Implementation Of Sustainable Practices Research Articles

Reverse logistics and sustainability: the case of the Federal Institute of Acre, Brazil

The implementation of sustainable practices in the educational context is fundamental to foster a culture of environmental and social responsibility. This study investigates reverse logistics practices at the Rio Branco Campus of the Federal Institute of Acre (IFAC), aiming to identify implemented actions, challenges faced, and propose strategies to strengthen the institutional commitment to sustainability. Using a mixed-method approach, we combined documentary analysis of the internal regulations and the Institutional Development Plan (IDP) with semi-structured interviews with members of the academic community. The documentary analysis revealed institutional alignment with sustainable practices, evidenced by environmental and social responsibility goals in IFAC's IDP. However, the lack of specific guidelines for post-consumer reverse logistics suggests the need for improvement. Interviews highlighted employees' awareness of sustainability and reverse logistics as positive, but pointed to the lack of clear guidelines as a gap. Although the Rio Branco Campus of IFAC demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, there is room for improvement in integrating post-consumer reverse logistics practices. We recommend the inclusion of specific goals and strategies for solid waste management in the IDP, as well as a more comprehensive approach to sustainability in institutional policies. These final considerations establish a basis for future research and practical improvements, aiming to strengthen the institutional commitment to sustainability at IFAC.

Corporate social responsibility practices and value creation through open innovation approach: Evidence from the STOXX Europe 600 Index

AbstractIn the current business setting, companies must adopt new practices to remain competitive due to complex products, changing market demands, and stakeholder pressures. Many successful businesses are turning to sustainability‐oriented innovations as a means of both increasing their growth potential and engaging in corporate social responsibility practices. This approach benefits both the company and society. However, the full potential of implementing sustainability practices through open innovation has yet to be fully explored, and the impact on firm value is unclear. Additionally, there is currently a lack of international standards for representing sustainability as an open innovation approach. This study aims to shed light on the potential benefits of adopting sustainable practices through the open innovation approach. We highlight the value that sustainable innovation can create and analyze a sample of European‐listed companies from the STOXX Europe 600 Index from 2011 to 2020. Our findings show that the ESG score best represents sustainability as an open innovation approach. Moreover, we demonstrate that adopting sustainability as an open innovation approach practice positively impacts firm value. This suggests that companies can enhance their value and promote sustainable innovation success by embracing this approach. Overall, this paper contributes to the literature on sustainability and open innovation, specifically within the legitimacy theory framework. It emphasizes that stakeholder pressure to build a more sustainable and ethical economic system presents a challenge that can also be an opportunity for companies.

Paisaje Agrario: Producción Agrícola Familiar en la Campaña Dange-Quitexe 2019-2022

Family farming in Angola has pre-colonial historical roots. It faced challenges during the colonial period and the war of independence, but after 1975, the government promoted it as essential for economic development. Despite the obstacles, the province of Uíge plays a crucial role in food security and rural development, receiving investment for strengthening and sustainable growth. The aim of the research was to analyse the influence of agricultural practices on food availability in the region and to represent the temporal evolution of land use and land cover in the agricultural production of families in the municipality of Dange-Quitexe. The methodology used was a temporal land use study, involving the collection of data on traditional agricultural practices, analysing soil conditions, defining sustainability goals and implementing management practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, water management and soil conservation techniques. The results of this study offered a deeper understanding of family farming over the two agricultural seasons, and provided valuable information to guide future actions and initiatives in the area of agriculture and regional development, land use revealed significant improvements in productivity and resilience, the implementation of sustainable practices, such as crop rotation, intercropping and water management, resulted in healthier harvests and more stable yields over time, in addition, it presented the level of production for food security in the municipality of Dange-Quitexe-Uíge in the 2019-2022 agricultural seasons.

Sustainability Within the HRD Field: A Systematic Review

Promoting sustainability creates environments for thriving while conserving resources for generations to come. Implementing sustainability practices has been increasingly emphasized, as businesses are required to go beyond their organizational boundaries and improve performance. Despite the intense interest in sustainability, its research has rarely been investigated and synthesized within the current knowledge base in the HRD field. Therefore, we aim to systematically analyze recent articles on sustainability and its relevance to HRD. We conducted a systematic review of the literature in this by following the PRISMA guidelines, and this resulted in a set of 59 articles. Our review identified several impending issues of sustainability, such as a lack of definitions, constructs, and empirical investigation of sustainability. Based on the findings, we discussed them from the recent conversations on sustainability and emphasized the role of HRD in how organizations should be based on sustainability and how to promote sustainability through integrated learning. In addition, this review delved into key strategies to foster sustainability initiatives and discussed implications for HRD practice and research.

