Environmental Performance Research Articles

The risk of shifting environmental burdens in biobased construction - Life cycle assessment of a residential renovated building case study in Belgium

Abstract The construction industry is a major contributor to environmental degradation, resource depletion, and energy consumption. As global concerns about sustainability and environmental impact continue to rise, it becomes imperative to reassess the materials used in building construction. This research paper presents a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) using the Belgian TOTEM tool according to EN15804+A2 for evaluating material choices in building construction with a focus on the renovation of residential buildings in Belgium. The study aims to provide a holistic understanding of the environmental implications associated with biobased construction materials enabling informed decision-making for sustainable building practices. To achieve this, we conducted an analysis of the life cycle environmental performance of biobased materials used in external walls of a renovation case study project and compared it to common built-up scenarios of conventional construction materials applied in the same case study. The research results show that using biobased materials for renovation can significantly reduce embodied GHG emissions but can lead to burden shifting such as resulting in an increased impact on land use, particulate matter emissions, depletion of abiotic resources and eco-toxicity. The study not only underscores the importance of comprehensive cradle-to-grave life cycle thinking but also provides valuable insights for stakeholders in the construction industry.

Waste-to-Energy technologies for municipal solid waste management: Bibliometric review, life cycle assessment, and energy potential case study

Inadequate municipal solid waste (MSW) management threatens public health and the environment. The waste-to-energy (WtE) route allows the production of electricity, heat, and other valuable chemical products. WtE consists of incineration, gasification, pyrolysis, and some emerging technologies. This study applies the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to conduct a bibliometric analysis of WtE technologies for MSW management research. Scopus-indexed articles were examined between 1971 and 2023. Four periods were determined and analyzed in terms of their most significant results. In addition, the most pertinent journals, Waste Management, Chemosphere, and Waste Management & Research, were ranked first, second, and third, respectively. Moreover, the top contributor countries are one in America (the United States), three in Asia (China, Japan, and India), and five in Europe (Spain, Italy, Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom). Throughout a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) case study, the environmental performance of gasification and incineration as relevant technologies for treating MSW were contrasted. Gasification excelled in seven environmental parameters, suggesting that developing strategies for MSW gasification on a commercial scale should prioritize this aspect. Finally, the energy potential was assessed, which provided valuable information on the societal benefits of WtE technologies in various sectors, such as education, health, and electromobility. Under their respective contexts, stakeholders should enhance MSW sorting policies, pretreatment methods, and emerging valorization options. Increasing global interest in WtE requires a social, environmental, and economic evaluation before implementation.

Life Cycle Assessment for particleboards with recycled wood in an industrial context

Abstract The issue of depletion of natural resources carries side effects on human health, the ecosystem, and the planet itself. It is necessary to develop mitigation policies to reverse the actual climate trend. Both actions on small and large scales can make a relevant contribution to that problem. This paper aims to investigate two different approaches of the Life Cycle Assessment in an industrial context, in particular “ex-post” LCA is carried out for particleboards manufactured by a company using 100% recycled wood, while “ex-ante” LCA study is referred to a hypothetical particleboard manufactured equally to the previous product, but using 100% virgin wood, instead of recycled. The outcomes of the comparison of the two LCAs highlights that there are very relevant aspects to take into consideration when the environmental performance of a product is evaluated. In fact, CO2 emissions, which are one of the most concerning environmental impacts nowadays, and which is also orienting European policies, are not the only indicator that affect the impacts related to the human health, the natural environment, and the natural resources. The LCA tool is a complete tool capable to provide all-round environmental impacts of the studied object; in this research the results from the comparison of the two products’ LCA, pointed out how the “land use” increases in the case of the product made with only virgin wood, which is more than 20 times superior compared to the “land use” in the case of particleboard containing 100% recycled wood. The application of the two LCAs is structured on “cradle to gate” system boundary to highlight the impacts of the production process. For both ex-ante and ex-post application an interpretation is conducted to evidence their benefits, but with awareness of possible limits when they are utilized.

