Green Barriers Research Articles

Sustaining tranquility in small urban green parks: A modeling approach to identify noise pollution contributors

Noise pollution poses a significant environmental challenge in Iranian urban areas, particularly within Small Urban Green Parks (SUGPs). This study investigates the extent of noise pollution in SUGPs and identifies key contributors to elevated noise levels. A total of 94 SUGPs, with a mean area of 1.86 ± 0.99 hectares, were selected in Isfahan City, Central Iran, and subjected to 30-m Equivalent Sound Level (Lq30) measurements at their central locations. Explanatory variables were classified into two categories based on road density, traffic volume, proximity to roads, park vegetation, and physical characteristics. The relationship between noise levels and each explanatory variable was observed to be non-linear and polynomial (R2 < 0.334) in certain instances. Our modeling results using the Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP)-Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model (R2 = 0.936) indicate that average noise levels in these parks surpass international guidelines, averaging 65.97 ± 17.76 dB. Traffic volume and proximity to limited access roads were identified as primary factors influencing noise levels in SUGPs. It was observed that the design and layout of small urban parks may not effectively mitigate surrounding traffic noise, even with sufficient green barriers to absorb or block sound. Consequently, future efforts should prioritize strategic site selection for SUGPs to minimize exposure to major noise sources.

Spatio-temporal Evolution and Coordinated Development of Compactness with Carbon Emission Intensity in the Chengdu-Chongqing Urban Agglomeration

Studies on the spatio-temporal variation and coordinated development level of compactness with carbon emission intensity in the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration is of great significance to achieve green, low-carbon, and high-quality development of society. The spatial-temporal differentiation, coupling coordination, and driving factors of the compactness and carbon emission intensity of the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration from 2010 to 2020 were analyzed by using the methods of comprehensive evaluation, carbon emission identical equality, coupling coordination, and the Geo-detector model. The results showed that:① The compactness of the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration continued to rise from 0.18 in 2010 to 0.22 in 2020, with an overall increase of 22.22 %, in which the contribution rate of economic compactness to urban compactness increased yearly. There were significant regional differences in the compactness of cities. The high-value areas were concentrated in Chengdu, Deyang, and Mianyang in the northwest and Zigong, Neijiang, and Luzhou in the southwest, whereas the low-value areas were distributed in the middle. Ya'an was always the area with the lowest compactness of urban agglomeration. ② The carbon emission intensity of the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration was decreasing yearly, with a decrease rate of 39.57 % during the study period. The carbon emission intensity in the southern part of the urban agglomeration was higher than that in other regions as a whole, whereas Chengdu and Chongqing were low-value areas all the year round, and the regional differences of carbon emission intensity were gradually narrowing. ③ The coupling degree between urban compactness and carbon emission intensity changed from the antagonistic stage to the running-in stage; the coupling coordination degree increased notably, from 0.21 in 2010 to 0.69 in 2020; and the two systems gradually moved towards benign and coordinated development. The coupling coordination between the northwest of the urban agglomeration (Chengdu, Deyang, and Mianyang) and the south of Sichuan (Zigong and Luzhou) was generally high. Industrial structure, scientific and technological innovation, urbanization level, government intervention, and environmental livability all had significant effects on the coupling and coordination of the two systems. ④ Optimizing industrial structure, strengthening scientific and technological support, improving the quality of urbanization development, implementing active policy guidance, and building green barriers were effective ways to promote the coordinated development of compactness and low carbon in the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration.