Impact of Deforestation on Regional Climate Patterns in Japan

Purpose: To aim of the study was to analyze impact of deforestation on regional climate patterns. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Research on the impact of deforestation in Japan reveals significant alterations in regional climate patterns. Deforested areas experience changes in precipitation, often leading to decreased rainfall and potential drought conditions. Additionally, deforestation contributes to higher temperatures, exacerbating the urban heat island effect and altering local weather dynamics. Modifications in atmospheric circulation patterns further compound these effects, potentially increasing the frequency of extreme weather events. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theory of land surface-atmosphere interaction, bio geophysical feedback hypothesis & theory of atmospheric circulation changes may be used to anchor future studies on impact of deforestation on regional climate patterns. Implement sustainable land management practices and reforestation initiatives to mitigate the adverse effects of deforestation on regional climate patterns. Enact and enforce policies that promote sustainable forestry practices, including forest protection, sustainable logging, and forest restoration measures.

A multiple case-study investigation on the intersection between sustainability and reputation: An impact-driven framework for sport teams

The concept of impact, referring to short-term effects resulting from the implementation of sustainability practices and initiatives, and its connection to the longer term perception of sustainability for the brand, is becoming increasingly pervasive in various businesses, including the sports industry, attracting attention of different stakeholders, from scholars to practitioners, institutions, sport-teams, and their fans. A significant portion of extant theory indicates a direct link between sustainable practices and positive effects on the economic, social, and reputational fronts. Through the utilization of a multiple case study methodology, we initially investigated clubs belonging to the top five European football leagues. Subsequently, we developed a theoretical framework connecting the activation of sustainable practices to the development of corporate reputation, as perceived by multiple stakeholders. Moreover, we clarified how the interplay of various factors can either reinforce or weaken these cycles, serving as basis for both managerial plans and future research avenues.

Interrelation between Sustainable Dynamic Capabilities, Corporate Sustainability, and Sustained Competitive Advantage

Achieving sustained competitive advantage in the current business landscape has become an important challenge for both the service and manufacturing sectors. Based on the thematic analysis of the empirical data from expert interviews of 46 professionals from Australia and Pakistan, this study puts forward a framework to achieve sustained competitive advantage. The research employs a dynamic capability (DC) theory lens and creates a foundation for the “sustainable dynamic capabilities” concept for future research. The findings affirm that (1) sustainable dynamic capabilities lead to sustained competitive advantage, (2) sustainable dynamic capabilities lead to corporate sustainability, (3) corporate sustainability leads to sustainable dynamic capabilities, and (4) corporate sustainability acts as a mediator between sustainable dynamic capabilities and sustained competitive advantage. By utilising the proposed framework, practitioners can clearly define their strategies to achieve competitive advantage by implementing sustainability practices. The findings of this research clearly pinpoint the interrelationship between sustainability practices and sustained competitive advantage, and sustainability should be taken as a dynamic capability itself, opening up new avenues for future research.

SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: FACULTY MEMBERS PERSPECTIVE IN SAUDI UNIVERSITIES

Sustainability in higher education involves the integration of sustainable principles, practices, and values into the fundamental functions of educational institutions, addressing environmental, social, and economic dimensions. This study aims to evaluate sustainability practices in Saudi higher education institutions, focusing on faculty members' perceptions. The primary objective is to assess the extent of sustainability implementation across academic, research, social, and environmental dimensions in Saudi universities. By leveraging faculty members' insights, the study seeks to identify areas of strength and weakness in current sustainability practices. The research adopts a descriptive and analytical approach, utilizing an electronic questionnaire as the primary data collection tool. A random sample of 275 faculty members from diverse Saudi universities actively participates in the study. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods are applied for data analysis and hypothesis testing. The findings indicate a limited implementation of sustainability practices within Saudi universities across various dimensions, as perceived by faculty members. Weaknesses are identified in academic, research, social, and environmental spheres. The study recommends that universities prioritize sustainability by establishing dedicated committees and drawing inspiration from successful institutions in the field. A clear strategic vision for sustainability is crucial for advancing these practices within higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia.

