Integrating Sustainability Concepts Research Articles

Towards monitoring the invisible threat: a global approach for tackling AMR in water resources and environment

The global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is now increasingly recognized for the danger posed by its environmental spread. Aquatic environments and wastewater represent a significant diffusion and selection pathway for antibiotic resistance genes and antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARGs and ARBs). During a collaborative hackathon event, the “Innovation Workshop on Water Quality Monitoring & Assessment,” held in September 2023, experts addressed four challenges related to water quality, including the challenge of globalization AMR surveillance in water. This paper, derived from the workshop findings, proposes a globally adaptable model for antimicrobial resistance surveillance intended as an advance to improve future monitoring systems. The new framework aims to address significant challenges, such as the lack of standardized methodological approaches or lack of funding, coordination, and awareness across a short-, medium- and long-term plan, integrating sustainability concepts, extending participation and monitoring capacity of countries, and offering efficient solutions. This vision is first articulated by creating a technical committee that promotes awareness of antimicrobial resistance and develops a single data management and communication platform. Subsequently, by developing local, national, and international policies, centralized laboratories will be established at the regional level, and built based on existing realities. These laboratories will include facilities to make the management of analyses more efficient, from sampling to reporting the final result. In the long term, activities that allow the maintenance of the created framework and continuous technological development and advancement will be promoted. All this will be achieved in collaboration with national and supranational bodies that are already addressing the issue at a global level.

Novel framework for BIM interoperability for sustainability and green buildings - an application for concrete structures

The construction industry has a great impact on the environment, therefore sustainable construction presents itself as a growing requirement of society. However, the concern with green buildings must not only be considered during the construction stage, but also during the entire life cycle of the building, integrating all stages from the design up until the demolition. Ensuring that the information permeates this lifecycle without data losses is vital. This way, efficient interoperability can support sustainability, allowing data to feed the process, and promoting the creation of more sustainable buildings. BIM (Building Information Modeling) arises as a means to support interoperability improvements in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry, by sharing models through open formats and enabling communication amongst actors. This paper presents a framework for BIM interoperability, with the goal to support knowledge organization and aid users in the decision-making processes. It will allow users to track sustainability concepts throughout the entire green BIM lifecycle and to improve processes in the construction industry toward more interoperable processes, minimizing data loss, and improving communication and efficiency. The framework is presented through process mapping techniques to analyze and integrate sustainability concepts using BIM throughout the lifecycle of a building. This framework considers not only data interoperability but also other aspects such as process, business, and service interoperability. Also, an application of the framework is described, using the case of cast-in-place concrete structures. Research findings identified the critical data points in the lifecycle of concrete structures which can influence sustainability.

Roles of Education in Creating Awareness of Sustainability Campus Management for Green Campus Concept

This paper examines the role of education in creating awareness about sustainable campus management and the green campus concept. By involving the entire campus community, sustainable campus initiatives can lead to a more vibrant and inclusive community. A green campus is one that is environmentally responsible and promotes the sustainability of the campus environment. Educating students, educators, and non-academic staff about sustainability campus management and the green campus concept can encourage sustainable lifestyle choices and increase environmental awareness. This can foster a culture of sustainability and create a more environmentally conscious community. When universities and colleges implement sustainable campus management practices and principles, it is referred to as the green campus concept. Education awareness is a characteristic that is integral to an individual or entity and helps identify or define them. Sustainable campus management involves designing, implementing, and overseeing sustainable practices and activities such as integrating sustainability concepts into transportation, infrastructure, facilities management, resource conservation, waste management, and curriculum creation. A green campus is one that prioritizes the environment and incorporates environmental science into its administration, policy, and academic pursuits. By educating the campus community about the green campus concept and sustainability campus management, it is hoped that a sustainable understanding will be fostered, leading to a bright future for the green campus initiative. For the adaptation value toward sustainability campus management for green campus concept sustainable for the campus community.

Leveraging Sustainable Value Creation Through the Principles of Sustainable Engineering

Industrial and technological revolutions have always changed the way companies create value. More recently, sustainability has become a source of inspiration and innovation and most organizations start redesigning their business models based on sustainability concepts. Sustainable practices have become critical issues for industrial engineering, dealing with technological and management principles. Engineering is a major driver of sustainable development by connecting social needs and environmental priorities with appropriate technologies and management practices. According to UNESCO sustainable engineering is about designing and operating daily systems so that the energy and resources they use are sustainable that is, they are used at a rate that safeguards the availability of natural resources for future needs. The literature on the subject is mostly dedicated to technical and design aspects of engineering principles integrating sustainability concepts. Works on how sustainable engineering principles impact sustainable value creation are scarce. Exploring the concepts and the main principles of sustainable value and sustainable engineering, this paper shed light on supporting organizations operationalizing the transition toward business models which are environmentally, socially, and financially sustainable. This work aims to provide a conceptual framework setting out how sustainable engineering principles can provide a thinking guide to connect corporate sustainable value creation drivers and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Imagining a Place for Sustainability Management: An Early Career Call for Action

