Sustainable Development Criteria Research Articles

Decision-Making Model Supporting Eco-Innovation in Energy Production Based on Quality, Cost and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

Currently, the development of renewable energy products (RES) encourages the search for innovative solutions that take into account key criteria from the point of view of their sustainable development. Despite efforts in this area, there is a lack of approaches and tools to support this process. Therefore, the aim of the research was to develop a decision-making model supporting eco-innovation in products based on the key criteria of sustainable development: quality (customer satisfaction with use), environmental impact in the life cycle (LCA), and the cost of investment incurred in the product development. The functioning of the model was based on the following factors: (i) obtaining the voice of customers (VoC) and processing it into product criteria as part of the development of alternative production solutions (prototypes), (ii) prospective quality assessment and subsequent life cycle assessment of prototypes, (iii) cost analysis taking into account both quality and environmental criteria, (iv) interpretation of results and search for eco-innovative product solutions. Development decision-making is additionally supported by techniques implemented in the model, e.g., the CRITIC method, the LCA method with Ecoinvent database in OpenLCA, the CEA method, and the morphology method. The model was illustrated and tested for photovoltaic (PV) panels, after which a global sensitivity analysis was performed in Statistica. The test results showed that the main factor that influenced the PV development decisions was the investment cost, followed by quality (customer satisfaction) and then environmental impact in LCA.

Conversion of Post-Refining Waste MONG to Gaseous Fuel in a Rotary Gasifier

Biodiesel manufacturing frequently employs sustainable materials like soybeans, microorganisms, palm extract, jatropha plant, and recycled frying oils. The expansion of biodiesel manufacturing has escalated the volume of waste byproducts, encompassing glycerin and non-glycerin organic matter (MONG), jointly known as raw glycerin. MONG is characterized by a low calorific value, a high autoignition temperature, and significant viscosity at room temperature. As a waste product, it negatively affects the natural environment due to the lack of viable disposal methods. Hence, there is a need for its conversion into high-calorific gaseous fuel with significantly less environmental impact. One of the methods for converting MONG into gaseous fuel is the pyrolysis process. This study describes the pyrolytic conversion of MONG conducted on a test stand consisting of a rotating chamber with a shell filled with liquid lead as a heating medium. Based on the measurements and balance calculations, the amount of heat required to preserve the autothermal process was determined. The calorific value and composition of the pyrolytic gas were measured, revealing that 70% of the gas involves compounds characterized by a high calorific value. As a result, the calorific value of dry, purified gas equals 35.07 MJ/kg. A life cycle assessment has been conducted, in order to determine if the produced gaseous fuel matches sustainable development criteria. MONG-based gas is a sustainable replacement of, e.g., natural gas, lignite, or hard coal; however, it allows us to avoid 233–416 kg/h CO2 emissions per 1 MWt of heat.

Risk Factor Analysis and Sustainability Assessment of AIC Development under Sanctions

The sustainable development of the agro-industrial complex is a priority task and a factor in ensuring food security in Russia. The relevance of the study is due to the lack of transparency and limited existing ratings of agribusiness companies, the lack of consideration of the impact of sanctions, their consequences and the ability of companies to promptly reconfigure their business models. In this regard, the purpose of the study was to form a methodology for assessing the sustainability of the development of agribusiness companies in modern conditions. The presented methodology is based on the principles of prioritizing the impact of sustainable development criteria on competitive opportunities; availability of accessible information, its regularity and understandability for users; using the risk factor approach as a navigator for assessing competitive positions. The research methodology is based on an industry approach, followed by an assessment of the impact of identified risk factors on trends in production indicators, market share dynamics, efficiency of operating, financial and investment activities, and business development rates. To visualize the results, the method of constructing competitiveness polygons was used, which provides a clear assessment of the competitive advantages and management abilities of companies to quickly adapt to changing market conditions. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the development of a situational approach to assessing the sustainability of the development of agribusiness companies, based on the impact of identified industry risk factors on business performance. Approbation of the methodology was carried out on the companies, which are participants in the credit ratings for the agro-industrial complex sector of national rating agencies accredited by the Bank of Russia. The theoretical significance of the study lies in the development and adaptation of the methodology of sectoral analysis to the specifics and needs of the agro-industrial complex for the purpose of its sustainable development. The practical results are of value to the Ministry of Agriculture and private investors interested in an independent assessment of companies in order to minimize the risks of investing in sustainable development projects.

