Sustainability Principles Research Articles

Assessing the Prospects and Risks of Delivering Sustainable Urban Development Through 3D Concrete Printing Implementation

The article presents the results of a comprehensive study of the use of 3D Concrete printing (3DCP) technology to create urban infrastructure facilities according to sustainable development principles. The work includes a study of scientific articles on the subject area under consideration, a survey of additive construction market participants, as well as an analysis and generalization of promising areas for technology development and methods for improving the quality of objects erected using 3DCP. As part of the conducted literature review, publications included in the Scopus database for the period 2015–2024 were selected for analysis using the keywords ‘Sustainable development + 3DCP’ and ‘Sustainable construction + 3DCP’. The following conclusions were made: (i) the most popular publications are review articles about the development of materials and technologies for 3DCP and (ii) the most sought-after are the studies in the field of partial application of 3DCP technology, existing equipment and materials for 3DCP, and assessment of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of 3DCP use. For this purpose, a questionnaire was developed consisting of three blocks: equipment and technologies; structures and materials for 3DCP; the ecology and economics of 3DCP applicability. As a result, four main risks have been identified, which represent promising areas for 3DCP development.

The Impact of ESG on Corporate Performance: A Case Study of Yunnan Baiyao

Abstract: With the deepening integration of the global economy and the widespread acceptance of sustainable development principles, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors have become critical elements influencing long-term value and financial performance of enterprises. Globally, an increasing number of companies are paying attention to ESG factors and integrating them into their strategic planning and operational management. This paper employs case study analysis and accounting-related indicators analysis to evaluate the ESG practices of selected enterprises from the dimensions of environment, society, and governance. It then combines financial indicators to analyze the impact of ESG on their financial performance and the reasons behind it. Finally, suggestions are made on how to achieve sustainable development through improved ESG management.

A Detailed Analysis on Evaluation of Green Computing

Abstract: Currently, computers are not only used in offices but utilized at home as well. The amount of energy consumed by the growing daily use of computers contributes to a rise in the atmosphere's carbon content. The IT sector is mostly to blame for 3% of the world's energy usage, which is rising by 20% annually. These days, green computing is a very emerging topic today. He is responsible for the use of computers and associated resources. It encompasses the application of energy efficient processors, servers and peripherals, along with less resource usage and appropriate electronic waste disposal waste. Enhancing the life cycle efficiency of IT devices and approving the recycling of wasteful items and manufacturing waste are the main objectives of green computing. The methods for conserving green energy and their potential applications are discussed in this article. By "aligning all IT processes and practices with the core principles of sustainability, which are to reduce, reuse, and recycle; and finding innovative ways to use IT in business processes to deliver sustainability benefits across the enterprise and beyond," green computing can also create beneficial solutions. Green computing and green chemistry share many of the same objectives, including minimizing the use of hazardous materials, optimizing energy efficiency over the course of a product's lifetime, and fostering the recyclable or biodegradable nature of factory waste and non-operational products .

Empowering Maritime Graduates for Policy Advocacy and Sustainability in Vocational Education

This research explores the role of maritime vocational schools in preparing graduates to become effective advocates for policy development and sustainability within the maritime industry. Through qualitative research and descriptive analysis, the study examines the perspectives of maritime professionals, lecturers, graduates, and government officials to assess the effectiveness of current educational programs. The findings highlight strong technical competency development but reveal gaps in policy understanding, leadership skills, and the practical application of sustainability principles. Collaboration between industry and educational institutions is effective, but greater government involvement is needed. To address these challenges, maritime vocational schools must enhance their curricula by incorporating modules on policy advocacy, leadership development, and sustainability. This will ensure that graduates are equipped to influence policy, lead teams, and promote sustainable practices, contributing to the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the maritime industry.