ANALYSIS OF THE DEGREE OF STUDY AND GLOBAL EXPERIENCE IN OPTIMIZING URBAN NOISE POLLUTION

А collection and analysis of domestic and international publications on the impact of noise pollution on the physical and emotional well-being of mega-city residents were conducted. It was found that noise pollution directly affects the quality of life and the physical and mental health of people, leading to significant economic losses through medical expenses, deaths, and a decrease in the market value of real estate located near noise sources. Moreover, it was discovered that noise negatively influences not only the physical well-being of humans but also the behavior of urban animals and birds, compelling them to adapt their mating rituals and communication methods. While these behavioral changes help animals be more audible in noisy environments, they impact the reproductive success of certain species, potentially leading to their extinction and causing an ecological catastrophe. The study identified a global trend of lagging efforts to combat urban noise and solve problems only after their existence is acknowledged. The research explored the primary internationally recognized and widely used tools for reducing noise levels in urban environments, including methods within the field of landscape architecture: functional zoning of urban areas, construction of noise reduction screens (NRS), installation of noise-absorbing road surfaces, traffic restrictions, or speed limits, and the creation of green barriers, among others. Furthermore, the article outlined the main trends in the future development of improving sound comfort in cities, such as the establishment of "quiet zones" and the creation of unique soundscapes in contemporary mega-cities. Examples include the iconic sounds of Big Ben in London or the call to prayer from the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, which provide emotionally rich experiences. In a broader sense, acoustic comfort should not be considered solely as the absence of noise but rather as a situation where acoustic environments offer significant opportunities for human development and careful consideration of their physical and mental well-being.

The Impact of Green Trade Barriers on Chinese Tobacco Industry

The tobacco industry is an important pillar of the local economy, but the development and growth also need to bring the spirit of innovation into play, actively go abroad, open up international markets, and increase market share. However, the green trade barriers set by the international tobacco market have restricted Chinese tobacco enterprises from going out. This paper analyzes the importance of tobacco enterprises going worldwide and the advantages and disadvantages of green barriers. The study examines the necessity of green trade barriers from the perspective of world trade status and Chinas policy trend, and then clearly introduces the definition and manifestation of green trade barriers. The results show that green trade barriers promote the innovation of domestic tobacco technology to a certain extent, but also damage the international competitiveness of Chinas tobacco industry. This paper puts forward three countermeasures from three aspects. In tobacco cultivation, it is recommended to implement pest control at the start of planting. Enterprises should carry out innovation and reform in production and management processes. On the government side, it is recommended to provide protection and support to the tobacco industry.

Measuring and modeling the effects of green barriers on the spatial distribution of fine particulate matter at roadside

Green barriers are regarded as a viable strategy for improving road air quality, and yet there lacks consensus regarding how they can actively regulate air pollution, particularly under dynamic traffic, meteorology and built environments. To address this, field measurements were conducted to assess the levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) before and after green barriers along an urban expressway. The measurements revealed distinct spatial attenuation patterns in vegetation-rich and vegetation-sparse areas. Specifically, the first-layer green barriers were found to significantly reduce PM2.5 levels by 8.4–9.3% in the vegetation-rich area. The magnitude of PM2.5 reduction at all locations distant from the motorway varied depending on the wind direction. On average, there are reductions of 7.8% (winter) and 13.0% (summer) in PM2.5 levels under cross-road winds. A validated hybrid model further demonstrated the significant impact of green barriers on pollutant diffusion, showing an unstable spatial variation trend under changing wind conditions. A combination of trees and hedgerows with a tree spacing of 3 m and obovate or spherical tree crowns proved effective in reducing roadside pollution. Simulations also suggested significant pollution reduction when considering appropriate spatial distribution of traffic flow and solid barrier alongside green barriers. These findings underscore the potential of combining green barriers with diverse measures to maximize the reduction of traffic-related pollution at roadside.

The relationship between entrepreneurial energy efficiency orientation and carbon footprint reduction: The mediating role of green networking and identification of barriers to green practices

Motivated by the growing attention to climate change and the crucial role businesses could play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, this study investigates entrepreneurial energy efficiency orientation in the context of carbon footprint reduction initiatives of small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We enhance understanding of the climate change action of SMEs by taking into account the mediating mechanisms (i.e., identification of green barriers and green networking) through which firm entrepreneurial energy efficiency orientation leads to superior carbon footprint reduction initiatives by overcoming barriers to green practices. A survey of 252 SME owners and top managers in the Tees Valley region, Northeast England, supported the direct impact of entrepreneurial energy efficiency orientation on overcoming barriers to green practices and the mediating role of identification of green barriers and green networking in this focal relationship. These findings reveal the importance of entrepreneurial energy efficiency orientation, identification of green barriers and green networking in helping SMEs overcome barriers to green practices and improving carbon footprint reduction initiatives.

