Lower Greenhouse Gas Research Articles

Economic validation and comparison of microbial tryptophan, erythritol and collagen production in an integrated sugarcane biorefinery

Low sugar prices present a significant challenge to the global sugarcane industry, prompting the exploration of diversification strategies for expanding product portfolios. Techno-economic analyses and environmental sustainability assessments were carried out to evaluate the microbial production of tryptophan, erythritol, and collagen from A-molasses in a biorefinery annexed to an existing sugarcane mill. Tryptophan production exhibited the highest profitability, with a minimum selling price (MSP) at 59.7 % of its current market price, although the achievable production volumes of tryptophan from one sugar mill would oversupply the global market. Due to the larger market size of for collagen the achievable production capacity in the collagen scenario would avoid market saturation, reducing the risk of oversupply and rendering it more economically viable. In contrast, erythritol production was marginally not profitable, with an MSP exceeding the current market price by 1 %, primarily attributed to high operational costs. All scenarios demonstrated relatively low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (ranging from 9.1 to 16.5 kg CO2eq/kg product), with tryptophan production emerging as the most environmentally favourable option due to minimal chemical and freshwater usage. When compared with literature-reported data on ethanol and short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS), only collagen and ethanol production were deemed viable, based on their favourable profitability and contribution to the market.

Impact of Environmental Degradation on Economic Growth: Testing the Environmental

Looking at the contribution of economic activity in the country, it is seen to add robustness to growth and development, but in contrast give birth to greenhouse gases (GHGs), such as CO2 CO2 which is also called carbon dioxid, CH4 which is also called methane, and N2O represent nitrous oxide. The factors influencing Greenhouse gas emissions include rising of population, upward movement of per capita output and consumption, infrastructural development made about infrastructures, human character, and innovation. However, if mitigation efforts are not enough, climate change would most likely lead to a slowdown the upward movement. Thus, the study examined the relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag model and examined the impact of environmental degradation on economic growth in Nigeria from 1990 to 2022 using that lens. Based on the estimated ARDL regression result, environmental degradation as determined by carbon dioxide emissions (kt) and economic growth are negatively correlated. The negative indication indicated that economic growth will decline by roughly -0.455% and -0.893% over the medium and long terms, respectively, as carbon emissions rise. The findings indicated that there is validity to Nigeria’s Environmental Kuznets Curve, which demonstrates how environmental deterioration impedes economic progress. Similarly, a positive indication indicating a one-period lag in carbon emissions showed that, in the short term, economic growth increases by around 0.948% in tandem with rising carbon emissions. Thus, the paper illustrated an inverse U-shaped interaction between environmental degradation and economic growth, with healthy economy initially related with increased emissions. However, the majority of the control variable estimates deviate from theoretical expectations. On the other hand, a positive and statistically significant one-period lagged coefficient of trade openness suggests that trade openness looks to support and encourage economic growth in the short run. Similarly, during the period under consideration in Nigeria, the short-run economic growth is positively and strongly correlated with the one-period lagged coefficient of gross fixed capital formation. The report suggested boosting energy efficiency in the world’s energy mix in order to lower greenhouse gas emissions, which are the main contributors to climate change. Therefore, in order to prevent the development of closed-form relationships that could result in a slowdown in economic growth, Nigerian government agencies that are responsible for implementing national and international environmental rules should proceed with caution.

Evaluating the Impact of Filtering Techniques on Deep Learning-Based Brain Tumour Segmentation

Gliomas are a common and aggressive kind of brain tumour that is difficult to diagnose due to their infiltrative development, variable clinical presentation, and complex behaviour, making them an important focus in neuro-oncology. Segmentation of brain tumour images is critical for improving diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options. Manually segmenting brain tumours is time-consuming and challenging. Automatic segmentation algorithms can significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of tumour identification, thus improving treatment planning and outcomes. Deep learning-based segmentation tumours have shown significant advances in the last few years. This study evaluates the impact of four denoising filters, namely median, Gaussian, anisotropic diffusion, and bilateral, on tumour detection and segmentation. The U-Net architecture is applied for the segmentation of 3064 contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance images from 233 patients diagnosed with meningiomas, gliomas, and pituitary tumours. The results of this work demonstrate that bilateral filtering yields superior outcomes, proving to be a robust and computationally efficient approach in brain tumour segmentation. This method reduces the processing time by 12 epochs, which in turn contributes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions by optimizing computational resources and minimizing energy consumption.

