Pillars Of Sustainable Development Research Articles

Water stored in cisterns of vulnerable communities in the region of Mato Grande/Rio Grande do Norte: Quality analysis and proposals for viable social technologies.

This article aims to assess the quality of water stored in cisterns, particularly in houses in the Mato Grande Region, an area in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, which has benefited from social government programs. Firstly, a survey was applied to the local population to collect information about the stored water (origin, uses, and treatment methods performed). Subsequently, water samples were collected to perform microbiological analyses. The results show that water is primarily used for many purposes, including drinking. Also, all samples were contaminated by Escherichia coli, a fecal coliform bacterium responsible for many diseases and health problems. These findings suggest the urgent need for public policies and investment in technologies, education, and social development to prevent the proliferation of pathogens in the reservoirs. In addition, the article discusses the most viable alternatives to ensure potable water consumption in disadvantaged populations: the development and large-scale implementation of low-cost intervention methodologies, for example, Social Technologies (TS), that are currently discussed in Brazil by different sectors. Through these actions, a plausible solution is being demonstrated to assist with social needs and, as a result, allow the effective reduction of the social exclusion of individuals in complete alignment with the different pillars of sustainable development established by the United Nations Organization (UN).

Circular Economy and the triple bottom line in Norway

A more circular economy aims to reduce global material consumption, make the most out of our resources, and create a more sustainable economic system. In this paper, we analyze how different circular economy actions in Norway affect indicators in the three pillars of sustainable development: economic prosperity (measured by value added), social equity (measured by employment opportunities), and environmental protection (measured by greenhouse gas emissions). Based on priorities of the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan and characteristics of the Norwegian economy, we have selected five value chains for analysis: electronics; textiles; construction and building; packaging and plastics; and metal efficiency. The results show that there is a substantial potential for increased value added and employment in Norway related to the circular transition, while at the same time mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. For increased material efficiency (plastic packaging, metals), employment gains can be substantial, while imports of metals and plastics decrease, resulting in lower upstream emissions, but higher Norwegian emissions. For consumer goods (textiles, electronics), the positive effects come about from shifting from a buy-and-discard model to a buy-repair/share/use longer model, resulting in increased employment in Norway and decreased imports, which potentially leads to lower emissions, but also lower employment globally. For re-use/re-purpose and recycling of building materials, emission-intense material extraction and processing activities are replaced by more labour intense activities, but has the largest potential of decreasing emissions within Norway.

Ecotourism Pillars Enforcement to Geotourism Destination in Slamet and Serayu Mountainous Areas, Central Java Province

Nature based tourism, including geotourism, can have the status of ecotourism if they are able to enforce the seven pillars namely: 1) the ecological pillar, 2) the economic pillar, 3) the socio-cultural pillar, 4) the satisfaction pillar, 5) experience pillar, 6) memory pillar, and 7) education pillar. This study aims to analyse the perceptions of tourists towards the enforcement of the seven pillars of ecotourism in geotourism destinations. The study was conducted through a survey using a closed-ended questionnaire with a total number of respondents is 400 people. Data analysis was carried out using comparative quantitative and correlation quantitative methods. The results showed that there was still a “gap” between the pillars of sustainable development and the pillars of the basic needs of tourists. The results of the correlation test showed that the elements of the seven pillars of ecotourism had interrelationship each other. It is necessary to modify the form of geotourism implementation by increasing the aspects of guiding/interpreting for tourists and intensifying the involvement of tourists in all tourism activities. The regional approach are also applied to the development of geotourism so that it is more optimal, integrated and efficient in the use of resources.