Gamifying Sustainability: Leveraging Game-Based Learning to Champion Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – A Case Study

This paper examines how sustainability education can be effectively integrated into game-based learning (GBL) to enhance environmental consciousness. As global ecological challenges intensify, instilling sustainable practices in future generations becomes crucial. GBL offers an engaging platform to embed sustainability concepts through immersive and interactive virtual environments. The study explores the theoretical underpinnings of sustainability education and GBL, highlighting their synergy in raising awareness and fostering sustainable behaviours. By reviewing existing literature, it evaluates the impact of incorporating sustainability principles into GBL platforms. The discussion includes the integration of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), real-world scenarios, simulations, and collaborative elements to deepen players' understanding and stimulate critical thinking about complex sustainability issues. The paper also examines the role of feedback mechanisms, assessment tools, and adaptive learning approaches in maintaining engagement and knowledge retention. It concludes by advocating for the inclusion of sustainability in GBL as a means to develop environmentally conscious citizens. Leveraging the immersive nature of games, educators can cultivate a generation equipped to understand and address sustainability challenges, contributing to innovative educational approaches for promoting sustainable practices.

A Decision Support Framework for Resilient and Sustainable Service Design

AbstractResilient and sustainable service design is essential for ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of service systems. However, existing literature often neglects key aspects such as articulating resilience attributes and integrating sustainability dimensions. This study proposes a decision support model for a “resilient-sustainable service design” that merges service design principles with resilient system attributes and organizational sustainability goals. The framework incorporates a multi-objective mathematical programming model and a multi-phased Quality Function Deployment (QFD) approach to derive Pareto optimal solutions using the Brute Force algorithm. Applied in the m-health service sector in Bangladesh, the study reveals significant challenges, including limited awareness of services and logistical inefficiencies. To address these issues, flexible strategies such as demand planning and service innovation are implemented. The findings have direct implications for the improvement of service delivery processes and underscore the importance of considering both resilience and sustainability. While focusing on Bangladesh’s m-health sector, the insights gained have broader relevance globally. The integration of resilience and sustainability principles into service design is crucial for addressing complex challenges across sectors and regions. Future research could involve longitudinal studies to capture evolving resilience strategies and explore resilient-sustainable service systems from a broader perspective. This entails examining various factors such as technological advancements and socio-economic dynamics shaping resilient and sustainable service ecosystems.

Circularity, Sustainability, and the Quality of Coffee Sold via Vending Machines: What Do Italian Consumers Prefer?

ABSTRACTVending is an important sector in the daily lives of many people, and coffee is the most frequently consumed product in the European market. Like many other sectors, vending is responding to the challenge of sustainable development by taking various actions, such as offering increasingly ecologically sound coffee while maintaining/improving its quality. These are factors that consumers care greatly about. Although the scientific literature on coffee is vast, few studies have focused on the vending sector. The aim of the present study was to fill this gap by performing a choice experiment in Italy to understand which attributes (sustainable or nonsustainable) Italian consumers prioritized when purchasing coffee via vending machines. The results showed that the physical quality of coffee was paramount, while sustainability (although important) played a secondary role. The circularity of cups was the least considered aspect. The data obtained for this study contribute to academic knowledge of consumer behavior regarding the purchase of sustainable coffee at vending machines and can be used as a starting point for the development of strategies in line with sustainability principles [EconLit Citations: C9, Q01].

Bio-composites from barley, wheat, and cassava flours reinforced with oil palm residues: Characterization and tensile mechanical performance

This study explores the production of bio-composites from barley, wheat, and cassava flours, reinforced with varying ratios of oil palm residues. The research emphasizes principles of circular economy and sustainability. Both flours and reinforcements underwent characterization to elucidate how their physicochemical properties affect the mechanical behavior of the bio-composites. Barley flour exhibited significantly higher levels of protein (11.11 %), crude fiber (5.64 %), and ash (2.80 %) compared to wheat and cassava flours. Conversely, cassava flour stood out for its high carbohydrate concentration (approximately 97.8 % on a dry weight basis). Characterization highlighted enhanced adhesion between reinforcements in bio-composites with cassava flour, alongside morphological distinctions on fractured surfaces. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis unveiled several functional groups in the bio-composites, while thermogravimetric analysis delineated five stages of thermal degradation. In terms of mechanical properties, bio-composites with barley flour showed higher elastic modulus values (970.5 MPa), while those with 12 % OPKS exhibited tensile strengths of 1.7–2.1 MPa. The interaction among components emerged as a fundamental factor influencing the mechanical properties of bio-composites, underscoring the necessity of considering reinforcement composition and distribution during fabrication.