Does local government debt pressure hamper green transition? Evidence from China

The accumulated local government debt will change government fiscal behavior, which will further impact regional environment performance to a certain extent. However, the literature on how local government debt pressure (LGDP) affect green transition is scarce. By measuring the green transition by green total factor productivity (GTFP), we analyze the effect of LGDP on GTFP. We find that LGDP significantly reduces the GTFP. The negative effect acts through reducing green innovation and loosing environmental regulation. In addition, the negative impact will be more pronounced in cities with weak governance, development, and environmental protection efforts. Finally, enhancing marketization, lowering GDP growth target, and reducing tax burdens can alleviate the adverse effect of LGDP on GTFP. The conclusions of this study provide theoretical support for appropriate government debt governance and have important practical significance for green sustainable development in developing countries.

Organizational sensemaking and environmental performance: A longitudinal study of publicly traded firms' sustainability reports

AbstractEnvironmental strategy research has often used organizational interpretation as a key lens for understanding how firms engage in sensemaking around natural environmental issues and environmental performance. This work has rarely empirically tested the proposed relationships of organizational interpretation in firms' sensemaking around environmental issues nor the relationship between firms' environmental sensemaking and environmental performance. We empirically test this relationship, capturing environmental sensemaking through computer‐aided text analysis (CATA) of published sustainability reports, and environmental performance with the Trucost environmental dataset. Mixed‐effects general linear modeling on a bespoke longitudinal dataset of 117 publicly traded companies from 2005 to 2018 reveals the three stages of the organization interpretation model of sensemaking—scanning, interpreting, and responding—align as expected. We also find firms' environmental scanning relates with year‐over‐year improvement in environmental performance, yet environmental interpreting correlates with worsening environmental performance. Additionally, larger firms and firms in industries with high carbon emissions gather more environmental data and exhibit more extensive environmental interpreting. This research provides insight for scholars by testing environmental sensemaking and exploring the boundary conditions of sensemaking and performance, and for practitioners and policymakers by offering a new framework for analyzing and interpreting sustainability reports and corporate environmental performance.

중국 중장비 제조기업의 친환경 공급망관리가 기업성과에 미치는 영향에 대한 연구

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to empirically analyze the impact of green supply chain management (Green SCM) on corporate performance in China's heavy machinery manufacturing. Research design, data, and methodology: This study employed a survey to collect data from key Chinese companies in heavy machinery manufacturing. The questionnaire was developed through a pilot study and in-depth interviews, and the survey was conducted from April to June 2024. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 24.0 and AMOS 24.0. Results: Analysis revealed that internal environmental management, eco-design, and investment recovery inf luenced both environmental and operational performance positively. Eco-design had the greatest impact on environmental performance, while internal environmental management and investment recovery significantly contributed to operational performance. The total explained variance was 72.871%, indicating meaningful correlations between variables. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that Green SCM enables companies in the heavy machinery industry to fulfill their environmental responsibilities while improving operational efficiency. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening eco-design and internal environmental management practices for sustainable business development.

Peran Corporate Social Responsibility Memediasi Pengaruh Penerapan Green Accounting dan Kinerja Lingkungan Terhadap Profitabilitas Perusahaan yang Terdaftar di Bei

The profitability of a company, as reflected by ratios such as Return on Assets (ROA), measures its ability to generate profit from operational activities. In the consumer non-cyclical sector, while some companies have experienced a decline in profits, financial performance tends to remain stable. This study employs purposive sampling to obtain 106 observations and panel data regression analysis to explore the impact of green accounting, environmental performance, and CSR on profitability, given the varying results from previous studies. The research findings indicate that: 1) Green accounting has a positive effect on corporate social responsibility. 2) Environmental performance does not affect corporate social responsibility. 3) Green accounting does not impact company profitability. 4) Environmental performance does not impact company profitability. 5) Corporate social responsibility affects company profitability. 6) Corporate social responsibility mediates the relationship between green accounting and company profitability. 7) Corporate social responsibility does not mediate the relationship between environmental performance and company profitability.

GREEN SYNERGY: UNLEASHING CREATIVITY, INNOVATION, DYNAMIC CAPABILITY, AND PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM FIRMS

The critical role of green creativity in small firms’ financial and environmental performance has attracted scholarly interest in recent times. Prior studies have reported inconsistent findings on this relationship, prompting the need for further investigations. This study investigates the effect of green creativity on performance through green innovation at different levels of green dynamic capability. This study collected data on 246 small firms in a developing nation, Ghana. Adopting structural equation modelling (SEM) in LISREL 8.8 to test our hypothesized relationships, this study reveals that green creativity significantly affects both financial and environmental performance. We further find that green innovation does not significantly mediate the relationship between green creativity and performance (environmental and financial). Additionally, this study reports that at high levels of green dynamic capability, the positive relationship between green creativity and environmental performance through green innovation is strengthened.