Research on Green Barriers and Countermeasures for Chinese Materia Medica Entering ASEAN Countries under the Background of the Belt and Road Initiative

China-ASEAN Free Trade Area is a huge economy covering 11 countries and 1.9 billion people, and has become the largest free trade area among developing countries. Because of the geographical proximity and cultural similarities between China and ASEAN, and the fact that most ASEAN countries have a high recognition of (Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and prefer to use traditional medicine to treat diseases, there is a large market demand for Chinese Materia Medica (CMM). China-ASEAN Free Trade Area has become an important market for CMM exports. However, ASEAN countries have different degrees of green barriers to CMM exports, mainly including technical trade barriers (TTBs) and non-technical trade barriers (NTBs), and these green barriers have caused a certain impact of the entry of CMM into ASEAN countries. This article proposes legal countermeasures for CMM exports to ASEAN countries to deal with green barriers in terms of Chinese government's diplomacy, trade policy, industrial structure, intellectual property protection, quality of CMM, as well as Chinese enterprises' internal management, dispute resolution, communication and cooperation, with a view to developing the market of CMM in ASEAN countries. In order to speed up the pace of "going out" of CMM.

A Practical Green Infrastructure Intervention to Mitigate Air Pollution in a UK School Playground

Air pollution severely compromises children’s health and development, causing physical and mental implications. We have explored the use of site-specific green infrastructure (green barriers) in a school playground in Sheffield, UK, as an air-pollution-mitigation measure to improve children’s environment. The study assessed air quality pre-post intervention and compared it with two control sites. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter &lt;2.5 µm in size (PM2.5) concentration change was assessed via three methods: (1) continuous monitoring with fixed devices (de-seasonalised); (2) monthly monitoring with diffusion tubes (spatial analysis); (3) intermittent monitoring with a mobile device at children’s height (spatial analysis). De-seasonalised results indicate a reduction of 13% for NO2 and of 2% for PM2.5 in the school playground after two years of plant establishment. Further reductions in NO2 levels (25%) were observed during an exceptionally low mobility period (first COVID-19 lockdown); this is contrary to PM2.5 levels, which increased. Additionally, particles captured by a green barrier plant, Hedera helix ‘Woerner’, were observed and analysed using SEM/EDX techniques. Particle elemental analysis suggested natural and potential anthropogenic origins, potentially signalling vehicle traffic. Overall, green barriers are a valid complementary tool to improve school air quality, with quantifiable and significant air pollution changes even in our space-constrained site.

The landscape impact of agricultural sheds in rural UNESCO site: Public preferences and mitigation solutions

The mitigation process of agricultural sheds into the landscape is crucial for aesthetic quality of its landscape and architectural integrity. The evaluation of how residents perceive these elements and identifying preferred solutions is crucial for landscape planning. For identifying sets of preferred mitigation solutions and defining shared criteria for landscape planning a representative sample of the population was investigated. We have estimated the willingness to pay for integrating contemporary agricultural sheds in a UNESCO landscape. Data were collected in six Core Zones of “Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato” (North-West Italy). Preferences toward different mitigation measures of the agricultural sheds were investigated using a Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) method. The DCE survey was carried out through face-to-face interviews involving 400 residents. The set of mitigation attributes (colour of the walls, colour of the roof, green barriers and plant green walls) was selected by means of a landscape analysis and presented to respondents using a set of images (close and distant views). Our study shows that the presence of green barriers (formal hedge and tree line) and the colour of the wall (green) are considered positive mitigation solutions. These attributes have a positive effect both in the close and the distant view. Our results confirmed that the distance may affect the visual impact of these buildings. Most of the respondents agree with the need to implement mitigation solutions for agricultural sheds, guaranteeing a better aesthetic enjoyment.