The Urgency of Green Banking Regulations in Indonesia in the Implementation of Sustainable Development

This research highlights significant gaps in Indonesia's green banking regulations, particularly the lack of stringent sanctions and clear enforcement frameworks for sustainable finance principles. While the Financial Services Authority Regulation No. 51/POJK.03/2017 addresses environmental sustainability, it fails to impose effective penalties on banks that contribute to environmental degradation. As a result, green banking in Indonesia remains largely a voluntary initiative due to insufficient regulatory measures. This research employs a normative legal research design, utilizing both conceptual and statutory approaches. It advocates for the implementation of stricter penalties and enhanced oversight to ensure compliance with sustainability standards among financial institutions, thereby facilitating the transition to a green economy. Furthermore, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underscore the importance of indicators related to economic, social, and environmental sustainability, which green banking can help achieve. The proposed revised regulatory framework should include stringent sanctions for violations by both banks and customers, ensuring that financial institutions actively contribute to environmental protection.

Subchronic Toxicity Evaluation of Dietary Administration of a Fungal Biomass From Rhizomucor pusillus.

Fungal-derived food products align with sustainable food supply principles and offer a sustainable and nutritious option for consumers. Rhizomucor pusillus strain CBS 143028 has emerged as a candidate food ingredient. Fermentation of R. pusillus CBS 143028 results in a mycelium biomass mainly comprising fungal proteins, cell wall components, and micronutrients. Although R. pusillus has a history of safe use in the production of food enzymes and in traditional fermented foods, the fungal biomass obtained after fermentation of R. pusillus CBS 143028 is considered a novel food and requires a thorough safety assessment. To this end, a 90-day oral toxicity study was conducted in which Wistar rats (10/sex/group) were provided diets containing 0, 100,000, 200,000, or 300,000 ppm of R. pusillus mycelium. Standard toxicity study parameters as given in OECD Test Guideline 408 were examined. The mean achieved dosages of R. pusillus mycelium were 6398, 12,738, or 19,668 mg/kg body weight/day for males and 7235, 14,949, or 22,461 mg/kg body weight/day for females in the low-, mid-, and high-dose groups, respectively. Although statistically significant differences were reported, these effects were not considered biologically relevant or test article-related due to atypical values in the control groups, the lack of a dose response relationship, or were attributed to normal biological variation. Thus, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was established at 300,000 ppm (corresponding to 19,668 and 22,461 mg/kg body weight/day for males and females, respectively), the highest concentration tested.

Digitalization's influence on corporate sustainability strategies in the context of new environmental law

Following the implementation of the new environmental law, this paper investigates the impact of digitalization on corporate sustainability, grounded in digital economy strategies and sustainable development principles. Utilizing a sample of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2015 to 2021, the study explores how corporate digitalization influences their sustainable development and the underlying mechanisms involved. The findings indicate that corporate digitalization significantly improves sustainable development, with internal control quality and financing constraints acting as partial mediators in this process. Based on these findings, recommendations are provided to help Chinese listed companies implement the sustainable development strategies.

THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF GREEN FINANCING FOR PROVIDING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

