Green Practices Research Articles

Can ESG Disclosure Stimulate Corporations’ Sustainable Green Innovation Efforts? Evidence from China

The Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Composite Rating denotes corporations’ capability for supporting sustainable development activities, social responsibility, and transparent and ethical governance. It aims to inform investors and stakeholders about the company’s sustainability and social responsibility risks. ESG has increasingly become an informal yet significant driving force in promoting sustainable green innovation within the diversified co-governance environmental management system. This paper examines the dynamic relationship between ESG performance and sustainable green innovation practices in Chinese A-share listed companies from 2011 to 2022. The results show a positive correlation between ESG performance and the level of corporate sustainable green innovation. They also validate the moderating roles of informal external pressure and internal development demands. While the moderating effect of public environmental concern (PEC) is not significant, corporate digital transformation (CDT) significantly and positively moderates the relationship between ESG performance and sustainable green innovation. These findings offer policymakers and corporations a means to formulate a framework to shape the conduct of corporations to meet the market’s green development needs and to establish instruments that promote green innovation.

Unveiling the drivers of green loan disclosures: a study of financial and governance determinants

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the factors influencing Indian banks’ choice of green loan disclosure practices. The study analyzes the effect of financial and governance variables to understand the sustainable reporting (through green lending) behavior of Indian banks.Design/methodology/approachThe data on green loan disclosure has been hand-collected from the annual reports using a content analysis approach. Using the data of 26 banks for 12 years (2012–2023), the study uses the panel regression method to control for cross-sectional heterogeneity and generalized methods of the moment to address potential endogeneity issues.FindingsThe empirical results depict that larger banks with sufficient risk capital and a strong corporate governance framework demonstrate greater disclosure of green loans. However, growth opportunities and higher market value impedes the reporting of green lending.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of the study will enhance the extant literature on sustainability disclosure by integrating the financial sector companies in the context of an emerging economy. However, future research may include nonbanking finance companies as well.Social implicationsBanks use societal deposits to invest in productive avenues, and therefore, it is paramount to understand their social and environmental consciousness while evaluating a financing proposal. This research provides a thorough understanding of the sustainable reporting of banks through the lens of green lending.Originality/valueThis research provides unique evidence on the bank-specific determinants of green loan disclosure in an emerging economy context as against the extant literature which primarily focused on sustainable reporting of nonfinancial companies.

The Impact of Green Entrepreneurial Orientation, Market Orientation, and Green Supply Chain Management Practices on Sustainable Firm Performance

The Impact of Green Entrepreneurial Orientation, Market Orientation, and Green Supply Chain Management Practices on Sustainable Firm Performance

Green IT and BYOD: driving sustainability, job performance, and well-being in remote work

Purpose This study aims to explore the impact of bring your own device (BYOD) practices on teleworkers’ job performance, work–life conflict and their implications for environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on Green IT in the post-pandemic remote work context. Drawing on the job demands–resources (JD-R) model, it examines the relationships between private technology adoption, job demands, job resources, job performance and work–life conflict, while also assessing how BYOD impacts environmental outcomes such as electronic waste reduction and carbon emissions. Design/methodology/approach The study used confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) using AMOS version 22 to evaluate seven hypotheses among 424 full-time teleworkers from various occupational sectors in Mauritius, a developing country. Findings SEM results confirm that BYOD enhances job performance and work–life conflict through increased job autonomy, workload and work pressure. BYOD and teleworking also contribute to Green IT and environmental sustainability by reducing energy consumption and electronic waste, indirectly supporting broader sustainability goals through reduced corporate device demand and lower commuting-related emissions. Practical implications Organisations should leverage BYOD policies to advance Green IT practices and improve work performance in remote settings, focusing on balancing job demands with resources like work autonomy to enhance productivity and well-being. Originality/value The findings strongly support the JD-R model in the context of remote work and BYOD, particularly in developing economies with limited infrastructure, offering insights for policies that enhance both employee well-being, Green IT and environmental sustainability.