Navigating Climate Change: Alberta’s Carbon Program for Sustainable Agriculture

In 2021, the Government of Alberta launched the carbon program initiative to evaluate environmental practices and greenhouse gas reduction strategies in the agricultural sector. The program has produced various technical reports, policy briefing papers, industry surveys and roundtables. This policy paper consolidates the findings of the research. It presents an analysis of Alberta’s greenhouse gas emission profile, historical trends and the policy framework, as well as an examination of mitigation strategies such as carbon pricing and their effectiveness in Alberta’s agricultural system. The key question addressed in this paper is how Alberta can continue to support its thriving agricultural industry while responding to the federal and global calls to significantly reduce its methane and nitrous oxide emissions and fulfil Canada’s climate commitments. The paper also outlines the obstacles that producers encounter when implementing these strategies, as well as the limitations of the current emission estimation methodology in measuring the impact. To effectively address the challenges of emission mitigation in Alberta’s agriculture sector, a co-ordinated approach at both the federal and provincial levels is crucial. The paper concludes with the following recommendations that outline specific actions to help reduce uncertainties and support producers in implementing best management practices (BMPs) to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

High-quality femtosecond laser cutting of battery electrodes with enhanced electrochemical performance by regulating the taper angle: Promoting green manufacturing and chemistry

Laser cutting electrode technology is an environmentally friendly and sustainable manufacturing method that offers many benefits, such as low energy consumption and greenhouse gases, no waste production, no tool wear, flexible manipulation, and multi-scale processing. However, achieving high cutting quality with adjustable notch shape and controllable dimension precision is still a cutting-edge challenge. In addition, the influence of laser cutting on the microscopic structure and electrochemical performance of battery electrodes has not been fully illustrated. Here, the Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) electrode is cut using a femtosecond laser technology. The processing parameters are systematically optimized, and the influence of laser cutting taper structure on the structure and performance of LTO electrodes is comprehensively investigated. It is found that laser photoionization and the generated plasma could create oxygen vacancies and thus more Ti3+/Ti4+ defects in the LTO electrodes, resulting in increased electronic conductivity. Moreover, proper taper structure could help improve electrolyte infiltration as well as Li+ diffusion kinetics. As a result, the laser cutting LTO electrode with the optimized taper angle of T = 0.004 shows excellent electrochemical performance. The capacity retention is more than 99.2 % after 400 cycles at 1C, and the specific capacity reaches ∼60 mAh g−1 at a high rate of 60C, which is about 1.7 times higher than that of mechanically cutting LTO electrodes. The outstanding electrochemical performance is also demonstrated by LiFePO4||Li4Ti5O12 full cells. This work could pave the way for the development and application of laser technology in cutting battery electrodes.

Long-term continuous cropping reduces greenhouse gas emissions while sustaining crop yields.

Information is needed on the effect of long-term cropping systems on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in dryland conditions. The effect of 34 years of dryland cropping system was examined on N2O and CH4 emissions, greenhouse gas balance (GHGB), crop yield, and yield-scaled GHG balance (YSGB) from 2016-2017 to 2017-2018 in the US northern Great Plains. Cropping systems were no-till continuous spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (NTCW), no-till spring wheat-pea (Pisum sativum L.) (NTWP), and conventional till spring wheat-fallow (CTWF). Gases were sampled twice a week to once a month throughout the year using a static chamber and flux determined. Soil C sequestration rate at 0-10cm was determined from samples taken in 2012 and 2019. The N2O emissions occurred immediately after planting, fertilization, and intense rainfall from May to September in both years when the emissions greater for NTCW and NTWP than CTWF. The CH4 emissions were minimal and mostly negative throughout the year. Carbon sequestration rate was positive for NTCW and NTWP due to greater C input, but negative for CTWF due to rapid C mineralization. As a result, GHGB was 170%-362% lower for NTCW than NTWP and CTWF. Annualized crop yield was 23%-60% greater for NTWP than NTCW and CTWF in 2016-2017, but not different among cropping systems in 2017-2018. The YSGB was also 129%-132% lower for NTCW and NTWP than CTWF in both years. Because of greater annualized crop yield, but lower GHG emissions, NTWP is recommended for reducing GHG emissions while sustaining long-term dryland crop yields in the northern Great Plains.

