Ecological Footprint Research Articles

Assessing the Environmental Sustainability of UHPC in Modern Construction Practices

A comprehensive examination was undertaken to investigate various aspects related to the development and application of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC). The research explored eco-friendly approaches, such as incorporating supplementary cementitious materials and nanoparticles, optimizing binder systems, and assessing chemical activators. These modifications improved mechanical properties and reduced environmental impact, including embodied CO2 emissions. Additionally, the utilization of waste materials like CRT glass showed energy savings and reduced emissions. Studies focused on optimizing UHPC mix designs, emphasizing a balance between performance and environmental impact. Techniques like statistical mixture design methods and dynamic testing assessed UHPC's environmental and economic impacts, highlighting significant energy savings and reduced CO2 emissions with waste material recycling. Overall, the research contributes valuable insights into UHPC development and its ecological footprint in construction

The implications of the ecological footprint and renewable energy usage on the financial stability of South Asian countries

This study explores the complex relationships involving ecological footprints, energy use, carbon emissions, governance efficiency, economic prosperity, and financial stability in South Asian nations spanning the period from 2000 to 2022. Employing various methodologies such as cross-sectional dependence tests, co-integration analysis, and first- and second-generation unit-root tests, we use a panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag model, feasible generalized least squares, and Panel Corrected Standard Errors to ensure the robustness of our findings. We find noteworthy positive correlations between several variables, including heightened ecological consciousness, effective governance structures, increased GDP per capita, and amplified CO2 emissions. These relationships suggest potential pathways to strengthen the financial stability of the entire region; they also highlight the latent potential of embracing ecologically sustainable practices to fortify economic resilience. Our results also underscore the pivotal role of appropriate governance structures and higher income levels in bolstering financial stability in South Asian countries. Interestingly, we also find negative coefficients associated with the use of renewable energy, suggesting that escalating the adoption of renewable energy could create financial instability. This finding stresses the importance of diversification in energy strategies, cautioning policymakers to carefully consider the financial ramifications of potentially costly imports of renewable energy sources while seeking to reduce carbon emissions, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between ambitious sustainability goals and the pursuit of sustained economic robustness in the region. In considering the implications of these findings, it is crucial to consider each country’s broader socioeconomic context. Our results offer valuable insights for policymakers in developing renewable energy strategies.

Organic food has lower environmental impacts per area unit and similar climate impacts per mass unit compared to conventional

In recent years, interest in studying the climate and environmental impact of organic food has grown. Here, we compared the environmental impacts of organic and conventional food using data from 100 life cycle assessment studies. Most studies focused on climate impacts, with fewer addressing biodiversity loss and ecotoxicity. Findings revealed no significant differences in global warming, eutrophication potential, and energy use per mass unit. However, organic food showed lower global warming, eutrophication potential, and energy use per area unit, with higher land use. Additionally, organic farming showed lower potential for biodiversity loss and ecotoxicity. Challenges in life cycle assessment include evaluating biodiversity, toxicity, soil quality, and carbon changes. The choice of functional units influences results, highlighting the importance of considering multiple units in assessing organic food’s environmental footprint. This study emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive assessments at both product and diet levels to support informed decisions.

The role of financial inclusion, technology innovation, energy and environmental degradation in determining sustainable growth in Asia

AbstractSustainable growth is a top priority for all economies as they work towards creating a prosperous and resilient future for current and future generations. This study empirically explores the important role of financial inclusion (FI), energy consumption, technological (TECH) innovation and environmental degradation in the economic growth of 13 selected developing Asian countries from 2000 to 2021. The feasible generalized least squares method is used for empirical examinations due to the nature of the data. The study focuses on three dimensions of FI: penetration, usage and availability of financial institutions. The results show that FI, energy consumption and TECH innovation encourage economic growth, whereas ecological footprint discourages economic growth in selected Asian countries. The empirical findings highlight the importance of promoting sustainable growth in Asia through enhanced FI, TECH innovation, sustainable energy practices and environmental conservation. Governments in these countries should prioritize strengthening the financial sector, investing in research and development and implementing effective policies to ensure a clean and green environment. This will lead to inclusive and environmentally responsible development that benefits both current and future generations in the region.

