The construction industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint through improved materials and construction practices. This study investigates the use of ultra-fine glass powder (UFGP) as a partial cement replacement in reactive powder concrete (RPC) for 3D-printed concrete (3DPC), focusing on thermal performance and embodied carbon reduction. Six mix designs with UFGP replacement levels up to 25% were evaluated. Experimental results show that substituting 5% of cement with UFGP reduces thermal conductivity by 10.9%, enhancing the material’s insulation capacity. EnergyPlus simulations for a residential building in Shanghai indicate a potential annual energy savings of 2.6 MJ/m² (4.85%) with 5% UFGP-enhanced concrete, arising from the synergistic effects of reduced thermal conductivity and increased thermal mass. Although the high binder content (1000 kg/m 3 ) remains a limitation of current 3DPC technology, partial cement replacement with UFGP presents a viable strategy for lowering embodied carbon while improving thermal performance. These results demonstrate the potential of UFGP to advance next-generation sustainable construction by enhancing energy efficiency and reducing embodied carbon in 3D-printed concrete applications. However, further investigation is needed to validate performance across a wider range of environmental and structural conditions.

Intensive care units contribute significantly to healthcare's environmental footprint. While nurses are pivotal in implementing sustainable practices, limited evidence exists regarding their environmental sustainability profile in intensive care settings. To assess the environmental sustainability profile of intensive care nurses in Türkiye and identify factors associated with sustainable practices. This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted with intensive care nurses across Türkiye between November 2025 and January 2026. Data were collected via an online survey comprising a sociodemographic questionnaire and a 31-item author-developed Environmental Sustainability Profile Survey (five content areas; Cronbach's α = 0.926). Data were analysed using Spearman's rank correlation for bivariate associations, the Mann-Whitney U test for two-group comparisons and the Kruskal-Wallis H test (with Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc comparisons) for comparisons across three or more groups. The mean environmental sustainability score was 125.32 ± 16.59 (mean item score = 4.04 on a 5-point Likert-type scale), indicating a high sustainability profile based on the interpretive framework adopted for this study. While 80.2% acknowledged responsibility for environmental impact, 63.5% were uncertain about their knowledge to guide sustainable practice, and 84% lacked formal training. Only 6.2% had heard of 'green ICU' concepts. Significantly higher scores were observed among female nurses, postgraduate-trained nurses, hospital employees, neonatal ICU nurses, day shift workers, disaster-region workers and those with prior sustainability training. Turkish ICU nurses demonstrate a high environmental sustainability profile but substantial knowledge gaps. Structured education programmes, institutional support and context-specific interventions are urgently needed. Developing structured sustainability education programmes, integrating environmental competencies into ICU training curricula and strengthening institutional support mechanisms may enhance environmentally responsible practice without compromising patient care.

Sustainability is more than words: ESCMID’s efforts to reduce its environmental footprint

This study examines emissions from the rapidly growing nautical tourism sector in Croatia, a major hub for charter and leisure boat tourism, focusing on the significant emissions caused by vessels that lack advanced emission control systems. Despite intensive petrol and diesel consumption, emissions from this sector remain under-researched; this study addresses that gap using data from the Green Sail Association’s Ecological Footprint Calculation Platform, collected during a 2023-24 pilot project in selected marinas in the Šibenik-Knin and Split-Dalmatia counties. The sample includes sailboats, yachts, and catamarans 10 to 20 m in length. Operational data (engine hours, fuel consumption, technical specifications) were gathered from charter companies and skippers. Emissions of CO2, NOX, CO, and PM were calculated using EMEP/EEA Tier 1 methodology based on fuel consumption and emission factors. Emissions rise with vessel length and are notably higher for catamarans due to greater fuel consumption. Though only 35 % of the sample, catamarans contributed nearly 60 % of total emissions. Based on the findings on the sample of 160 vessels, extrapolated to Croatia’s fleet (~4,500 vessels), seasonal emissions are estimated at 30,000 to 40,000 t CO2, 300 to 400 t NOX, 100 to 150 t CO, and 15 to 25 t PM. This study represents the first large-scale emissions estimate for charter vessels and recommends further research with a more representative sample, broader geographical coverage and advanced methods such as Tier 3 calculations, collection of generator fuel consumption data and real-world emissions measurements to improve emission factors.