Energy-Efficient Cloud Data Centers Strategies for Sustainability and Environmental Impact

As the insatiable thirst for cloud computing services intensifies, data centers grapple with an exponentially growing energy appetite, casting a long shadow on environmental sustainability. This research paper delves into the critical issue of energy efficiency within cloud data centers, aiming to identify strategies that mitigate environmental consequences while ensuring optimal performance. The study reviews current practices in cloud infrastructure, analyzes the challenges associated with energy consumption, and proposes innovative solutions for enhancing the sustainability of data centers. By examining the intersection of technology, environmental responsibility, and operational efficiency, this paper contributes valuable insights into the development of energy-efficient cloud data centers, addressing both industry and environmental concerns. The findings of this research provide a foundation for the implementation of sustainable practices, contributing to the ongoing discourse on responsible and environmentally conscious cloud computing.

Bibliometric Analysis Presenting the Current State of Scientific Research, Evolution and Management of Sustainability

The concept of sustainability has gained attention in academia, business, and policy, driven by concerns about environmental degradation, social inequities, and economic imbalances. This study analyzes scientific research and the evolution of sustainability, focusing on the automotive industry in management, business, and economics. Conducted from May to August 2023, a bibliometric analysis explores global trends, revealing diverse contributions. It emphasizes the need to enhance industry sustainability, particularly in the automotive sector, a significant contributor to global emissions responsible for ~10% of the greenhouse gas emissions. Regulations for achieving net-zero emissions extend from production to vehicle usage. Despite substantial volume of sustainability-related publications between 1900-2023, a comprehensive understanding of sustainability management practices, especially in specific industries, is underdeveloped indicating a gap between existing research and the practical implementation of sustainable practices, especially within industries such as automotive.

The Sustainability of Palm Oil

The most significant environmental issue associated with palm oil that is accused by the European Union is deforestation, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. The tension arose after the EU established Renewable Energy Directive II. EU considered palm oil-producing countries have ignored environmental issues by expanding palm oil plantations which has resulted in deforestation. This made palm oil plantations included in the high-risk Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) category. Therefore, this article presents a comparison of the sustainability between palm oil and other vegetable oils such as sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, etc. The findings of this article contextualize the comparative advantage of palm oil over other similar resources. The reasons why palm oil is more sustainable are it needs less land to produce the same amount of oil, its sustainability certification at the international level such as RSPO which is also connected to SDGs, and at the domestic level such as ISPO and MSPO. One strategy proposed in this article is instead of boycotting palm oil, the government and stakeholders should prioritize the implementation of sustainable practices, enhance the monitoring and enforcement of RSPO scheme standards, and tackle social concerns and deforestation that are always linked to palm oil.

Approaching sustainability and circularity along waste management systems in universities: an overview and proposal of good practices

In recent years, the importance of sustainability and circularity in waste management systems has become increasingly evident. As the world grapples with the environmental consequences of excessive waste generation, it has become crucial to find innovative and sustainable solutions. Universities, as centres of knowledge and research, play a vital role in achieving sustainability and circularity in waste management. The key contribution of this study is to provide: 1) a systematic review of the existing literature concerning sustainable waste management systems (SWMS) implemented in universities; 2) an analysis of the studies presented in this paper identifying applicable approaches and sustainable practices to provide novel guidelines by including waste management system in a circular and sustainable model within universities. Through research, collaboration, education, implementation of sustainable practices, and support for entrepreneurship, universities can strongly contribute to the development and implementation of sustainable waste management practices. As the world continues to face the challenges of waste generation, universities will continue to be at the forefront of finding innovative, sustainable, and circular solutions.

Developing business model with community groups for fire prevention and peatland restoration: a case study of Siak Regency

Forest and land fires are one of the main environmental challenges in Riau, that majority of its land covered by peatland. Therefore, the main challenge is to introduce fire-free alternatives to clearing agricultural land, while recognizing that local people lack the resources, knowledge, and technology on potential alternatives to zero-burning agriculture. A community-based business model for fire prevention and peatland restoration is urgently needed by making the community the main actor capable of generating value. This study aims to develop the alternative livelihood to support peatland restoration through Sustainable Business Model for the Community (SBMC) by applying Participatory Action Research (PAR). We conducted surveys, focus group discussions (FGDs), and field interviews as well as implemented Canvas Business Model (CBM) to identify the business component. Our finding showed that community groups were able to develop an agrosilvofishery business model that not only implement sustainable practices for land preparation without fire but also determined varieties of commodities that are ecologically and economically suitable for agroforestry techniques on peatlands. Hence, CBM is a suitable tool that helps in developing an integrated sustainable business model for community and can be applied in participative setting. CBM also ensured equity by identifying and agreeing on a cost structure and benefit sharing.