Do green practices and technologies mediate lean manufacturing’s impact on industrial performance? Evidence from the European manufacturing survey

Purpose This study aims to analyze the mediating role that green practices (GPs) and green technologies (GTs) play in the relationship between lean manufacturing (LM) and industrial performance (IP). It is suggested that GPs and GTs are crucial for transforming lean routines into enhanced performance that simultaneously meet current environmental requirements. Design/methodology/approach The hypotheses are tested using a mixed methodology, which includes a partial least squares structural equation modeling approach and a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) applied to a multisectoral sample from three European countries (Spain, Sweden and Croatia). Findings The results confirm that GPs mediate the relationship between LM and IP; however, in the case of GTs, this mediation does not appear to occur, although GTs emerge as a peripheral condition in the subsequent fsQCA. These findings highlight the need to avoid an exclusively technocentric approach and underscore the importance of implementing green organizational practices alongside technology investments to achieve successful lean initiatives. Practical implications It seems clear that managers should apply GPs, combined with LM, to improve sustainability and efficiency and should apply GTs once a more mature lean-green culture has been established. Originality/value In recent years, the scientific community has increasingly focused on the impact of implementing GPs and GTs on IP within LM plants. However, to the authors’ knowledge, no study has yet analyzed the combined effect of both initiatives. This paper seeks to address this gap by examining, in aggregate, the moderating effect of GPs and GTs on IP in LM plants.

Development of a Green Banking and Green Financing Practice Model for Enhancing Sustainability Development Goals (SDGS)

Objective: This study is to investigate a green banking model based on green banking practices, green financing, and green environment to enhance sustainability development goals (SDGs). Theoretical Framework: The research focuses on developing green banking and financing practices to improve environmental performance in the Indonesian banking sector. Green Banking emphasizes sustainability in banking operations and products, while Green Financing promotes funding environmentally friendly projects. The study also draws on Stakeholder Theory, highlighting that banks are accountable to a wide range of stakeholders. Method: The research stages include the development of instruments, questionnaire distribution, data collection, and data processing using a sample of 54 respondents, selected using convenience sampling. Data testing and processing were carried out using SmartPLS software. Results and Discussion: The analysis of banking employees and practitioners revealed that Banks' Customer-Related Practices (BCRP), Employee-Related Practices (BERP), and Operation-Related Practices (BORP) positively impact Green Environment Performance (GEP), whereas Banks' Policy-Related Practices (BPRP) do not. Additionally, while BCRP, BERP, and BORP showed no significant influence on Green Financing (GF), BPRP demonstrated a notable positive effect on Green Financing (GF). This result also show that Studies on Bank’s customer behavior change towards sustainability and its influence on the SDGs. Research Implications: Banks can implement specific green practices to improve their sustainability development goals (SDGs). The study reinforces Sustainability Theory by highlighting the importance of balancing environmental, social, and economic concerns in banking operations, confirming the need for a "Triple Bottom Line" approach in business models. Originality/Value: The originality of the research is demonstrated through its Studies on Bank’s customer behavior change towards sustainability and its influence on the SDGs by integrating multiple theoretical perspectives.

Towards sustainable manufacturing: unpacking green practices’ impact on environmental performance in Pakistan

Towards sustainable manufacturing: unpacking green practices’ impact on environmental performance in Pakistan

Green nexus womenpreneurs: harnessing internal-external capabilities for sustainable MSMEs fashion

Purpose This study aims to analyze the capabilities and external conditions of womenpreneur owners of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) Fashion EcoPrint Indonesia in green business practices and their implications for sustainable business performance. Design/methodology/approach This study chooses a quantitative approach with a sustainable business internal-external capability model. Using the structural equation modeling-partial least square analysis tool, the analysis was conducted on a sample of womenpreneurs who owned MSMEs EcoPrint Indonesia (n = 493). Findings In the internal capability dimension, total quality environment and green core competence affect green supply chain management, affecting green product innovation performance. Meanwhile, women entrepreneurs’ external capability dimensions (regulation, customer awareness of the environment and technological innovation infrastructure) are connected to sustainable development business capabilities, which affect the performance of green process innovation. The study confirms that green products and processes have the potential to influence sustainable business performance. A key finding is the strong influence of environment-based total quality management governance on both sides. At the same time, womenpreneurs have a significant impact on their respective dimensions. Research limitations/implications This study has implications for increasing competency, Sustainable MSME industrial infrastructure, and protecting women in developing countries. The theoretical implications of creating a model that examines the impact of womenpreneurs’ internal and external abilities on eco-friendly businesses’ success are significant for developing nations’ promising growth. Originality/value This study explores women’s contributions to family well-being and environment-based economies, focusing on eco-friendly supply chain management and sustainable external capabilities of women entrepreneurs in Indonesia, using a gender equality approach in developing economies.