The coevolution mechanism of stakeholder strategies in the recycled resources industry innovation ecosystem: the view of evolutionary game theory

The recycled resources industry (RRI) is considered one of the pillars for sustainable development. Few studies to date have evaluated the innovation regime in RRI, although it is one of the dilemmas that RRI is facing. Therefore, including “Government,” “Enterprise,” and “University-Research institute” in the evolutionary game model, this paper draws on innovation ecosystem theory and conducts a mechanism analysis to clarify the evolutionary stability of stakeholder strategies in the RRI. The findings highlight six potential Evolutionary Stable Strategies (ESS), with which the ‘ideal state’ can be achieved. Moreover, with and without the subsidy policy, the strategic choices of players are differently interdependent, the divergent factors and the influencing mechanisms to the main stakeholders are identified, and the transmission effect of the influence is found. What's more, a subsidy policy would promote active cooperation between these stakeholders when the subsidy quota is within an appropriate range. This paper unpacks the evolution mechanism black box from the stakeholders’ perspective, which provides a clearer understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of industrial innovation ecosystems. The critical findings also provide evidence for policymakers to facilitate the coevolution of the agents in the innovation ecosystem, thereby improving the overall innovation ability of the RRI.

Nature Conservation in Sustainability

Nature protection is one of the main pillars of sustainable development, striking a proper balance between anthropocentric and ecocentric justifications [...]

Cruising on choppy seas: the revitalization of Jamaica as a cruise destination post COVID-19

PurposeThis article focuses on critical areas that must be adjusted and adopted in the post-Covid era. It explores strategies that are needed for the post-Covid period in cruise tourism in the Caribbean with special reference to endemic gaps in the sustainable development of cruising in Jamaica which resulted in the pre-pandemic status quo. The article aims to recommend ways of creating a road map for greater sustainability for cruise tourism in the Caribbean, the most tourism-dependent region of the world.Design/methodology/approachThe main approach is via the frame of sustainable development pillars. The methodology involved interviews with tourism and cruise industry executives and content analysis of company documents of the Jamaica Tourist Board. Additional primary data were collected from a large cruise line serving the Caribbean market. This exercise was primarily to derive insights on their customer satisfaction data. Primary data were also collected on Covid testing by Baywest Medical in Montego Bay Jamaica.FindingsIt is clear from the data that the cruise industry in Jamaica has not maximized its potential. This is largely due to the posture of large private cruise lines, which have negotiated solely in favour of their bottom line. It was also found that Jamaica has suffered from its own slow approach to the diversification of its ports and surrounding communities. Additionally, another major finding revealed that the matter of visitors has been inadequately addressed; despite cruise line data indicating a need for safer, more seamless spaces. The major strength identified is the creation of “resilient corridors” in Jamaica, which have worked well in support of the return of stopover arrivals since 2021. In fact, reported Covid cases related to the corridor have a positivity rate of less than 1% while the national figure is 9.9% for the month of July 2021, according to the Ministry of Health and Wellness.Research limitations/implicationsThis article highlights gaps in the current construct of Caribbean cruising and plots a path to bridging those gaps. The major limitation is that it focuses on the case of Jamaica. Future research should consider other islands in the region and seek to gather data directly from guests when the industry reopens, as opposed to the current approach of guest comments through cruise line documents.Practical implicationsThe practical implications are that policy-makers will be able to apply the recommendations for creating a partnership of equals, greater port and product diversification, visitor safety improvement and optimizing the resilient corridors. This will have a significant economic impact arising from greater flows of guests and extended time spent on shore.Social implicationsThe absence of cruising has had a major impact on the socioeconomics of communities in closeness, proximity to cruising, as evidenced in craft markets and ground transportation. These groupings are considered to be particularly vulnerable.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to excavate the specific hurdles, which must be tackled in the post-Covid era in Jamaica. It is of particular value to local policy-makers, local businesses and cruise lines serving the Caribbean region.

Green Investments as Drivers of Sustainable Economic Growth in the EU Countries: A Retrospective Analysis

This article addresses sustainable economic development under the green investing impact. The authors emphasize that a favorable investment climate attracts green and socially responsible investors contributing to green economic transformation. The research aimed to conduct a retrospective analysis of green transformation to determine the main driving forces and preconditions for sustainable economic growth. The relevance of the decision of the investigated scientific problem is that the green investments contribute to the harmonization of the three main pillars of sustainable development (society, economy, and environment) under the growing burden of climate change. The research object was the EU countries. The analysis covered data from 2014 to 2019 for empirical calculation and from 2000 to 2020 for bibliometric analysis. To achieve the research goal, the study involved the scope of bibliometric and econometric tools. The findings of bibliometric analysis allowed to determine the main driving forces of the economic growth and green investments considered in the literature. The obtained results empirically confirmed and theoretically proved that strengthening and developing sustainable economic performance significantly depends on the success of the green transformation under investments growth. The authors stated the necessity to further explore green investment markets on the national levels to improve the incentive mechanism for developing a green investment market.