This article explores the theoretical foundations of green finance as a crucial tool for achieving sustainable development goals. Green finance supports environmentally friendly initiatives and projects that align with sustainability principles, particularly by providing funding for low-carbon projects and environmentally sound technologies. The article delves into the conceptual frameworks that underpin green finance and examines its connections with the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. It emphasizes the role that green finance plays in balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship and social well-being, thus contributing to a more sustainable global economy. The key instruments of green finance, including green bonds, sustainability-focused investment funds, and responsible financing mechanisms, are thoroughly analyzed to understand their significance in promoting sustainable economic growth. These tools not only facilitate the funding of eco-friendly projects but also help shift financial markets toward more responsible practices. In this context, the article emphasizes the pivotal role played by international financial institutions, governments, and the private sector in driving green investments and fostering an economy that is conscious of its environmental impact. Particular attention is given to policy frameworks and regulatory measures that can create favorable conditions for the expansion of green finance, such as tax incentives, subsidies, and environmental regulations that encourage sustainable investment. Moreover, the article addresses the challenges impeding the development of green finance. These challenges include scalability issues, market regulation difficulties, and the need for increased international cooperation. Overcoming these obstacles is essential to unlock the full potential of green finance and ensure that it can contribute effectively to global efforts in combating climate change. The article also explores the future prospects of green finance within the broader context of transitioning toward more sustainable economic models and identifies opportunities for innovation and growth in this sector. Finally, the article highlights international strategies and showcases successful examples of green projects from different countries around the world. These case studies provide insight into the positive impacts of green finance on economic stability and the reduction of carbon emissions, offering a clearer understanding of how green finance can play a central role in fostering long-term sustainability on a global scale.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG): Roles and Strategies to Improve the Performance of the Indonesian Insurance Industry

The objective of this research is to understand the role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) in improving the financial performance of insurance companies in Indonesia. A qualitative, library study method was employed, Research results show (1) the role of ESG as definers of competitive advantage, in improving performance, and guaranteeing the sustainability of the company in the future; and (2) the strategy of insurance companies in Indonesia with respect to ESG is to run business with sustainable financial principles and create environmental-based service products. The implications of this study are that the application of ESG principles to insurance companies in Indonesia is expected to drive government programs to implement sustainable development governance (SDGs) in sustainable finance. The novelty of this research is its emphasis on environmentally-based sustainable financial principles. Keywords: social and environmental governance, roles, strategies, performance, insurance

Promoting climate action through youth empowerment and environmental education: Insights from Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities

Climate change is a pressing global challenge that requires immediate action. To address this issue effectively, it is essential to engage and empower the younger generation who will shape the future. This abstract presents the experience of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities (MBZUH) in UAE in promoting climate action through youth empowerment and environmental education. MBZUH has recognized the significance of incorporating environmental education into its curriculum to foster a generation of environmentally conscious individuals. Through a multidimensional approach, the university has developed innovative strategies to empower students, enabling them to become active participants in addressing climate change. These strategies encompass both formal and informal education, leveraging various platforms and partnerships to create a comprehensive learning environment. This study delves into the initiatives undertaken by MBZUH to empower youth in climate action. It explores the incorporation of environmental education across disciplines, integrating sustainability principles into existing courses, and offering specialized programs focused on environmental science and climate studies. Additionally, it highlights the university’s efforts in promoting hands-on learning experiences, such as field trips, research projects, and community engagement, to deepen students’ understanding of climate issues and inspire practical action. Furthermore, the study examines the role of MBZUH’s collaboration with local and international organizations, governmental bodies, and the wider community in fostering youth empowerment and climate action. It showcases successful partnerships that have resulted in impactful initiatives, including awareness campaigns, capacity-building workshops, and youth-led environmental projects. By sharing the experience of MBZUH, this study aims to provide valuable insights and best practices for promoting climate action through youth empowerment and environmental education. It underscores the importance of empowering the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to become effective agents of change in addressing climate challenges.

Financial Development's Role in the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda: Asian Countries

The purpose of achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) requires the mobilisation of finance and its alignment with sustainability principles. This study intends to examine the influence of financial development on the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in an economy. Approach - The authors conduct an analysis of a sample comprising 35 Asian countries, focusing on their SDG (Sustainable Development Goals). Patterns and indicative indicators of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A probit model is used to analyse the effect of Financial development impacting the trajectory of the Sustainable Development Goals. Then, a pairwise Granger causality test is used for Examining the relationship between the Sustainable Development Goals and financial development The results suggest that there is a favourable relationship between financial development and the advancement towards the Sustainable Development Goals. The test for causation There is a reciprocal relationship between financial development and industry, infrastructure, and innovation. Enhancing financial growth and promoting sustainable cities and communities, as well as fostering financial development and taking action on climate change, There is a one-way relationship where gender equality influences financial progress. Research limitations/ramifications - The findings also have implications for the government of a nation as the privately-owned enterprises.