Eco-Sustainability in Hospital Pharmacy: A Pilot Survey on 'Going Green'.

Purpose: Between 2009 and 2015, the Canadian health care system was estimated to be responsible for 4.6% of national carbon emissions. Determine awareness of and describe eco-initiatives that the department of pharmacy can implement to aim to reduce the carbon footprint in hospital pharmacy in an effort to 'go green'. Methods: In a quality improvement initiative, pharmacy employees (i.e. pharmacists and pharmacy technicians) completed a cross-sectional survey designed to gauge willingness to 'go green' at work, to identify actionable areas of waste, and to assess commuting practices. Results: A total of 15 respondents completed the survey conducted March 14th -April 7th, 2022. Most respondents (73%) were willing to engage in more sustainable practices at work. The main barriers to implementing green practices at work were 'too time consuming' (20%), 'adds too much complexity' (20%), and 'cost' (16%). For commuting, 60% indicated the primary mode of transportation as 'personal vehicle', where 'subsidized transit' and was listed as the greatest incentive that could encourage a greener commute. The three largest areas of waste cited were 'single use plastic' (36%), 'limited of awareness of green practices' (15%), and 'lights left on in empty rooms' (12%). Conclusions: Pharmacy staff shared willingness to engage in more sustainable 'go green' practices but raised challenges to do so. With the knowledge that Canada has the second most climate intensive health system, there is a need for future research to describe how hospital pharmacies can contribute strategically to 'go green', advancing with implementing low carbon sustainable pharmacy practices.

How green HRM practices foster green competitive advantage through big data analytics capability and are amplified by managerial environmental concern

PurposeIn today’s business landscape, drawing upon the critical role of environmental sustainability, this study investigates the intricate relationship between green human resource management practices (GHRMP), big data analytics capability (BDAC), green competitive advantage (GCA) and environmental performance (EP), further moderated by managerial environmental concern (MEC).Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a quantitative approach using the latest version of SmartPLS 4 version 4.0.9.6 on a data sample of 467 participants representing a diverse range of manufacturing SMEs. Data were collected from managers and directors using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). This study contributes to the existing knowledge by integrating GHRMP and BDAC within the GCA framework, providing a comprehensive understanding of how these practices enhance SME`s sustainability.FindingsThe findings provide valuable insights into the manufacturing sector, aiming to enhance SMEs' green competitive advantage. Implementing GHRMP fosters environmental awareness within the workforce, and building BDAC allows for effectively translating that GHRMP into actionable insights, maximizing the potential for achieving GCA. Furthermore, recognizing MEC’s moderating role strengthens positive environmental outcomes associated with GCA. The findings confirm that GHRMP and BDAC are valuable resources and key drivers contributing to competitive advantage in sustainability of enterprises.Practical implicationsFor SMEs, our findings suggest that strategically integrating GHRMP with BDAC not only boosts environmental stewardship but also improves operational efficiency and market positioning. This research outlines actionable steps for SMEs aiming to achieve sustainability targets while enhancing profitability. This research provides actionable insights for SMEs in strategic decision-making and policy formulation, aiding SMEs in navigating the complexities of sustainable development effectively.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing knowledge by integrating GHRMP and BDAC within the GCA framework, providing a robust theoretical explanation of how HRM practices and BDAC help SMEs gain green competitiveness. The implication of this study reveals that SMEs implementing and integrating green HRM practices with advanced data analytics are more likely to gain competitive advantage. This study draws theoretical support from the resource-based view (RBV) theory, positing that a firm’s sustainable competitive advantage stems from its unique and valuable resources and capabilities that are difficult for competitors to imitate or substitute.

