Sustainable Change Research Articles

Sustainable energy consumption in African higher institutions of learning: the nexus of top management commitment and institutional pressures

PurposeThis study investigates the nexus of top management commitment and institutional pressures towards enhancing sustainable energy consumption in African Higher Institutions of Learning.Design/methodology/approachUsing a structured questionnaire survey, cross-sectional data collected from 64 higher institutions of learning registered with the Uganda National Council for Higher Education were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).FindingsThe findings revealed that top management commitment and institutional pressures individually associate with sustainable energy consumption. Top management commitment does not cause variations in sustainable energy consumption. However, when top management commitment coalesces with institutional pressures, they significantly predict sustainable energy consumption.Research limitations/implicationsThe current study focuses on Higher Institutions of Learning in Uganda. Hence caution should be taken before generalization of findings. This study therefore sets ground for future studies to investigate sustainable energy consumption in other institutions.Originality/valueThis study tests the efficacy of top management commitment and institutional pressures on sustainable energy consumption using evidence from African Higher Institutions of Learning. It provides new directions for study in such a nascent area of critical national dimension as sustainability and climate change issues top the global agenda.

Stochastic and club convergence analysis of environmental tax revenues across EU countries.

The European Union (EU) has taken several initiatives over the past two decades to harmonize environmental taxation policies across member countries. The directive on energy taxation (Directive 2003/96/EC) provides the framework for the taxation of energy products within the EU. These harmonization efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure environmental sustainability and combat climate change. This paper examines whether these efforts have had any impact on the convergence of environmental taxation across EU countries during the period 1995-2021. This paper uses a new panel unit root test that accounts for cross-correlations and structural breaks within the panel since regulations on taxation increase the possibility that EU countries may have commonalities on these issues. The club convergence test is also used to test for the existence of multiple equilibria within groups of countries. The results of the traditional convergence test show that environmental tax revenues are converging across EU countries. Furthermore, the results of the stochastic convergence test indicate that there is a convergence of relative environmental tax revenues. As for the break dates, the results from the tax revenue series show that the first and second break are concentrated in the periods 2002-2007 and 2012-2017, respectively. Finally, the results of the club convergence test reject the full panel convergence and reveal the existence of different convergence clubs. The empirical results of this paper have some implications for environmental taxation in the EU.

Laser land leveling technology for paddy production in Vietnam: impact on efficient irrigation and water conservation.

This research investigates the empirical effects of the laser land leveling (LLL) adoption on irrigation water and water efficiency in paddy production in the Mekong Delta region (MDR), using the randomized controlled trial (RCT) approach incorporated into input demand function models. The descriptive analysis highlights the potential for water reuse through farmers' drainage practices. However, the dependence on experiential methods for applying technology in paddy production poses challenges that could compromise long-term sustainability. The regression results indicate that the LLL treatment leads to savings of 1975 m3ha-1 and 1299.35 m3ha-1 in irrigation water and net water use in paddy production, respectively, compared to the control. These savings account for 20.52% of total irrigation water use and 28.64% of net water use. The projected savings on average are 375.51 and 247.05 million m3, respectively, for irrigation water and net water use with 5% implementation of the technology in the MDR. The research highlights the environmental benefits of the LLL technology and underscores the need for its promotion to achieve water conservation in paddy production, offering policymakers insights to enhance sustainable agriculture amid climate change and water scarcity. The study addresses significant gaps in the existing literature by providing an in-depth analysis of LLL technology's impact on irrigation water and efficiency by extending the drainage performance within the paddy mono-cropping context and employing RCT methodology combined with input demand function models to comprehensively evaluate its impact on irrigation water usage.

Sustainability and Climate Change

Sustainability and Climate Change

Exploring Similarities and Differences in Water Level Response to Earthquakes in Two Neighboring Wells Using Numerical Simulation

