Concept Of Sustainability Research Articles (Page 1)

Against the backdrop of the deepening adoption of sustainable development concepts, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) indicators have become increasingly important indicators for measuring a company's long-term value and competitiveness. This paper examines the business model practices of Three Squirrels, a well-known Chinese snack brand, in terms of environmental protection, social responsibility, and governance innovation, and analyzes the impact of these innovations on the company's financial and non-financial performance. The study found that Three Squirrels, through initiatives such as energy conservation and emission reduction, green logistics, photovoltaic power generation, employee care, public welfare initiatives, and transparent governance, has not only effectively reduced operating costs and potential risks but also significantly increased its market share, brand reputation, and social influence. This paper argues that ESG is not a burden on corporate development, but rather a new driving force for high-quality development and long-term competitive advantage. The conclusions of this study provide a valuable reference for Chinese companies to achieve transformation and upgrading within the context of ESG.

Introduction Climate change is widely recognized as the greatest global health threat of the twenty-first century, yet the healthcare sector paradoxically contributes around 4–5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Although health professionals are well positioned to mitigate this impact, sustainability education remains insufficient in medical curricula. This study aimed to assess the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of medical students and residents in Italy regarding healthcare’s ecological footprint, with the goal of identifying gaps in training and informing curricular development. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted between February and June 2024 at the University of Magna Graecia of Catanzaro. A structured, self-administered questionnaire collected socio-demographic data, knowledge of sustainability concepts, concerns about pollution and climate change, attitudes toward education, preferences for single-use versus reusable medical devices, proposed sustainability measures, and perceived barriers. Results Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of high concern about pollution and climate change, while Poisson regression examined factors influencing a composite knowledge score. In total, 638 participants were enrolled (mean age 26.8 years; 66% female). Concern was high, with 95% reporting worry about the health impacts of climate change and 73% expressing concern about healthcare-related pollution. Knowledge levels varied: while familiarity with the greenhouse effect was nearly universal, 12% had never heard of the ecological footprint and 28% reported self-directed study. Most participants (84%) supported integrating sustainability into both classroom and clinical training, and 89% recognized the responsibility of healthcare professionals to reduce pollution. Multivariable analysis showed that female gender, older age, and enrollment in nursing or residency programs predicted higher concern, while greater climate change concern, valuing sustainability in medical device use, and support for curricular integration were associated with higher knowledge scores. Discussion Overall, Italian medical students and residents show strong engagement with environmental health, but significant knowledge gaps persist. Integrating structured climate-health and sustainability education into medical training is essential to prepare future healthcare professionals to lead environmentally sustainable practice.

This study investigated the effects of embedding sustainability concepts into Mathematics in the Modern World (MMW) on students’ mathematical proficiency, critical thinking, engagement, and sustainability awareness. A total of 80 first-year college students were divided equally into an experimental group, which received sustainability-integrated instruction, and a control group, which experienced traditional teaching. Using a true experimental pretest–posttest design, findings revealed that the experimental group achieved significantly higher gains in mathematical proficiency (+7.60 vs. +3.05) and critical thinking (+17.25 vs. +6.55) compared to the control group. Posttest scores confirmed the effectiveness of contextualized tasks in enhancing conceptual understanding and problem-solving. Moreover, students exposed to sustainability-based lessons demonstrated higher levels of engagement (overall mean = 4.12) and critical thinking (overall mean = 4.11), indicating that sustainability contexts made mathematics more meaningful and motivating. In terms of sustainability awareness, the experimental group showed remarkable growth (+1.50) compared to the control group (+0.35), with students reporting heightened awareness of environmental issues, personal responsibility, and the role of mathematics in addressing global challenges. Overall, the integration of sustainability concepts into mathematics instruction not only improved academic performance but also fostered reflective reasoning, active participation, and responsible citizenship. These findings affirm that embedding Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) within mathematics can cultivate 21st-century competencies while connecting abstract concepts to real-world societal issues.