Digital Transformation on Corporate Environmental Performance

Digital transformation, as a powerful catalyst for the deep integration of the digital economy and the real economy, has emerged as a crucial driver for enterprise transformation and upgrading, as well as reshaping the competitive landscape. Drawing on data from Chinese A-share listed companies between 2010 and 2019, this study empirically examines the relationship between digital transformation and corporate environmental performance, as well as its underlying impact mechanisms. The findings indicate that digital transformation significantly enhances the level of corporate environmental performance. Moreover, corporate digital transformation facilitates the improvement of environmental performance by enhancing green technology innovation capabilities and optimizing production structures. The positive impact on environmental performance is particularly pronounced in state-owned enterprises, high-growth companies, those with substantial research and development investments, and those garnering high analyst attention.

POLICY FRAMEWORK TO COVER ECO-INDUSTRIAL PARKS PILLARS

The concept of eco-industrial parks has gained significant global attention, particularly in the context of sustainable development goals, which emphasize the necessity of balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. Industrial zones and industrial parks have traditionally contributed to economic output; however, their environmental footprints present challenges, necessitating a shift toward more sustainable industrial practices. In Ukraine, the need for eco-industrial transformation is further exacerbated by its unique socio-political and economic conditions, where resource efficiency and environmental sustainability are critical for long-term industrial competitiveness. This study aims to propose a comprehensive policy framework for the establishment and governance of eco-industrial parks in Ukraine, focusing on creating a balance between industrial growth and sustainable practices. By utilising mixed-method approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative research methods, this research integrates global experiences—particularly those from China, Italy, and Vietnam—into a model that can be adapted to Ukraine’s specific needs. Key pillars such as regulatory support, management commitment, environmental performance, and industrial symbiosis were identified as central to the successful implementation of eco-industrial parks. The findings demonstrate that structured policy interventions, supported by governmental commitment and cross-sector collaboration, can significantly enhance resource efficiency, reduce emissions, and promote sustainable development. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of aligning industrial and urban planning to foster a holistic approach to sustainable development. The practical implications of this research suggest that by adopting a robust policy framework, Ukraine can improve its environmental performance in industrial zones, enhance industrial competitiveness, and contribute to broader national sustainability goals. This framework can serve as a guide for policymakers and stakeholders, offering a clear roadmap for the transition toward eco-industrial parks that are aligned with both national objectives and international sustainability commitments.

A Fault-Tolerant Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning Framework for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles–Unmanned Ground Vehicle Coverage Path Planning

In this paper, we introduce a fault-tolerant multi-agent reinforcement learning framework called SERT-DQN to optimize the operations of UAVs with UGV central control in coverage path planning missions. Our approach leverages dual learning systems that combine individual agent autonomy with centralized strategic planning, thus enhancing the efficiency of cooperative path planning missions. This framework is designed for high performance in environments with fault uncertainty detected and operational challenges such as interruptions in connectivity and compromised sensor reliability. With the integration of an innovative communication system between agents, our system appropriately handles both static and dynamic environments. Also, we introduce similarity-based shared experience replay to attain faster convergence and sample efficiency in the multi-agent system. The architecture is specially designed to respond adaptively to such irregularities by effectively showing enhanced resilience in scenarios where data integrity is impaired due to faults or the UAV faces disruptions. Simulation results indicate that our fault tolerance algorithms are very resilient and do indeed improve mission outcomes, especially under dynamic and highly uncertain operating conditions. This approach becomes critical for the most recent sensor-based research in autonomous systems.

How Does the Digital Economy Influence the Pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals?

Our study aims to examine the impact of the digital economy on sustainable development during international financial crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the current war between Russia and Ukraine. To do this, we collected an annual dataset from 1990 to 2022 for twenty-eight developed and twenty-five developing countries, to identify links between environmental, socio-economic, and proxy indicators of the digital economy. We estimate these links using the Within and GLS methods and use the Hausman (1978) test for individual effects to determine the nature of these links. Our results show that the digital economy has made a positive and significant contribution to sustainable development. For developing countries, mobile technologies have positive and significant effects on sustainable development, whereas, in developed countries, these effects are less elastic. The Internet has a positive and significant effect on the Human Development Index. While trade openness plays a driving role in environmental performance, it has a negative impact on equitable and sustainable development.

