GBH-2X), and 513 mg/kg/day (GBH-5X). The GBH was rich in branched-chain amino acids and bioactive peptides, and supplementation enhanced the exercise performance of the mice. GBH supplementation increased their exhaustive swimming time, forelimb grip strength, and tissue glycogen content while reducing fatigue markers such as lactate, ammonia, and creatine kinase. The results indicate that GBH contains dipeptides such as Leu-Ala, Glu-Asp., Met-Leu, Met-Ile, Phe-Pro, Trp-Asp., Leu- Val, and Leu-Cys, as well as tetrapeptides such as Pro-Ser-Met-Ala, Ser-Val-Pro- Ile, and Ala-Val-Pro-Trp. GBH supplementation could aid in overcoming fatigue during endurance exercise and decrease metabolic waste after acute exercise.

Plastics play a crucial role in modern society, yet their durability and resistance to degradation result in challenges for waste management and environmental sustainability. Current estimates indicate that global plastic production exceeds 400 million tonnes annually, with only 9% of waste recycled. The biocatalytic degradation of plastic is an emerging sustainable solution to mitigate plastic pollution. Advances in this field show promising results for the degradation of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET); however, effective strategies to degrade other plastics, such as nylon, a polymer used in the textile, automotive, and packaging industries, remain limited. To date, a class of nylonases called 6-aminohexanoate oligomer endohydrolases (NylCs) have been identified, but these enzymes have been insufficient to fully degrade nylon at an industrial scale. TvgC, a novel NylC found through a sequence similarity network (SSN) with known NylCs, shows remarkable catalytic activity towards the degradation of nylon-6 and nylon 6-6. TvgC functions through an autocatalytic cleavage mechanism to release Thr234 as its N-terminal nucleophile before assembling into the active protein, characteristic of the N-terminal nucleophile (Ntn) hydrolase family. This generates an N- and a C-terminal fragment, which assemble via non-covalent interactions to form a heterodimer. A recent study shows that the autocatalytic cleavage of TvgC requires 24 hours of heating at 50°C, which is inefficient for industrial applications. Two other NylCs have been identified from the same SSN, TslC and TbcC, which are expected to degrade nylon with an analogous mechanism to TvgC. The current research project aims to determine if independently expressed N-terminal and C-terminal halves of TvgC, TslC and TbcC can reassemble into an active, nylon-degrading protein, eliminating the time required for autocatalytic cleavage. Addressing this question will expand our understanding of the autocatalytic cleavage and reassembly mechanisms and support the development of nylonases that can recycle plastic industrially with increased efficiency.

Regional freight accessibility analysis based on truck trajectories—A case study of Hunan Province in China

PurposeWithin the context of ESG (Environment, Social and Governance), environmental sustainability has taken on increased global importance in recent years. Similarly, real estate investment managers in developing their global real estate investment portfolios need a fuller understanding of the ESG and environmental sustainability dimensions of these global real estate markets for more informed real estate investment decisions. Using the JLL GRETI sustainability sub-index, this paper examines the environmental sustainability transparency status of 99 global real estate markets over 2016–2020 and explores various strategic issues regarding ESG and environmental sustainability; particularly the critical issues relating to climate risk mitigation, climate resilience and zero-carbon. The current status of environmental sustainability in these 99 real estate markets is assessed, with areas for “best practice” improvement identified to the benefit of real estate investment managers; particularly the improvements needed in ESG to support real estate investment in the emerging real estate markets.Design/methodology/approachThe JLL GRETI sustainability sub-index is analysed to examine strategic issues relating to environmental sustainability transparency. 99 real estate markets are assessed globally for a range of critical ESG issues over 2016–2020. Differences between the developed and emerging real estate markets are highlighted.FindingsConsiderable variation was seen in the ESG and environmental sustainability practices, procedures and frameworks across these 99 real estate markets. This was particularly evident amongst the emerging real estate markets. Compared to the other five dimensions for real estate market transparency, environmental sustainability was seen to be well behind these other dimensions in most markets. Progress has been made in recent years, but it has been slow and steady rather than at a dynamic level. Clearly, more is needed globally to enhance the stature of environmental sustainability in the context of an increasing focus on ESG and specifically on climate risk mitigation, climate resilience and zero-carbon in real estate investment.Practical implicationsWith ESG and environmental sustainability taking on increased importance across the international real estate markets, it is important that real estate fund managers have a full understanding of the ESG and environmental sustainability status of these real estate markets where they may be considering real estate investment opportunities; this includes both the developed and emerging real estate markets. This is essential to ensure future capital raising for new funds, as well as supporting the global ESG agenda by the real estate investment community. Specific strategies are also identified for emerging real estate markets to improve their environmental sustainability practices and ESG status.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to use the JLL GRETI sustainability sub-index to assess the environmental sustainability status of 99 real estate markets globally; providing strategic insights for real estate investment managers as they develop their global real estate portfolios and more fully embrace the challenges of ESG and environmental sustainability in the real estate space going forward. Specific strategies are clearly identified for all markets to improve their environmental sustainability ratings to the benefit of both global real estate investment and the broader communities.