This research aims to develop healthy food product innovations in the form of organic yellow pumpkin brownies with the addition of herbal infused ginger and cinnamon. This innovation comes as a response to the increasing trend of healthy food consumption and the need for functional snacks made from local. The method used is Research and Development (R&D) with six stages, including problem collection, data collection, product design, validation, trial, and product revision. The main ingredients in this product include yellow squash, ginger, and cinnamon which are known to have health benefits, such as boosting immunity and metabolism. The validation results by informants (nutrition students, biology, MSME actors, and potential consumers) showed a positive response to the taste, texture, and health benefits of the product. Some suggestions for improvement are given regarding the use of healthier substitutes, such as stevia and gluten-free flour. Product trials show that consumers love the distinctive taste of brownies with a spicy aroma and eco-friendly packaging. This product has the potential to be an innovative healthy snack, as well as a promising business opportunity in the local ingredient-based healthy food industry. By carrying the concept of sustainability, this product is expected to be an alternative solution to functional food that supports a healthy lifestyle.

A battery powered approach to pressurised spinning: Introducing the sustainability concept and shaping the future of fibre production methodologies

Environmental law currently faces 3 challenges of the climate crisis that occurs globally which have an impact on climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Environmental changes certainly have an impact on the sustainability of the life of a population of living beings, so a breakthrough is needed, one of which is from the law through a certain policy. The current law seems to be a tool to be used in perpetuating the crisis through the excessive exploitation of natural resources. This research aims to examine breakthroughs in rethinking the function of law. Legal regime that will be formed both at the national and international levels in dealing with environmental crises. This research uses normative legal research with a cognitive approach, where the research approach starts from the views and doctrines that develop in legal science. Understanding these views and doctrines is a basis for researchers to build a legal argument in solving the issues at hand. This research also uses a legislative approach that is carried out by examining all laws and regulations related to the legal issues being handled. The result of this research is the concept of sustainability in environmental issues that must be encouraged more progressively by making rules about the environment. The practice of customary law communities that recognize ecological integrity can be further improved not only at the national level but also at the global level.

One important issue that directly affects social justice and environmental sustainability in Indonesia is the conversion of production forests into plantations. Although the government has issued a number of regulations, including the Forestry Law and other regulations, forest management and conversion often tend to ignore the concepts of ecosystem balance, sustainability, and protection of community rights. Massive ecological damage, biodiversity loss, and protracted social disputes result from a lack of coordination between national and local regulations, weak law enforcement, and the dominance of business interests over environmental conservation. This study aims to re-establish a sustainable and equitable legal framework for the conversion of production forest land to plantations. By looking at the relevant laws, regulations, and conditions in the field, a normative and juridical-sociological approach was taken. The research findings show that in order to build forest governance that is equitable, participatory, and oriented toward long-term sustainability, to improve in the legal realm, Lawrence Freedman, states that it is necessary to improve the legal substance, institutional arrangement (legal structure), and the development of a community-based legal culture.

Sustainability has become a critical component of modern education, necessitating its integration into teaching practices. This study explores faculty perceptions of sustainability initiatives, focusing on their knowledge, readiness, and ability to incorporate sustainability concepts into their teaching. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through surveys and interviews with faculty members from various disciplines. The findings highlight the extent of faculty awareness and understanding of sustainability, the challenges they face in integrating these concepts, and the support needed to enhance sustainability education. Results indicate that while faculty members recognize the importance of sustainability, gaps in training, institutional support, and curriculum resources hinder effective integration. Based on these insights, the study provides recommendations for professional development programs, policy enhancements, and curriculum revisions to foster sustainability-oriented teaching. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable education and offer practical strategies for higher education institutions to advance sustainability initiatives.