Reviewing Demand Response for Energy Management with Consideration of Renewable Energy Sources and Electric Vehicles

This review paper critically examines the role of demand response (DR) in energy management, considering the increasing integration of renewable energy sources (RESs) and the rise in electric vehicle (EV) adoption. As the energy landscape shifts toward sustainability, recognizing the synergies and challenges offered by RESs and EVs becomes critical. The study begins by explaining the notion of demand response, emphasizing its importance in optimizing energy usage and grid stability. It then investigates the specific characteristics and possible benefits of incorporating RESs and EVs into DR schemes. This assessment evaluates the effectiveness of DR techniques in leveraging the variability of renewable energy generation and managing the charging patterns of electric vehicles. Furthermore, it outlines important technological, regulatory, and behavioral impediments to DR’s mainstream adoption alongside RESs and EVs. By synthesizing current research findings, this paper provides insights into opportunities for enhancing energy efficiency, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and advancing sustainable energy systems through the coordinated implementation of demand response, renewable energy sources, and electric vehicles.

Regional perspective on prospects and risks of the renewable energy in Russia

AbstractThe expansion of renewable energy (RE) relies on both natural factors and socioeconomic conditions fostered at the regional level. This paper examines the key factors influencing RE development in selected Russian regions. We conducted a literature review, surveyed 250 industry experts, and analyzed reports from energy and rating agencies, along with natural resource maps, to identify specific risks and indicators. Our expert survey revealed that the most significant technical risks are low resource potential (68%), energy system surplus (68%), and the absence of transport logistics with neighboring regions (58%). Politically, the lack of additional sector initiatives (6%) was noted. Economically, the high cost of RE (56%) and insufficient experience with “green” investments (54%) were highlighted. Social factors included low unemployment rates (74%), and the absence of remote areas without power supply (72%). Environmentally, the lack of enterprises for energy unit utilization (84%), low greenhouse gas emissions (60%), and insufficient accessible territories for facilities (58%) were significant concerns. We developed risk profiles for nine Russian regions, categorizing them into leaders, intermediates, and nascent stages of RE market formation. Our findings indicate that the most impactful factors include resource potential, space limitations for energy facilities, proximity to equipment manufacturers, regional support measures, and the development of “green” investment instruments. Conversely, regional investment attractiveness had a lesser influence. On the basis of these insights, we recommend enhancing RE development through refined federal and regional support programs. We propose additional criteria for project selection: (1) minimum construction costs covered by “green” investments and (2) quantitative restrictions on new capacities, considering regional energy system status. Practical recommendations also include developing regional centers for servicing generating facilities and increasing the sector's investment attractiveness to stimulate private investment.

Global Impacts of Extended COVID-19 Lockdowns: Intersecting Perspectives on Environmental Quality, Food Security, Human Health, and Societal Dynamics

The COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented global health crisis, prompted widespread implementation of prolonged lockdown measures. This study presents a multifaceted analysis of the extensive impacts of these lockdowns on environmental quality, food security, human health, and societal dynamics. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research synthesizes data from various sources, including environmental assessments, public health records, food supply chain analyses, and social surveys, to construct a comprehensive picture of the pandemic's repercussions. In the environmental domain, our analysis reveals a dual nature of impacts. Reduced industrial activity and transportation led to temporary improvements in air quality and lower greenhouse gas emissions in several regions. Wildlife sightings in urban areas increased, indicating temporary relief for particular ecosystems. Conversely, the pandemic exacerbated challenges like increased medical waste generation and heightened pressure on natural resources due to shifts in consumption patterns. Concerning food security, the study identifies a complex interplay of disrupted supply chains, altered agricultural practices, and varying government policies that led to both short-term scarcities and long-term concerns about food sustainability. While essential for controlling the virus spread, the lockdowns inadvertently created food production and distribution bottlenecks, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. The impact on human health extends beyond the direct effects of the COVID-19 virus. Our findings highlight increased mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, mainly attributable to prolonged isolation and economic uncertainties. Additionally, the disruption of routine healthcare services emerged as a critical concern, affecting non-COVID health issues. Societal dynamics underwent significant transformations. The study explores shifts in work culture, with remote working becoming a new norm, and examines the pandemic's impact on education, revealing a swift transition to online learning platforms. These changes, while innovative, also widened the digital divide and raised concerns about the long-term implications for social inequality. The study's overarching theme is the interconnectivity of these domains. Environmental changes influence food security, affecting human health and societal structures. The pandemic's multidimensional impacts necessitate a holistic response, integrating environmental, health, social, and economic strategies. In conclusion, this comprehensive analysis underscores the need for adaptive, resilient, and sustainable systems to mitigate future global crises. The COVID-19 pandemic, while presenting significant challenges, also offers a unique opportunity to rethink and redesign our approach to global health, environmental stewardship, food security, and societal well-being.