The Sustainable Development Goals for Education and Research in the Ranking of Green Universities of Mahasarakham University

This research aims to review the educational and research operations of Mahasarakham University and propose development directions for the university to meet the sustainable development criteria for ranking as a green university. This involves gathering data and analyzing the results of operations over the past 3 years, then using this analysis to synthesize the lessons learned and develop guidelines for sustainable development in the coming years. The study utilizes a robust methodology involving policy analysis, strategic planning, performance evaluation, and data integration. The study found that the university’s policies and strategies implemented following the annual performance evaluation criteria align with the green university assessment criteria for education and research. This has resulted in minor improvements in the curriculum for sustainability. However, community service projects for sustainability have increased by 89.10%, while funding for sustainable research and academic publications related to sustainability has decreased. In summary, the projects under the university’s development strategy adequately support and drive suitable development activities. Nevertheless, the university must continuously review its operations to adapt to changing contexts, budget constraints, evolving competition, and long-term development towards the implementation of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) to develop in the future.

Enhancing Green University Practices through Effective Waste Management Strategies

The continuity of activities and projects is important for sustainably developing organizations, especially universities. The purpose of this study is to establish university development guidelines regarding waste management according to the green university ranking criteria for sustainable development by studying and collecting the data for Mahasarakham University covering the last five years (2019–2023). We also analyzed and synthesized lessons learned from the details of the operations and the factors involved in the university’s successes while comparing and providing suggestions for its operations in the coming year. This study found that effective waste management led to continuous improvements that achieved the goals of Mahasarakham University. These consisted of five guidelines, as follows: (1) making green university policies and using them as a KPI (key performance index) of the administrative divisions and also announcing the university’s waste management policies by applying the principles of 3R (Reuse, Reduce, Recycle); (2) allocating budgets supporting the projects’ activities according to the evaluation criteria; (3) driving operations through student and personnel participation as well as the mechanisms used by the committees from various administrative divisions, such as the Student Council, the Student Association and clubs; (4) identifying the main responsible individuals and committees for the green university who communicate and drive the operations while collecting, analyzing and preparing the data; and (5) performing follow-ups and evaluations of the project’s activities with the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) processes, facilitating continuous and sustainable developments and improvements leading to a green university. With the above operations, Mahasarakham University’s waste management scores for the six indices during the period 2019–2023 increased annually as follows: 900, 900, 1050, 1275 and 1350.

3D Cellulose‐Based Solar Evaporator with Tunable Porous Structures for High Steam Generation

AbstractSolar vapor evaporation have emerged as a promising green technology to harvest fresh water. Achieving high evaporation rates while employing accessible and renewable materials is key focus in this field. Here, a 3D cylindrical‐shaped solar evaporator composed of natural cellulose is fabricated through ice‐templating freezing combined with crosslinking gelation. It demonstrates an evaporation rate of 4.2 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 sun irradiation, and reaches an energy efficiency of 173%, surpassing most reported cellulose/wood‐based evaporators. This enhanced performance is facilitated by absorbing energy from surrounding, possessing connected pores, and reducing the evaporation enthalpy. Moreover, a systematic exploration of the correlation between pore size and evaporation performance reveals that the reduced pore size (several micrometers) does not necessarily result in a higher evaporation rate, despite improving the fluid transportation. The interaction between water and cellulose induces the formation of intermediate water and reduces the evaporation enthalpy by more than 35%. Thus, the final evaporation performance is determined by a synergistic effect involving water transport, hydrophilicity, and vaporization enthalpy. Giving the high evaporation rate achieved, this 3D cellulose‐based solar evaporator presents a promising candidate toward a high‐throughput, eco‐friendly solar steam generation devices, aligning well with the criteria of green and sustainable development.

