Civil Construction Research Articles

Human resources management in civil construction

Num mundo em que as mudanças acontecem a um ritmo muito acelerado, com o desenvolvimento tecnológico e a globalização da economia, factores como o conhecimento, os recursos técnicos e a capacidade financeira não se limitam a uma empresa específica, daí a importância de gerir adequadamente as pessoas, tornando-se não só uma necessidade, mas uma forma de obter vantagens competitivas. A construção civil é um sector renovado, vivo e em crescimento, que tem responsabilidades cada vez maiores, face às exigências do mercado e à regulamentação legislativa, pelo que toda a aposta na gestão do trabalho na construção civil merece ser revelada. Os recursos humanos na construção civil são uma área cada vez mais importante, num sector onde o capital humano conta e é cada vez mais valorizado.

Diagnosis and intervention in civil construction pathologies

Civil engineering consistently encounters challenges related to the durability and safety of buildings, making the study of pathological manifestations a critical area of inquiry. These defects not only undermine the functionality, structural integrity, and aesthetic quality of constructions but also pose significant risks to occupant safety. It is imperative to understand the origins and progression of these pathologies to mitigate structural and functional damage. The application of technical standards, while essential, is often inadequate, thereby exacerbating the occurrence of these problems. This research seeks to identify the underlying causes and origins of building pathologies and to propose effective strategies for their prevention and remediation. Through an interdisciplinary methodology, incorporating diverse sources of information such as bibliographic surveys, technical site visits, and data analysis, the study identifies key pathological manifestations in buildings, including fissures, cracks, concrete deterioration, stains, and efflorescence. The research highlights critical contributing factors such as design errors, material defects, execution failures, and insufficient maintenance. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the principal causes of pathologies and pathological manifestations in a building located in the municipality of Nanuque, and to propose preventative and corrective measures. The research methodology is divided into two distinct phases: an extensive literature review to provide a theoretical foundation, enabling the analysis of prior studies on the subject, followed by a case study involving direct on-site assessments to document the identified pathologies. The findings reveal a range of issues, including reinforcement corrosion, concrete segregation, cracks, fissures, and efflorescence. Informed by the literature, the study proposes appropriate interventions to enhance the safety, stability, aesthetics, and comfort of the building's occupants.

Modular steel panel for walls: Life cycle environmental impact, life cycle cost, and potential for material circulation

The impacts of civil construction are widely recognized and justify the transition from a linear to a circular economy. Furthermore, with building users increasingly demanding greater adaptability, strategies such as modularity and flexibility to adapt to changing uses are being discussed. Modular wall panels allow quick installation and have the potential for disassembly, refurbishment, reuse, and recycling. We evaluate a modular steel panel system in two Brazilian case studies through life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle cost (LCC), and building circularity index (BCI). The study applies the circular reuse and remanufacture, recycling, and life extension strategies for internal and external walls. For the external panel, the life extension strategy (SE02) stands out positively in all impact categories, with the lowest environmental impact and costs. However, the SE02′s BCI does not have the best result. The second best option is reuse (SE03), with the highest percentage of circularity. Furthermore, the differences between SE02 and SE03 are reduced in several impact categories, and the sensitivity analysis (transport, damage, and the number of reuses) shows that the differences could be even smaller. For the internal panel, life extension (SI02) and reuse (SI03) scenarios are the best options. Recycling (SI04) has the highest environmental impact and the best potential for circularity. BCI communication must be aligned with LCA and LCC, such that an increase in circularity is accompanied by a decrease in environmental impacts or with infeasible costs, especially for developing countries.