Operation of coupled power-gas networks with hydrogen refueling stations, responsive demands and storage systems: A novel stochastic framework

Because of factors such as low natural gas prices, low greenhouse gas emission and high efficiency has increased the penetration of natural gas-fired generators in electric power systems. Large gas consumption of gas-fired generators has caused intense interdependence of electricity and gas systems. Most often, the operational planning of power and gas systems is conducted through a co-optimisation model in which the total cost of electricity and gas systems is minimised and the constraints of both systems are considered. On the other hand, due to environmental concerns, the usage of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) is increasing. Hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) are needed for refueling FCVs. This paper puts forward a stochastic model for co-optimisation of wind-integrated power and gas systems, hosting HRSs, electric storage systems (ESS's) and responsive electricity and gas demands. The effect of ESS's, responsive demands, contingencies, wind uncertainties and demand response on operation of power-gas nexus is scrutinized. An incentive-based demand response program has been used for both electricity and gas demands. The case study is the Belgian gas network connected to the a 24-bus power system. The findings indicate that responsive electric demands reduce electric system cost by 9.4 %, while responsive gas demands reduce the gas network cost and total operation cost by 1 %. The contingency analysis on the power-gas nexus shows that single line outage contingencies in power system does not result in any demand shed and does not increase the operation cost of either electricity network or gas network.

Enhancing sustainable energy production through biomass gasification gas technology: a review

This proposed research investigates the sustainable and innovative use of biomass gasification for generating electricity. Biomass gasification is a versatile and eco-friendly technology that converts organic materials, such as agricultural residues, forestry waste, and even municipal solid waste, into a valuable source of clean energy. This research delves into the various aspects of this technology, including its processes, efficiency, environmental impact, and potential applications in power generation. Biomass gasification gas, often referred to as syngas, presents a promising avenue for addressing the rising energy demand while lowering greenhouse gas emissions and preventing climate change. This research seeks to offer a thorough insight into the principles and practices behind biomass gasification, highlighting its role in the transition towards a sustainable and renewable energy future. The research will investigate the technical and economic feasibility of utilizing biomass gasification gas for electricity generation, examining the benefits, challenges, and opportunities associated with this alternative energy source. By addressing critical issues such as feedstock availability, gasifier technology, gas cleaning processes, and power plant integration, this study seeks to offer valuable insights into the potential of biomass gasification gas as a clean and renewable energy solution.

Case Study: Advanced Technology Underpins Efficiency and Climate-Related Goal Gains