Greening the BRICS: How Green Innovation Mitigates Ecological Footprints in Energy-Hungry Economies

The escalating energy consumption seen in the BRICS countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, presents a substantial environmental problem, resulting in the depletion of resources, amplified carbon emissions, and endangering the well-being of ecological systems. The study examines the potential of green innovation to alleviate these adverse effects. By combining green technology with strong institutions and responsible energy consumption, we argue that the BRICS nations can significantly reduce their ecological footprint. This research, encompassing data from 1995 to 2022, employs Driscoll–Kraay and panel quantile regression to analyze the complex interplay of institutional quality, energy consumption, green innovation, and ecological footprints across the BRICS countries. Our findings reveal that green innovation is crucial in mitigating the ecological footprint, particularly when combined with resilient institutional quality and controlled energy use. Conversely, factors like high energy consumption, natural resource rent, and urbanization contribute to an increased ecological footprint. Notably, the study emphasizes the critical role of both institutional quality and renewable energy consumption in effectively reducing the ecological burden within the BRICS nations. These findings suggest that prioritizing investments in green technology and institutional development, even amidst high energy demands, represents a viable strategy for the BRICS nations to achieve sustainable growth and environmental responsibility.

China’s ecological footprint via biomass import and consumption is increasing

As China’s economic and population demands grow, the need for biomass imports rises, presenting challenges for sustainable development and global ecosystem protection. Here we examine China’s increasing influence on global ecosystems through its biomass product consumption and trade using the Human Appropriation of Net Primary Productivity framework, analyzing data from 2004 to 2017 with projections until 2050. In 2017, China was the world’s largest biomass consumer, consuming approximately 1.75 petagrams of carbon per year, projected to rise by 317.6% by 2050, highlighting China’s major role in global ecosystem stress. Our findings also show an increase in biomass imports from lower-middle-income and low-income countries between 2004 and 2017, and these imports are expected to continue increasing by 402.9% in 2050. The analysis reveals that domestic product demand and changes in foreign production efficiency are key drivers of this trend, suggesting the need for China to shift towards more efficient trade practices and support cleaner production methods internationally.

Unlocking value: circular economy in ngos' food waste reduction efforts in Brazil and Togo

This article delves into the intriguing realm of food waste valorization conducted by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in two distinct locales—Brasilia, Brazil, and Lomé, Togo. The primary focus of this exploration is the lens of the Circular Economy (CE), a concept that emphasizes the sustainable utilization of resources within closed loops. The discourse is further enriched by introducing the notion of upcycling, a complementary force to the Circular Economy, particularly within the intricate web of food supply chains. The ReSOLVE framework, a strategic approach for managing food waste, is a guiding light in this research. Upon dissecting the outcomes, noteworthy limitations come to the forefront, shedding light on the challenges of aligning NGOs from both countries with the principles of the Circular Economy in their food waste management endeavors. These challenges assume heightened significance against the backdrop of the intricate global food security landscape, effectively underlining the intricacies of harmonizing the Circular Economy's ambitions with the pragmatic goal of diminishing food waste. The overarching objective of this study is to galvanize circular-oriented initiatives that can effectively curtail and prevent food wastage on a global scale, with a particular emphasis on developing nations. This pursuit is underscored by the triad of benefits such initiatives confer: economic advancement, social amelioration, and a positive ecological footprint. In an era where sustainability stands as a paramount concern, this research advocates for concerted efforts to harmonize the noble ideals of the Circular Economy with the pressing need for food waste reduction, especially within regions striving for holistic growth and development.