Thermal insulation materials based on eucalyptus bark fibres

The civil construction industry significantly contributes to global energy consumption, prompting a shift towards sustainable practices to mitigate environmental impacts throughout the building lifecycle. Traditional thermal insulation materials, such as polyurethane foam and mineral wool, are cost-effective but fail to meet environmental safety standards. In this context, plant-based materials have emerged as an eco-friendly alternative for thermal insulation, with agroforestry waste offering a sustainable raw material source. This waste is abundant and often improperly disposed of, thus utilizing it can reduce the environmental footprint of the agroforestry sector. This study focuses on developing thermal insulation plates using eucalyptus bark fibres, with some samples incorporating wheat straw. Various methods were employed: sodium silicate as a binder in some samples, while others used a binder-free method involving pulping bark in lye, and some included carbonised eucalyptus bark. The primary goal was to evaluate properties like thermal conductivity and moisture sorption. The electron microscope analysis provided insights into the microstructure of the fibres, explaining their insulation mechanisms. The thermal conductivity of the plates ranged from 0.036 to 0.059 W/(m·K) at a density of 80–220 kg/m3, influenced by the preparation processes (mechanical grinding, lye pulping, carbonization) and binder use. Eucalyptus bark fibre samples demonstrated low moisture sorption for plant-based materials, with 9.4–14.5 % at 60 % relative humidity and 21.6–38.5 % at 97 % relative humidity. Additionally, the samples showed high resistance to fungal growth when wet, suggesting good durability for thermal insulation applications. Overall, the study's results indicate that eucalyptus bark fibres hold significant promise as a sustainable raw material for producing thermal insulation, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional materials while enhancing the durability and effectiveness of insulation in construction.

A novel energy-saving and emission-reduction strategy based on facile preparation of thermal insulation coatings doped with modified vacuum ceramic microbeads for concrete protection

The development of thermal insulation protective coatings suitable for constructions and buildings offers a multifaceted approach: it substantially reduces indoor temperatures, enhances residential comfort, decreases air conditioning energy consumption, and conserves energy. Additionally, these coatings provide robust resistance against corrosive substances, thereby significantly prolonging the service life of concrete. In this work, the modification of vacuum ceramic microbeads (VCM) through the polymerization of catechol and hexamethylene diamine to form poly(catecholamine) (PCA) was investigated by FT-IR, XRD, and TEM analysis. Increased levels of incorporation of VCM@PCA further decreased thermal conductivity and increased surface hydrophobicity, while excessive incorporation detrimentally affected the coating's mechanical properties. PDMS/VCM@PCA coating demonstrated exceptional thermal insulation performance, reducing coating temperature by 15.9 °C under simulated sunlight exposure, and in outdoor experiments, the interior temperature of the simulated house with this coating was 4.2 °C lower than the external temperature, highlighting its potential for energy conservation, emission reduction, and building temperature regulation. Additionally, PDMS/VCM@PCA coating provided excellent protection for concrete structures, significantly enhancing abrasion resistance. It also improved the interfacial adhesion between the organic layer and concrete under dry, wet, and 10% NaCl immersion conditions. The addition of VCM@PCA further enhanced resistance to chloride ion penetration, effectively reducing chloride ingress. This thermal insulation protective coating presents a novel strategy for energy conservation, emission reduction, and sustainable development in the civil construction industry.

PROBLEMA DE DESPLACAMENTO CERÂMICO EM OBRAS VERTICAIS

Before the arrival of the Europeans, the Brazilian indigenous peoples already practiced the use of ceramic production in an advanced way. Ceramic tiles can be found in different forms, such as floors, tiles, and tiles, and are available in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns, allowing for extensive customization of spaces. These materials are especially popular in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces, where water and wear resistance are crucial. In addition, ceramic coating is a good thermal and acoustic insulator, contributing to the comfort of environments. Thus, this article aims to show the reader the importance of quality in the process of performing the service to avoid the inconvenience caused by the fact of the detachment. The research began through a literature review of the main authors on the subject of displacement. Based on studies carried out through articles, monographs, dissertations, theses, among others, it is clear that the peeling of tiles or ceramics is considered the most common and serious problem in civil construction and its cause is the most varied. Therefore, it is concluded that the main causes of ceramic peeling is nothing more than a defect in the system that did not allow the correct adhesion between the plates, the mortar and the wall or floor, causing the pieces to detach.