Research Analysis of Built Environment as a System: Implementing Research Through Design Methodology

Building is a process of technology that enables human wellbeing by engaging a multitude of stakeholders. However, it is often seen in the literature that all stakeholders involved in the building process are disintegrated, which seems to be a management and systemic orientation problem when trying to address the built environment as a sustainable system design. That means the design and design aesthetics of any building cannot be simply influenced by technological revolution and efficiency improvements to attain the three pillars of sustainable development. A systemic transformation of the whole process is a pre-requisite, which is complex and oft underestimated mainly due to the lack of subjective characteristics involved available for transformation research, that addresses policy choice in the development of a paradigm shift. Addressing built environment as a system for transformation research practice, this study extensively reviewed the UNEP built environment report to identify global variables that define the roughly correct system as an artifact to be studied. The UNEP report covers the system level transformation requirement until 2003, which seems to be more or less the same in almost all the research studies as of now. Using the Vester Sensitivity Model, the roughly correct built environment as a system is analyzed to identify the future leverage potential and variables’ interdependency. The in-depth systems analysis indicates global variables Enabling condition and New material are potential system leveraging variables for built environment system transition to sustainable design, which require further scrutiny. The leveraging variables are influenced by other global variables which can only be negotiated for sustainable development goal actualization for future success.

Perceptions of Energy Resources Efficiency for Sustainable Development in the Developing Context of Nigeria: Implications for Enterprise Development in the Energy Sector

Energy resources are indispensable to humans, animals, and plants. From the perspective of energy economics, energy efficiency has a high propensity to stimulate a development process that is environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable. Most developed countries are known to have attained energy efficiency, but the developing countries arguably still contend with energy inefficiency. In view of the foregoing, this study investigates the perceptions of energy resources efficiency for sustainable development in the developing context of Nigeria including implications for enterprise development in the energy sector. The study adopts a quantitative research method, a positivist research paradigm in order to generate fact-based information from energy users in the developing context. A sample of 400 respondents that comprised academics, professionals, business owners, policymakers, and activists working with the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) was selected, but 154 finally participated. The first finding reveals that Nigeria has eleven (11) energy resources, but the energy resource with the highest efficiency perception is fuel-wood and the least efficient is hydropower when measured in terms of stability, delivery system, reliability, resource mix, security, livelihood, and safety of energy products to the energy users. The second finding suggests that energy resources efficiency (EFF) exerts significant positive effect on the triple dimensions of sustainable development (ECS, SOS, and EVS) in the developing context of Nigeria, but the predictability is weak (42.6%, Adjusted R2). An indication that more rigorous study in required. The study contributes to the debates on energy resources efficiency and three pillars of sustainable development from the developing country context. In practical terms, the study supports and validates the X-Efficiency theory (XET) and the Resource Curse Theory (RCT).

Diesel demand elasticities and sustainable development pillars of economy, environment and social (health): comparing two strategies of subsidy removal and energy efficiency

Diesel demand elasticities and sustainable development pillars of economy, environment and social (health): comparing two strategies of subsidy removal and energy efficiency

Sustainable development goals and transportation modes: Analyzing sustainability pillars of environment, health, and economy

Based on the scores and trends of Sustainable Development Goals, Iran, our case study, has been unsuccessful in nearly all the pillars of sustainable development despite the variations in socioeconomic variables related to the SDGs. This implies a comprehensive underdevelopment in Iran, necessitating the improvement of infrastructure which significantly affects all the pillars of sustainable development including environment, health, and economy. This study, takes transportation as an important infrastructure which has various direct and indirect impacts on all pillars of sustainable development, especially in the case study of Iran. To evaluate this, the present study aims to investigate 1) which sustainability perspective dominates in Iran (strong sustainability, weak sustainability, or health-centered sustainability); and 2) the consistency degree of each transportation mode with each pillar of sustainability including environment, health, and economy. We employ VAR and simultaneous equations system to find which perspective of sustainable development dominates Iran; and to rank the transportations modes in accordance with their consistency with sustainable development in Iran during 1979–2016. Overall, the results of this study is found to be significant and support the strong sustainability perspective in Iran. The most compliant transportation modes with the sustainable development in Iran are then ranked as: a) rail, b) air, c) road, and d) maritime transportation. These results suggest the policy-makers to: 1) value the environmental issues at the top of the agenda for the sustainability strategies; and 2) to shift the load of passenger and goods to the rail transportation by investing and developing the rail network.