Advanced and sustainable manufacturing methods of polymer-based membranes for gas separation: a review

The fabrication of membranes for gas separation presents challenges that hinder their deployment as a truly sustainable technology. This review systematically explores the evolution and advancements in materials and manufacturing methods of polymer-based membranes, with a keen emphasis on sustainability and efficiency. The review delineates a broad spectrum of manufacturing techniques, ranging from traditional methods to cutting-edge approaches such as layer-by-layer assembly, and green synthesis, highlighting their implications for environmental sustainability, performance enhancement, scalability, and economic viability. Key findings indicate a significant shift towards greener solvents, bio-based polymers and processes that reduce waste and costs. Critical analysis uncovers a growing focus on understanding the life cycle of membranes and developing strategies for end-of-life such as recycling and the use of biodegradable materials, underscoring the commitment of the community to minimizing environmental footprints.

Digital Light Processing Route for 3D Printing of Acrylate-Modified PLA/Lignin Blends: Microstructure and Mechanical Performance

In this study, digital light processing (DLP) was utilized to generate 3D-printed blends composed of photosensitive acrylate-modified polylactic acid (PLA) resin mixed with varying weight ratios of lignin extracted from softwood, typically ranging from 5 wt% to 30 wt%. The microstructure of these 3D-printed blends was examined through X-ray microtomography. Additionally, the tensile mechanical properties of all blends were assessed in relation to the weight ratio and post-curing treatment. The results suggest that post-curing significantly influences the tensile properties of the 3D-printed composites, especially in modulating the brittleness of the prints. Furthermore, an optimal weight ratio was identified to be around 5 wt%, beyond which UV light photopolymerization experiences compromises. These findings regarding acrylate-modified PLA/lignin blends offer a cost-effective alternative for producing 3D-printed bio-sourced components, maintaining technical performance in reasonable-cost, low-temperature 3D printing, and with a low environmental footprint.

Exploring Carbon Disclosure Research for Future Research Agenda: A Bibliometric Analysis

Globally, people are becoming more interested in the issue of climate change, particularly as it relates to carbon emissions. Stakeholders are putting pressure on firms to disclose more details about their ecological footprints and greenhouse gas emissions. Finding authors, publications, journals, and discoveries in the literature on emission carbon disclosure is the aim of this endeavor. To do this, we employ a review methodology that makes use of the bibliometric study technique to pinpoint a few pertinent elements found in the literature. Utilizing tools such as VOSviewer and biblioshiny from RStudio, we examine output by year, authors, articles, and publications that have received more citations. We outline the key developments in the field of carbon disclosure together with the most widely applied ideas. Furthermore, we formulate the notion of carbon disclosure as suggested by Borghei (2021), concentrating on six domains and primary patterns within the field: Provide answers to the following questions: strategic climate, carbon disclosure determinants, carbon disclosure guarantee, quality of carbon disclosure, and carbon disclosure consequences. The incorporation of sustainability dimensions into the reporting system has replaced the evaluation techniques of the disclosures as the research issue. It is discovered that a number of factors influence the corporation's choice to release its environmental accounting information. Based on its findings and analysis of current research trends and themes, this study offers suggestions for further investigation.

Renewable energy and sustainable development goals: Insights from latent dirichlet allocation thematic and bibliometric analysis

AbstractThis research conducts a comprehensive analysis of the intricate relationship between renewable energy and the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Employing diverse methodologies including latent dirichlet allocation (LDA) topic modeling, bibliometrics, citation analysis, and regression modeling, the study explores the evolving landscape of renewable energy research and its implications for SDGs. The analysis identifies a pronounced scholarly interest in renewable energy, reflected in the escalating publication volumes and citations across environmental sciences, green technology, and energy studies. Through meticulous examination, it uncovers interconnected research themes; encompassing policy uncertainty, Environmental Kuznets Curve, and ecological footprint, elucidating the multifaceted impact of renewable energy on the SDGs. Geographical distributions underscore diverse regional focuses, emphasizing the need for nuanced, context‐specific approaches. Regression analysis highlights influential factors like carbon dioxide emissions and gross domestic product (GDP) growth, delineating their pivotal roles in shaping scholarly attention toward renewable energy research. Furthermore, the study delves into the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of renewable energy's influence. It reveals its contributions to employment generation, sustainable production, energy access, and infrastructure development while navigating challenges related to climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. This comprehensive investigation offers crucial insights into the complex interplay between renewable energy and the SDGs. It predicts future research directions and highlights the urgency for interdisciplinary collaboration, international cooperation, and policy innovations to harness renewable energy's transformative potential for global sustainable development.