Stepping Towards Sustainable Leadership: Analysis of Leadership Practices In The Mining Industry In Supporting The Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals

This research aims to fill the research gap by analyzing sustainable leadership practices in the mining industry, expanding the understanding from previous sustainable leadership literature. The focus is to provide a deep understanding of the role of sustainable leadership in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Qualitative methods are employed to comprehend social phenomena through the collection and analysis of descriptive and non-numeric data. The study explores "Sustainable Leadership Practices at PT ABC and PT XYZ in Supporting the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals." The findings indicate that PT ABC and PT XYZ implement sustainable leadership practices, including commitments to social, economic, and environmental aspects. However, they face challenges such as resource constraints and organizational cultural changes. Leaders in both companies play a crucial role in communicating the importance of sustainability and leading change. Managerial implications involve developing internal policies that strengthen sustainable leadership practices and enhancing employee awareness. Management needs to address financial and cultural challenges while ensuring compliance with regulations. Investor implications include a deeper understanding of the company's commitment to social, economic, and environmental aspects as an evaluation factor for long-term sustainability.

The structural modelling of significant organisational and individual factors for promoting sustainable campus in Saudi Arabia

IntroductionIn recent years, campus sustainability has gained global prominence, with a focus on sustainability initiatives and environmental activities within university campuses. This study aims to explore the factors contributing to the expansion of sustainability initiatives in Saudi Arabian university campuses.MethodsThe research utilizes the Interpretive Structural Model (ISM) as a framework for public universities. A literature review incorporating rational choice theory (RCT) and organizational change theory (OCT) is conducted to identify variables relevant to campus sustainability. The hierarchical interrelationships among these variables are examined, and the Matrice d’Impacts Croises-Multiplication Appliqué and Classment Analysis (MICMAC) categorize the study variables. Associations between the variables are validated through expert consultations from selected case study institutions.ResultsThe findings highlight the significance of organizational structure and decision-making processes in determining the prevalence of other sustainability-related variables. Organizational structure and decision-making processes are recognized as key factors exerting significant influence over other variables. Additionally, leadership is categorized as a linkage variable, representing a strong relationship within the hierarchical model.DiscussionThe study acknowledges the challenges in implementing sustainability initiatives, including conflicts in strategic planning, absence of campus sustainability policies and regulations, financial barriers, and lack of support from leadership. The study offers valuable insights and recommendations for stakeholders involved in sustainability initiatives within higher education institutions, particularly university leaders and decision makers in facility and project management departments (F&PM). By addressing the organizational and decision-based factors, effective integration of sustainability practices into university planning and activities can be achieved. This research contributes to filling the knowledge gap regarding the factors influencing the implementation of sustainability in Saudi Arabian higher education institutions (HEIs). The study emphasizes the importance of addressing organizational structure, decision-making processes, and leadership in order to successfully implement sustainability practices on university campuses.

A survey of the most prevalent sustainability initiatives at universities

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify the most prevalent initiatives undertaken by leading universities in sustainability and offer a roadmap for other institutions seeking to undertake similar actions and contribute to more effective implementation of sustainability practices. Design/methodology/approach By using a quantitative assessment approach, the study sheds light on successful initiatives implemented by universities worldwide, spanning six categories: transportation, waste management, curriculum, food and dining, water and energy. Each category is clearly related to one or more of the 17 sustainable development goals. A cluster analysis was also applied to identify regional trends in preferred initiatives. Findings The study underlines the importance of integrating sustainability principles into the curricula of higher education institutions (HEIs) as well as educating staff members on energy and water management. The most common and impactful initiatives in the studied six categories have been identified. Many of the initiatives mentioned in the study do not just result in reducing ecological footprint but also provide economic savings as well. Differences among regions and countries were observed in the implementation of initiatives. Cultural and habitual factors should not be disregarded during the selection process of initiatives. Originality/value The findings of this study may help universities to take their first steps toward implementing initiatives that can effectively promote sustainable development. Results will aid other HEIs in planning for next steps while outlining the more common initiatives.

Editorial Note

The primary theme of the issue is “Community-centric enterprises with Sejahtera principles.” This issue provides an opportunity to analyse the integration of community-oriented ideals across various backgrounds and sectors. The editorial seeks to bring together insights from these scenarios, enabling readers an in-depth perspective on the implementation of these concepts across numerous contexts.
 These lessons, encompassing technological advancements, social entrepreneurship, volunteer management, and labour rights, collectively demonstrate the importance and relevance of Sejahtera principles in multiple industries. Each narrative provides a distinct viewpoint on how organisations and businesses could apply these concepts to promote the well-being of the community, implement sustainable practices, and achieve comprehensive growth. This editorial seeks to motivate readers to adopt these principles in their endeavours, so making a positive impact on a world that is characterised by more harmony, longevity, and fairness.