Necessity for a global patient co-owned cloud (GPOC)

BackgroundThe use of Cloud-based storage of personal health records has increased globally. The GPOC Series introduces the concept of a Global Patient co-Owned Cloud (GPOC) of personal health records. Here, we present the GPOC Series’ international survey on the necessity of a GPOC.MethodsOnline global survey with invitations sent to health ministries and major organisations. It received answers from health ministries and affiliated advisors of all 193 United Nations (UN) member states, 2 UN observer states (Holy See & Palestine) and 1 de facto UN non-member state (Taiwan) and from 18 major international organisations. The survey examined a dozen aspects encompassing demographics, privacy, sharing, movability, co-ownership, research, company usage, regulation and the necessity of a GPOC.ResultsThe GPOC Survey elicited responses from 267 individuals from 214 entities, including all UN member states, and major international organisations. Twelve domains were identified, covering demographics, correctness, privacy, commercial use, medical and non-medical research, co-ownership, data sharing, record movement, ownership centralisation, patient rights, environmental concerns, and foundation creation. Results show high agreement on most issues, including support for co-ownership (89%) and movement of personal health records (84%). Disagreement was prominent regarding centralised ownership by the state (64%) and data sharing without consent (85%). Additionally, respondents expressed interest in a neutral, decentralised foundation for regulation (73%) and the environmental sustainability of electronic health records (84%).ConclusionsA Global Patient co-Owned Cloud (GPOC) of personal health records could significantly enhance patient independence and involvement in health management, supported by the near consensus agreement across various domains identified in our survey. This consensus underscores the potential of GPOC to democratise healthcare and align with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The survey results demonstrate strong support for GPOC’s role in promoting evidence-based patient management, reducing information silos, and fostering ethical data sharing. Moreover, the overwhelming agreement on key principles of co-ownership, data sharing, and environmental sustainability highlights the global inclination for a decentralised, patient-controlled PHR platform. This platform stands to empower patients worldwide, advance precision medicine, and contribute to the global development and dissemination of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Reviving Tradition Through Design: Exploring Telepuk Craft Woodblock Design

The traditional textile craft in Malaysia has yielded a plethora of remarkable fabrics. Among the most exquisite Malay textiles is Telepuk Textile. However, the Telepuk craft has dwindled in popularity and demand over time. The laborious production process reliant on Telepuk woodblocks has impeded the development and revival of this craft. No woodcarvers currently produce Telepuk woodblocks as part of their repertoire. Artisans also grapple with the challenge of producing Telepuk cloth in substantial quantities and introducing innovative designs without new Telepuk woodblocks. This study delves into the design strategy to rejuvenate the declining Telepuk craft. Employing a mixed-method research approach, we collected primary data through semi-structured interviews with experts. We conducted a quantitative survey to evaluate proposed designs and analyse pertinent secondary data. In summary, this research yields three critical findings for revitalising the Telepuk craft: (i) Harnessing the intrinsic value of traditional crafts like Telepuk can heighten awareness among the younger generation. (ii) Collaboration between designers and artisans emerges as the linchpin of the craft's revitalisation strategy. (iii) Transforming the production process and introducing innovative designs for Telepuk woodblocks can expedite the development of Telepuk craft production using current technology. The forces of globalisation and escalating demand for mass-produced, homogeneous items have fuelled a yearning for more meaningful products, particularly those imbued with cultural significance. The revival of lost crafts, such as Telepuk textiles, aligns with sustainable design principles. This study contends that the resurrection of traditional crafts like Telepuk necessitates incorporating appropriate technology and pragmatic design to uphold cultural heritage, enhance production processes, and cater to contemporary demands. The new Telepuk woodblock designs have been rigorously tested and developed based on survey results. The resulting designs must strike a practical balance between contemporary technology and artisanal craftsmanship. The suggested revitalisation strategies can be adapted incrementally and selectively, contingent upon the capabilities of the artisans.