The Impact of Fossil Fuel Energy, Technological Innovation and Globalization on Tourism Inflows of Top Ten Most Visited Countries

Increased uses of fossil fuel consumption, globalization, and tourism activities have significant adverse effects on the sustainability of our ecosystem. The present study takes into account the top 10 most visited nations by tourists to examine the impact of fossil fuel energy consumption, technological innovation, foreign direct investment (FDI), economic growth, and globalization on tourism inflows from 2008 to 2022.. Choice of appropriate technique for empirical testing is based on the PP-Fisher, ADF Fisher, IPS, and LLC unit root tests. Due to mixed order of integration of variables, the Panel ARDL is more reliable for econometric investigation. The findings of Panel ARDL reveal that the most significant contributing factors towards growth in tourism are technological innovation, the globalization index, growth in gross domestic product, and use of fossil fuels as an energy source. These results imply that advancements in technology, increased globalization trends, and economic growth are facilitating the growth in tourism activities. Likewise, non-renewable energy consumption is significantly linked to tourism growth in these countries which exhibits that these governments are relying upon fossil fuel consumption to meet the energy demand for tourism activities and to fuel economic growth. Though, FDI is having a detrimental effect on tourism inflows in the top 10 most frequently visited nations. This outcome entails that expanded industrialization and economic footprint negatively influence the ecological environment which adversely affects tourism inflows. The policy implications of this research assert that the development of clean and renewable energy technologies is essential for the promotion of sustainable economic growth, promote eco-tourism in these countries. Similarly, smart manufacturing and environment friendly production can alleviate the negative effects of ecological footprint on tourism inflows.

Geopolymer-Based Materials for the Removal of Ibuprofen: A Preliminary Study

Every year, new compounds contained in consumer products, such as detergents, paints, products for personal hygiene, and drugs for human and veterinary use, are identified in wastewater and are added to the list of molecules that need monitoring. These compounds are indicated with the term emerging contaminants (or Contaminants of Emerging Concern, CECs) since they are potentially dangerous for the environment and human health. To date, among the most widely used methodologies for the removal of CECs from the aquatic environment, adsorption processes play a role of primary importance, as they have proven to be characterized by high removal efficiency, low operating and management costs, and an absence of undesirable by-products. In this paper, the adsorption of ibuprofen (IBU), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug widely used for treating inflammation or pain, was performed for the first time using two different types of geopolymer-based materials, i.e., a metakaolin-based (GMK) and an organic–inorganic hybrid (GMK-S) geopolymer. The proposed adsorbing matrices are characterized by a low environmental footprint and have been easily obtained as powders or as highly porous filters by direct foaming operated directly into the adsorption column. Preliminary results demonstrated that these materials can be effectively used for the removal of ibuprofen from contaminated water (showing a concentration decrease of IBU up to about 29% in batch, while an IBU removal percentage of about 90% has been reached in continuous), thus suggesting their potential practical application.

Assessing the influence of research and development, environmental policies, and green technology on ecological footprint for achieving environmental sustainability