Prioritizing the mitigation strategies to lean and green barriers using fuzzy BWM-FTOPSIS method in the food supply chain: an empirical case study

Purpose This paper aims to assist managers and food supply chain practitioners in efficiently implementing lean and green (LG) practices for sustainability. Examining barriers to LG practices, as well as prioritizing mitigation strategies in the food supply chain, are all part of this work. Design/methodology/approach Using a combination of literature review and expert team inputs, this paper investigated the LG barriers and their solutions under PESTEL (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal) framework. To prioritize them, this work used the fuzzy best worst method (fuzzy BWM) with the fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS). Findings From the fuzzy BWM, the economic barriers were identified as the most significant. From the FTOPSIS approach, top management expertise and commitment to adopting LG practices were identified as the best solution for overcoming the barriers. Practical implications This paper discusses the barriers and solutions for successfully implementing LG techniques from the real-time food supply chain. The practitioners and food chain managers welcomed the methodology for its use in prioritizing the barriers to LG practices. Conclusions drawn from this work were found to be realistic. Originality/value The original contribution of this study is to present the model framework for barriers and solutions of LG practices in the dairy supply chain using the hybrid MCDM technique.

DETERMINANTS OF ORGANIC FOOD PURCHASE BEHAVIOR: A MEDIATION ANALYSIS

The adoption of sustainable practices is an imperative and urgent need for economies. The food manufacturing processes and the consumption patterns have an impact on the individuals and the atmosphere. This study has been conducted with the aim to understand the determinants of organic food purchase behavior. For that purpose, this study hypothesized the mediation effects of attitudes towards buying organic food between organic food purchase behavior and four consumers’ personal factors, green marketing practices and price barriers. The research was carried out in the developing economy of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Convenience Sampling was used as the sampling technique. For this research, the respondents were 260 consumers of organic foods from the city of Lahore, Pakistan. The technique applied on this study was Process Hayes. The results of the data suggested that attitude towards buying organic food has positive significant mediations between organic food purchase behavior and all of the dependent variables. Keywords: Environmental Concerns; Organic Food Purchase Behavior; Green Marketing

Green drivers and green enablers in pharmaceuticals supply chain: in the context of an emerging economy

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to comprehend the current state of green supply chain management (GSCM) and its drivers and enablers in the pharmaceutical supply chains (PSCs).Design/methodology/approachThis study developed a model consisting of the factors green drivers, green enablers and green practices. For this study, data were collected from 166 supply chain heads from 124 pharmaceutical companies operating in India. The data was empirically analysed using SmartPLS3 software.FindingsThe study revealed that in Indian PSCs, public pressure, supplier pressure and competitor pressure were the major drivers for GSCM practices and coercive pressures such as pressure from government and regulatory bodies were insignificant drivers. The results indicated that the influence of green drivers and green enablers altered with supply chain flow. Green drivers indicated higher influence at the upstream of PSCs whereas the influence of green enablers was higher at the downstream of PSCs. Furthermore, the study revealed that the factor “green enablers” was a good mediator for the relationship between “green drivers” and “GSCM practices” in PSCs.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was an extension work with the addition of external green drivers to the self-induced organizational activities. Further investigations can be done by including the “green barriers” construct in the conceptual model.Practical implicationsThis research connected the institutional theory with the resource-based view to understanding the role of green drivers and green enablers in greening PSC. For managers and regulators, this study provided clear insights on how to approach different supply chain drivers and enablers to maximize the impact of GSCM practices. Moreover, the findings of this study helped in incorporating knowledge about GSCM into a framework that can be used for defining strategies for setting up a sustainable PSC for pharmaceutical products leading to the development and growth of the pharmaceuticals industry.Originality/valueMost of the earlier studies on GSCM were at the firm level and some studies were at the supply chain level. To further enhance the scope of GSCM theory, this study was conducted at two different levels, first at the complete supply chain level and second at three different levels: upstream, firm-level and downstream.

The Impact of Green Trade Barriers on China's Agricultural Export Trade and Countermeasures --Take the Tea Export Trade of Fujian Province as an Example

Fujian tea has always occupied a leading position in China's tea exports, but in recent years China's tea has been subject to the constraints of green trade barriers in developed countries, and the competitiveness of tea exports has weakened. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the current situation of Fujian tea exports, analyze the positive and negative effects of green trade barriers on Fujian tea, explore the main problems of Fujian tea export trade, and propose corresponding countermeasures for specific problems.