The seismic effect of well water level is complex and variable, and even if both wells are located in an area with similar tectonic and hydrogeological conditions, they exhibit slightly varying response characteristics to the same earthquake. Wells BB and RC, located about 100 km apart in the southwest of the Huayingshan fault zone in the Sichuan and Chongqing regions, exhibited obvious similarities and differences in their co-seismically response and sustained recovery characteristics during the Wenchuan Ms8.0 earthquake. Based on the dislocation theory and fluid–solid coupling theory, this study developed the seismic stress–strain model and the response model of pore pressure to seismic stress using Coulomb 3.3 and COMSOL 6.3, respectively. Simulation findings indicate that both BB and RC are located in the expansion zone, where their water levels show a co-seismic step-down. The amplitudes of BB and RC water levels are 83 cm and 81 cm, which are approximately 10 cm smaller than the actual values. The recovery times are 60 d for BB and 3 h for RC, closely resembling the actual values. Furthermore, the numerical results from different scenarios show that the recovery time of pore pressure is reduced by several times when the permeability of the confining layer overlying the observed aquifer increases by one order of magnitude or the thickness decreases, and this change is more sensitive to the permeability. It is clear that the confining condition has an important impact in the response time of sustained changes in well water levels, which may also help to explain the variations in the characteristics of sustained changes in wells BB and RC.

Ovule and seed development of crop plants in response to climate change

The ovule is a plant structure that upon fertilization, transforms into a seed. Successful fertilization is required for optimum crop productivity and is strongly affected by environmental conditions including temperature and precipitation. Climate change refers to sustained changes in global or regional climate patterns over an extended period, typically decades to millions of years. These shifts can result from natural processes like volcanic eruptions and solar radiation fluctuations, but in recent times, human activities—especially the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial emissions—have accelerated the pace and scale of climate change. Human-induced climate change impacts the agricultural sector mainly through global warming and altering weather patterns, both of which create conditions that challenge agricultural production and food security. With food demand projected to sharply increase by 2050, urgent action is needed to prevent the worst impacts of climate change on food security and allow time for agricultural production systems to adapt and become more resilient. Gaining insights into the female reproductive part of the flower and seed development under extreme environmental conditions is important to oversee plant evolution, agricultural productivity, and food security in the face of climate change. This review summarizes the current knowledge on plant reproductive development and the effects of temperature and water stress, soil salinity, elevated carbon dioxide, and ozone pollution on the female reproductive structure and development across grain legumes, cereal, oilseed, and horticultural crops. It identifies gaps in existing studies for potential future research and suggests suitable mitigation strategies for sustaining crop productivity in a changing climate.

Litter decomposition and nutrient dynamics in a subtropical ecosystem: A comparison of natural and plantation forests (Duabanga grandiflora) in Nagaland, North-East India

Forest litter decomposition is vital for nutrient cycling and carbon turnover. To investigate their decomposition rate, we conducted a litter bag experiment in plantation forests (PF) and natural forests (NF) in a subtropical ecosystem. Our findings showed significant seasonal variation in litter mass loss (p < 0.0001) between the two sites, indicating seasonality as the main driver of decomposition. The decay rate constant (k) expressed in day⁻¹, reflecting the fraction of litter mass lost per day due to decomposition, reveals that NF has higher k value of 0.007 day⁻¹ than PF at 0.005 day⁻¹ , indicating faster decomposition in NF. This constant is essential for predicting litter breakdown duration, highlighting decomposition dynamics between sites, suggesting that even minimal distances between forest types can affect organic matter breakdown. In both sites, litter mass loss varied significantly from the initial to the final year (p < 0.001), with peak rates during the monsoon, followed by pre-monsoon and dry periods. Mixed litter in NF experienced a 99.94 % loss after 730 days, while PF, saw 97.80 % loss. Carbon, lignin, nitrogen, and potassium concentrations were higher during the monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons at both sites. Except for phosphorus in PF, all soil parameters positively correlated with mass loss, along with litter parameters C, N, P, K, and lignin (p < 0.001). Litter decomposition was higher in NF than PF, with significant seasonal effects (p < 0.0001), highlighting seasonality over litter mixture effects. Understanding climate variability and species diversity is essential for sustainable forest management amid ongoing anthropogenic land-use changes.

“If I don’t do it, it feels wrong”: embodying environmental ethical reflexivity through cultivation and enactment of practices

Second-generation practice theoretical research on sustainable consumption has largely overlooked the role of environmental ethics. This is likely due to associations of “ethics” with culture and symbolic understandings of consumption. This article investigates how some environmentally aware and engaged consumers actively try to cultivate ethical and sustainable practices in order to develop ways of living more sustainably. By combining a practice theoretical framework with Michel Foucault’s work on ethical self-cultivation, I combine the ethical – understood as emerging in specific places and time as part of cultural formations – with processes of embodiment and ethical reflexivity to understand how environmental ethical reflexivity can play a role in the sustainable change of practices. The article argues that changing consumption practices based on changed environmental ethics requires an ongoing reflexive and bodily process of training the bodymind to embody skills and mold sensory, affective, and perceptual dispositions. This is a processual change requiring time and effort, in which research participants nevertheless experience meaning and hope as they are able to create sustainable change in their own lives and, over time and to some degree, live up to their ethical ideals. The analysis is based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in two locations using audio-visual methods in participant observation and interviews with research participants who are actively engaged in changing their everyday practices.