Toward sustainable urban development of historical cities: Case study of Fouh City, Egypt

This article aims to propose an approach for preserving and improving urban heritage while maintaining environmental, social, cultural, and economic sustainability. Heritage conservation seeks to a distinct position. This is partly due to unresolved contradictions that might arise between conservation and sustainability goals. The conclusions are based on study done in Fouh, Egypt, after a study of the definitions and the pillars of sustainable development. The current state of Fouh was determined using a SWOT analysis. The results show the importance of providing an approach for the protection of heritage cities as a lively unit is the incorporation of protection and sustainability purposes, strategies, and tools to guarantee a “historic living city,“ able to develop and progress in a sustainable manner within time according to the principles of sustainable development and circles of sustainability.

Petrochemical Wastewater Treatment by Eggshell Modified Biochar as Adsorbent: Atechno-Economic and Sustainable Approach

Petrochemical industrial wastewater (PIW)contains toluene and xylene (TX), and various organic and inorganic pollutants, causing severe risks to human health if improperly released into the environmental matrices. For the long-term reliability of environmental conservation, this study illustrates the interlinkage between PIW treatment and the three pillars of sustainable development. Sewage sludge biochar was modified with eggshell, showing a relatively high fixed C content (increase in carbonization degree), and small O/C and N/C ratios. The prepared biochar was employed for TX adsorption in mono-component solutions, giving removal efficiencies of 79.1% (T) and 86.6% (X), at pH =10, adsorbent dosage =2 g/L, and Co =40 mg/L within 60 min. The main adsorption mechanism was physisorption, including precipitation/pore-filling, π- π dispersive interaction, and van der Waals force. The modified biochar also treated real PIW under five adsorption/regeneration cycles, providing essential steps toward large-scale applications. According to an economic feasibility estimation, the biochar application for treating 1 m3 of PIW would offer a payback period of 6.9 yr. The study outputs could be linked to the restoration of water-related ecosystems, biochar modification for industrial applications, and climate change mitigation, adopting the 2030 agenda and its sustainable development goals (SDGs).

ОРГАНІЗАЦІЙНО-ЕКОНОМІЧНИЙ МЕХАНІЗМ ВІДТВОРЕННЯ РЕСУРСНОГО ПОТЕНЦІАЛУ СУБ’ЄКТІВ АГРАРНОГО БІЗНЕСУ В УМОВАХ ІНКЛЮЗИВНОЇ ЕКОНОМІКИ

The article proposes a model of the organizational and economic mechanism for reproducing the resource potential of agrarian business entities in the conditions of an inclusive economy, outlines the principles of its functioning and the functional spectrum of synergistic interaction of its main elements. It was established that the inclusiveness of the organizational and economic management mechanism for the reproduction of the resource potential of agribusiness is based on the one-vector interaction of three basic pillars of sustainable development: agro-ecological resource scale; socio-territorial resource scale; economic and resource scale. The goal of the participants of the inclusive organizational and economic management mechanism for the reproduction of the resource potential of business entities in the agrarian sphere is determined – sufficient quantity and quality of all types of resources for solving the strategic tasks of sustainable development of agribusiness and rural areas. The realization of this goal involves the adoption by all participants of the reproduction process of the basic principles of resource potential management: participation, justice, growth, equality of opportunities, sustainability, stability, long-term social orientation. The functionality of the inclusive organizational and economic mechanism is determined: preservation and reproduction of eco- and bioagrosystems; increasing the added value of agribusiness in value chains; increasing the level of efficiency and competitiveness of agrarian business; promoting the implementation of social, environmental and economic tasks of sustainability; activation of the country's participation in the global trends of socio-economic development; increasing the level of integration of the national agricultural sector into the global digital business plane; development of mechanisms of private-partnership relations as a promising direction of integration relations. It is substantiated that the main tools for creating favorable institutional conditions for the reproduction of the resource potential of agribusiness and rural areas should be: social thinking and perception of the importance and peculiarities of this task, a system of motivators and interests of each participant in this process, partnership and responsibility in all areas of reproduction.