Effective policy measures are required to control environmental problems caused by nitrogen (N) fertilizer use in intensive crop production systems in China. However, simply reducing the use of N fertilizer in all regions may be detrimental to food security. Here we reviewed N management policies and indicators, with a particular focus on European Union (EU), and designed an N index system for cereal crops in China. We suggest to use N surplus as an (environmental) evaluation index and N input as a guide to meet the dual challenge of food security and environmental sustainability, and propose crop and region-specific standards for these indexes. We inferred a mean critical N surplus of 75 kg N ha−1 for maize, 40 kg N ha−1 for wheat and 70 kg N ha−1 for rice. For N input, Maximum N (Max. N) and Minimum N (Min. N) input indices are proposed, to guide farming practices effectively. Max. N was based on the N demand of crops achieving their potential yield, in different regions, Min. N was based on the N demand of crops at their target yield, while associated N surpluses do not exceed the set critical values. To meet the dual challenge of food security and environmental sustainability, China needs to increase maize and wheat yields by 20%–40% (rice has achieved target yield) while reducing N input by 10%–20%. This requires an enormous increase in N use efficiency. The N management indexes proposed here can be used as benchmarks to monitor the progress at regional level. Max. N and Min. N may have to be updated regularly when potential and target yields, and thereby crop N demand, change. Also, critical N surpluses may have to change when insights in the impacts of these N surpluses change.

Addressing the dual challenges of food security and environmental sustainability during rural livelihood transitions in China

Smart agriculture has emerged as a transformative approach to addressing the twin challenges of food security and environmental sustainability in the face of a growing global population. In the midst of a growing global population and in the face of twin challenges of food security and environmental sustainability, smart agriculture has come to represent a novel approach to tackling these problems. Some of these advanced technologies being utilised in smart agriculture include: Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, and Big Data. These technologies permit greater precision in resource management, data driven decision making and the introduction of environmentally friendly practices. This research examines how demographic factors like age, education, location and farm size influence a farmer’s adoption of smart agricultural technology. Using a structured survey with a total of 150 participants, the study investigates the attitudes of farmers about five different aspects: Then there is technology efficiency, technology cost effectiveness, technology convenience use, environmental technology advantage, and adoption potential. These results pinpoint education as a huge influence, as farmers with postsecondary education were much more likely to adopt. There is also a very marked difference in the propensity of younger farmers to accept advances when compared with their older colleagues. The biggest environmental ones with highest marks shows a sincere accord with ecological benefits of smart technologies. On the other hand, high initial expense continues to be a great barrier, implying the need for financial incentives and subsidies. The goal of this research is to provide policymakers and industry stakeholders with ideas that may be implemented. In these recommendations, there are investments in education, digital infrastructure and targeted outreach initiatives to bridge gaps between demographic and geographical differences.

The Construction Industry has always been an important and impactful sector for the development of a country. This sector is not only known to engage a large number of human resources and huge amounts of natural resources into its projects but also being popularised for its contribution to overflowing landfills. Urban infrastructure development with an emphasis on Smart Cities and Towns alongside major Infrastructure development is essential and crucial for a developing country like India, where the construction of the same requires a considerable amount of demolition of the older and undesirable structures. According to a report published by Construction and Demolition Recycle, by the year 2025 annual construction waste produced worldwide is expected to hit 2.2 billion tonnes. The waste generated during a construction activity is mostly sent to a landfill while 80% of the waste has the potential of being used as the raw material for the new construction projects and is also known as Public fill. To use this Construction waste as a raw material there is a high need to evaluate it to its best potential with the help of accurate data and precise management to establish sustainable as well as profitable and economical techniques for the industry. Sustainable and Lean Construction (SLC) practices are still at the inception stage in terms of application for the delivery of construction projects. Lean Construction focuses on the process’s capability in the reduction and eradication of wastes and to enhance the sustainability of the construction projects. With a relationship being established between lean practices and CWM (Construction Waste Management) smarter and highly reliable solutions can be achieved. The objective of this study is to figure out the managerial obligations in handling the Construction Waste and mitigate its impact on the environment. A major problem in India is the unregulated usage of non-renewable resources, right from the design phase of the construction project. The importance of the 3R’s concept i.e., Reduce, Reuse and Recycle and effective application of the same, by the implementation of lean practices which will be a cut right solution for the scarcity of raw materials that influences the cost of the project, in the long run, is to be studied. To understand the awareness of construction stakeholders and the process of construction and demolition (C&D), a questionnaire was floated among the practitioners and responses were recorded. Based on the responses it was apparent that most of the construction personnel were aware of the impact of C&D waste, but were reluctant to adopt any preventive measures. It was also inferred that there is a lack of support from the public sector, mainly regarding the inspection of destination of C&D waste disposal, incentives regarding ethical waste disposal practices from the government and also lack of awareness within the construction personnel towards the environment. Most of the construction activities are time-bound and lack of technology leads to improper waste management. The effective mitigation measure to overcome the improper practice of waste management is by adopting Lean construction practices (LCPs) in environmental sustainability which would help in achieving significant reduction of wastage quantity and costs. Provision of a suitable framework for the optimal usage of the Construction wastes, thus offering societal, environmental and economic benefits forms a part of the Construction Waste Management plan. Increased productivity, enhanced Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices, safety and quality standards at sites, as a result of a clean site environment, come up as the benefits of implementing the LCP’s.KeywordsConstruction waste3R’sSustainable waste managementSustainable and lean construction (SLC)