Green Program Research Articles

Pathways to Carbon Neutrality in Civil Engineering

Abstract. With the development of the global economy and trade exchanges worldwide, urban infrastructure and industrial development have become part of the competition among countries. However, the construction industry and the production of chemical materials emit a large amount of carbon dioxide, leading to the continuous deterioration of the environment, so it is necessary to effectively reduce emissions. As a synonym for global emission reduction, carbon neutrality plays an important role in different industries, especially in civil engineering. In this paper, we start with building materials and green construction to explore the realization of carbon neutrality at the source and center of carbon emission in civil engineering. Firstly, we introduce the low-carbon production technologies of cement and steel, including calcium recycling and membrane separation technology in the cement industry, high-temperature combustion technology and carbon capture technology in steel industry. Then, we take renewable concrete as an example to discuss the emission reduction path of green building materials. Finally, it outlines how to carry out green construction, introduces assembly carbon reduction technology and energy integration system, and demonstrates the possibility of this green construction program in the case of "T&A House".

Unravelling genetic variability for yield and contributing characteristics in green gram [vigna radiata (L.) wilczek] germplasm

Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is an essential crop for food, feed, and income generation in rice-based farming systems across Southeast Asia and other regions. Its popularity stems from its good taste, high nutritional value, and ease of digestion, making it a promising crop for enhancing livelihoods. However, despite its significance, mungbean productivity remains low, primarily due to environmental stresses and a lack of sufficient genetic variability. This study examines the variability, heritability, phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation, and genetic advance among yield-contributing traits in green gram germplasm. A total of 450 germplasm lines were evaluated alongside check varieties, revealing significant variation, with the analysis of variance showing notable differences across nearly all traits. The mean sum of squares for the germplasm was highly significant for all phenotypic traits. Several traits exhibited high estimates of heritability and genetic advance, viz., the number of branches/ plants, number of clusters/ plants, number of pods/ clusters, pod length, test weight, and seed yield/plant, indicating their potential for direct selection in breeding programs. These findings suggest that additive gene effects play a dominant role in controlling these traits, with minimal environmental influence, making simple phenotypic selection an effective approach. The results provide valuable insights for advancing green gram breeding programs focused on improving yield and quality through targeted hybridization and trait selection.

Soil quality and vegetation identification in closed sand-gravel mining area in West Java, Indonesia

This paper examines the soil quality and vegetation identification in a closed sand gravel mining area in West Java, Indonesia. Revegetation of disturbed mining areas is crucial in restoring soil quality and environmental function. The native plants play a pivotal role in accelerating this process. The goal of this mixed-methods study in closed sand-gravel mining was to look at the nutrient profile, texture, and microbial count of the soil in two places in the foothills of a closed mine, as well as to find and name the plant species that naturally grow well and to find and name the plant species that naturally grow well when it rains. The observation showed that the soil near the spring was more fertile than the soil away from the spring, and the soil surrounding the spring supported a higher plant density. The study area supported the growth of 22 plants, including two trees, 13 shrubs, two sedges, four grasses, and one fern. Notably, two perennial trees–Mexican lilac and beech wood–were successfully grown during the initial greening program conducted three years ago. The bacterial and fungal counts for both soils were 109 colony-forming units (CFU) per g and 104 CFU/g, respectively. We found different morphology in the soil fungal colonies, while the bacteria colonies remained homogenous. The results underscore that the soil in the disturbed mine area still supported the native plant growth. These findings are crucial for the preservation of these native plants, making them crucial for the intensive revegetation of the mining area prior to the introduction of suitable perennial trees.

Cultivation of green environmental awareness towards cleanliness city in Malaysia

This paper aims to understand the local authorities’ reaction to green environment activities towards clean cities in Malaysia and how they respond to cleanliness awareness among the community. Four (4) cities, such as Melaka, Ipoh, and Muar dan Kuala Terengganu, were selected, and this study embarks on a qualitative research approach involving a semi-structured interview with top personnel from four local authorities. From the reaction point of view, some local authorities reacted positively towards the green environment and cleanliness of the city. Four (4) themes have been produced, such as awareness, which focuses on the daily routine of local authorities. Secondly, enforcement from the local government, with some warning and advice, really contributes to the changes in society’s attitude. Thirdly, support by local authority efforts, including awareness campaigns from electronic and printed media, does have a good impact. Lastly, active involvement from the local authorities regulated many communities in residential areas and had direct links with local communities and NGOs that annually organized green program activities. This study urged the Local Government Act 1976, which the local authorities are responsible for the enforcement activities such as the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) activities and so on. Local authorities, state governments, and local communities should also help monitor and maintain environmental issues towards a clean city in Malaysia.