Imagining a Place for Sustainability Management: An Early Career Call for Action

Embedding Sustainability in Learning and Teaching: Lessons Learned and Moving Forward—Approaches in STEM Higher Education Programmes

Embedding sustainability into pedagogical approaches is a key priority in higher education. Equipping students with knowledge, understanding, and skills, and developing the next generation of innovators and leaders, can potentially provide the change needed and create a real impact in the journey to a sustainable future. Advancement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and corresponding industries can be seen as vital for the success of meeting a majority of the sustainable development goals, and hence the approaches taken to embed sustainability in learning and teaching in STEM higher education programmes can be considered significant in many ways. This paper is based on published literature over the last two decades and a semi-structured interview with 12 university academics from a developing country. Hence, the paper reviews approaches taken to embed sustainability in learning, teaching and assessments in STEM programmes. It also aims to investigate the actions taken by universities to integrate sustainability in STEM education and the remedies taken to minimise the impact of the pandemic on the effectiveness of the learning pedagogies used to integrate sustainability concepts.

Developing a Capacity Building, Operational Model of a Sustainable Recreation Program

Integrating sustainability concepts, tools, and best practices across the outdoor recreation and park profession has gained momentum over the past three decades. However, missing from the professional and scientific literature have been action-oriented and evaluative research focused on “how” sustainability is being operationalized in the field. Through a qualitative research design focused on the 11 National Forests of the Southwestern Region of the USDA Forest Service, we developed an operational model for how sustainable recreation is being implemented at the Forest level through the Sustainable Recreation Strategy. Data collection included document analysis, stakeholder interviews, and personal observation. Document analysis included a content analysis methodology of 11 Forest-level Sustainable Recreation Action Plans, the principal planning process used to implement the vision and goals set forth by the Regional Sustainable Recreation Strategy. Evidence from the study was used to develop a grounded operational model with three foundational areas of Program, Agency, and Community. Foundational areas were further elaborated into component areas—Program into workforce, communications, outdoor recreation management, financial management, and information management systems—Agency into leadership support, administrative support, and integrated resource management—and Community into partnerships, volunteer program, and conservation education. Operational models such as this can help recreation managers, agency leaders, and policymakers adjust systems, structures, and roles to build program capacity and accelerate program transition towards sustainability.

Education for Sustainability in Poland – A Narrative Literature Review

As a member state of the European Union, Poland is committed to sustainability by endorsing the principles of sustainable development in its Constitution and adopting European standards. However, to overcome the societal, environmental and economic demands, a society needs to integrate sustainability concepts into daily practices, education playing a crucial role in achieving this objective. This paper aims to provide an overview of the education for sustainability in Poland and its impact on Polish society. Designed as a narrative literature review, the paper reports on how education for sustainability was carried out between 1994 and 2013, building a detailed picture of the educational programs and actions conducted in business and non –profit organizations. Additionally it is revealed that although challenging, creating community-based learning can increase people’s awareness and potential to contribute to a sustainable future by reducing the de-coupling effect between organizational actual practices and declarations.

Action research and architectural sustainable design education: a case study in Brazil

Research to improve aspects of architectural design education produced a collection of research-supported best practices and these lessons need integration into the studio environment. Design instructors must innovate, but in ways that allow previous result analysis. Action Research (AR) is seen as a valuable asset for providing an opportunity for systematic documentation and reflection of tested variables. This paper presents an AR-enriched architectural design studio teaching experience delivered to third year Architecture and Urban Design students and devised to support individual design process development of students, framed by bioclimatic and sustainable design of school buildings. A 5-year AR project sought to identify (1) the points where undergraduate architecture students “got stuck” during design development; (2) why they had difficulties to fully understand and integrate sustainability concepts into their proposals; and (3) which contents and approaches could help them to overcome design blocks and produce sustainability responsive quality designs. Our research involved 150 students while taking the studio between 2013 and 2018. As a design process takes time to be consolidated and assimilated, positive response was clearer in relation to students’ interest, behavior and demonstration of understanding of the body of knowledge. Significantly improved student design outcomes were not yet confirmed. However, our findings validate AR to improve a design studio setting through accumulated learning by instructors and detailed documentation and systematic analysis of the effects of a collection of approaches, tools and protocols could be applied to independent analysis to increase the quality of architectural design with sustainability in mind.