Analysis of barriers in green human resource implementation for enhancing organizational sustainability: a DEMATEL approach

Adoption of Green HRM practices within an organisation may face many challenges and issues which can be both strategic and tactical. It is important to understand how and what kind of green HRM practices are lacking in the organisations and what are the barriers to successful implementation of the same. The aim of this article is to identify the barriers to Green HRM implementation by extensive literature review. A methodology of decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) has been used to analyse the Green HRM implementation barriers and also the relationship between them so as to develop a framework where more effective Green HRM can be implemented by organisations. The identified barriers were also categorised into two groups i.e. the cause group and the effect group. It will guide the policy makers to plan to counter these barriers.

School neighbourhood and compliance with WHO-recommended annual NO2 guideline: A case study of Greater London

Despite several national and local policies towards cleaner air in England, many schools in London breach the WHO-recommended concentrations of air pollutants such as NO2 and PM2.5. This is while, previous studies highlight significant adverse health effects of air pollutants on children's health. In this paper we adopted a Bayesian spatial hierarchical model to investigate factors that affect the odds of schools exceeding the WHO-recommended concentration of NO2 (i.e., 40 μg/m3 annual mean) in Greater London (UK). We considered a host of variables including schools' characteristics as well as their neighbourhoods' attributes from household, socioeconomic, transport-related, land use, built and natural environment characteristics perspectives. The results indicated that transport-related factors including the number of traffic lights and bus stops in the immediate vicinity of schools, and borough-level bus fuel consumption are determinant factors that increase the likelihood of non-compliance with the WHO guideline. In contrast, distance from roads, river transport, and underground stations, vehicle speed (an indicator of traffic congestion), the proportion of borough-level green space, and the area of green space at schools reduce the likelihood of exceeding the WHO recommended concentration of NO2. We repeated our analysis under a hypothetical scenario in which the recommended concentration of NO2 is 35 μg/m3 – instead of 40 μg/m3. Our results underscore the importance of adopting clean fuel technologies on buses, installing green barriers, and reducing motorised traffic around schools in reducing exposure to NO2 concentrations in proximity to schools. Also, our findings highlight the presence of environmental inequalities in the Greater London area. This study would be useful for local authority decision making with the aim of improving air quality for school-aged children in urban settings.

‘Green barriers’ for air pollutant capture: Leaf micromorphology as a mechanism to explain plants capacity to capture particulate matter

Finding ways to mitigate atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is one of the key steps towards fighting air pollution and protecting people's health. The use of green infrastructure is one option that could help improving urban air quality and promoting more sustainable cities. Detailed knowledge of how plants capture particulate matter can support plant selection for this purpose. Previous studies have primarily focused on 2D techniques to assess the micromorphology of plant leaves. Here, 3D optical profilometry and SEM imaging (2D) are used to quantify leaf roughness and other micromorphological leaf traits of three contrasting plant species (Hedera helix ‘Woerner’, Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’, and Phyllostachys nigra) located within a mixed-species green barrier. These techniques have allowed us to identify the relative distribution of adhered atmospheric PM with respect to the surface topography of leaves, with high spatial resolution. Leaf surface roughness did not show a direct relationship with PM deposition; however, the descriptors width, depth and frequency of the grooves are important to explain PM capture by the leaves. Additionally, the presence of wax on leaves was relevant for PM adherence. All species captured PM, with their overall PM capture efficiency ranked from highest to lowest as follows: Thuja occidentalis > Hedera helix > Phyllostachys nigra. All green barrier species contributed to air quality improvement, through PM capture, regardless of their location within the barrier. Having multiple species in a green barrier is beneficial due to the diverse range of leaf micromorphologies present, thus offering different mechanisms for particulate matter capture.