Analysis of Eco-Theology Understanding of Islamic Boarding Schools in North Sumatra

This study aims to analyze the understanding and application of eco-theology in Islamic Boarding Schools in North Sumatra. Eco-theology connects religious teachings with human responsibility towards environmental stewardship, and in the Islamic context, it is based on the teachings of the Qur'an and hadith. The research used a qualitative method involving direct observation and in-depth interviews with Islamic Boarding Schools in the South Tapanuli region. The findings indicate that although Islamic Boarding Schools serve as pillars of religious education, the implementation of eco-theology concepts remains limited, particularly in terms of environmental management, such as river cleanliness and sanitation practices. The study concludes that there is a need to enhance environmental awareness in Islamic Boarding Schools through structured greening and waste management programs.

Cropping System and Technology Responses of Rainfed Agriculture to Conservation Set-Asides in China Under the Grain for Green Program

Cropping System and Technology Responses of Rainfed Agriculture to Conservation Set-Asides in China Under the Grain for Green Program

Towards a Prosperous Indonesia: Building the Local Economy Through Food Estates in Sukodono, Gresik

Indonesia has a food estate program which is a program initiated to make Indonesia developed. Food estate program under the auspices of the government which aims to increase national food security. One of the food estate programs is established in Sukodono Village, because it has the potential to develop the local economy of the community. The aim of this qualitative research is to find out how the food estate program in Sukodono Village is run and how it impacts the community. This research uses a literature study approach which focuses on the data collection process through interviews, observation, documentation and literature study. The research results show that the Sukodono Village food estate program has made progress, but also has problems. Problems with the government, human resources (HR) which are still not fully supported, and problems with the distribution of agricultural products. The condition of other food estates is considered progress due to synchronization with the village green house program to improve economic welfare

Validation of molecular markers linked to bruchid resistance in green gram (<i>Vigna radiata</i>)

The pulse beetle, Callosobruchus spp., poses a threat to legumes by consuming the protein content of the grain, resulting in potential losses in storage ranging from 12 to 30%. Molecular marker technology helps to mitigate the breeding constraint in the development of bruchid resistance in green gram breeding programmes. In the present study, validation of locus-specific STSbr1 and STSbr2 markers linked with bruchid resistance was done using fifteen genotypes viz., VBN (Gg) 2 (susceptible) and Vigna radiata var. sublobata/2 (resistant), F1 hybrid, two susceptible and ten resistant RILs derived from the above parents. The marker STS br1 behaved as a dominant marker and produced an approximate allele size of 225 bp in the resistant parent, F1 hybrid and resistant RILs and absent in susceptible parent and susceptible RILs, which showed cent per cent co-segregation with bruchid resistance locus. Hence, it is concluded that STS br1 is linked with bruchid-resistant genes. The marker STS br2 behaved as a co-dominant marker and produced an approximate allele size of 470 bp in all the 15 genotypes evaluated (monomorphic) and did not differentiate the resistant and susceptible genotypes. The marker STS br1 could be used in marker-assisted selection to develop bruchid-resistant varieties and to screen the germplasm to identify bruchid-resistant donors in green gram.

Kenyan Female Immigrants’ Creation of a Virtual Enclave: The Influence of Age and Immigration Status

ABSTRACTMuch of the research on ethnic enclaves in the United States has focussed on physical, geographic spaces or brick‐and‐mortar establishments that foster community building and provide shared resources for immigrant groups, such as those from Latin America, Asia and Europe. These studies often highlight the benefits and challenges enclaves provide, with only a limited discussion of how immigrant women use these spaces. Using survey data drawn from Kenyan women residing in the United States, this study aimed to answer two research questions: (1) Does membership in social media groups comprised of Kenyan female immigrants vary (e.g. by age, immigration status)? (2) Do age and immigration/citizenship status influence Kenyan female immigrants' reasons for joining social media groups? The bivariate results show that older women and those who migrated to the United States for school or through the Green Card lottery programme were likelier to join Tumaini and other immigrant‐specific social media groups. Regarding factors influencing their reasons for joining these groups, the regression results revealed that US citizens and permanent residents were less likely to join the group for solidarity/support. Furthermore, those who migrated for school or to join family members were likelier to join the Tumaini group for support/solidarity. This finding suggests that older women, being more likely to belong to physical social groups, have a relatively stronger attachment to such groups. Consequently, their willingness to join the Tumaini group, despite it being an online community, may be stronger than that of their younger counterparts.