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the effects of popped amaranth and popped ragi on physicochemical and sensory parameters of a snack bar and to determine the goodness of fit for the response models using various statistical metrics. Various formulations of the nutrition bar were developed using RSM. The experimental design included a three-level, two-factorial central composite design to optimize the proportions of popped amaranth (25%–40%) and popped ragi (25%–40%). The responses measured were water activity, spread ratio, taste, and overall acceptability. Second-order polynomial models were employed to analyze the response variables. Various physicochemical properties, texture profile, and nutritional content were analyzed. Sensory acceptability was assessed using a panel of 25 semitrained members. The response models exhibited a good fit with R2 values of 0.881, 0.909, 0.872, and 0.89 for water activity, spread ratio, taste, and overall acceptability, respectively. The MSE, RMSE, and MAPE values were low, DW values ~2 suggested no autocorrelation, and AIC and SBC values were minimal, indicating high model efficiency. Multicollinearity was higher in the overall acceptability response variable, with VIF > 10 and tolerance < 0.1 than the other response variables. The optimized formulation, comprising 29.4% millets, 10% nuts, 20% seeds, 30% binder, and 10.6% miscellaneous ingredients, exhibited the best balance of nutritional content and sensory acceptability. This sample (dimensions 4.8 × 2.5 × 2.5 cm3 and weight 10 g had a water activity of 0.39. Nutritionally, the bar provides 12.5 g of protein, 357.52 Kcal/100 g energy, and significant levels of essential nerals. The developed response models were robust and provided a good fit for predicting the quality parameters of the snack bar. The optimized millet-based snack bar demonstrated favorable physical, optical, textural, nutritional, and sensory properties, indicating its potential for commercialization. Additionally, the product supports circular economy and sustainability concepts by utilizing resilient crops like millet, promoting resource efficiency, and reducing waste.

Technology has become so embedded in our lives that we have become dependent on the possibilities offered by technology even during the realization of ordinary daily tasks. With the visual, auditory and kinesthetic tools offered by technology, information can be accessed interactively and quickly whenever and wherever it is needed. One of the areas where technology is used is sustainable food systems. Sustainability encompasses many disciplines such as ecology, environment, nutrition, agriculture, clean air, accessible water, natural resources, business life and technology. Sustainability is a concept that promotes harmony with the environment, preserving natural balance and resources, and leaving a more livable world for future generations. Therefore, in this review, the concept of sustainability, food systems, nutrition and the technologies used are discussed in line with the relevant literature.

ABSTRACT Over the past two decades, the concept of sustainability in the context of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SME) has gained significant attention within both business practice and academic research. This has resulted in a rapid and multidisciplinary proliferation of scholarly literature, which has led to an increasing fragmentation of the research field, calling for an integrative overview. Against this background, this paper aims to identify the main thematic clusters of the literature on sustainability in SMEs, using two science mapping techniques (co‐citation analysis and bibliographic coupling), and a cluster‐wise review identifying major determinants and antecedents of SME's sustainability, SME's sustainability efforts, and their outcomes, as well as contextual factors, applied theories, and research methods. Additionally, it seeks to reveal nascent subfields and research gaps. This research contributes to the literature by complementing and extending existing literature reviews in a quantitative approach and proposing an integrative overview. Moreover, implications for SMEs and future research directions are suggested.

ABSTRACT With the rise of sustainable development concepts and intelligent livestock farming, China’s swine farming industry is transitioning from traditional methods to more efficient and environmentally friendly models. To address the evolving farming requirements and their complex relationship with intelligent housing space design, this study employs the Kano, AHP, and QFD models to refine vague requirements into specific design features, exploring the process and methodology of intelligent swine housing space design. The research establishes four functional requirements (including 14 design attributes) and 16 key design characteristics, ranked by priority. The results indicate that in the design of intelligent swine housing spaces, priority should be given to sustainable materials selection, easy-to-construct and stable structures, modular design approaches, and optimized spatial density. Based on this, the design of intelligent swine livestock housing is divided into areas requiring innovative design exploration and domains where technologies are already mature. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that the application of the integrated Kano-AHP-QFD model not only effectively captures changes in user requirements – overcoming subjectivity in decision-making – but also enhances design precision, providing theoretical and practical guidance for intelligent livestock housing design.

With global climate change and resource constraints looming, sustainable design has become a focus of attention for all industries. Sustainability in the fashion industry requires changing the practices of all participants - designers, manufacturers, marketers and consumers. Advocating and practising sustainable fashion practices is necessary to achieve sustainable development in the fashion industry. As designers, this study should actively explore and apply sustainable design concepts to contribute to creating a better future. This study aimed to investigate undergraduate fashion design students’ attitudes and behavioural intentions towards sustainable fashion practices. Undergraduate fashion design students (n = 441) from three universities in Guangdong Province, China, participated in this survey. By constructing different scales of environmental knowledge, attitude towards sustainable fashion practice and behavioural intention towards sustainable fashion practice, and by using structural equation modelling to analyse the relationship between environmental knowledge and sustainable fashion practice, the following conclusions were drawn: 1) environmental knowledge has a positive effect on attitude towards sustainable fashion practice (p＜0.05); 2) environmental knowledge have a positive impact on behavioural intention towards sustainable fashion practice (p＜0.05); 3) Subjective norms have a positive effect on behavioural intention towards sustainable fashion practice (p＜0.05). 4) Attitudes towards sustainable fashion practice mediate the relationship between environmental knowledge and intentions towards sustainable fashion practice behaviour (p＜0.05). The findings of this study have implications for environmental education for undergraduate fashion design students and sustainable production in companies.