_ Today’s gas-compression operators are under increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Fortunately, multiple technologies are available that can support that objective while enabling operators to move more gas cost-effectively. Embracing such advancements can positively impact a reduced-carbon future without compromising operational efficiency or profitability. To choose the right technologies for a gas-compression package, it’s critical for operators to have a clear understanding of their business and GHG emissions-related goals. Operators also need clarity concerning the impact of evolving requirements on total cost of ownership (TCO) as well as potential financial ramifications. Producing more gas at a lower cost with lower GHG emissions is possible with new technologies. Operators can support their success by choosing the right engine driver for a gas-compression package based on their unique needs and site conditions. It’s critical to consider an engine’s power density and TCO, as that informs an operator’s selections and can lower a gas-compression package’s operating cost in terms of dollars per thousand cubic feet ($/Mcf) of gas throughput. An engine, such as the Cat G3600 A4 Gen 2, that can deliver a 10% power increase compared to the previous model can allow operators to use fewer engines to perform the same amount of work. This advantage can lower capital requirements, reduce operating expenses, and decrease fuel consumption. Fewer engines operating in the field may also contribute to lower GHG emissions. Modernizing Existing Assets Operators prioritize flexibility, durability, and lower TCO. They can support those objectives by choosing an engine platform that allows performance upgrades across the life of the engine. This enables operators to apply advanced technology in their existing fleet year after year without incurring the substantial cost of purchasing a new engine. Engine upgrade kits offer operators an option to maximize and modernize active assets in a streamlined way, as the upgrades can be applied conveniently and cost-effectively at the time of a scheduled overhaul to minimize disruption. For example, by using an upgrade kit for an A4 Gen 1 engine model referenced above, operators can lower volatile organic compounds up to 32%, formaldehyde up to 24%, carbon monoxide up to 13%, methane emissions up to 33%, and total GHG emissions up to 5% on a grams per brake horsepower-hour (g/bhp-hr) basis* while saving the traditional capital expenditure of a new engine. (*Site conditions: Same power level between the G3600 A4 Gen 1 and Gen 2, 85MN, 905 BTU/scf, 100% load, 25°C ambient, 500-ft altitude.) Such updates are relatively cost neutral when applied as part of a scheduled major overhaul and require minimal or no change to the compression package. This makes upgrade kits a wise choice to ensure equipment keeps pace with industry demands.

Promoting green taxation and sustainable energy transition for low-carbon development

Since there is a scientific consensus that the energy sector has brought the planet to the tipping point of climate change, transitioning to sustainable energy sources is inevitable to halt foreseeable climatic adversities. This study looks at how promoting green taxation and sustainable energy transition affected the G7 nations’ goal of low-carbon development between 1994 and 2020. This study used Generalized Least Squares Random Effects Regression and Driscoll-Kraay Standard Errors-based Least Sqaures approaches for empirical analysis. The latter approach accounts for cross-sectional dependence, heteroscedasticity, and autocorrelation to provide robust empirical outcomes. The empirical results are as follows: Firstly, through lowering CO2 intensity and greenhouse gas emissions, the environmental tax revenues have enhanced the condition of the environment. The total tax revenues linked to the environment had a greater overall impact than the tax revenues related to the energy industry. Furthermore, compared to CO2 intensity, both of the environmental tax revenue factors contributed considerably more to greenhouse gas emissions. Second, the sustainable energy transition helped to lower greenhouse gas and CO2 intensity. Among covariates, international trade was supportive of low-carbon development, but industrialization and GDP per capita did the opposite. The panel bootstrap causality revealed a unidirectional causal connection from all independent variables, except foreign direct investment, to CO2 intensity and greenhouse gas emissions. These results demonstrated that the G7 nations’ environmental policies supported their commitment to achieving low-carbon development goals. In this respect, the G7 nations’ environmental emission reduction efforts benefited more from the overall environmental tax revenues. To secure the industrial emissions reduction for a future with net-zero carbon emissions, it is thus advised to continue using policies that price environmental emissions, such as the carbon taxation regulations. Additionally, plans for the sustainable energy transition that includes a quick rise in renewable energy sources in the overall energy mix are successful in lowering environmental emissions. For environmental sustainability and low-carbon development, it is thus advised to divert the taxation burden from renewable energy technologies to the fossil fuel industry to enhance the sustainable energy transition phenomenon for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (especially SDG-7 and SDG-13).

Assessing the thermoeconomic performance of a solar-powered trigeneration system with an upgraded transcritical carbon dioxide unit

With the intervention of the industry in every aspect of human lifestyle on the one hand, and the prompt reduction in fossil fuel and their harms to the environment, including global warming, on the flip side, the importance of renewable sources of energy has been revealed more than ever. The presented study attempted to investigate a new configuration for a trigeneration configuration based on a solar renewable source. The proposed system comprises a parabolic trough solar collector segment to drive a transcritical carbon dioxide power and refrigeration subsystem, a dual-pressure organic Rankine cycle, and a thermal vapor compression process combined with a multi-effect desalination unit. The suggested configuration is carefully inspected from thermodynamic and economic perspectives, encompassing an analysis of a certain condition and a detailed parametric evaluation. Four decision parameters are employed for the parametric evaluation, in conjunction with two scenarios from a multi-objective particle swarm optimization combined with a linear programming method for multidimensional preference analysis as a decision-maker. The examination outputs bring out a net output power of 12.147 MW, a 7.707 MW cooling load, a 4.448 kg/s freshwater, and energetic and exergetic efficiencies of 15.286 % and 10.192 %, respectively. Moreover, examining the system's performance from an economic perspective reveals a total product cost rate of 954.249 $/h, leading to a 4.694-year payback period. This study optimizes energy usage and minimizes waste, offering industrial applications such as reducing fossil fuel dependence and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. It supports sustainable development and facilitates the global transition to cleaner energy sources.