Nexus between green production practices and green growth: policy recommendations for emerging economies

Nexus between green production practices and green growth: policy recommendations for emerging economies

Contribution of Green Supply Chain Management Practices towards a Sustainable Development—Applied Study in the Food Industry in Lebanon

This paper explores the effect of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) practices on the dimensions of Sustainable Development (SD) in the context of the Lebanese food industry. It aimed to examine to what extent GSCM practices and SD schemes are perceived in the food industry. As there is a growing concern and raising awareness of traceability among consumers in the food supply, researches can have a contribution to develop sustainability in food industry. As such, six GSCM practices, namely Eco-design (ED), Internal Environmental Management (IEM), Investment Recovery (IR), Green Purchasing (GP), Environmental Cooperation (EC) and Reverse Logistics (RL) were employed. These six GSCM variables were used to analyze structural relationships with the three dimensions of the SD, that is to say economic, environmental and social performances. The proposed model was tested using a questionnaire based survey via two modes of face to face and emails using a plant survey, senior managers of 88 food companies in Lebanon. The data were analyzed in SPSS and AMOS statistical programs. An Exploratory (Unrestricted) Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory (Restricted) Factor Analysis (CFA) and multiple regressions were applied. The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) revealed that the GSCM practices IR, GP, ED and IEM had significant relationships with one or more of the SD dimensions.On the basis of the findings, implications that may ameliorate the effect of GSCM practices on the SD dimensions can be taken into consideration. For instance, the enhance of the environmental cooperation with the suppliers and customers, improving the image of the company in the mind of their customers, reinforcing the commitment of GSCM from managers, utilization of cleaner technology, activation of internal performance evaluation system, enhancing the labor conditions and performing special training for workers on environmental issues.

Green HRM practices, green capability and green performance: the avenues towards greener economy

Green HRM practices, green capability and green performance: the avenues towards greener economy

A Framework for Industry 4.0 Related Green Concept Integration of Services Component in Commercial Buildings

The effects of global warming are far-reaching and can affect and threaten every aspect of human existence. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation have mainly contributed to the emission of these greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Construction activities and practices are one such human activity. Building services are the aspects of a building that ensure the occupants are comfortable and secure within the building. However, building services use resources such as energy and water to create such comfort. The 4.0 era of industry has introduced dimensions to Green Building Concepts and practices of creating structures and processes that are environmentally friendly, responsible and resource efficient. This research, therefore, seeks to develop a framework for the integration of Industry 4.0-related green concepts into services in commercial buildings. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted in this research to provide information concerning integrating green concepts into building services in commercial buildings in Nigeria. Data were collected with questionnaires from 106 built environment professionals who also use commercial buildings in the study area of Abuja. Statistical tools for frequency, percentage, mean score, relative important index (RII), independent samples t test, Mann–Whitney U test and the factor reduction method based on eigen values were used to analyze the data. The results indicated that quality indoor air conditioning is the most critical satisfaction parameter for users within commercial buildings, with an average mean score of 3.81. The aesthetic effect of installed services on the building façade and high-quality building services components was ranked high, with an average mean score of 3.33 for each. The results also indicated that the lack of relevant technology and inadequate training of service personnel hindered the growth of green building concepts in Nigeria. These factors had a mean score of 4.35 each. Professionals ranked energy efficient/saving bulbs, e.g., CFLs, remote controlled, sensored lights, natural daylight, solar photovoltaic panels and building management systems, as the most effective green components that can be incorporated into commercial buildings. These factors and others were combined to create a framework for integrating green concepts for services into commercial buildings. When the construction industry and government in Nigeria adopt this framework, it can promote more integration of green concepts into commercial building services.