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has emerged as a promising tool to maximize agricultural productivity and is useful in precision and sustainable insect pest control, with less impact on the environment and human health. In this review, we revealed how UAVs are valuable in dealing with pesticide resistance issues, reducing the ecological footprint of practices during pest management, and how they are safer for natural enemies. These UAVs have the ability to considerably reduce the overall dosage of insecticides with targeted delivery, which minimizes the risk of resistance development in insect pests against tested pesticides. Moreover, the addition of advanced technologies, such as computer vision systems, allows UAVs to optimize pesticide usage based on real-time data. The delivery of biological control agents by UAVs further supports ecological sustainability. However, a careful consideration is needed on the impact of UAV-applied chemicals on non-target organisms and ecosystems. To minimize drift, strategies such as optimized flight parameters, use of suitable nozzles, and integration of adjuvants should be adopted, which are important to ensure environmental safety. Future research on UAV technology, application methods, pesticide formulation, and natural enemy delivery is crucial to maximize the benefits of this innovative technique and ensure the safety of agroecosystems. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

With the widespread deployment and extensive utilization of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) across various sectors, battery recycling has emerged as a critical concern for sustainable development. As the most valuable and resource-intensive component of LIBs, cathode materials play a central role in enabling resource conservation, reducing the ecological footprint and reinforcing environmental protection. This review summarizes recent advances in recycling technologies for LIB cathode materials, with particular emphasis on green and sustainable process design. Optimization strategies for conventional hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical routes are first discussed, highlighting efforts to lower energy consumption, chemical usage, and environmental emissions. Emerging direct regeneration and closed-loop recycling approaches are then reviewed, demonstrating their potential to preserve crystal structures, improve material reuse efficiency, and reduce overall processing intensity. Through comparative analysis, key challenges such as high energy demand, complex processing steps, and performance variability of recycled products are identified. Finally, future research directions are outlined, focusing on environmentally benign recycling chemistries, process integration, life-cycle-oriented evaluation, and high-value utilization of recycled cathode materials. These insights aim to guide the development of greener and more sustainable battery recycling technologies. • SLIBs exhibit remarkable value-added potential in the circular economy. • The recovery efficiencies of hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, and direct regeneration are systematically compared. • Green reagents and closed-loop systems contribute to the sustainable development in cathode material recovery.

This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing finely ground Recycled Auto Tire Rubber (RATR) as a circular economy additive to enhance the filtration performance of water based drilling fluids. The reuse of end of life tire rubber represents a green materials strategy that supports waste valorization, reduces industrial waste, and promotes sustainable resource utilization within energy-related engineering systems.RATR was incorporated into drilling fluids at concentrations ranging from 1.75 to 10.5 lb/bbl (5 to 30 kg/m3) to evaluate its impact on rheological behavior and filtration characteristics. Rheological properties were measured using a conventional rotary viscometer, while filtration performance was assessed under both low pressure low temperature and high pressure high temperature conditions. Ceramic filter discs with mean pore throat sizes ranging from 10 to 250 μmwere employed to simulate highly permeable formations encountered during drilling operations.The results demonstrated that RATR significantly improved filtration control, achieving fluid loss reductions of up to 19.7% under low pressure low temperature conditions and up to 65% under high pressure high temperature conditions compared to conventional synthetic graphite. The drilling fluid rheological properties remained within acceptable operational ranges according to the literature, confirming compatibility with standard drilling practices.Beyond technical performance, the incorporation of RATR contributes to green and sustainable engineering by reducing reliance on energy intensive synthetic additives, diverting waste tires from landfills, and lowering the environmental footprint associated with drilling fluid materials. These findings highlight the potential of waste derived rubber as a viable low carbon alternative that supports circular economy principles and advances environmentally responsible industrial practices.