Growth and Yield Responses of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to Tree Lopping and Organic Manure under Morus-Based Agri-Silvicultural System

Sustainable land management targets climate change by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, bolstering resilience against climate-related disasters and advocating sustainable practices. India has significantly contributed to shaping the UN Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, in which agroforestry has emerged as a critical component. The tree-based intercropping practices implemented in agroforestry reduce competitive associations between woody and non-woody components, at the same time obtaining advantage of interactions that are beneficial. The present investigation was accomplished during the year 2019-20. The research trial was structured using a split-plot design to explore the possibilities of successfully cultivating Phaseolus vulgaris as an intercrop under Morus alba. The study incorporated 4 different levels of tree lopping (T0: 0 %; T1: 25 %; T2: 50 %; T3: 75 %) and 5 dosages of manure (S0: No manure; S1; FYM, S2: Jeevamrutha 5 %; S3: Jeevamrutha 10 %; S4: RDF+FYM). The results revealed that maximum values for above and below-ground growth parameters were recorded in treatment T3 (75 % lopping intensity) and treatment S4 (RDF + FYM). The treatments S1 (FYM) and S4 also significantly influenced soil parameters. Based on this investigation, it was inference that the integration of Phaseolus vulgaris with Morus alba provides the best possibility for diversity and enhanced profitability compared to a single species, if lopping is performed scientifically and a combination of manures are applied appropriately, besides offering numerous additional environmental gains.

Educational Sustainability Initiatives in Higher Education: An Integrative Approach to Urban Areas in northwestern Portugal

This paper explores the integration of sustainability and climate change education within Higher Education (HE), emphasizing the societal impact of such initiatives. Through a comprehensive analysis of various educational projects conducted between 2020 and 2024 in Portugal, the research highlights the critical role of education in fostering sustainable development and resilience to Climate Change (CC). Utilizing a participatory-based methodology, including the TIP (Territory, Intervention, Proposal) model, the study involved collaboration among students, experts, and local stakeholders to address urban and environmental challenges. The findings underscore the importance of embedding sustainability into educational frameworks to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to tackle complex environmental issues. Moreover, the projects demonstrated how HE institutions can act as catalysts for societal change, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promoting a multidisciplinary approach. Future research should focus on evaluating the long-term impacts of these educational practices on fostering sustainable behaviors in young people and local communities, crucial agents of change in the face of climate change.

Enhancing User Engagement and Behavior Change in Healthy Eating Apps: A Human-Computer Interaction Perspective

Healthy eating apps have gained popularity as tools for promoting dietary improvements and supporting behavior change. Despite their potential, maintaining user engagement and achieving sustained behavior change remain significant challenges. This paper investigates how principles of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) can be leveraged to address these challenges and enhance the effectiveness of healthy eating apps. By conducting a comprehensive review of relevant HCI methodologies and analyzing the functionalities of existing apps, the paper identifies key factors that influence user interaction and behavioral outcomes. The research highlights that incorporating HCI principles-such as personalized feedback, gamification, and social interaction-can lead to more engaging and effective apps. Personalized feedback helps users feel more understood and supported, while gamification elements increase motivation through rewards and challenges. Social interaction features foster community support and accountability, contributing to sustained engagement. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for app developers to integrate these HCI principles and outlines future research directions to further explore and refine strategies for enhancing user engagement and behavior change in healthy eating apps.

Small actions to promote conservation and sustainability

AbstractIn the context of recent anthropogenic climate change and the alarming loss of biodiversity, urgent action is required to safeguard our life‐sustaining ecosystems and implement effective sustainable conservation behavior change strategies. To attend to this concern, the present study explores the efficacy of the evidence‐based Tiny Habits® method in fostering behavior change for sustainability. To this end, a case–control pilot project was conducted with a small cohort of adults randomly divided into two groups: cases and controls. Both groups engaged in a 5‐day online program, selecting and practicing three Tiny Habits recipes daily. The conservation Tiny Habits group focused on sustainable actions, while the control group engaged in non‐conservation activities such as relaxation. The results revealed that practicing the Tiny Habits method resulted in an immediate and sustained increase in conservation actions, with lasting changes (up to 1 month) in the participants' behavior. The mean scores for the intervention group at baseline significantly differed from those immediately and at 1 month after the intervention (p = .0092 and p = .0033). These findings suggest that the Tiny Habits method can be a viable opportunity to cultivate sustainable habits in the long term.