Специфика продвижения на российском рынке недвижимости: анализ лучших практик и потребительских предпочтений

The primary real estate market has shown systematic growth since 2020 due to the stimulating demand by using mortgages with state support, as well as the availability of a project financing instrument that protects the buyer from the risks of losing money invested in shared construction. At the same time, the current unstable economic situation leads to a drop in demand caused by a decrease in purchasing power and rising inflation. This dynamics primarily indicates an increased number of proposals, a high level of competition and the risk of oversaturation for developers. In the current conditions the gap emerging in the real estate market between the existing supply and real demand will only increase, which will require developers to use tools and management solutions aimed at promoting the product in the real estate market and building effective personalized communication with clients. The success of marketing tools depends on companies' focus on consumer sentiment, behavior and preferences. The presented work analyzes the civil construction industry's best practices for interaction with buyers, taking into account their emotions, expectations and concerns.

Does digital technology promote ecological civilization construction? Evidence from China.

With the rapid development of digital technology, it is of great significance to make good use of digital technology to accelerate the green transformation of production and lifestyle and promote the ecological civilization construction (ECC). This study first analyzes the impact mechanism of digital technology on ECC. Secondly, this study constructs evaluation index systems and measures the level of digital technology and ECC in 31 provinces of China, from 2011 to 2022. Thirdly, using a two-way fixed effect model, spatial spillover effect model, and threshold effect model, this study explores the promoting effect of digital technology on ECC. The main research conclusions include the following: (1) digital technology significantly promotes ECC, and regional heterogeneity exists in the promoting effect, manifested as western > central > eastern. (2) The promoting effect of digital technology on ECC has a significant spatial spillover effect. (3) When the three threshold variables of industrial structure, education level, and R&D investment cross the threshold value, the promoting effect of digital technology is significantly enhanced. However, when fiscal decentralization crosses the threshold value, the promoting effect of digital technology is significantly weakened. Based on the above research conclusions, this study identifies some policy implications.

Application of coal mining waste in civil and road construction

Aim: This study analyzes the potential for processing coal mining waste in civil and road construction. Materials and Methods. The research focused on rock dumps from eight mines in the Lugansk People’s Republic. According to current methods, samples of dump rock were collected and analyzed in the laboratory for various properties, including Al2O3 content (up to 22%), total sulfur (up to 4%) in rock samples of varying degrees of metamorphism, indicators of its plasticity, and radiation characteristics (up to 220 Bq/kg). Results. This study addresses the processing of rock dumps from coal mines in the Lugansk People’s Republic as a source of raw materials for building materials. A brief analysis of existing methods for obtaining various building materials from waste rocks was carried out. The laboratory tests on waste rock samples from several mines demonstrated their potential use in civil, industrial, and road construction. Conclusion. The research provides a detailed analysis of various indicators and properties of coal mining waste in the Lugansk People’s Republic, including specific effective activity and evaporation coefficient. Findings suggest that the waste rock can be effectively used as raw material in the construction industry, supporting the production of materials for industrial, civil, and road construction.

Identification of Ecological Compensation Zones and Compensation Amounts: A Case Study of the Yellow River Delta

Accurately identifying ecological compensation areas and scientifically determining appropriate compensation amounts are crucial for establishing a robust ecological compensation mechanism, which in turn is key to promoting the coordinated development of ecological protection and high-quality economic growth. This study innovatively proposes a framework for ecological compensation termed “Accounting of Ecosystem Services Value–Identification of Priorities for Payers and Recipients–Calculation of Ecological Compensation Amount (ESV–PPR–ECA)”. It utilizes the InVEST model and the emergy method to assess the value of ecosystem services, constructs the Ecosystem Payment and Recipient Priority Sequence (EPRPS) Model to identify the payers, recipients, and their priorities for ecological compensation, and employs the conversion factor method to calculate the Ecological Compensation Amount (ECA). This framework aims to address the questions of “How should compensation be provided?”, “Who should compensate whom?”, and “How much compensation is necessary?”, ensuring the optimal use of ecological compensation funds and providing a scientific basis for inter-regional ecological compensation. The study’s findings indicate that the total Ecological Compensation Amount for the Yellow River Delta in 2020 was 3.848 billion RMB, with the total amount receivable being 4.032 billion RMB and the total amount payable being 184 million RMB. The compensation funds should be prioritized for tideland and the Yellow River, and venture, cropland and industrial land should be the first to contribute compensation. Additionally, the Ecosystem Service Value of the Yellow River Delta showed a declining trend from 2015 to 2020, underscoring the urgent need to establish a horizontal compensation mechanism for the region. Such a mechanism would incentivize environmental protection and the construction of ecological civilization, ultimately enhancing ecosystem service functions. Therefore, we recommend the implementation of horizontal fiscal transfers, where financial assistance is provided from paying areas to recipient areas, offering a scientific reference for the establishment of a horizontal compensation mechanism within the Yellow River Delta.