The Role of Organic Farming for Climate Change Mitigation and Sustainable Development: A Review

Climate Change, exacerbated by human activities such as fossil fuel combustion and greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide (CO2), is a pressing global crisis that disrupts long-term weather patterns, ecosystems, and human well-being. Organic agriculture offers a viable solution to mitigate these effects. By lowering greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing soil carbon sequestration, organic farming strengthens ecosystem resilience. Practices such as eliminating synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, rotating crops, and utilizing organic waste foster robust agricultural systems capable of enduring extreme weather and water scarcity. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of how organic farming contributes to climate change mitigation, detailing practices that support soil carbon sequestration, reduce nitrogen oxide (N2O) emissions, and boost biodiversity. It also addresses challenges such as emissions measurement and consumer behaviour, emphasizing the need for further research and supportive policies. Organic agriculture not only advances sustainable development but also promotes food security and environmental sustainability in the face of climate change.

Recent Advances in Superabsorbent Hydrogels Derived from Agro Waste Materials for Sustainable Agriculture: A Review.

Superabsorbent hydrogels made from agro waste materials have the potential to promote sustainable agriculture and environmental sustainability. These hydrogels not only help reduce water consumption and increase crop yields but also contribute to minimizing waste and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Recent research on superabsorbent hydrogels derived from agro wastes has focused on the preparation of hydrogels based on natural polymers isolated from agro wastes, such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. This review provides an in-depth examination of hydrogels developed from raw agro waste materials and natural polymers extracted from agro wastes, highlighting that these studies start with raw wastes as the main materials. The utilization strategies for specific types of agro wastes are comprehensively described. This review outlines different methods utilized in the production of these hydrogels, including physical cross-linking techniques such as dissolution-regeneration and freeze-thawing, as well as chemical cross-linking methods involving various cross-linking agents and graft polymerization techniques such as free radical polymerization, microwave-assisted polymerization, and γ radiation graft polymerization. Specifically, this review explores the applications of agro waste-based superabsorbent hydrogels in enhancing soil properties such as water retention and slow-release of fertilizers for sustainable agriculture.

Examining the Role of Organizational Culture on Citizenship Behavior: The Mediating Effects of Environmental Knowledge and Attitude Toward Energy Savings

Workplace energy conservation is vital for sustainability, as it reduces environmental harm, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and conserves natural resources. Such procedures lead to significant financial savings, adherence to environmental standards, enhanced corporate social responsibility, and improved organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). This study investigated the impact of organizational culture (OCULT) on OCB, with environmental knowledge (EK) and attitude toward energy savings (ATES) as mediating factors. Components of the theories of planned behavior and value-belief-norm were evaluated through a structural equation model, showing that OCULT influences OCB through EK and ATES, suggesting OCULT’s direct and indirect effects on OCB. The degree to which EK and ATES mediate these effects varies, emphasizing the importance of a strong OCULT in fostering an environmentally conscious workplace. Specifically, the findings reveal that OCULT is responsible for positively impacting ATES and EK, with path coefficients of 0.587 and 0.661, respectively. OCB is positively influenced by it (coefficient of 0.228). The research indicates that knowledge is vital in improving organizational behaviors, with a significant correlation between EK and OCB (coefficient of 0.675). Mediation analysis indicates that EK mediates the relationship between OCULT and OCB (standardized estimate of 0.344), and that ATES and EK together can enhance OCB (standardized estimate of 0.078), demonstrating a robust and meaningful causal effect mediating this link. This outcome is the product of the mutually beneficial interaction among various variables. This study highlights the importance of integrating cultural considerations into knowledge management to foster a more engaged and proactive workforce, which will enhance organizational performance. As a practical implication, managers should promote energy-saving behaviors and nurture a supportive OCULT to enhance OCB. Incorporating sustainability into core organizational strategies will result in a dedicated workforce actively participating in OCB and energy-saving initiatives.