Recyclable Polyethersulfone supported SCB/WS2 composite films for photocatalytic degradation of sulfamethoxazole: Performance, cost, and environmental footprint analysis

Developing concrete mix designs that enhance structural performance while reducing environmental impact is vital for achieving sustainable construction. This study utilizes multiobjective optimization and machine learning (ML) that aim to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete production by utilizing industrial by-products (e.g., slag and fly ash) as replacements for cement without compromising concrete strength. A data set of 1,105 observations detailing mix compositions, ages, and compressive strengths was utilized to train and test various ML models, including neural networks (NN). The NN model, optimized using grid search, random search, and Bayesian optimization, demonstrated superior performance with an R2 value of 0.89 for compressive strength prediction. The model was further validated using material compositions and compressive strength tests not included in the training or verification data sets. A key innovation of this research lies in applying dimensionality reduction and multiobjective optimization techniques to navigate the trade-off between compressive strength and environmental impact. The Pareto front was generated, highlighting optimal concrete mix designs that achieve compressive strength requirements while reducing carbon emissions by 30%–70%. This design space, derived through ML, enables engineers to make informed decisions about designing sustainable, high-performing concrete mixtures. The findings underscore the drastic potential of ML in advancing sustainable construction practices, achieving structural quality, and mitigating the environmental footprint of building materials.

One-step transformation of hazardous WPCBs into 4N-grade copper via slurry electrolysis: Leveraging the Cu-NH3-Cl synergistic cycle for sustainability.

The development of low-carbon binders requires optimized formulations that balance mechanical performance, durability, and environmental impact. This study investigates the multi-criteria optimization of slag-based geopolymer mortars incorporating ground granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS), cement kiln dust (CKD), and glass powder (GP) as ternary precursors. A multifactorial Central Composite Design (CCD) coupled with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to evaluate the individual and interactive effects of CKD and GP (0–30%) on fresh, mechanical, dimensional, microstructural, and environmental properties. Nine formulations were produced and tested for flow spread, compressive strength (7 and 28 days), open porosity, drying shrinkage (56 days), mass loss, and carbon footprint. The developed statistical models showed high reliability (R² = 0.94–0.97; p < 0.01). Incorporation of 15% GP reduced open porosity from 14.23% to 11.1% and increased 28-day compressive strength by 20.3%. In contrast, 30% CKD increased porosity to 17.85% and drying shrinkage above 1.10‰. GP at 30% minimized shrinkage to 0.82‰ and reduced mass loss to 3.2%. Multi-response optimization identified an optimal composition of 17.91% CKD and 25.34% GP, achieving 47.67 MPa at 28 days, 185.26 mm flow spread, 13.86% porosity, 962 µm/m shrinkage, and a carbon footprint of 143.8 kg CO 2 /m 3 . Microstructural analyses (XRD, DTG, SEM–EDX) confirmed the formation of hybrid C-(N)-A-S-H gels responsible for matrix densification. The novelty of this work lies in the integrated mechanical–microstructural–dimensional–environmental optimization of a ternary geopolymer system through a statistically validated multi-response framework, providing a comprehensive methodology for sustainable construction materials design. • Ternary geopolymer mortars based on GBFS, CKD, and GP were optimized using CCD. • Synergistic CKD–GP interactions improved strength and matrix densification. • ∼15% GP increased compressive strength and reduced porosity and shrinkage. • Alkaline activators dominated the environmental footprint.

MOFs mixed matrix membranes for CO2 separation: material design, optimization strategies, and industrial pathways.