Removal of particulate air pollutants by Australian vegetation potentially used for green barriers

Urban air quality monitoring and control are becoming increasingly important as the amount of airborne pollutants is directly related to public health. One of the main strategies to improve air quality is to increase the number of plants per unit land surface area across cities through urban greening. In addition to the process of photosynthesis, which minimizes the content of harmful gas impurities into the atmosphere, the planting of relevant vegetation in the form of high-density street vegetation, green walls or green façades, acts as a barrier to the passage of atmospheric aerosol particles into crowded areas. Depending on the availability of local plants, various design strategies could be used to minimise air pollution and achieve maximum air quality. On this basis, it is important to investigate filtration capabilities of a range of locally available plants enabling landscape architects to design the most cost-effective green barriers in various countries. Four common representatives of Australian flora have been selected and tested in this study as promising candidates. A number of configuration scenarios involving manipulation of a layer thickness and biomass packing were tested as potential filters for collection of aerosols sizing from 0.5 μm diameter. The results showed that the plant materials were highly efficient in filtering coarse particles (≥2.5 μm), with efficiencies ranging from 50.1% to 99.9%. The smaller particle sizes were filtered with comparatively lower efficiencies, ranging from 0.6% to 51.3% and 8.6%–79.1% for particles of 0.5 μm and 1 μm diameter respectively. Optimal scenarios were proposed and discussed.

A bibliometric analysis of comparative research on the evolution of international and Chinese green supply chain research hotspots and frontiers.

Green supply chain (GSC), one of the most vital sub-topics of sustainable development, indicates people provoking on the rationality of business practices and resource consumption patterns. Under the background of economy globalization, developing countries, especially China, severely affected by green barriers became the global focus. A systematic review of articles about GSC which published in leading journals of Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) and China Knowledge Resource Infrastructure (CNKI) is proposed for exploring publishing trends, the distribution of authors and journals, research topics, and hotspots and predicting frontiers by utilizing VOSviewer, Sci2, and CiteSpace. The results show that (1) there are differences in the attention of GSC between international and Chinese academia. (2) "Green" is referred to environmental friendly practices in international academia. Scholars advocate to promote management to strengthen cooperation among GSC members and boost technology investment to improve the comprehensive performance; however, specific practices such as "low-carbon," "emission reduction," "recycling," and "remanufacture" are referred to environmental friendly behaviors in Chinese academia. Scholars expect to avoid enterprises' short-term profit compression relying on government subsidies and make contracts to share environment protection cost equally out for ensuring GSC stable operation. (3) Exploring collaboration among GSC members using complex operation research and artificial intelligence will be international research frontier. Relevant papers are to provide Chinese research with merely innovation in methodology. Besides, the "government-enterprise-university-research institute-customer-economy" management mode proposed by development countries like China will enrich the international GSC research scope, leading international GSC knowledge structure to change. The contribution of this study is to afford reference for future research on GSC.

Identify and ranking green manufacturing barriers by using MCDM methods

Identify and ranking green manufacturing barriers by using MCDM methods

Perencanaan Lanskap Mitigasi Tsunami Berbasis Ekosistem Mangrove di Kota Palu

The coastal areas are vulnerable areas to disaster threats, especially the geological hazards of earthquakes accompanied by tsunamis. Palu City, which is located on the west coast of Sulawesi, experienced a natural disaster of an earthquake, tsunami, and liquefaction on September 28, 2018. Based on the Map of Disaster Prone Index in Central Sulawesi Province, Palu City is a tsunami-prone area that is crossed by the Palu-Koro Fault. Tsunami disaster mitigation efforts in coastal areas can be done by planting mangrove ecosystems as a green barrier. The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of the coastal landscape in Palu City and plan the landscape of tsunami mitigation based on mangrove ecosystems in Palu City. The method used spatial analysis method and descriptive method, as well as the research stage, consists of preparation, data analysis, data synthesis, and landscape planning stage. The basic concept of tsunami mitigation landscape planning is to reduce or eliminate disaster risk in coastal areas based on mangrove ecosystems. The concept of spatial pattern concept consists of high hazard zones, medium hazard zones, and low hazard zones. The concept of vegetation refers to the diversity of mangrove and native plant species as green open spaces and green barriers.