Sustainability Practices in Polygrain Operations

Sustainability has emerged as a critical consideration in the operations of polygrain businesses, driven by increasing environmental awareness, regulatory pressures, and consumer demand for ethically sourced and environmentally friendly products. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of sustainability practices in polygrain operations, focusing on strategies adopted by businesses to minimize their ecological footprint while maintaining economic viability. The research examines various aspects of sustainability within polygrain operations, including sustainable sourcing of raw materials, energy- efficient processing methods, waste reduction and recycling initiatives, and efforts to promote biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. Drawing on a review of existing literature, case studies, and industry reports, the paper identifies best practices and innovative approaches employed by leading polygrain companies to integrate sustainability into their operations. Furthermore, the paper explores the challenges and barriers faced by polygrain businesses in implementing sustainability practices, such as the trade-off between environmental goals and economic performance, regulatory compliance, supply chain complexities, and stakeholder engagement. It also discusses the potential benefits of sustainability initiatives, including cost savings, enhanced brand reputation, and long-term resilience in the face of environmental risks and market uncertainties. Overall, this paper offers valuable insights into the role of sustainability in shaping the future of polygrain operations, highlighting opportunities for businesses to embrace environmentally responsible practices while driving innovation and competitive advantage in the global marketplace. Keywords: Sustainability, Polygrain operations, Sustainable sourcing, Energy efficiency, Waste reduction, Recycling.

Partitioning the effects of coffee-Urochloa intercropping on soil microbial properties at a centimeter-scale

Conservation farming and crop diversity increase soil health, organic matter content, and soil microbial activity. However, the design and implementation of sustainable practices often lack a detailed understanding of their impacts on microbial communities in soil. Here, we studied the effects of an Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) – Brachiaria (Urochloa spp.) intercropping system on soil microbial properties by partitioning at the centimeter-scale the topsoil layers. In particular, we collected and analyzed four soil layers in a vertical stratification gradient of 0–2.5 cm (layer 1), 2.5–5.0 cm (layer 2), 5–10 cm (layer 3), and 10–15 cm (layer 4). Soil samples were subjected to chemical analysis, bacterial community profiling, and quantification of microbial enzymatic activity for β-glucosidase and acid-phosphatase, in addition to the quantification of N-fixation and P-solubilization gene abundances. We found that intercropping increased acid-phosphatase activity at layer 1, β-glucosidase activity at layers 2 and 3, and the amount of soil organic matter and total magnesium at layers 2 and 3. Intercropping increased the relative abundance of the N-fixation gene at layer 3 and bacterial diversity at layers 1 and 3. Overall, intercropping significantly changed the soil bacterial community structure and resulted in a more interconnected co-occurrence network (i.e., greater node connectivity, network density, and lower edges average path length). Taken together, this study provides evidence for the positive impact of intercropping in the soil at a centimeter-scale vertical stratification. It corroborates the notion that plant diversity stimulates microbial activity and species interactions in soil.

Opportunities and challenges of empowering SMEs for sustainable Healthcare delivery

This paper examines the sustainability practices implemented by healthcare establishments, mainly Small and Medium enterprises (SMEs), We focus on identifying opportunities with challenges involved. This systematic literature analyses 47 studies that explore sustainability practices in the healthcare system globally. The finding from the studies reveals that healthcare organizations with SMEs adopt diverse measures like renewable energy, a reduction, and a response procurement in minimizing the impact on the environment and ensuring financial stability. The challenges SMEs face comprise limited financial resources, lack of expertise, with difficulties accessing information and support. Furthermore, we suggest opportunities for SMEs to enhance sustainability practices with partnerships with other organizations and investing in educating employees. Implementation of sustainability practices will improve the financial stability, and environmental impact, with the wellbeing of healthcare stakeholders. The empirical evidence, comparative studies with cross-disciplinary are needed in exploring the effectiveness of the different suitability practices, potential trade-offs, synergies between sustainability and other organizational goals, the effect of sustainability practice in the financial with non-financial performance on SMEs in healthcare establishment are positive, with cost-effectiveness, efficiencies operations, improving brand reputations and engaging the employee. Established factors like regulating frameworks and government initiatives play a major role in the influence of adopting sustainability practices with cultural factors.