Exploring Sustainable Clothing Display Design under the Concept of Sustainability

This paper examines sustainable clothing display design under the sustainability concept. The fashion industry faces growing pressure to incorporate sustainability into display design due to environmental concerns and consumer expectations. Employing a comprehensive approach, including literature review, case studies, and consumer surveys, this research establishes a theoretical framework by elucidating sustainable development principles and objectives. Through the analysis of successful sustainable display design cases, particularly within clothing manufacturing and supply chains, the study highlights the pivotal role of brands in this process. Extensive surveys and interviews involving consumers of different demographics and shopping behaviors reveal a positive consumer attitude toward sustainable display design, with sustainability being a significant factor in purchasing decisions. The findings suggest that brands and retailers can enhance their reputation and sales effectiveness by adopting eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient lighting, and reusable display elements. Nevertheless, the study identifies challenges, such as the need for education and standardization in sustainable display design implementation. This study emphasizes the importance of sustainability in clothing display design and its potential to positively impact brand reputation and sales. The research provides valuable guidance to brands and retailers and proposes future research directions, including market segmentation, cultural considerations, and the establishment of sustainable development criteria, to further advance sustainability in the fashion industry.

Триада устойчивого развития и стоимостноориентированное управление как основные инструменты антикризисного управления экономикой промышленных предприятий

The purpose of this article is to study the issues of sustainable development of industrial enterprises in the context of crisis economic development and, especially, in the context of the use of economic and financial sanctions. This article proposes a development toolkit in the form of cost–oriented management of industrial enterprises based on a threepronged approach to sustainable development, including economic, environmental and social efficiency. The article notes that the basis of cost-oriented management is based on an improved organizational and functional model (structure) of management and a system of interrelated indicators-coefficients with a criterion of sustainable development. It is concluded that the cost-oriented management of an industrial enterprise is the main criterion for its successful operation, and the market value of the enterprise is an integral indicator resulting from the entire activity of the enterprise.

Criteria for sustainable development of the fisheries complex

The article considers the stages of formation of ideas about «sustainable development», the concept of sustainable development, analyzes the components of sustainable development, gives the author’s definition of sustainable development of the fisheries complex.

Implementation of Integrated Life Cycle Design Principles in Ground Improvement and Piling Methods—A Review

This study aims to investigate researchers’ interest in the topic of integrated life cycle design in the context of geotechnical works (ground improvement and piling solutions). In the first part, the authors conducted a literature review to assess the popularity of sustainable development themes in research related to the aforementioned topics using the VOSviewer software. Several main categories were then identified, such as environmental aspects, noise, vibrations, economic aspects, process efficiency, and the most frequently addressed issues were highlighted for each category. The conclusions drawn from the review were used to conduct a decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) analysis to investigate the inter-relationships between the identified factors and their impact on the implementation of integrated design principles in the relevant technologies. Analysis carried out using the VOSviewer program revealed that publications on ground improvement and piling solutions mainly focus on two thematic areas: design and the broadly understood materials used in these methods. A more in-depth review confirms the scarcity of publications addressing the technology selection process from a multi-aspect perspective, particularly in terms of sustainable development criteria and the assessment/characterization of individual technologies. This highlights a significant research gap. This study notes the promising potential of new, green materials in sustainable geoengineering and the need for comprehensive tools to assess their sustainability. It also acknowledges the potential cost savings offered by sustainable technologies, while discussing the challenges in their adoption due to resistance to new technologies, the lack of consistent emissions data, and the absence of uniform standards. These factors contribute to difficulties in comparing and implementing sustainable solutions effectively.