Public awareness, attitudes, behavior and norms building green hospitals' power

Hospitals function to provide health services to the community, but they have the potential to be contributors to hazardous waste, climate change, and global warming. The concept of green hospitals is now necessary for changing hospital functions developed by various hospitals worldwide. The success of the green hospital concept requires support from the perspective of the surrounding society. The research aims to analyze public awareness, attitudes, behavior, and norms to build the power of green hospitals. This research method is simple linear regression. The research instrument used a questionnaire. The respondents of this research were 400 green hospital users from Indonesia and Taiwan. The data analysis method includes tests for normality, linearity, and heteroscedasticity. Once these three tests are met, a linear regression analysis is conducted to understand the influence and prediction of public awareness, attitudes, behavior, and norms on building the power of green hospitals. The research results show that each aspect of public awareness, attitudes, behavior, and norms significantly positively influence the building of the power of green hospitals. Each additional value of public awareness, attitudes, behavior, and norms is expected to strengthen the image of a green hospital. Maintaining the sustainability of green hospital programs worldwide not only focuses on implementing the green concept but also needs to pay attention to public perception when choosing a hospital. The research contribution is significant to developing more sustainable green hospitals, increasing knowledge about green hospitals, and increasing public interest and perception of green hospitals.

Navigating the energy transition with the Carbon-Energy-Green-Electricity scheme: An industrial chain-based approach for China's carbon neutrality

In exploring the intricate dynamics of China's energy transition towards a national certificate trading market, this study harnesses a two-stage game model to unravel the nuanced decision-making within the intertwined carbon emissions trading, energy-consumption permit trading, and electricity markets. A novel industrial chain-based policy framework, i.e., the Carbon-Energy-Green-Electricity (CEGE) scheme, is introduced to address the complexity inherent in aligning these trading markets towards carbon neutrality goals. Findings reveal that the current isolated energy transition policies lead to increased electricity prices and imposes redundant regulatory burdens on power companies. By advocating for the CEGE scheme, the study presents a strategic approach to alleviate these challenges, highlighting its potential to lower electricity costs and foster more efficient carbon reduction efforts. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of integrating energy transition policies, including CET, ECPTS, the renewable portfolio standards (RPS), and the tradable green certificate program (TGC), to enhance renewable energy adoption, offering a path to relieve financial pressures on households while supporting broader environmental and economic welfare improvements.

Restorative and regenerative green spaces for vulnerable communities in social housing: The impact of a community greening program

Vulnerable communities represent the most at-risk populations facing inequities and negative health, economic and social wellbeing outcomes. Community gardening has emerged globally as a community-based remedy to reduce these inequities and enhance wellbeing. This paper examines the psychological, socio-cultural and health impact of social housing design that includes access to, and engagement with green spaces. The project was multi-disciplinary and used mixed-method research to examine the impact of community gardening for people in social housing. Two interrelated studies were conducted; study 1 involved 33 social housing gardeners in a pre-post program survey. Statistically significant improvements were found in participants' satisfaction with personal wellbeing, health, and community connectedness; as well as increased gardening skills, positive social experiences, and time spent in nature. Study 2 involved 34 semi-structured interviews conducted with program facilitators and partner organisation staff. Results uncovered that participant's engagement with gardening was restorative and regenerative. Four salient themes emerged from our mixed methods study: 1) connection to self; 2) connection to others, 3) connection to place; and 4) connection to purpose. The findings showcase some of the key principles of a successful social and nature prescription intervention for vulnerable people. Community gardening was shown to amplify civic pride and bolster community resilience. Our research suggests the broad impact of community gardening on participant outcomes for vulnerable populations and enhances the capacity of practitioners to translate research into policy and practice for sustainable, restorative residential communities.