Nutrient cycling on dairy farms in the Netherlands: The role of farm structure, management and trade-offs

Food production is a major driver for crossing planetary boundaries. Improving nutrient cycling may enable maintaining production while reducing environmental losses. This study assesses the current state of Dutch dairy on-farm nutrient (nitrogen- N, phosphorus - P) cycling through re-use of manure, scope for improvement and potential trade-offs. Data of 27 farms between 2006–2022 were used.Nutrient use efficiency (Output/Input) varied widely, with an average of 0.39 (0.29–0.47) for N and 0.88 (0.69–1.01) for P. Combining circularity and efficiency indicators showed that most gain in efficiency could be made by increasing cycled flow. Management related with improved cycling had lower external nutrient inputs, both from fertiliser and feed. Farm structure mattered for farm performance, as extensive farms with lower external N inputs from fertiliser or feed had higher N cycling and lower greenhouse gas emissions, but at the costs of agricultural land use and productivity.

An Innovative Heating Solution for Sustainable Agriculture: A Feasibility Study on the Integration of Phase Change Materials as Passive Heating Elements

In this study, we investigate an innovative option for the ecological management of agricultural land. The focus is on the use of phase change materials (PCMs) for passive temperature regulation in greenhouses and fruit crop fields in order to reduce yield losses due to unforeseen late frost events. The use of PCMs represents a novel approach to enhancing crop growth and extending growing seasons without relying on conventional energy-intensive methods, providing a stable microclimate that can protect plants from cold stress. This passive regulation of temperature helps to reduce the need for fossil fuel-based heating systems, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs. The application of PCMs in agricultural settings is particularly innovative as it leverages naturally occurring temperature variations to create a self-sustaining, low-maintenance solution that aligns with the principles of sustainable farming. This approach not only improves energy efficiency but also contributes to the resilience of agricultural practices in the face of climate variability. This study focuses on the possible use of PCMs in passive heating modules for the protection of potted plants in greenhouses. Various PCMs such as paraffin, beeswax, and shea butter were tested. Experiments were then conducted, using one kind of paraffin-based PCM, in a specially designed module. In addition, an FEM simulation model (CFD) was built and tested. The model was used to perform detailed analyses of the heat transfer efficiency, fluid dynamics, and overall performance of the modules. The model can also be used for optimization purposes (e.g., efficiency improvements).

Greenhouse gas emissions and crop-specific emission factors of eight upland crops based on a six-year field experiment in the North China Plain

Nitrous oxide is a significant greenhouse gas (GHG) contributor in crop production, yet detailed documentation, including crop yields and specific emission factors (EFd of N2O), are lacking for the North China Plain. A six-year (2016–2022) diversified crop rotation experiment in this region examined GHG emissions from eight crops (sweet potato, peanut, soybean, spring maize, sweet sorghum, ryegrass, summer maize, and winter wheat) and fallow seasons. The results revealed that summer maize had the highest cumulative soil N2O emissions (5.07 kg N ha−1), with an average flux value of 225.3 μg N2O-N m−2 h−1 during the growing season. Summer maize emitted 16–75 % more N2O than spring crops and winter wheat and 85–86 % more than ryegrass (cover crop) and the winter fallow season. All eight crops acted as weak net CH4 sinks. Annual average CO2-equivalents of N2O and CH4 emissions reflected N2O emissions from all crops and fallow seasons. In addition, GHG footprint metrics (GFa, per unit area; GFy, per kg equivalent yield; GFb, per kg biomass; GFe, per unit economic benefit) based on life cycle assessment thinking showed that intensive cereal crops (winter wheat and summer maize) had the highest GHG footprints, while sweet potato had the lowest due to its greater biomass and lower N input. Other crops had 19–90 % lower GHG footprints than wheat and maize. Furthermore, we also quantified specific-crop EFd of N2O, with ryegrass having the lowest EFd (0.48 ± 0.02 %), followed by winter wheat (0.81 ± 0.43 %), and other crops ranging from 1.00 ± 0.13 % to 2.36 ± 0.85 %. This study provides important emissions data for different crops and winter fallow periods, enhancing our understanding of GHG footprints and emission factors, which are essential for the advancement of sustainable agriculture practices.