Dose the increasing burden of social endowment affect sustainable development of economy?

The rapid increase in the number of older people under the background of population aging has gradually changed the disease spectrum of society, making aging diseases more prevalent, and increasing the demand for health care services, medical and health services, and health insurance among older people, ultimately leading to increasing household and social spending on old age. This study is conducted to assess the impact of those spending burden on the sustainable development of economy and find out some practical and effective solutions. This paper constructs a theoretical model to illustrate the relationship between the old-age dependency ratio and the marginal product of capital (MPK), and then establishes a two-way fixed effect model based on transnational panel data of 81 countries from 1981 to 2017 to verify this relationship empirically. This paper finds that, after controlling a series of variables, an increased burden of old-age dependency leads to a decline in the MPK, a key macroeconomic variable and also a sustainable development criteria, but in which health care, health security systems, and technological innovation play a key and moderating role. The conclusion is also valid after tackling the problem of endogeneity with different methods, like two-stage least squares (TSLS) and the generalized methods of moments (GMM). Overall, before population aging, countries that are old-but-not-rich should encourage more supply-side investments in public health system or technological innovation, and adjust retirement system, or gradually encourage childbearing to strive for time and space for later sustainable development of public health system and economy.

Numerical framework for anaerobic digestion and/or composting of bioplastics and organic waste performance evaluation under real-like large scale operating conditions

Bioplastics are newly designed and developed plastic materials to meet the criteria of sustainability and sustainable development that present the following characteristics: biobased, biodegradable or both properties. They include a whole family of materials with different properties and applications. Bioplastics certified as biodegradable and/or compostable, according to the regulatory plan of Italy and other countries around the world, must be collected with organic waste and follow the same end-of-life path, i.e., organic recycling processes in anaerobic digestion and/or industrial composting plants. However, it should be noted that they are certified according to tests carried out under standardized optimal degradation conditions, that is, conditions that are not always the same as those found in the operation of anaerobic digestion and composting plants. Improper management of these materials can become an increasing problem as their continued widespread use will require large volumes of these materials to be treated in facilities that are not designed to biodegrade bioplastics, resulting in potential contamination of large volumes of undegraded bioplastics in digestate and/or compost produced in the treatment of conventional organic waste. The purpose of this work is to investigate the degradation of the most popular bioplastics currently collected with organic waste through separate collection under the actual operating conditions of waste recycling plants operating through biodegradation processes. Specifically, using both studies conducted at the laboratory scale and evidence of biodegradation plant configuration and operation at the real scale, the Aspen Pus V12 program was used to model and simulate an anaerobic digestion process integrated with a composting process. This evaluated the level of biodegradation, expressed as a percentage of degraded mass, as a function of the implemented process conditions such as temperature and hydraulic residence time (HRT). The bioplastics that have been focused on, certified as compostable, are PLA (rigid disposable containers: cups) and starch-based shopping bags (SBS). The results achieved show that through an anaerobic digestion process alone, after 28 days in thermophilic conditions, PLA can degrade by 42%, and SBS by 44%.The integrated anaerobic/aerobic process provides a biodegradation performance allows 85% and 56% for SBS and PLA, respectively, in case the biopolymers are subjected to 28 days of thermophilic anaerobic digestion and 90 days of composting.

Evaluation of the maturity level of sustainable transport enterprise development

The paper considers one of the conditions for ensuring the sustainable development of a transport enterprise, i.e. the correct evaluation of its maturity level. The difficulties are found which are associated with the choice of tools for evaluating the level of maturity of sustainable development achieved by a transport enterprise as a result of implementing its sustainable development. An approach is proposed to integrate the quality management system of a transport enterprise and the concept of sustainable development, which is based on international ISO 9000 standard, which acts as a base for industry standards, and harmonized with GOST R 54598.1- 2015. The procedure of evaluating the levels of QMS maturity and sustainable development of the enterprise are considered, which methodological basis is the method for evaluating the maturity of processes by R. Gardner and the maturity matrix of sustainable development in accordance with GOST R 54598.1-2015. The arguments are given to prove the expediency of using the proposed approach in evaluating the level of a transport enterprise maturity for compliance with the criterion of sustainable development and the quality of its processes.