Purpose This study aims to investigates the concept of disruptive sustainability and its transformative impact on organizations through the lens of institutional theory. The research explores how external pressures drive organizations to institutionalize sustainability by reshaping leadership behaviours, human resource management (HRM) practices and employee engagement. Design/methodology/approach As a methodological approach, this study uses data from 1, 760 employees across 202 Greek organizations. The empirical analysis employs multi-level structural equation modelling to validate the relationships between disruptive sustainability, leadership, HRM practices and organizational performance. Findings The findings reveal that sustainability-focused leadership and HRM practices, driven by institutional pressures, are critical in fostering sustainable innovation and organizational change. Leadership styles that respond to external demands, such as responsive, supportive and developmental, are pivotal in embedding sustainability into organizational processes. Research limitations/implications Limitations include the focus on the Greek context only. Future research should incorporate comparisons to explore the evolving role of institutional pressures in sustainability-driven organizational success. Originality/value The study highlights the importance of high levels of employee engagement, characterized by vigour, dedication and absorption, in translating institutional sustainability pressures into tangible organizational performance. This research contributes to sustainability literature by offering a multi-level perspective grounded in institutional theory, emphasizing the role of external forces in shaping organizational strategies.

This study represent the exploration of an economic order quantity (EOQ) model where it is perceived that inventory cost at starting time and estimated inventory cost are not necessarily the same. The reason is assumed as delay in time interval between cost estimation and actual starting time of the inventory. Inflation of money, promotional strategies and debilitation rate of decaying items are included in the model. Instability in political ground or uncertain situation of a country as well as the whole world create more instability in the economic system. Thus, inflation of money is considered. The model includes deterioration rate in fuzzy sense, fuzzy inflation and fuzzy promotional index. Therefore, the model is solved by method of signed distance, triangular fuzzy and trapezoidal fuzzy for maximization of profit. Carbon emissions due to transportation is calculated for adding sustainability concept to the model. Optimal order quantity, optimal shortage quantity, optimal selling period and optimal shortage period are found to make the model distinctive. The formulated model is thoroughly explained for both crisp, triangular fuzzy and trapezoidal fuzzy environment and it is concluded that trapezoidal fuzzy number is better in its applicability for decision maker. Because, under the trapezoidal fuzzy environment, the profit value is increased by 10.51% as compared to crisp environment and 3.89% with respect to triangular fuzzy environment. One more finding is that, trapezoidal fuzzy number is better with its simple arithmetic operation as well as easy 1 2 and intuitive interpretation approach. The finding is supported in respect to profitability from the proposed model. A practical example from a fertilizer company is considered in the model to add a real touch. Sensitivity analysis is performed supported by graphical representation. Comparative analysis is derived to show the uniqueness of the model. The model ends with conclusion and direction to possible future study.

ABSTRACT This article aims to explore how ideas of sustainable development, just transition and rural resilience interconnect with each other. Special attention is paid to the connection between the concepts of justice and sustainability, and how considering one cannot be done without including the other. The analysis of those three ideas provided insight into how building resilience in rural areas can help achieve global goals. As an example of this process, a study was conducted in a rural commune of Dąbrowa Chełmińska, Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region, Poland. A combined SWOT and AHP methodological approach was used based on the case study analysis, using the data obtained from community interviews. Gathering research results show that inhabitants tend to focus more on everyday problems, individual experiences and internal system matters, and they treat external and global factors as less relevant. This study also concludes that addressing local issues and creating proecological literacy are crucial in building resilience and achieving global sustainable goals in rural and suburban areas.