Students’ Awareness, Acceptance, and AttitudeTowards theImplementation of Green TVET

Current technical and vocational education and training (TVET) increasingly focus on the development of skills and knowledge related to sustainable practices and green jobs. However, the implementation of green TVET is not comprehensive due to our country's education system, which lacks emphasis on sustainability and environmental challenges. This results in students lacking sufficient knowledge about the involved issues. In light of this, thisstudy is conducted to determine and identify the level of awareness, acceptance, and attitudes of TVET students toward the implementation of Green TVET programs. The study adopts a quantitative approach with a survey design through a questionnaire. Using random sampling method, a total of 165 undergraduate students in the field of education at the Faculty of Education and Vocational Technology, UTHM, participated as respondents. Descriptive analysis, including mean and standard deviation, as well as independent t-test, were employed to analyze the data. The study findings indicate high minimum scores for the aspects of awareness, acceptance, and attitudes of TVET students toward the implementation of Green TVET. The study also found no significant differences between male and female students in terms of awareness and acceptance, while for attitudes, there was a significant difference between male and female students. In conclusion, this study provides a more in-depth insight into the level of awareness, acceptance, and attitudes of students, contributing to a better understanding of how Green TVET is perceived and embraced by students.

The Role of Climate Change and Human Intervention in Shaping Vegetation Patterns in the Fen River Basin of China: Implications of the Grain for Green Program

The Fen River Basin (FRB), an ecologically fragile region in China, exemplifies the intricate interplay between vegetation dynamics and both climatic and human-driven factors. This study leverages a 40-year (1982–2022) dataset, utilizing the kernel-based normalized difference vegetation index (kNDVI) alongside key climatic variables—rainfall (PRE), temperature (TMP), and solar radiation (SRAD)—to investigate vegetation variations and their drivers in the FRB, particularly in relation to the Grain for Green Program (GGP). Our analysis highlights significant greening across the FRB, with the kNDVI slope increasing by 0.0028 yr−1 and green-covered areas expanding by 92.8% over the study period. The GGP facilitated the greening process, resulting in a notable increase in the kNDVI slope from 0.0005 yr−1 to 0.0052 yr−1 and a marked expansion in the area of significant greening from 24.6% to 95.8%. Regional climate shifts, characterized by increased warming, heightened humidity, and a slight rise in SRAD, have further driven vegetation growth, contributing 75%, 58.7%, and 23.6% to vegetation dynamics, respectively. Notably, the GGP has amplified vegetation’s sensitivity to climatic variables, with areas significantly impacted by multiple climate factors expanding from 4.8% to 37.5%. Specially, PRE is the primary climatic influence, impacting 71.3% of the pertinent regions, followed by TMP (60.1%) and SRAD (30%). The integrated effects of climatic and anthropogenic factors, accounting for 47.8% and 52.2% of kNDVI variations, respectively, collectively influence 96% of the region’s vegetation dynamics. These findings underscore the critical role of climate change and human interventions in shaping vegetation patterns and provide a robust foundation for refining ecological conservation strategies, particularly in the context of global warming and land-use policies.

Neighbor's profit or Neighbor's beggar? Evidence from China's low carbon cities pilot scheme on green development

China has implemented three sets of low-carbon city pilot policies (LCCP), making it the world's most extensive low-carbon and green development program. Many studies have examined the impact of this policy on green development. However, studies rarely discuss spillover effects. This deficiency can lead to biased policy evaluations. This study employs a quasi-experimental approach to investigate the spillover effects of LCCP on the green total factor productivity (GTFP) of neighboring non-pilot cities and identify the underlying mechanisms. Using panel data from 283 cities in China spanning from 2004 to 2020, this study employs the time-varying difference-in-difference method. The empirical evidence suggests that LCCP can significantly enhance the GTFP growth of non-pilot cities located within 100 km, with an average annual increase of approximately 1.43%. Mechanism analysis indicates that increasing technological innovation and learning from the pacesetter play crucial intermediary roles in promoting GTFP improvements in neighboring cities. Furthermore, the spillover effects exhibit noticeable heterogeneity, particularly among cities in the eastern region, middle region, and large cities. These findings provide empirical evidence regarding the spillover effects of China's largest carbon pilot policies, contributing to a comprehensive assessment of policy impacts and offering fresh insights for climate policy tools.