Quantifying the Impact of Sustainable Practices on Business Operations

Based on the business context, resilience and sustainability seem to have multiple dimensions and connections. Administrative sustainability strategies can help a company develop and become more resilient. With the use of a sustainability maturation index (SMI), this study attempts to analyze how the financial success of a business is affected by its approach to sustainable development. As resilience abilities are closely linked to the SMI, this study proposes to explore the initial integration of both sustainable development and resilience criteria into a single framework. To determine whether there could be an interaction between the SMI and economic performance indices, planned conversations were used to gather data from 35 different firms. The investigation disproves widely circulated claims, demonstrating that there is no meaningful correlation between profitability and sustained business operations. It's noteworthy to point out that market emphasis, organizational size, and firm place of origin do not significantly correlate with SMI. One could argue that to evaluate the effects of environmentally friendly procedures, a company's multi-dimensional performance, which includes both financial and non-financial measurements, should be considered. In addition, more research is required to identify the nonfinancial metrics of success that businesses use to measure resilience and sustainable development to create a cohesive framework that facilitates trade-off evaluation.

Methodology for choosing a hydrogen source based on a point system

The article examines the usage of hydrogen in gas transmission pipes as one of the measures to achieve the criteria of sustainable development and reduction of carbon emissions. Regarding choosing an appropriate kind, hydrogen sources have been analyzed. Due to the multifactorial nature of the task, such as raw material, price, efficiency, popularity, and the availability of many studies, a point system was developed to evaluate the alternatives with significant criteria. On its basis, it was established that the cheapest and gentlest natural method is the electrolysis of water. For this purpose, electrolysis methods have been evaluated, and efficiency depends on the energy source. Given the dependence of the price of energy on the country's energy mix, a point system is proposed based on the parameters: hydrogen's levelized cost LCOH and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). The newest criterion is the citation rating which gives popularity and an opportunity for new research.

Sustainable Development of the Region – Biomass Potential on Example of the West Pomeranian Region

This article attempts to identify and analyze the factors influencing the shaping of regional energy policy in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, with particular emphasis on the potential for the development of renewable energy based on biomass. The aim of the publication is to determine the potential for the development of biomass resources, taking into account the criteria of sustainable development, i.e. economic, ecological and social aspects. So far, few researchers have dealt with this subject in a comprehensive way, and so far there has been a lack of detailed research on the potential of biomass in the West Pomeranian Region. The presented analyses are an important contribution to the development of knowledge about alternative energy sources in the energy sector. The research material used in the article comes from various sources, both domestic and foreign, including empirical data from scientific institutes of energy and fuels and regional institutions dealing with energy.

Administrative and legal measures to overcome threats to energy security of Ukraine in the oil and gas sector

Under martial law conditions in Ukraine since February 24, 2022, the oil and gas sector has faced unprecedented threats to energy security. This article aims to comprehensively analyze the state’s administrative and legal measures in overcoming threats in the oil and gas industry during martial law, focusing on the fuel and gas sectors.
 The study employs various methods, including formal legal analysis of regulatory legal acts, the formal and dogmatic method to deduce the content of legal regulation for energy security in the oil and gas sector, and the systematic method to examine specific administrative and legal measures within the broader framework of Ukraine’s energy security.
 The study delves into the administrative and legal measures implemented by Ukraine to address threats in the fuel and gas sectors. In the fuel sector, measures include simplifying bureaucratic procedures, prioritizing fuel imports from the EU, altering pricing mechanisms, and tax relief. The gas sector involves legislative changes, moratoriums on pricing and tariff increases, funding allocations, export bans, and the involvement of large energy companies.
 Since martial law’s introduction, Ukraine applied diverse administrative and legal measures to enhance energy security in the oil and gas sector. The effectiveness of these measures requires a comprehensive approach, considering potential negative consequences. Strengthening the role of energy entities and aligning antimonopoly legislation with consumer protection is crucial. Timely legislation addressing the energy sector functioning under extraordinary circumstances is recommended for proactive threat response. Finally, the paper highlights the need for sustainable development criteria, emphasizing efficient energy resource use and the integration of renewable energy sources.