An expert system based decision-making framework for benchmarking industry in sustainable manufacturing

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate and enhance sustainable manufacturing practices across various industries, focusing on environmental, economic and social dimensions, to promote a comprehensive understanding and implementation of sustainability, thereby improving overall industry performance and fostering long-term ecological and economic health.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses multi-criteria decision-making-multivariate analysis technique to examine sustainable manufacturing practices (SMPs) in the Indian manufacturing sector. It identifies 11 SMP criteria through literature review and expert recommendations. Data are collected through questionnaires, expert committees and interviews. The study focuses on four key industries: automobile, steel, textile and plastic. Techniques like principal component analysis (PCA), technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and complex proportional assessment (COPRAS) are used to rank and assess performance.FindingsThe Indian automobile industry has shown the most effective SMPs compared to steel, textile and plastic sectors. The automobile sector is the benchmark for sustainable measures, emphasizing the importance of green practices for environmental, social and economic performance. Recommendations extend beyond the automobile sector to cement, electronics and construction.Practical implicationsThe research emphasizes the importance of SMPs across various industries, focusing on economic, environmental and social considerations. It advocates for a holistic approach that enhances resource efficiency and minimizes ecological footprint.Originality/valueThe study uses ranking methods like PCA-integrated TOPSIS and COPRAS to evaluate performance in different industries, focusing on the benchmarked automobile sector. The research offers valuable insights and advocates for the widespread adoption of sustainable policies beyond the studied sectors.

The Impact of Green Human Resource Management Practices (GHRMPs) on Turnover Intention (TI): Moderated by Work-Health Balance (WHB) and Work-Family Balance (WFB)

This study aims to investigate the direct relationships between GHRMPs (GR, GTT, GRA and GI) and TI, the indirect relationship between GHRMPs and TI through the moderation role of each WHB and WFB. This study conducted amongst the employees of Malaysian manufacturing industry. The study employed the quantitative method with a population of 2.8 million employees in the main four manufacturing hubs in Malaysia (Penang, Kulim, Klang Valley, and Johor), the representative sample attained 403 employees from the different hubs mentioned. The data analyzed descriptively via SPSS and the hypothesis tested using AMOS. The findings of this research as there is a statistical significant and negative (Reducing TI) influence of GHRMPs (GR, GTT, GRA and GI) on TI in the Malaysian manufacturing industry. There is a statistical significant negative (Reducing TI) influence of the moderator WFB on the relationship between GHRMPs (GR, GTT, GRA and GI) and TI in the Malaysian manufacturing industry. There is a statistical significant negative (Reducing TI) influence of the moderator WHB on the relationship between GHRMPs (GR, GTT and GRA) and TI in the Malaysian manufacturing industry. While There is a statistical insignificant positive (Increasing TI) influence of the moderator WHB on the relationship between GI and TI in the Malaysian manufacturing industry.

Relationship between indoor environmental quality and guests’ comfort and satisfaction at green hotels: A comprehensive review

Abstract Recent studies have focused on different aspects of green management, practices, and green consumption in the hotel industry. However, there is a need to explore and better understand the association between indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and green hotel guest’s comfort. Therefore, it is essential to explore the effects of IEQ on the comfort and satisfaction of green hotel guests. This study conducts a comprehensive review of the effects of various IEQ parameters, including indoor air quality, thermal comfort, lighting, visual/view, acoustic comfort, building characteristics, decoration, and indoor greenery, on guest’s comfort and satisfaction in green hotels. Based on previous literature, it was also revealed that most current green building schemes lack of comprehensive evaluation of the performance of IEQ dimensions in green hotels. It was also observed that these IEQ parameters show a significant influence on the hotel guest’s comfort and satisfaction. Based on the findings of the literature review, a conceptual model was developed to represent the relationship between the IEQ parameters and guest’s comfort and satisfaction. The proposed conceptual model can be implemented by the hotel management for a comprehensive assessment of guests’ perceptions toward the IEQ in green hotels. The novelty of this study is based on its findings that establish a more effective IEQ evaluation method and serve as the reference scenario of IEQ, which can be a useful tool for both academician and practitioners and contribute to improving the indoor environmental performance of green hotels through highlighting the key IEQ parameters, which affect the comfort and satisfaction of hotel guests.