Conclusion: sustainability, smart tourism destinations and evolving visitor preferences

PurposeThe primary aim of this themed issue is to highlight the incorporation of sustainability principles in the progress of tourism and the monitoring of tourists' evolving preferences, all within the sustainability framework and smart tourism destinations. The strategic question underlying this theme issue is how can we interpret, relate and monitor the rapidly evolving visitor preferences within sustainability and smart tourism destinations?Design/methodology/approachThis issue’s critical outcomes as they relate to the strategic question are reviewed, with reference to the contributions made to knowledge, policy and practice and the implications for future applied research concerning sustainability, smart tourism destinations and evolving visitor preferences.FindingsArising from the analysis and synthesis of recommendations, the following themes were proposed as critical concentration points for rapidly evolving visitor preferences within sustainability and smart tourism destinations: as in all areas of life, sustainability will continue to be a prominent concept in the tourism sector. Smart solutions and the use of technology have also been identified as determining factors in creating sustainable destinations. On the other hand, changing and evolving tourist preferences are emerging as a driving force for smart destinations and sustainability. Tourism destinations must take steps toward sustainability by considering the changing visitor structure, evolving demands and needs. Some articles in this special issue also analyze tourist demands and sustainability efforts of destinations in specific destinations and provide invaluable insights.Originality/valueAs it is essential for all stakeholders of the tourism industry to achieve competitiveness while securing sustainability, this particular article suggests ways for the industry as a whole, its players, destination administrations, local and national policymakers and other major stakeholders of the tourism industry to address some issues faced by the industry. Factors such as changing customer structure, use of technology and increasing environmental awareness make it necessary for destination management and all players individually to take vital measures. This paper and the collection of articles in this thematic issue offer crucial insights for academics, professionals and decision-makers in creating a complete framework to assess, connect and regularly track changing visitor preferences. The papers include recommendations for creating robust tourism locations that effectively tackle challenges, promote inclusion and prepare for future advancements. This is achieved by examining the convergence of sustainability, smart tourism and changing tourist tastes.

Service modularity in the digital era: integrating environmental sustainability and post-pandemic insights

Purpose This study aims to explore service modularity in the context of digital technology and environmental sustainability, particularly considering the transformative impacts of the post-pandemic world. It aims to shed light on how service modularity can adapt to and thrive in these evolving circumstances. Design/methodology/approach Using a comprehensive analytical approach, this paper addresses the critical concerns and limitations inherent in traditional service modularity concepts. It proposes novel perspectives on service modularity, enriched by recent technological advancements and sustainability imperatives. Findings The research reveals new dimensions of service modularity, emphasising its significance in the era of digital transformation and heightened environmental awareness. It provides empirical insights into how service modularity can be effectively reimagined and implemented in response to the challenges and opportunities arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Practical implications The findings offer valuable guidance for organisations seeking to enhance their service delivery through modularity. The study underscores the importance of integrating digital innovation and sustainability principles into service design and execution in the post-pandemic era. Originality/value This paper makes a novel contribution to the field of service modularity by intertwining it with the realms of digital technology and environmental sustainability. It offers a unique perspective on adapting service modularity to contemporary challenges, thereby enriching the existing body of literature and providing a foundation for future research in this area.

Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability: Unleashing the Potential of Continuous Flow in Multicomponent Reactions.

The integration of multicomponent reactions (MCRs), which offer a rapid and efficient approach to synthesize complex molecular scaffolds, with continuous flow platforms is an increasingly recognized strategy in green synthesis. This association enables precise control over reaction parameters, including improved kinetics and selectivity, reduced reaction times, enhanced yields and scalabilities, while aligning with sustainable and green chemistry principles through resource utilization, minimized waste, and reduced environmental impact. This review presents a critical analysis of recent studies covering the MCR-continuous flow association, with a focus on achieving greener and more sustainable synthesis practices.