Study on the coordination and factors affecting the coupling of resource and environmental carrying capacity and regional economy in ecologically fragile areas

The coordinated development of the resources, environment and social economy in ecologically fragile areas has become one of the urgent issues for all countries in the world. In this study, the ecologically fragile area of Ningxia was used as the typical case area. This study constructs a “four main subjects and eight dimensions” comprehensive evaluation model based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to analyze the situation of the resource and environmental carrying capacity (RECC). This study employs the coupled coordination degree model and the obstacle degree model, integrating them with Pearson correlation analysis to quantitatively evaluate the coupled coordination relationship and influencing factors between RECC and socioeconomic development in Ningxia. The study shows that: (a) the RECC in Ningxia is on an upward trend, with obvious spatial differences, and the pressure on resources and environment in the provincial capital city is more obvious; (b) the coordination of RECC and socioeconomic development coupling in Ningxia is on a steady upward trend, but the internal development differences are more obvious, and the degree of coordination in the provincial capital cities is relatively high; (c) the coordinated development of RECC and socioeconomic development is affected by a combination of factors such as climate, water, soil, ecological resources, urbanization, and traffic accessibility in Ningxia. The findings offer scientific support for the coordination of socioeconomic development and resource environmental protection in ecologically fragile regions. Furthermore, they serve as a reference for promoting ecological civilization construction in fragile ecosystems globally.

Sustainable supply chain design using a multi-objective linear optimization approach for solid bulk products

This paper proposes a multi-objective optimization model for designing a sustainable logistics system that determines the ideal logistic flow of an ultrafine mineral residue product, tailings, from Brucutu/MG to multiple destinations over a capable multimodal system. These tailings are extracted from iron ore and can be used as a partial substitute for raw materials in construction materials. This substitution can help avoid dangerous dams of iron ore tailings and save natural resources and greenhouse gas emissions in the civil construction chain. However, the distribution incurs logistical costs and resulting socio-environmental impacts. Therefore, logistics plays a fundamental role in making this substitution economically viable. The proposed model aims to maximize total profit while minimizing negative socio-environmental impacts and maximizing the positives. The resulting ideal multimodal logistic system is obtained based on sustainable pillars, demonstrating that a small decrease in profits can yield significant reductions in negative impacts and increases in positive externalities.

Determining the Stability of a Potentially Dangerous Landslide Slope

Abstract Due to the acceleration of construction of civil, industrial and infrastructure facilities in our republic and the expansion of their area, the construction of many facilities is carried out in mountainous, and foothill areas with complex relief and geomorphological conditions, which in most cases are potentially dangerous landslide slopes. To protect these facilities from the negative impact of dangerous geological, natural-technogenic, and anthropogenic processes, to assess the risks arising from the impact of these processes on building structures, to promptly prevent negative phenomena and dangerous situations, to assess the engineering and geological conditions of the construction area to determine the stability of the slope, conducting research in these areas is of great practical importance. Mountainous regions are characterized by the complexity and diversity of geological, hydrological, hydrogeological, and tectonic conditions. Landslides are the most common natural and man-made processes that pose a threat to the safe operation of infrastructure facilities, civil and industrial construction in mountainous and foothill areas. In addition to infrastructure facilities, landslides can destroy vegetation, destroy the habitat of fauna, and also destroy fertile soils located in the area of their activity (Nikolic, 2015; Krivoguz & Bespalova, 2020). The main objective of this article is to apply the results of practically implemented and verified studies in other territories of our republic with similar geomorphological structure and engineering-geological conditions, to correctly assess the negative manifestations caused by landslides and other man-made and anthropogenic impacts, as well as to calculate the stability of the slope and scientifically and technically substantiate measures for engineering protection against landslides.