Social geology — integrating sustainability concepts into Earth sciences

Most geologists would argue that geoscientific knowledge, experience, and guidance is critical for addressing many of society’s most acute environmental challenges, yet few geologists are directly engaged in current discourses around sustainable development. That is surprising given that several attributes make modern geoscience well placed to make critical contributions to contemporary sustainability thinking. Here, we argue that if geoscientists are to make our know-how relevant to sustainability science, two aspects seem clear. Firstly, the geoscience community needs to substantially broaden its constituency, not only forging interdisciplinary links with other environmental disciplines but also drawing from the human and behavioral sciences. Secondly, the principles and practices of ‘sustainability’ need to be explicitly integrated into geoscience education, training and continued professional development.

Improving sustainability by technology assessment and systems analysis: the case of IWRM Indonesia

To support the implementation of the IWRM-Indonesia process in a water scarce and sanitation poor region of Central Java (Indonesia), sustainability assessments of several technology options of water supply and sanitation were carried out based on the conceptual framework of the integrative sustainability concept of the German Helmholtz association. In the case of water supply, the assessment was based on the life-cycle analysis and life-cycle-costing approach. In the sanitation sector, the focus was set on developing an analytical tool to improve planning procedures in the area of investigation, which can be applied in general to developing and newly emerging countries. Because sanitation systems in particular can be regarded as socio-technical systems, their permanent operability is closely related to cultural or religious preferences which influence acceptability. Therefore, the design of the tool and the assessment of sanitation technologies took into account the views of relevant stakeholders. The key results of the analyses are presented in this article.

Integrating sustainability concepts and value planning for sustainable construction

Purpose – Sustainable construction (SC) is a vital requirement to safeguard the world for future generations. However, there are several potential barriers such as initial costs of implementation of sustainability concepts (approaches used to safeguard three dimensions of sustainability, namely environmental, social and economical). The purpose of this paper is to integrate sustainability concepts to value planning (VP) which attracts clients as it is used to reduce unnecessary costs. Design/methodology/approach – A comprehensive literature survey was carried out to develop a conceptual linkage between SC and VP disciplines. This was followed by a questionnaire survey with 40 respondents and 16 semi-structured expert interviews to ascertain prevailing status of these concepts in the Sri Lankan construction industry. Data were analyzed using statistical and content analysis, respectively. Findings – Findings revealed even though knowledge is fairly good, application and experience of experts are not satisfactory regarding these concepts. However, it is established that there is a huge requirement to apply these concepts in local construction projects. In order to overcome barriers identified, a framework has been developed to integrate sustainability concepts and VP disciplines in construction projects. Originality/value – The framework can be used as a guide by construction industry practitioners for betterment of construction projects, ultimately steering the industry toward sustainability.

Teaching Art a Greener Path: Integrating Sustainability Concepts of Interior Design Curriculum into the Art Education Curriculum

(2014). Teaching Art a Greener Path: Integrating Sustainability Concepts of Interior Design Curriculum into the Art Education Curriculum. Art Education: Vol. 67, No. 6, pp. 35-39.

Education for sustainability in business education programs: a question of value

Abstract This paper posits that sustainability is essentially a question of value, a notion that is situated within the context of an individual, organisational and community perspective. Each person or group interprets sustainability through their own value lens, so messages promoting sustainability need to be positioned according to the receptivity (value driver) of the audience. Individual and social values around the world are reviewed both theoretically and empirically and the case is made to integrate sustainability concepts into all tertiary education business programs. The focus of this paper is on Education for Sustainability (EfS) in tertiary business programs for mixed student cohorts. The author outlines a particular pedagogical philosophy and praxis using values to incorporate sustainability concepts into business courses taught to international and domestic students. Practical examples are provided for courses in Economics and Marketing at diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels, during the period 2005–2013. These demonstrate a variety of possibilities to integrate discussion of values for sustainability such as cleaner production and consumption as well as social equity into the curriculum, depending on the teacher's influence on curriculum content and assessment. Educational practices range from incremental integration (such as class discussion of curriculum topics) to course-specific introductory sustainability seminars to deeper integration of sustainability into course curriculum and assessment. Student feedback indicating the impact of these escalating interventions on their views, attitudes and behaviour towards sustainability is also discussed. Finally, the paper concludes with suggested pedagogies for educators to navigate their students learning journey.

Sustainable Procurement: Integrating Classroom Learning with University Sustainability Programs

ABSTRACTOrganizations are facing increased pressure from various stakeholders to address issues of sustainability, resulting in a growing demand for sustainability education and training. Procurement groups remain the key drivers of many sustainability‐related strategies, placing pressure on universities to integrate sustainability concepts into the business curriculum. This article describes a replicable educational model that allows students to learn about sustainable procurement while concurrently promoting sustainability within the university community.