Health Education for Sustainable E-Waste Management

A combination of ever-increasing device usage and lightning-fast technological advancements has led to a critical problem: electronic waste. One technique to encourage people to dispose of their electronic waste in a more sustainable fashion is to raise their level of green literacy. Using a literature review approach, this study examines green literacy programs as they pertain to e-waste management. After that, it evaluates the programs' effectiveness and makes recommendations for further developments. This publication uses a thorough literature review technique as its research method. The scholarly sources used were journals, academic books, research reports, and policy documents. The selection of sources was based on their relevance, credibility, and contribution to understanding key themes related to green literacy, public health education, and behavior change in e-waste management practices. Additionally, the analysis focused on the intersection between educational interventions, awareness campaigns and global health initiatives, especially those targeting vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. The findings demonstrate that while green literacy can raise public knowledge and comprehension of the significance of responsible e-waste management, there are still obstacles to its widespread adoption. By using social media, communities, and educational institutions, green literacy has the potential to raise awareness about the risks of e-waste and the significance of recycling. However, challenges such as public apathy and limited access to recycling facilities continue to impede the implementation of green literacy. The community, along with the governmental and private sectors, must work together to address these issues and encourage the sustainable disposal of electronic trash. Ongoing education and awareness efforts utilizing many communication platforms, including social media, the media, and educational programs in communities and schools, are necessary to improve e-waste management. In order to create easily accessible recycling facilities and launch programs that reach different societal levels, the government must collaborate with the commercial sector and non-governmental organizations.

Retraction Note: How does the green development program promote rural economy: energy and environmental effects in rural development of China

Retraction Note: How does the green development program promote rural economy: energy and environmental effects in rural development of China

The Implementation of Green Credit Program from Macro to Micro in India: Economic, Environmental, and Social Impact

This research explores the Green Credit Program (GCP) in India, an innovative financial mechanism designed to foster sustainable development while addressing pressing economic, environmental, and social challenges. Launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the GCP aims to incentivize environmentally beneficial activities, promoting investments in renewable energy, afforestation, sustainable agriculture, and other green projects. This study assesses the program's economic, environmental, and social impacts through a mixed-methods approach, combining econometric analysis and case studies. The findings suggest that the GCP contributes to India's GDP, significantly reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and enhances social welfare, although it faces regulatory and financial challenges. The research also advocates for integrating parallel sustainability programs for greater efficiency.

Distribution and diversity of ticks determined by environmental factors in Ningxia, China

Ticks are important vectors of zoonotic pathogens, and represent an increasing threat for human and animal health. Considering the complex natural environments of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China, we expect the diverse tick species in this region. Here, we conduct a field survey on parasitic and host-seeking ticks. A total of 10,419 ticks were collected, which belonged to nine species of four genera. There were significant differences in terms of vegetation index, altitude, and seven climatic factors among the four tick genera —Hyalomma, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, and Ixodes, except between Haemaphysalis and Ixodes, where no significant differences were observed in these factors. The ecological niche modelling revealed that the suitable habitats for Hyalomma asiaticum was in the northwest Ningxia, with annual ground surface temperature as the most important factor. The suitable area for Dermacentor nuttalli was in the southwest and eastern regions of Ningxia with elevation as the highest contribution. D. silvarum was best suited to the southern Ningxia also with elevation as the most important factor. The four tick species including Haemaphysalis longicornis, Hae. qinghaiensis, Hae. japonica, and Ixodes persulcatus were best suited to the southernmost Ningxia with annual precipitation as the main factors for Hae. longicornis and elevation for the other three ticks. The results of predicted potential distribution of different tick species provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of ticks and tick-borne diseases in the region. Furthermore, the subsequent impacts of the Greening Program to regain forests and grasslands from former agricultural lands in Ningxia on tick population dynamics deserve further investigation.

The importance of green patents for CDS pricing: The role of environmental disclosures

Corporate green innovation to address global climate change has potential spillover effects through positive financial outcomes. This study examines how the credit market takes green innovation, measured by the approval of green patents, into account to determine the credit default swap (CDS) premia. Using a sample of United States (US) firms from 2002 to 2020, this research finds that the CDS market favourably prices green innovation: firms with more green patents have lower CDS spread, suggesting that the CDS market considers firms' green innovation in their investment decision. While greater firm-provided environmental disclosures boost the effect of green innovation, involuntary environmental exposures by external channels such as print and online media offset the favourable effect of green innovation on CDS spread. The green technology pilot program by the US Patent and Trademark Office in 2009 is exploited as a quasi-natural experimental setting to apply a difference-in-differences analysis, confirming the favourable effect of green innovation on CDS spread. The results remain robust to various sensitivity and other endogeneity tests. Managers intending to reconcile green innovation with their stakeholder value maximisation objective may find the findings interesting.