Impact of winch-assisted logging machinery on soil disturbance in the mountainous forests of Western Carpathians

IntroductionTimber harvesting on steep terrain is a challenge in terms of economic viability, safety, and environmental performance. Felling with chainsaws and use of yarders seems optimal in this environment. However, using mobile traction winches allows for the safe work of ground-based technologies even in these challenging conditions.MethodsOur study assessed the impact of winch-assisted cut-to-length harvesting on soil disturbance in young forest stands (up to 40 years old) across slopes of 14.9°-27.4° (27–52%). Utilizing 78 measurement points (i.e., 234 measurements), we analyzed soil samples from trail ruts, between ruts, and undisturbed areas for soil bulk density (g.cm−3) and soil moisture content (%), simultaneously measuring penetration resistance (MPa), penetration depth (cm) and rut depth (cm).ResultsThe results highlighted that areas without winch assistance experienced the most significant increases in soil bulk density (up to 22.35%) and penetration resistance (up to 26.8%), though these differences were not statistically significant. Linear mixed effects models did not confirm a significant effect (p > 0.05) of a traction winch on the soil bulk density (g cm−3) and penetration resistance (MPa) in the ruts of the forwarding trails. Mean forwarding trail profile depths ranged from 4.63 to 7.28 cm, with the maximum depths between 10.86 and 17.25 cm, showing deeper ruts in non-assisted areas. Moreover, the presence of the traction winch (p < 0.05) significantly affected the maximal depth of the forwarding trail rut.ConclusionThe findings suggest that winch-assisted harvesting may mitigate soil disturbance (rut depths) on steep slopes, offering a sustainable option for utilizing ground-based machinery with reduced environmental impact.

A comparison of animal and plant-based proteins from an economic, environmental, and nutritional perspective in the Republic of Ireland

CONTEXTProtein is a central component of health and nutrition. The current protein production system is unlikely to sustainably meet the growing global demand for protein. Therefore, alternative sources of protein must be considered. OBJECTIVEThis study uniquely compares animal-based (milk, beef meat, sheep meat) and plant-based (cereals and legumes) protein production in terms of land usage. The comparison is carried out across a suite of economic, environmental, and nutritional metrics. As land use decisions are taken at the farm level, the analysis adopts a farm gate approach. Focusing on the supply side, consumption is not considered in the analysis. METHODSEconomic performance is measured through the gross and net margins. Environmental performance is evaluated through farm-level greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) balances. Nutritional performance is measured through the gross protein yield, the protein yield corrected for digestibility and land-use efficiency, i.e., the land needed to generate one kg of (digestible) protein. Results are expressed per hectare and per 100 g of gross and digestible protein to allow for a holistic comparison. The analysis focuses on the Republic of Ireland, a relevant country given the importance of the strong agricultural export focus, the dominance of the livestock sector and the country's ambitious environmental emission reduction targets. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSFindings indicate that, on a per hectare basis, milk production on dairy farms has the strongest economic performance and highest GHG emissions amongst the products considered. Crops' gross and net margins are less than half that of dairy farms, but they also show the strongest environmental performance generally. Cereals and legumes have the best nutritional performance, from a protein perspective, whereas sheep meat production returned the lowest gross and digestible protein yields per hectare. Arable crops also show the lowest GHG emissions and nutrient balances on a per unit of protein basis. SIGNIFICANCELand-use policies need to be designed holistically, given the complexity of the agricultural sector. Agricultural policy design currently focuses on income support and on the environmental impact of the agricultural sector, but farmers' livelihood and food and protein security need to be safeguarded. Diversifying agricultural production and increasing plant-based protein production in Ireland, a country with a livestock-focused agricultural sector, could contribute to achieving the climate change targets of the country, provided the necessary policy levers are in place.