Recently, there has been rising global concern regarding the importance of achieving environmental sustainability. Consequently, researchers and policymakers have focused on identifying and evaluating the various elements that contribute to an individual's ecological footprint and environmental consequences. Therefore, this study provides an in-depth understanding of the roles of green technology, research and development (R&D), and environmental policies that help attain environmental sustainability in Ghana. The present study utilized both the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) and autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) techniques to evaluate the long and short-run relationships between explanatory variables from 1990 to 2022. The study compares the results of NARDL and ARDL techniques. The findings reveal that the NARDL (0.999) analysis had a greater impact on the ecological footprint in Ghana than the ARDL (0.996) analysis. Under the ARDL technique, green technology has a negative impact on ECF in both the short and long run, and R&D also decreases ecological footprint (ECF) in the long run. Environmental policies had a negative impact on ECF in both the short and long run. Based on the NARDL approach, an adverse change in GT had a negative impact (0.004) on the ECF in both the short and long run. In contrast, a negative change in R&D has a negative impact (0.007) on the ECF in the short run, and a positive change in R&D negatively affects the ecological footprint in the long run. Notably, a positive change in environmental policies had a significant negative impact (0.040) on the ECF in the short and long run. This study suggests that policymakers should encourage and support the adoption and application of green technology and the development of robust environmental policies, as these measures can significantly contribute to decreasing the ecological footprint and fostering environmental sustainability.

The impact of food production on ecological footprint in Turkey: an analysis across agriculture, livestock, and aquaculture

AbstractThe ecological footprint (ECF), which has been frequently examined recently, offers a comprehensive analysis of the environment and has started to be used in Turkey. However, although it is a significant area of study in the world, food production, that raise the ECF the most, has not been the subject of much research in Turkey. In the present analysis, food production’s impacts on the ECF in Turkey are analyzed with yearly statistics for the period 1961–2018. Within the frame of this analysis, both food production as a whole and agriculture, livestock, and aquaculture production, which are the components of food, were analyzed individually. In this context, four different models were constructed, and the Autoregressive Distributed Lag method was used to analyze. According to the outcomes of the analysis, food, agriculture, and livestock production raise the ECF while aquaculture production diminishes. The largest coefficient among the three sub-sectors belongs to the agriculture sector. In addition, while the use of fertilizers, agricultural land, GDP, population, and life expectancy at birth increases the ECF, the age dependency ratio decreases, and the effect of rural population differs in the models.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF COVID-19 HOSPITALS AND ARCHITECTURAL REMEDIES

Pandemics, with their potential for widespread devastation and global impact, have historically been a critical concern for public health and society. the historical impact of pandemics on the environment underscores the interconnectedness of human lives and health, societal systems, and the environment, highlighting the need for holistic approaches to public health and environmental management. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in healthcare facilities worldwide, particularly in hospitals designated for COVID-19 patients to counter and serve the impact on humans which universally led to the rapid establishment of specialized hospitals to manage the surge in patients. However, such hospitals not only posed significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide but also highlighted the need for sustainable practices in designing and operating healthcare facilities along with their significant environmental impacts. In response to these challenges, architects, designers, and healthcare professionals have explored innovative architectural and other remedies to mitigate the environmental impacts of COVID-19 hospitals. This paper explores these potential environmental impacts and proposes architectural planning strategies that include sustainable practices and green design principles through which, by implementing, COVID-19 hospitals or similar hospitals can minimize their environmental footprint and contribute not only to a more sustainable healthcare system but also create healthier and more sustainable environments for patients, healthcare workers, and the community at large. KEYWORDS: Hospital Environmental Impact, Hospital Environment Relation, COVID-19 Hospital Impact on Environment, COVID-19 Hospital Impact, Environmental Impact of Pandemics, Pandemic Hospital Impact on Environment

Comparative Analysis of Organic and Chemical Pesticides: Impacts on Crop Health and Environmental Sustainability

Pesticides are indispensable tools in modern agriculture, aiding in the protection of crops against pests and diseases. Nevertheless, the adverse effects of chemical pesticides on human health and the environment have catalyzed a shift towards organic alternatives. This review critically assesses the use of both organic and chemical pesticides, evaluating their respective impacts on crop health and environmental sustainability. We delve into aspects such as efficiency, safety, environmental footprint, and regulatory frameworks surrounding these two types of pesticides, drawing insights from recent research. By synthesizing current knowledge, our aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the advantages and limitations of organic and chemical pesticides, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions towards sustainable agricultural practices.