Sustainable Energy Development Using Space-Based Solar Power in Indian context

Background: Progressive degradation of the environment due to the intervention of humans in the natural processes brought into light the need and the concept of sustainable development. The three pillars of sustainable development are Economic, Social, and Environmental. Sustainability has become one of the important tools to overcome the threats and is the dire need of the hour. This paper illustrates the detailed concept of Space-based solar power (SBSP) which defines the collection of solar energy in outer space and directing it towards the earth using electromagnetic waves. The edge of collecting solar power from space and not by the conventional methods include the strong collection rate and improved collection period. This is mainly because of the absence of the earth’s atmosphere that consists of a lot of external impurities and the decreased effects of reflection and absorption on solar energy on its way to earth. Objective: To put forward the importance of the use of space-based solar power system in India and to establish how space-based solar power is one of the answers of sustainable energy development for a better future for the country. Method: The study is based on secondary data. The findings indicate the need for sustainable energy development and the effective use of space-based solar power which would answer to the never-ending demands of human beings. Result: The article also delineates the opportunities of space-based solar power as well as the challenges that might be faced while building the system. Conclusion: The paper is a descriptive and conceptual study which illustrates SBSP as an innovative and important breakthrough in the field of science and one of the most important topics of discussion that needs to be addressed. The paper suggests the need for conducting more study on the topic and development of projects to measure its feasibility in the future, in terms of Indian context.

Reducing the emission of climate-altering substances in cementitious materials: A comparison between alkali-activated materials and Portland cement-based composites incorporating recycled tire rubber

Low carbon or near-zero carbon concrete technology is in line with the pillars of sustainable development, where industrial waste or low-carbon binders can reduce or eliminate consumption of Portland cement and natural resources, leading to less environmental pollution. This work presents an experimental study on the comparison between alkali-activated materials (also recognized as geopolymers) and a traditional cementitious matrix (Portland cement) incorporated with rubber particles, deriving from end-of-life tires, as replacement of raw mineral aggregates. To explore the potential of rubber-geopolymer compounds, an experimental comparative analysis with rubber-Portland mortars was performed. Initial investigations (microstructural/compositional analysis, porosity and water absorption measurements, and mechanical tests) were conducted on rubberized samples obtained by varying the binder, the sand-rubber replacement ratio (0 vol%, 50 vol%, and 100 vol%) and the rubber particle size (0–1 mm rubber fine aggregate and 1–3 mm rubber granules). The results revealed a greater compatibility of the alkali-activated matrix with tire rubber aggregates, resulting in better performance in terms of interfacial adhesion, reduced porosity rate, flexural strength, and toughness. However, compressive strength results showed a weaker mechanical performance of rubber-geopolymer mixes compared to Portland counterparts. As also verified by Si/Al elemental analysis, the structural quality and mechanical development of the geopolymer matrix was strongly influenced by the removal of sand as a Si-source. The potential embodied carbon emission performance and cost analysis were also estimated to evaluate the economic and environmental impact related to the use of recycled rubber as complete aggregate in Portland and geopolymer mixes. Sustainability analysis revealed the greater environmental friendliness of geopolymer formulations compared to those in ordinary cement, but higher production costs. The total addition of rubber aggregates induced an increase in emissions and costs (variable according to the type of matrix) which, however, does not directly correlate with the processing/price of the polymer fraction. Deepening the research on cleaner matrices and promoting the use of recycled materials in concrete applications could lead to a gap levelling between Portland and geopolymer rubber-based composites. Building on these findings, future study will focus on the optimization of the mix design as a function of rubber aggregates.