Study on the mechanism and countermeasures of Ningbo-Bengbu cooperation to promote rural revitalization in Bengbu

Against the backdrop of the integration of the Yangtze River Delta region, in 2021, the Implementation Plan for the Paired Cooperation between Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang Cities to Assist Northern Anhui Cities clearly states that Ningbo will cooperate one-on-one to assist Bengbu City, and Bengbu City's rural revitalization has ushered in new development opportunities. The research content of this project includes three aspects: First, systematically describe the typical facts of Ningbo-Bengbu cooperation in promoting rural revitalization in Bengbu under the background of economic integration in the Yangtze River Delta, and on this basis analyze and summarize the existing experience of Ningbo-Bengbu cooperation in promoting rural revitalization in Bengbu; second, conduct an in-depth investigation of Ningbo's effective practices of focusing on the "double strengths" of agriculture, rural construction, and the "three major tracks" of farmers' prosperity, and strive to create a higher-quality "pastoral city, urban village", and summarize and analyze the conditions and factors that constrain the development of Bengbu's agricultural and rural economy; third, under the background of the integration of the Yangtze River Delta, how Ningbo-Bengbu cooperation can utilize the agricultural and rural resource endowments and comparative advantages of the two cities, and propose countermeasures and suggestions for deepening Ningbo-Bengbu cooperation to promote rural revitalization in Bengbu is an important content and ultimate goal of this project. This project provides theoretical evidence for industrial cooperation and communication between Bengbu and Ningbo and the promotion of rural ecological civilization construction, which is of great significance to the development of rural revitalization in Bengbu.

Characterization and application of fine aggregate from Rio Branco do Sul – PR with quartz filler additions: innovations in concrete performance

Understanding the properties of a material is essential to ensure its efficient application and achieve good results. This study addresses the characterization and applicability of quartz sand from the Rio Branco do Sul region, Paraná (PR), Brazil, in civil construction, focusing on procedures such as ceramic block laying, plastering, and rendering. Additionally, quartz filler (quartz powder) was added as a pozzolanic additive in fractions of 10% and 20% relative to the weight of the cement, along with samples without additives, to compare the results. To evaluate performance, the test specimens were subjected to two curing processes: thermal curing, aimed at activating pozzolanic reactions between the quartz powder and the chemical components of the concrete; and wet curing, which, although it does not stimulate chemical reactions, preserves the physical effects of the addition, such as reducing the concrete’s porosity and increasing its compressive strength. The specimens were analyzed at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of age.

The geochemical and thermodynamic characteristics of waste sand reinforced by microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation

To achieve efficient utilization of waste sand and make it a recyclable resource, the waste sand was reinforced by microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)–Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed to determine the mineral morphologies and elemental compositions. The results of SEM showed that rhombohedral and dumbbell-shaped minerals filled the pores of the sand column, and the elemental compositions were C, O, Ca, Al, and P. Various organic functional groups were discovered by FTIR. Mineral compositions were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the mineral components were calcite and aragonite, and the crystallinity of calcite improved with the increase in the bacterial concentrations. Stable carbon isotope analyses showed that the sand columns at different bacterial concentrations ranged from − 18.9 ‰ to − 21.4 ‰, which were more negative than chemical calcite with − 10.9 ‰. The mechanical properties of compression strength and splitting tensile strength proved that MICP could enhance the strength of sand columns. Thermodynamic characteristics were carefully investigated using thermogravimetric analysis from 50 °C to 1000 °C, which showed that the activation energy and thermal stability of the sand columns reinforced by MICP increased. Therefore, this study provides important insights into the process of MICP, which has good spontaneity, ecological performance, and low energy consumption. It is conducive to the construction of ecological civilization and the requirements of green development, and it has important engineering significance.

A Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) and a blue ocean analysis for titica vine composite in epoxy matrix for civil construction applications as thermal and acoustic insulation

The use of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) offers a sustainable alternative to deforestation, benefiting both socioeconomic and ecological aspects. In Brazil, various species of the Heteropsis genus, known as titica vine, share aerial root emission characteristics and have been used by rural communities since colonial Brazil. This study offers a strategic analysis for the vine composite, both cost of goods sold (COGS) and blue ocean analysis were performed. An initial investigation indicates that Titica vine composites can obtain thermal and acoustic insulation properties as good as the current used material, with a lower production cost. The blending of titica vine with epoxy aims to create a composite with thermal and acoustic insulation comparable to nowadays materials. So the objective of this paper is to identify the composites fabrication costs (COGS) and best market opportunities, with a Blue Ocean Strategy analysis. Results show titica vine significantly boosts cost benefit relation, decreasing the manufacture costs. This study underscores titica vine composite as an eco-friendly material, offering sustainable solutions. Its innovative use could impact the industry.