Performance of self‐compacting alkali‐activated slag concrete‐filled cold‐formed steel tubular stub columns

AbstractThis study comprehensively investigates the self‐compacting alkali‐activated slag concrete‐filled cold‐formed steel tubes (SACFST) stub columns under axial compression. The innovative combination of alkali‐activated slag concrete (AASC) with concrete‐filled steel tubes (CFST) enhances both sustainability and structural performance. AASC, known for its eco‐friendly benefits compared to conventional concrete, was developed using industrial wastes, contributing to green construction practices. Based on Taguchi's L‐9 orthogonal array, nine mixes of self‐compacting alkali‐activated slag concrete (SASC) were developed, achieving impressive flowability exceeding 700 mm and compressive strengths ranging from 48 to 69 MPa. Additionally, split‐tensile strengths between 3.8 and 5.7 MPa, flexural strengths from 6.3 to 8.2 MPa, and a modulus of elasticity between 27.6 and 32.9 GPa were observed. Nine circular CFSTs containing SASC mixes were tested under axial compression, and a finite element model was developed to simulate their results. The experimental results were compared with standards from ACI 318, AIJ‐97, AISC‐360, AS 5100, and EC‐4, to evaluate the accuracy of axial capacity predictions. Among these standards, EC‐4 and AS 5100 provided the closest estimates, with mean PTest/PEC4 and PTest/P5100 ratios of 1.03 and 1.04, respectively, indicating a high level of accuracy. These findings highlight the potential of SACFST in advancing sustainable and resilient construction practices, laying the groundwork for future applications in structural engineering.

Mapping Green Supply Chain Practices: An Extensive Bibliometric Review with the SPAR-4-SLR and TCCM Framework

Purpose: The growing global awareness of environmental sustainability and the threat of climate change has prompted organisations to embrace green supply chain practices (GSCP) to minimise their ecological footprint and improve their competitive edge. The primary objective of this study is to offer a comprehensive, insightful analysis of the GSCP utilising the TCCM (theory, context, characteristics, and methods) framework. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study conducts an extensive bibliometric analysis, incorporating the TCCM framework and SPAR-4-SLR (Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews) protocol, to delve into the dynamic field of GSCP spanning 2004 to 2023. Findings: This article offers a nuanced exploration of the intricacies of GSCP research dynamics, shedding light on influential articles, distinguished authors, prominent academic institutions, publication sources and nine key thematic research clusters that have had a substantial impact and propelled this pivotal domain forward. TCCM framework is used to construct an all-encompassing citation network, elucidating five significant domains guided by the theoretical framework. These domains include social and economic theories, resource and strategy theories, innovation and change theories, systems and interdisciplinary theories, and management and organisation theories. Every subcategory within the GSCP realm represents a distinct and unique facet and is supported by an individual theoretical framework and scholarly contribution. Practical Implications: The findings from the bibliometric review yield significant insights for researchers and green supply-chain practitioners. This article aims to guide future research endeavours and policy formulation by evaluating the existing knowledge base and pinpointing diverse research avenues. It underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among academics from different domains to address the complex aspects of sustainability in supply-chain operations, thus highlighting the multidisciplinary character of green supply-chain research. Originality/Value: To the best of our knowledge, this review study is the first to present a bibliometric analysis of GSCP using the TCCM framework and the SPAR-4-SLR protocol.

Accounting Method and Indicators of Multilevel CO2 Emissions Based on Cost During Construction of Shield Tunnels

With the rapid expansion of shield tunnel projects in China, precise accounting of CO2 emissions throughout the entire process is essential for advancing green and low-carbon construction practices. This paper introduces an innovative CO2 accounting methodology utilizing a cost-based carbon emission coding system. It adopts a multilevel approach to carbon emission accounting, aligned with this coding system, which facilitates a detailed examination of carbon emission ratios and characteristics across various construction techniques. The analysis includes six typical shield tunnel projects varying in diameter, focusing on sub-projects to scrutinize CO2 emissions and establish specific indicators. The findings indicate that CO2 emissions per 10,000 yuan of investment, approximately 30.25% (or 3025 kgCO2e/10,000 yuan), are more consistent than those per unit of length. Moreover, the study highlights differing CO2 emission trends among sub-projects compared to whole tunnel projects, assessing emission indicators and distribution patterns in four sub-projects: shield excavation, segmental lining, internal structure, and tunnel reinforcement. From these findings, the paper suggests more precise and tailored strategies for CO2 reduction. This research provides a theoretical basis for future construction planning and carbon management strategies.