The printing industry plays a vital role in communication, education, and the creative economy, yet it is also associated with considerable environmental impacts due to high energy consumption, reliance on petroleum-based raw materials, intensive water use, and significant waste generation. In response to increasing societal pressure, regulatory demands, and sustainability-oriented market expectations, Green Manufacturing has emerged as a critical paradigm to reduce the ecological footprint of the printing sector while maintaining its economic and social functions. This study aims to systematically review the existing body of knowledge on Green Manufacturing in the printing industry by identifying dominant research trends, examining key implementation challenges, and proposing a future-oriented research and policy roadmap. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, synthesizing 35 peer-reviewed international journal articles published between 2014 and 2024 and indexed in major scientific databases. The findings reveal three dominant research streams: (1) innovation in sustainable raw materials, including plant-based inks and recycled or bio-based substrates; (2) process and energy efficiency improvements through digital printing technologies and waterless printing systems; and (3) the adoption of circular economy principles for waste reduction and resource recovery. Despite technological progress, implementation remains constrained by high initial investment costs, technical performance gaps of green materials, fragmented sustainability standards, and limited awareness among consumers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Based on identified gaps, this paper proposes a future roadmap emphasizing locally sourced eco-materials, integration of AI and IoT for process optimization, development of globally harmonized sustainability standards, and circular economy–driven business models. By positioning Green Manufacturing as a socio-technical transformation rather than a purely technological shift, this study contributes strategic insights for researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers seeking to accelerate a sustainable transition in the printing industry.

Plant-parasitic nematodes cause major yield and economic losses and remain difficult to manage because of their soil-borne nature, persistent biology, and broad host range. Conventional nematicides provide rapid suppression but face regulatory, safety, and environmental concerns, while cultural practices, biological control, and host resistance are constrained by variable field performance, durability, or breeding limitations. Molecular biopesticides, including double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), recombinant proteins/peptides, and characterized secondary metabolites, offer mechanism-based targeting of nematode genes, effectors, or essential pathways with greater specificity and potentially lower ecological footprints. This review summarizes advances in molecular biopesticides, including RNAi-based approaches (including host-delivered RNAi and exogenous dsRNA), with emphasis on dsRNA instability and nanocarrier-enabled protection, release, and uptake. It also examines nematotoxic proteins, engineered fusion constructs, and secondary metabolite-derived nematicides, highlighting the formulation and bioavailability challenges. Finally, target discovery, delivery platforms, efficacy evidence, biosafety considerations, field validation, manufacturing, and integrated pest management integration are also discussed.

Geographic Impact of Surgical Conferences on Travel Burden and Carbon Emissions: Multisociety Study.

Clay soils in cold regions are highly vulnerable to repeated freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs), yet sustainable and effective stabilization methods that simultaneously enhance mechanical performance, frost durability, and environmental footprint remain underexplored. This study addresses this gap by investigating the synergistic stabilization of frost-susceptible clay using waste marble (WM) powder, nanozeolite (NZ), and polyvinyl alcohol fibers (PVAFs). A comprehensive experimental program evaluated unconfined compressive strength (UCS), indirect tensile strength (ITS), California bearing ratio (CBR), and durability index (DI), of untreated and treated soils (10% WM, up to 2% NZ, and up to 2% PVAF) subjected to up to 10 FTCs, complemented by microstructural analyses using X-ray diffraction (XRD) as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). In addition, a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) quantified environmental performance. The optimal mixture (10% WM, 1.5% NZ, 1.5% PVAF) achieved a UCS of 7.8MPa (≈ 37 times that of untreated clay), an ITS of 654kPa, and a soaked CBR of 108%. After 10 FTCs, more than 95% of compressive strength and over 80% of bearing capacity were retained. Multi-scale microstructural analyses confirmed the formation of cementitious hydration products and a cohesive fiber-reinforced matrix. An apparent linear correlation between UCS and CBR supports practical strength estimation. The LCA showed reductions of approximately 59% in global warming potential and over 89% in mineral resource scarcity compared to conventional cement-based stabilization. These findings demonstrate that WM-NZ-PVAF stabilization offers a sustainable, frost-resilient solution for cold-region geotechnical applications, though field validation remains necessary.

Pesticides are essential for global food security, yet their low utilization efficiency and significant environmental footprint challenge the sustainability of agriculture. Here we present a green strategy to develop two leaf-adhesive nanodelivery systems that synergistically combine difenoconazole (DIF) and pyraclostrobin (PYR). A carrier-free nanoemulsion (DIF-PYR NE) uses eco-friendly surfactants via a solvent-free process, while a biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based nanosuspension (DIF-PYR NS) functions as a controlled-release carrier system. Both nanoformulations exhibit a uniform size, good dispersibility, and favorable environmental safety. We systematically investigated their interactions with plants (wetting behavior and foliar deposition) and with pathogenic fungi (bioactivity and controlled-release profiles) and further elucidated the underlying antifungal mechanisms. Compared with conventional formulations, they significantly enhance the control of Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, and Fusarium graminearum; DIF-PYR NE acts as a rapid, broad-spectrum fungicide, whereas DIF-PYR NS provides sustained efficacy. This work established a versatile, efficient, and ecobenign nanopesticide platform for sustainable crop protection.