Quality Improvement short report: Establishing the UHB Doctor Wellbeing Group as a model for sustainable change in improving resident doctor wellbeing

Quality Improvement short report: Establishing the UHB Doctor Wellbeing Group as a model for sustainable change in improving resident doctor wellbeing

Evaluating the Financial Returns on Investment in Sustainable Enterprise Digitalization Initiatives Using AI Information System

With a focus on sustainability and IT changes, the companies even find an AI based system information system implementation in operations. This study analyzes the financial yield of return on investment (ROI) in the digitalization of leading edge enterprises, as well as finds out how AI information systems could achieve prosperity in both the economic and ecological spheres. The research utilizes a mixed-method methodology, combining the quantitative analysis of business finances from companies that have implemented intelligent environmental activities with qualitative case studies. Credit factors like ROI, NPV (net present value) and IRR (internal rate of return) together with environmental performance parameters are evaluated. Furthermore, by conducting surveys and interviews with trusted experts in the industry, the quantitative data is richer within it giving strategic and operational implications of the current initiatives. A study has been found that companies using AI for sustainability purposes are capable of returning very large financial results, much greater than the ones achieved by other digitalization initiatives. The study demonstrates that AI data systems boost efficiency, cut costs, and enhance market competitiveness. It highlights ecological benefits like reduced carbon footprints, efficient resource use, higher profits, and regulatory compliance. It guides stakeholders on AI investment for future ROI, advocating more AI technology funding. The research calls for an integrative approach that includes financial and sustainability measures to capture value. Incorporating AI in sustainable and eco-based digitalization is crucial for optimal financial and environmental outcomes. The organizations strategically utilizing the loop technology are also believed to have an advantage over others with regards to the current market landscape and will be able to make a balance between profitability and sustainable goals.

Enhancing Financial Literacy of Indonesian Migrant Workers in Malaysia through the Sikapi Uangmu Application

This community service program aims to improve the financial literacy of Indonesian Migrant Workers in Malaysia through direct training and digital technology, specifically, the Sikapi Uangmu application developed by the Financial Services Authority. Indonesian Migrant Workers often face challenges in managing their income, particularly in budgeting, investing, and handling debt. This program is designed to equip them with practical financial skills, enabling them to reduce financial risks and prepare for a more stable financial future. The results of this community service program indicate a significant improvement in Indonesian Migrant Workers' ability to manage their finances, including budgeting, selecting safe investments, and managing debt. The Sikapi Uangmu application provides easy and interactive access to financial information, allowing Indonesian Migrant Workers to engage in self-directed learning. Although the program has been successful, several challenges still need to be addressed, such as the digital divide and resistance to changing financial behaviors. Overall, the program has had both short-term and long-term positive impacts on Indonesian Migrant Workers in Malaysia and their families in Indonesia. However, its sustainability requires further adjustments to overcome technological barriers and to support more sustainable financial behavior changes

Gender equality advocacy and socio-economic inclusion: A comparative study of community-based approaches in promoting women’s empowerment and economic resilience (2022)

This review examines community-based approaches to gender equality advocacy and socio-economic inclusion, focusing on strategies to promote women’s empowerment and economic resilience. As global discourse on gender equality gains momentum, community-driven initiatives have emerged as pivotal agents of change, particularly in marginalized communities where structural, cultural, and socio-economic barriers persist. This provides a comparative analysis of grassroots movements, local advocacy groups, and capacity-building programs that seek to enhance women’s roles in economic and social domains. Through a qualitative approach, including case studies from various regions, this study explores how community-based strategies such as microfinance initiatives, vocational training, and entrepreneurial support networks have been instrumental in improving financial independence and workforce participation for women. Findings indicate that localized initiatives have achieved notable success in challenging traditional gender roles, expanding women’s access to resources, and fostering economic resilience. Financial inclusion mechanisms, such as savings groups and access to credit, emerged as critical factors in enhancing women’s economic stability, particularly in settings where formal financial systems are inaccessible. Additionally, the study highlights the impact of social empowerment initiatives that focus on health, education, and altering perceptions of gender roles, thereby creating a supportive environment for sustainable change. Challenges remain, particularly regarding the sustainability and scalability of community-based models, as well as cultural resistance to gender equality. The review concludes with policy recommendations to strengthen partnerships between governments, private sectors, and community organizations, promote adaptable models for broader implementation, and improve monitoring frameworks. This comparative analysis underscores the significance of community-based approaches in advancing gender equality, advocating for their expanded role in global efforts toward socio-economic inclusion and resilience for women.