Purpose This research explores logistics challenges and opportunities in circular business-to-consumer (B2C) rental models to develop new theory on how rental companies and their partners can co-create sustainable outcomes via new logistics processes. Design/methodology/approach We employed a design science research approach consisting of field tests, interviews and active researcher participation. Data were collected from managers and employees at rental companies and logistics service providers, as well as from customers and other stakeholders. Findings This research proposes a framework that explains and classifies four critical logistics processes to consider when designing and executing logistics in support of consumer rental models. Research limitations/implications This research is limited by the nature of the chosen methodology, which might not generalize beyond B2C rental models. Future research should validate and assess the reliability of the proposed framework in additional contexts. Practical implications Logistics and supply chain managers can utilize the proposed framework to inform the development and management of circular and sustainable business concepts. Originality/value This research develops a framework for further logistics theory development to inform sustainable, circular B2C rental models. We provide empirical evidence specifying how organizations can increase value derived from finite resources.

This qualitative study examines the groundbreaking approach of Eco-English, which integrates sustainable agriculture topics into English language education to foster language skills and environmental awareness. Utilizing peer-reviewed research from 2018 to 2024, it shows how ecolinguistics principles and sustainability-focused curricula enhance English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching approaches. The study clearly emphasizes that language education, which weaves sustainable agriculture concepts with biodiversity preservation and environmental stewardship, strengthens basic linguistic competencies in writing, critical thinking, and vocabulary advancement, producing ecological awareness in students. It also demonstrates how competency-based language teaching (CBLT), participatory pedagogies, and digital innovations create successful connections between language learning and sustainability goals. However, this encouraging view faces resistance from educational practitioners and financial hurdles that affect current teaching practices. The paper presents Eco-English as an essential mechanism that enables the progress of global sustainability targets, particularly through the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making environmentally sensitive communicators. The author advocates for robust curriculum creation that integrates language instruction and environmental advocacy to generate global citizens who are fluent in both languages and responsible for the environment. According to the findings, educators and policymakers should consider Eco-English as a promising teaching method for generating articulate speakers who are also environmental stewards.

Abstract The bioeconomy is increasingly seen as a key national development strategy for sustainable economic growth, environmental restoration, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Numerous countries have introduced strategies to outline their bioeconomy visions, aiming to transition from fossil fuel-dependent systems to bioeconomies that address pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges. Despite this potential, the bioeconomy is not inherently sustainable nor circular, and policymakers pursue bioeconomies to different extents, facing challenges in balancing synergies and trade-offs with the SDGs. This study examined bioeconomy strategies presented in 29 policy documents from 14 European countries and the European Union. Using text analyzing techniques, we evaluate the extent to which bioeconomy strategies determine the salience of sustainability. Our analysis shows that most bioeconomy strategies emphasize opportunities aligned with SDGs 6 and 12–15, focusing on environmental objectives within the planet pillar of the 2030 Agenda. However, these strategies often neglect the principles of “equitable” and “fair &amp; inclusive” transition and fail to consider potential unintended consequences or trade-offs for sustainability. This disconnection is further reflected by a significant divide between evidence on bioeconomy–SDG interactions and the narratives presented in policy documents. The concepts of sustainability and circularity are theoretically integrated into bioeconomy strategies but often remain lethargic, focusing on narratives rather than evidence on existing trade-offs at the expense of human needs and ecosystems. To prevent the risk of unsustainable transitions, bioeconomy strategies should evolve toward systemic approaches that emphasize resilience, equity, and ecological regeneration. Future research should explore practical mechanisms for aligning bioeconomy development with global sustainability goals.

As the global sustainable development concept continues to advance, environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors have become important considerations for business development. For ByteDance, actively promoting the internalization of ESG not only helps the company establish a good image in the market, but is also a key driving force for its healthy and sustainable development. Therefore, this paper takes ByteDance as an example and focuses on the challenges and countermeasures brought by the internalization of ESG to financial management. This paper adopts research methods such as literature reading and analysis, and case analysis. It can be concluded that enterprises face core challenges in ESG implementation, including insufficient awareness, lack of standards, and inadequate system integration, leading to an imbalance between short-term gains and long-term sustainable development. Strategic transformationintegrating ESG into the entire financial management process and establishing a multi-dimensional value assessment systemis the key pathway to achieving synergy between commercial value and social value. Developing an intelligent budgeting system incorporating ESG metrics, combined with big data technology to enable real-time interaction between operational and financial data, can significantly enhance the visibility and operability of corporate ESG performance.