Mapping and assessing indicator-based frameworks for monitoring circular economy development at the city-level

• Assessment of indicator-based frameworks applicable to measure urban circularity. • Definition of criteria and validity requirements for assessing the frameworks. • The extent of compliance with the criteria differs among the frameworks. • None of the frameworks fulfills all the validity requirements. • Most frameworks consist mainly of indicators reflecting environmental aspects. The transition towards a circular economy (CE) is increasingly recognized as a promising pathway to tackle pressing sustainability challenges at the city-level. Indicator-based frameworks, that is, integrated systems of indicators, are considered as useful tools for monitoring this transition. Yet, studies that map and assess such frameworks are scanty. This article addresses this gap by assessing 15 indicator-based frameworks applicable to measure circularity at the city-level. The identified frameworks were assessed using eight criteria (transparency, stakeholder engagement, effective communication, ability to track temporal changes, applicability, alignment with CE principles, validity and relevance to sustainable development). Additionally, 12 validity requirements were defined to assess to what extent the indicators in the frameworks reflect CE aspects. The assessment reveals a wide variation regarding the extent to which the frameworks match the criteria with none of them satisfying all. In addition, in terms of validity criterion, none includes indicators that fulfill all the validity requirements. Furthermore, most frameworks consist mainly of environmental indicators and only three include indicators reflecting aspects related to the four pillars of sustainable development (environmental, social, economic and governance). Further research could develop a standardized framework for measuring circularity at the city-level and improving existing frameworks.

Aligning green infrastructure to sustainable development: A geographical contribution to an ongoing debate

AbstractBlue and green infrastructure (BGI) is increasingly viewed as a promising solution to promoting a shift beyond traditionally engineered “grey” approaches towards more socially and environmentally sustainable infrastructure systems. The specific insights of geographical scholarship on how to address issues of processes, scale, and place in BGI design, implementation, and long‐term management would help unlock the potential for BGI to be appropriate and inclusive, as well as support environmentally sound solutions. In this paper we unpack issues of processes for inclusive decision‐making to design and implement BGI projects that can advance sustainable development. We present an assessment framework and its application to two case studies that highlight the potential for better alignment of BGI projects to the three pillars of sustainable development and that reveal key research challenges that geographical scholarship could address. We believe that co‐produced geographical research in this domain is well placed to tackle these research challenges.

An Empirical Investigation on the Transition Process toward a Green Economy

The study investigates the transition process and core principles of a green economy. At a global level, green growth represents the essence of a green economy. In this context, the process of restructuring the market economy and transitioning toward a green economy implies continuous efforts and interdependence since it cannot be achieved in isolation. The model of restructuring economic activities to the specificity of a green economy addresses the interdependent pillars of sustainable development: environmental concerns; renewable energy; low carbon levels. Nevertheless, the green economy model that is applied to advanced economies cannot be implemented to low-income economies because of development gaps. Moreover, emerging economies also have other goals and priorities that demand changes into the green economy model of advanced economies.

New Methods for Assessing Sustainability of Wood-Burning Energy Facilities: Combining Historical and Spatial Approaches

Methods to assess wood-based bioenergy projects have tended to focus on technological and physical constraints. Less is known about how longer-term environmental, economic, and social systems—the three pillars of sustainable development—have influenced technological development in the context of woody biomass energy. This research offers new methods for assessing the sustainability of wood-based energy projects by combining spatial analysis, semi-structured interviews, and archival data analysis. By integrating quantitative and qualitative methods, this project offers ways to understand how social and environmental dynamics from the past shape technological development in the future. A propensity analysis of biomass energy plants in Michigan, USA was performed using US Census data grouped by social, economic, and environmental categories. This quantitative analysis helped to characterize community and landscape types in which woody biomass plants were developed in Michigan in the late-twentieth century. To help illustrate some of the often-hidden social and political dimensions of energy development, such as access to decision-making and attitudes toward bioenergy projects, transcripts of public hearings, media coverage, and other archival sources were examined, and 30 stakeholder interviews were conducted. By integrating these qualitative and quantitative approaches, this paper aims to provide a more comprehensive approach to assessing the sustainability of wood-based biofuel technologies.