Envisioning the sustainability of the production of short rotation coppice on grassland

BackgroundShort rotation coppices (SRC) offer a chance to enhance sustainable biomass production and to enlarge domestic wood resources. On arable land, SRC are less competitive in many regions compared to cropping systems and thus farmers are interested to establish SRC on grassland. This change of land use is discussed controversially because of the associated effects on the carbon-sequestering ecosystem grassland. In this paper, land use changes will be analyzed in reference to sustainability objectives, including aspects of land use competition with food and energy production or the preservation of biodiversity.MethodsThe Integrative Sustainability Concept has been adapted and applied to identify the relevant sustainability objectives using a holistic approach in order to assess the potential for the change in sustainable land use towards an expanded supply of lignocellulose-based bioenergy.ResultsA set of sustainability criteria with a special focus on the change in land use from grassland to SRC has been developed and discussed. For selected criteria, adequate sustainability indicators have been chosen and applied to a case study of the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg in Germany. The indicators have been implemented by performing a spatial differentiated bottom-up assessment using GIS-based data. The results revealed that around 13% of the grassland could be converted into SRC without harming the considered sustainability criteria.ConclusionsThe exploitation of the assessed potential for the change in sustainable land use from grassland to SRC could contribute to decentralize renewable energy supply, local employment and income. With regard to the economic values otherwise lost-, it is recommended not to set grassland conservation as an area-wide imperative. Instead strategies to direct the establishment of SRC to the most suitable areas and technologies should be developed realizing that land use transformation will be performed in a minimal invasive way to ensure compliance with the environment and climate protection.

The potential of a sustainable municipal waste management system for Santiago de Chile, including energy production from waste

BackgroundDue to a rapid urbanization process in the Metropolitan Region of Santiago de Chile (MRS), the amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated has increased considerably within the last years. MSW should be managed properly in order to achieve sustainable development. The purpose of this study is to analyze MSW management in MRS on the basis of three different explorative scenarios for the year 2030.MethodsThe Integrative Sustainability Concept of the Helmholtz Association provided a conceptual framework for the study and was used to evaluate the scenarios. One important topic within the field of management of MSW in the year 2030 will be the contribution of waste treatment technologies to energy production, e.g., by the use of landfill gas and by separated collection of biowaste followed by anaerobic treatment.ResultsThe largest sustainability deficits in the scenarios are the small proportion of MSW being pre-treated before final disposal and the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with MSW disposal. MSW management technologies taken into consideration were mechanical biological treatment, energy recovery from MSW in anaerobic digestion plants with biogas production, the production of refuse-derived fuel and its use as a secondary fuel, as well as electricity generation from landfill gas. Energy generation from MSW in 2030 will be about 6% of electricity consumption in 2010.ConclusionsThe three scenarios show some sustainability deficits. Even so, there are some improvements such as the reduction of GHG emissions and - even though marginal - energy supply for MRS from renewable energy sources.

Sustainability assessment of energy technologies: towards an integrative framework

To be able to design and use energy technologies with regard to the needs of sustainable development, sustainability assessments are necessary prior to the respective decisions. However, as is known, they pose methodological problems: from the difficulties of anticipation of future developments via the determination of assessment criteria through to the necessity to define sustainable development accurately enough. In this contribution, we will introduce an integrative sustainability concept which has hardly been discussed in the energy context. We will analyse this concept with respect to deriving general principles for the sustainability assessment of energy technologies. As a case study, we consider in particular the field of the use of grassland for biomass production for energetic purposes. The integrative concept is shown to provide an overall framework to carry out comprehensible and, above all, comparative sustainability assessments. More or less as a by-product, it can be demonstrated that sustainability means also in the energy sector much more than just environmental compatibility.

Integrating sustainability concepts and First Nations values in an urban neighbourhood: a case study of Carney Hill neighbourhood, Prince George, British Columbia

In 2002, the Carney Hill neighbourhood in Prince George, British Columbia, was identified as the highest risk neighbourhood in the province for healthy child development. This paper describes the community development efforts underway since 1992 to create a positive healthy neighbourhood for residents of all ages. A review of literature explores First Nations traditional value and belief structures, the concept of integrative planning, theories of social learning and principles of community sustainability. Concepts of social capital are reviewed and the concept of sustainability capital is introduced. A case study approach is used to explore the community development process, identify positive and negative elements within the neighbourhood and to suggest methods and activities to aid in the facilitation of positive changes within the neighbourhood. Finally, ideas to integrate First Nations values and beliefs and relevant concepts of environmental sustainability within the development process are discussed.

Assessing Integrating Sustainability Concepts into a Beginning Design Studio

Assessing Integrating Sustainability Concepts into a Beginning Design Studio