Global climate crisis and waste disposal costs drive the need for circular industrial models. This study investigates whether industrial symbiosis through co-disposal of papermaking waste and blast furnace slag can convert these materials from waste to resources. Using a system expansion Life Cycle Assessment framework, we assessed alkali-activated mortars based on global warming potential, water footprint, and toxic impacts. Results indicate that high-volume waste substitution significantly improves the material's environmental profile, achieving a net-negative Global Warming Potential of - 7.9kg CO2 eq/m³ and a 129% net environmental benefit for human health damage compared to the baseline. These results occur because the avoidance of landfill-related greenhouse gas emissions and primary material production outweigh the impacts of chemical activation. This study outlines a structured approach to decarbonizing construction materials. It shows how technological innovation can strengthen competitiveness within circular economic systems. This work verifies the technical feasibility of regenerative material strategies and identifies activator optimization as a critical factor for advancing next-generation sustainable materials, thereby offering practical guidance to help industrial sectors meet global sustainability requirements.

The increasing demand and diversification of food consumption among Chinese residents have brought to light the escalating environmental impact. This study seeks to elucidate the correlation between shifts in China's dietary patterns and environmental consequences over the period of 2017-2023. The study represents the systematic assessment-covering 11 food categories across provincial spatial scales and employing the 2017 Multi-Regional Input-Output (MRIO) table-of how nationally recommended healthy dietary guidelines reshape the spatial distribution of environmental pressures within China, identifying key leverage points. In contrast to the prevailing notion in international research that a healthy diet typically alleviates environmental pressure, under the guidance of China's Healthy Diet Guidelines, our research results are as follows: (1) The carbon and water footprints of food consumption among Chinese residents exhibited fluctuations and overall increases, with a spatial distribution characterized by higher levels in the southeast and lower levels in the northwest. (2) In a healthy dietary pattern, compared with food consumption in 2023, the total carbon footprint increased by 234.47 Mt CO₂-eq (21.26%) and the total water footprint increased by 291.49 km³(27.76%), with dairy products as the main contributor. (3) Compared to the actual baseline in 2017, adopting the healthy dietary pattern would increase the transferred carbon footprint by 440.98 Mt CO₂-eq (49.72%) and the water footprint by 486.43 km³ (57.51%). Guangdong, serving as a transfer hub, primarily directed carbon and water footprints to Fujian and received them mainly from Guangxi.

Automated weed detection is essential for site-specific herbicide application, that can result into the reduced environmental footprint of conventional agriculture. However, for field deployment of automated weeding devices, occlusion remains a critical challenge that can weaken the precision of weed identification. Here, we compare the performance of Vision Transformers (ViT-B16 & PvTv2) and Convolutional Neural Networks (EfficientNet-B0 & ResNet-50) in accurate weed detection, using controlled synthetic occlusion levels (0%, 25%, and 50%). We found that ViT-B16 has superior occlusion resilience, with image testing accuracy increasing from 80% to 86% under 50% occlusion. In contrast, the testing accuracy of PvTv2, EfficientNet-B0 and ResNet-50 dropped from 45 to 76% under similar conditions. Multivariable regression confirmed architecture type as the dominant testing accuracy driver (p ≤ 0.001), with ViTs outperforming CNNs by an average of 14.56% points. These results suggest that occlusion resilience is not uniform across architectural variants but depends critically on attention-based design. Consequently, for real time deployable automatic weed detection systems, hybrid architectures that balance ViT global context with CNN computational efficiency represent a critical future direction. Such approaches can support precise herbicide application, reduce chemical inputs, and enable more sustainable crop protection through reliable AI-driven automation.