Investigating EFL Students' Civic Consciousness

Civic consciousness serves as a pivotal impetus for societal advancement and development, embodying individuals' cognition, attitudes, and sense of responsibility across social, political, economic, and cultural domains. Contemporary college students, as the forthcoming leaders of society, constitute a vital segment of Chinese citizenship and play crucial roles as participants and stewards in national political development and social construction. Their civic consciousness directly impacts the construction of material, spiritual, and political civilization within China. Educating EFL students on civic consciousness is instrumental in fostering accurate ideological concepts, empowering them to fulfill their duties as social citizens, igniting creativity and intellectual curiosity, enhancing comprehensive cultural literacy and cross-cultural communication awareness, nurturing critical thinking skills, and enabling students to internalize civic virtues as their behavioral norms through natural infiltration, thereby establishing a foundation for their future roles as global citizens and contributing to sustainable development. However, the civic consciousness of EFL students is confronted with significant challenges due to the interplay of international and domestic factors. Notable issues include a deficient awareness of the rule of law and an inadequate understanding of rights. This study initiates with the concept and significance of civic consciousness, elucidating its definition, connotation, and importance within college education. Through questionnaire surveys and interviews, the current state of civic consciousness among students in ZYU(Zhejiang Yuexiu University) is analyzed, identifying prevailing problems and challenges. Subsequently, effective countermeasures within the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning are proposed to address these concerns.

Investigation of the activator system for coal gangue and its optimal utilization in composite cementitious materials

The extensive accumulation of coal-derived solid wastes in China has become a significant environmental challenge. Utilizing these wastes as resources is considered an effective approach. This study investigated activation systems for coal gangue to determine the optimal dosage for incorporation into cementitious materials. The effects of types and dosages of admixtures on the mechanical properties were examined. The results showed that augmenting the coal gangue content within a certain range enhanced the compressive strength of the composite cementitious materials. However, exceeding 20 wt.% led to a decline in compressive strength. The addition of coal gangue led to an increase in porosity. Furthermore, the addition of 4% lime and 4% gypsum resulted in enhanced properties. The performance of the resultant optimal cementitious material surpasses that of P·O 32.5 cement, making it a viable replacement in construction sector and contributing to the realization of resource recycling and ecological civilization construction goals.

Spatio-temporal pattern and coordinated development of eco-compensation performance of 101 cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

Eco-compensation is an important component of ecological civilization construction. Therefore, it is of great significance to elucidate the spatial and temporal pattern of eco-compensation performance and its internal coupling and coordinated features to promote ecological civilization construction. We proposed that eco-compensation performance consists of benefit and efficiency, and used the projection pursuit and super-efficiency SBM-DEA models to measure the eco-compensation benefit and efficiency of 101 cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2010 to 2021 and to analyze their spatial and temporal patterns. Finally, we used the coupling coordination degree model to reveal the coupling and coordinated features of eco-compensation performance. The results showed that the temporal trends of eco-compensation benefit and efficiency were "W" and "U" shaped. The eco-compensation benefit in eastern or mega-cities was the highest, whereas the eco-compensation efficiency in western or small/medium-sized cities was the highest. Coupling coordination degree of eco-compensation performance was in the coordinated development stage from 2010 to 2012, with a concentration of agglomeration effects in the central region. It was in the transition/adjustment stage from 2013 to 2020, with low-value areas concentrated and scattered high-value areas, and smaller regional differences. It was in the coordinated development stage in 2021, with a clear agglomeration effect in the eastern region. Cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt should incorporate the eco-compensation performance coupling coordination mechanism into their optimized eco-compensation policy plans based on the stage of coordinated development, to achieve their environmental improvement goals.