Towards zero-carbon, resilient, and community-integrated smart schools and campuses: A review

This study explores the transformation of educational institutions towards becoming zero-carbon, resilient, and community-integrated smart schools and campuses. It highlights the growing commitment to sustainability and technology-driven education in response to climate change challenges. The study aims to examine the critical aspects of this transformation, including the pursuit of zero-carbon operations, resilience measures for climate-related challenges, and active community engagement. Utilizing a scoping review methodology, the research maps existing literature to identify key concepts and gaps, covering sustainability initiatives, smart technology integration, and resilience strategies. Findings emphasize the role of educational institutions as living laboratories for sustainability, highlighting innovations in renewable energy adoption, energy-efficient building designs, and waste reduction programs. The study's originality lies in its comprehensive analysis of how educational institutions evolve into catalysts for sustainable change, enhancing education and campus management through smart technologies while addressing financial and regulatory challenges.

Branching out: Material Flow Analysis of Cascading Utilization in Domestic and Imported Wood Products for Strategic Carbon Reduction in South Korea

This study employs a material flow analysis (MFA) to examine the usage patterns of domestic and imported wood resources in South Korea, analyzing the significant differences in utilization, and their impacts on carbon storage. We found a contrast between manufacturing and industrial uses of domestic and imported wood. Imported wood products with high economic value and longevity are primarily used in sustainable construction and manufacturing. In contrast, domestic wood is primarily utilized in lower-value wood-based boards and energy production, with a shorter lifespan and lower carbon storage potential. This study outlined the economic and environmental value chains by wood origin, highlighting their industrial linkages and utilization pathways. Consequently, tailored strategies are essential to promote sustainable wood resource use and advance climate mitigation. Recommendations have been provided for policy instruments to enhance wood resource management sustainability and climate change mitigation.

Enhancing ‘Mirlo Rojo’ Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Quality Through Regulated Deficit Irrigation: Effects on Antioxidant Activity, Fatty Acid Profile, and Volatile Compounds

Water scarcity is a significant global risk affecting health, food security, economic development, social stability, environmental sustainability, and climate change adaptation. Implementing deficit irrigation strategies can improve water efficiency and agricultural resilience. Spain, particularly the Region of Murcia, has pioneered apricot cultivation, with the ‘Mirlo Rojo’ variety known for its high productivity, Sharka virus resistance, and exceptional organoleptic qualities. This study evaluates the effects of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) on the quality, antioxidant activity, fatty acid profile, and volatile compounds of ‘Mirlo Rojo’ apricots. Four irrigation treatments (100% ETc, 60% ETc, 33% ETc, and 0% ETc) were tested during the final growth stages in May 2023. Results showed no adverse effects on the evaluated parameters. RDI treatments increased total soluble solids, glucose, and fructose content, improving maturity and sweetness indices. RDI also enhanced phenolic content and antioxidant activity, optimizing water use without compromising fruit quality and bioactive compounds.

Strategies and interventions for achieving cardiovascular disease risk factor control in low- and middle-income countries: a review of the literature

AbstractCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with increasing rates in low- and low-middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). These occur due to exposure to various risk factors, such as tobacco smoking, physical inactivity, hypertension, and diabetes. There are unique features in LMICs that contribute to the risk factor profile and quality of care offered in these countries. These include cultural influences on diet (carbohydrate-dense diet, use of salt-based spices and preservatives), the lack of dedicated spaces for physical activity, and perceptions of desirable body sizes. The attendant complications affect individuals, families and the community at large. Furthermore, there is a dearth of research to inform change at both the individual and policy level in LMICs. Lifestyle modification is the cornerstone of risk factor control and requires engaging relevant stakeholders in healthcare to enforce sustainable behaviour change among individuals. This includes measures from the individual level to national leadership and requires multisectoral collaboration to ensure sustainability. Such methods include building health worker capacity through a task shifting approach, strengthening the health worker-patient relationship, employing digital/technological applications, and engaging families and communities to serve as accountability partners in the management of CVD and related risk factors. There is a need for increased contextually relevant research output to inform contemporary methods to improve CVD and risk factor control in LMICs.