The Effect of Carbon Emission Disclosure and Environmental Costs On Financial Performance with Environmental Performance as a Moderating Factor

The Effect of Carbon Emission Disclosure and Environmental Costs On Financial Performance with Environmental Performance as a Moderating Factor

Chlorin e6-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Targeted by Angiopep-2: Advancing Photodynamic Therapy in Glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor known for its resistance to standard treatments. Despite surgery being a primary option, it often leads to incomplete removal and high recurrence rates. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) holds promise as an adjunctive treatment, but safety concerns and the need for high-power lasers have limited its widespread use. This research addresses these challenges by introducing a novel PDT approach, using chlorin e6 (Ce6) enclosed in nanostructured lipid carriers (Ang-Ce6-NLCs) and targeted to GBM with the angiopep-2 peptide. Remarkably, a single 5-min irradiation session with LEDs at 660nm and low power density (10mW cm- 2) proves effective against GBM, while reducing safety risks associated with high-power lasers. Encapsulation improves Ce6 stability and performance in physiological environments, while angiopep-2 targeting enhances delivery to GBM cells, maximizing treatment efficacy and minimizing off-target effects. The findings demonstrate that Ang-Ce6-NLCs-mediated PDT brings about a significant reduction in GBM cell viability, increases oxidative stress, reduces tumor migration, and enhances apoptosis. Overall, such treatment holds potential as a safe and efficient intraoperative removal of GBM infiltrating cells that cannot be reached by surgery, using low-power LED light to minimize harm to surrounding healthy tissue while maximizing tumor treatment.

THE IMPACT OF DISCIPLINE, MOTIVATION AND WORK ENVIRONMENT ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE AT BPJS KETENAGAKERJAAN REGIONAL OFFICE OF SOUTH SUMATRA AND BANGKA BELITUNG ISLANDS : A REVIEW

This study aims to analyze the influence of work discipline, work motivation, and work environment on employee performance at the Social Security Administration Agency for Employment in the South Sumatra Regional Office. The SmartPLS method was used for analysis involving 110 respondents as the research sample. The research findings indicate that work discipline does not have a significant effect on employee performance (p = 0.838), while work motivation has been proven to significantly influence performance (p = 0.002). However, the work environment does not exhibit a significant impact on employee performance (p = 0.217). This study provides important insights into understanding the factors affecting employee performance in the Social Security Administration Agency, serving as a basis for companies to improve the work environment conditions and employee motivation. Moreover, it offers guidance for further studies concerning other variables that may affect employee performance in different work environments.

RRT-based Path Planning Design for Securing Navigation Performance in GNSS-challenged Urban Environments

RRT-based Path Planning Design for Securing Navigation Performance in GNSS-challenged Urban Environments

Effect of Sound Absorption on Noise Reduction in the Automotive Industry

Industrial noise is one of the most common physical factors that cause annoyance and damage to workers' health in the long term. Precautions should be taken to reduce noise and to improve acoustic performance in industrial working environments. This paper aims to analyze the acoustic performance of the automotive industry contributes to the global outcomes of sustainability and develop strategies for improving the quality of the working environment through improvement scenarios. For this purpose, the automotive industry in Türkiye was examined as a case study. In-situ acoustic measurements were made in the seat manufacturing unit of an automotive factory, and the current situation was transferred to the simulation program. The effects of acoustic improvements on A-weighted sound pressure level and reverberation time at mid-frequencies (500, 1000, 2000 Hz) were investigated through three scenarios. In the investigations, noise distributions were carried out through noise mapping. The A-weighted sound pressure levels in the automotive industry were reduced by approximately 15 dB. As a result of the study, suggestions for noise control precautions and their effects on the automotive industry seat manufacturing unit are presented.

A Comparative Analysis of Microsoft Fabric and Snowflake: Architectural Paradigms and Performance Metrics in Modern Cloud Data Platforms

Abstract: This article presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of two leading cloud data platforms: Microsoft Fabric and Snowflake. As organizations increasingly rely on cloud-based solutions for data management and analytics, understanding the strengths and limitations of these platforms becomes crucial. This article examines the architectural foundations, functional capabilities, performance metrics, and cost considerations of both platforms. We explore Microsoft Fabric's integrated service model within the Azure ecosystem and Snowflake's multi-cluster shared data architecture, assessing their approaches to data integration, storage, analytics, and machine learning integration. Through empirical performance comparisons and an evaluation of scalability mechanisms, we provide insights into the operational efficiencies of each platform. Additionally, we analyze the security features, compliance standards, and pricing models to offer a holistic view of the total cost of ownership. Our findings reveal distinct advantages in Microsoft Fabric's end-to-end integration and Snowflake's performance in multicloud environments, while also highlighting areas for potential improvement in both platforms. This article aims to serve as a valuable resource for organizations navigating the complex landscape of cloud data solutions, offering evidence-based criteria for platform selection aligned with specific business needs and technological ecosystems