Оценка водопользования северных регионов России по критериям устойчивого развития

Progress toward achieving SDG 6 ("Clean Water and Sanitation") is monitored by means of thirteen global indicators. However, insufficient data from countries, including Russia, underscore the need to assess regional water supply as well as its effective and sustainable use. This study aims to comparatively assess water use in northern regions based on UN-defined sustainable development criteria, utilizing information from Rosstat, The National Information Agency "Natural Resources", and the FAO's Global Information System for the period from 2007 to 2020. The study is based on statistical and comparative analyses, the Decoupling Diamond model, and sustainability window (SuWi) analysis. Its findings indicate high water availability across all regions, aligning with the "low water stress" category under SDG 6.4.2 (threshold ≤25%). The Falkenmark water index shows that water availability doesn't hinder economic growth in northern regions. Regional variations in water use across industries are discussed, which impact productivity (SDG indicator 6.4.1) and water intake intensity (water capacity of GRP). Water use productivity highlights the efficiency of recycled water, reducing intake and increasing productivity. Regions with low intake intensity (below 1.4 m3/thousand rubles, which is the target according to the Water Strategy) and high water capacity of the gross product were identified. Using the Decoupling Diamond model, the study assessed economic growth as a function of water use. The sustainability window method revealed environmental constraints on economic growth related to water use in northern regions. These results offer insights into water use in Arctic regions in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals and Water Strategy implementation. They are essential considerations for regional development programs.

Review of the Implementation of the Concept of Sustainable Tourism on the Manado Bay

Sustainable development of the Manado Bay travel coast is essential. Tour coast is one of the foundations of sustainable tourism and has significantly aided in development. The standards of environmental sustainability for coastal tourism must be observed if development is to continue holding fast and providing its greatest contribution. must be planned using the accepted standards of sustainable development. Community participation plays a key role in determining if sustainable ecotourism development criteria are met. This study intends to categorise the city of Manado's coastal tourism patterns from a sustainable tourism development perspective. The research location was carried out on the coast of the Manado bay. Descriptive quantitative research is the methodology employed. According to the study's findings, there were various types of coast and beach. Manado Bay has a variety of tour types, including tours of the beach, the underwater world, culinary travel, and tourism trading. A draught application for sustainable tourism was identified and applied to four locations in a sequential manner with the help of the public. The findings of the study demonstrate that the tourist area dive, tour trade, tour beaches, and tour culinary are where the public's opinion of implementation indicators is most concerned. Understand the terms of the proposed tourist sustainability demonstration that is being held along the Manado Bay coast.

Assessment of environmental risk of water bodies in the conditions of mineral deposits development

A brief analysis of the mining industry impact on the environment is provided. It is proposed to assess the ecological situation of water bodies on the territory of Iron Ore Dressing Works (GOK) according to the magnitude of ecological risk (e.g. Iron Ore Dressing Works (Northern GOK)). Calculations of ecological risk values based on the content of microcomponents in the water were carried out for man-made (tailings storage) and natural water bodies (the Saksahan river, a pond in the Nedayvoda stream). It was concluded that over time (from 2014 to 2020) the ecological risk of most water bodies is increasing from 0.17 in the Saksahan river to -2.53 in tailings storage. The complex ecological situation on the territory of the Northern GOK proves the need to implement more effective environmental protection measures in order to achieve the criteria of sustainable development.