Another look at energy consumption and environmental sustainability target through the lens of the load capacity factor: Accessing evidence from MINT economies

AbstractThe relationship between energy utilization and the environment is crucial in an era of environmental concerns by global economies and rising energy consumption. Emerging economies such as Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Turkey (hereafter, MINT) face complex trade‐offs between economic growth and environmental sustainability. Strengthening this study are the UN Sustainable Development Goals prepositions on access to clean and alternative energy, decent economic growth, responsible production and consumption and climate action (UN‐SDGs‐7, 8, 12, and 13). The present study examines the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis for MINT economies within the framework of the load capacity factor (LCF). The article leverages panel econometrics to operationalize the relationship between study variables. Empirical findings show that the present study fails to confirm the presence of EKC. Thus, it implies that the MINT economies are at their first stage of accelerated economic growth which might result in an augmented ecological footprint and exert pressure on natural resources, as indicated by the observed negative outcome. Furthermore, there is a positive and significant relationship between renewable energy consumption (RENENG) and LCF. It implies that a 1% increase in RENENG leads to an increase in LCF of 0.70%. These outcomes indicate that the level of RENENG in MINT economies is not sufficient to mitigate climate change issues. Thus, from a policy perspective, there is a need for change in the MINT nations' energy portfolio mix, such as the need to switch from conventional energy sources (fossil fuels) to renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, photovoltaic and hydropower, which usually have a smaller negative impact on the environment. Furthermore, there is a need for investment in new and green energy technologies in the countries investigated to arrive at a clean and better ecosystem as desired. More insight is outlined in the concluding section.

Digital twin supporting environmental performance evaluation according to ISO certification: an application case in the tire industry

ABSTRACT The link between digital evolution and environmental sustainability is reshaping how companies enhance their processes, contributing to address circular manufacturing (CM). The extant literature does not explain how to improve the tire production process to limit environmental negative impacts, which are its most critical phases, which Industry 4.0 technologies could be exploited and how they could intervene in the process to facilitate effective data management. This research proposes a framework indicating how digital technologies could support tire producers in reducing the ecological footprint of their operations. The proposed framework addresses ISO 14,046 and 14,067 International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certifications. Digital twin (DT) was chosen as the most suitable technology. The related framework was further detailed according to data-driven CM principles, providing the set of sensors to be embedded on the production process and defining the data and information to be gathered through them to address the requested ISO certifications.

Synergizing Solar Power with Enhanced Oil Recovery: Integrating Solar-Assisted Methods into Existing EOR Techniques

This study investigates the utilization of solar energy to enhance the efficiency of oil recovery processes, known as Solar Assist-Enhanced Oil Recovery (SA-EOR). The project objectives involve assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating solar technologies with traditional oil recovery methods, such as steam injection or water flooding, to improve oil production rates and reduce operational costs. Methods employed include computational modeling, laboratory experiments, and field trials to evaluate various solar-assisted techniques and their impact on oil recovery. Key findings suggest that solar integration can enhance oil recovery by optimizing thermal processes, improving fluid mobility, and reducing environmental footprint. Additionally, the study underscores the economic viability and sustainability of SA-EOR solutions in the context of evolving energy landscapes. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights into the potential of solar technologies to revolutionize conventional oil recovery practices and advance towards more efficient and environmentally friendly energy production methods. Methods, termed Solar Assist-Enhanced Oil Recovery (SA-EOR). The objective is to investigate the efficacy of utilizing solar power to optimize thermal processes in oil extraction, such as steam injection or water flooding. Through computational modeling, laboratory experiments, and field trials, various SA-EOR techniques are evaluated for their potential to enhance oil recovery rates and reduce environmental impact. Findings indicate promising opportunities for leveraging solar energy to improve fluid mobility, optimize reservoir conditions, and ultimately increase oil production efficiency. This research underscores the significance of SA-EOR methods in advancing sustainable energy practices within the oil industry while addressing pressing environmental concerns.