Carbon Footprint Reduction Research Articles

Investigating the Role of Non-Governmental Organisations in Green Energy Innovations and Sustainable Practice in Lagos State, Nigeria

This paper investigates the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in green energy and sustainable practices provision in Lagos State, Nigeria. Given the huge energy deficit in the state and its impacts on the socioeconomic dynamics of the state, the study, dwelling on the blending of theoretical assumptions of stakeholder theory and Ecological Modernization Theory and qualitative research design found that NGOs are central to the efforts of Lagos State government in promotion of renewable energy adoption and other sustainable practices. Data for the study was collected through in-depth interviews with 15 NGOs working in the area of green energy and sustainability practices. The study found that NGOs have recorded relative success stories in green energy innovation and continue to be strategic partners to government and other sustainability stakeholders in mobilizing the grassroots for green energy adoption. It concludes that the efforts of NGOs in green energy innovations and sustainability practices adoption are fraught with challenges, including financial inadequacy, bureaucratic delays, and low cooperation from communities, among others. The recommends that the government and other stakeholders, among others, should strengthen their support towards the activities of NGOs in green energy adoption to reduce carbon footprints and enhance the socioeconomic dynamics of the states. This study emphasises the strategic roles NGOs can play in helping the government achieve its energy transition and sustainability goals in Lagos State. Keywords: Non-Governmental Organisations, Green Energy Innovation, Sustainability Practices, Energy Transition, Lagos State

Towards carbon-neutral construction: Integrating BIM and energy analysis for sustainable design decision-making

The growing concerns over the high energy consumption of buildings challenge design and construction parties to grow a deeper understanding of sustainable design practices and carbon footprint reduction in construction. With emerging technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and its associated tools, it is now possible to analyze various design models and decide on their implications on environmental impacts such as carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Although these tools are effective in estimating carbon emissions in the project’s design stages, working with several material alternatives throughout the project’s life cycle requires further comprehension of how CO2 emissions can be diminished with sustainable design decisions. This study presents a comprehensive two-step analysis linking BIM and energy analysis software to compare the impact of conventional versus sustainable design parameters and their implications on CO2 emissions. The proposed framework includes simulating the energy consumption of commercial building case studies. Using BIM and energy analysis software, design parameters are evaluated from an energy use intensity (EUI) perspective. The implications of using the conventional versus sustainable design are reflected in a range of CO2 emissions. The second part of the methodology includes a life cycle assessment (LCA) of the real-world case studies with and without sustainable design implications. This methodology will help designers identify the intensity of their design decisions on energy use and carbon emissions throughout the building life cycle. The seamless and user-friendly application of this framework will help design parties expedite decisions during the first stages of their projects.

Towards Green Dentistry: Evaluating the Potential of 4D Printing for Sustainable Orthodontic Aligners with a Reduced Carbon Footprint.

Clear aligners have transformed orthodontic care by providing an aesthetic, removable alternative to traditional braces. However, their significant environmental footprint, contributing to approximately 15,000 tons of plastic waste annually, poses a critical challenge. To address this issue, advancements in 4D printing have introduced "smart" aligners with shape memory properties, enabling reshaping and reducing the number of aligners required per treatment. This study focuses on ClearX aligners, an innovative 4D-printed solution aimed at extending usage duration and minimizing environmental impact. Using a comprehensive suite of tests, including morphological, optical, and mechanical evaluations conducted via scanning electron microscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and bending and strain assessments, we evaluated the optical and mechanical stability of the ClearX material before and after thermal activation. Our results demonstrate that ClearX aligners retain their structural and functional properties after reshaping. Temporary changes in transparency, observed only under prolonged treatment durations exceeding manufacturer recommendations, are fully reversible within 12 h and do not compromise the aligner's usability. These findings support the potential of ClearX aligners to effectively combine patient-centered, high-quality orthodontic care with sustainable practices.

Green friction: Exploring the evolution and potential of natural fibers and other brake pad ingredients in sustainable automotive engineering—A review

AbstractWith the growing environmental concerns and strict regulations, the shift from traditional brake pad materials such as copper, asbestos to eco‐friendly materials has become necessary. This review paper presents an in‐depth analysis of natural fibers (fibers obtained from plants) brake pads, an emerging sustainable alternative in automotive technology. Natural fibers such as jute, kenaf, flax etc. offers a good solution due to their renewable nature, low cost and reduced environmental impact. This paper explores the properties of natural fibers that make them suitable for use in brake pads including their thermal stability, wear resistance and ability to withstand high‐friction environments. It highlights the advantages and challenges of natural fiber composites particularly in terms of performance, durability, and noise reduction. The environmental benefits including biodegradability and reduced carbon footprint are discussed underscoring the role of natural fiber brake pads in promoting sustainable automotive practices. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current and future potential of natural fiber brake pads offering valuable insights for researchers and industries in the field of sustainable automotive engineering.Highlights Shift to natural fibers from asbestos and copper for eco‐friendly alternatives. Natural fibers offer biodegradability, low cost, and good mechanical properties. Fiber variability and moisture absorption pose challenges, needing treatments. Natural fibers reduce environmental impact, supporting sustainable practices. More research is needed on fiber treatment and standardized testing protocols.

Investigation into the Reinforcement Modification of Natural Plant Fibers and the Sustainable Development of Thermoplastic Natural Plant Fiber Composites.

Natural plant fibers (NPFs) have emerged as a sustainable alternative in the manufacture of composites due to their renewability and low environmental impact. This has led to a significant increase in the use of natural plant fiber-reinforced polymers (NPFRPs) in a variety of industries. The diversity of NPF types brings a wide range of properties and functionalities to NPFRPs, which in turn highlights the urgent need to improve the properties of fiber materials in order to enhance their performance and suitability. This paper provides insight into the processing mechanisms behind NPF fiber treatments, exploring how these treatments affect the mechanical, thermal and environmental properties of NPFRPs. It also offers a critical assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of physical, chemical, biological and nanotechnological treatments. The findings of our analysis provide a basis for the development of future treatments that aim to enhance the material properties of NPFRPs, thereby increasing their competitiveness with conventional synthetic fiber-reinforced polymers. Finally, a novel thermoplastic resin composite system, Elium-NPFRP, is proposed that embodies the principles of green development. The system has been designed with the objective of capitalizing on the environmental benefits of NPFs while simultaneously addressing the challenges associated with the integration of NPFs into polymer matrices. The Elium-NPFRP composite system not only exemplifies the potential of NPFs for sustainable materials science, but is also a practical solution that can be implemented in a diverse range of applications, spanning automotive components to construction materials. This has the potential to reduce carbon footprints and promote a circular economy.

Strategic marketing for sustainable sports travel experiences

ABSTRACT This study introduces the concept of Strategic Marketing of Sustainable Sports Travel Experiences, situated at the intersection of sports management, strategic marketing, and sustainable transport. It develops a novel framework grounded in Stakeholder Theory and Social Exchange Theory to integrate sustainability principles into sports marketing strategies, addressing the significant environmental impact of sports-related travel. The research identifies key stakeholders, including clubs, fans, transport providers, policymakers, and sponsors, and explores strategies to reduce carbon footprints, enhance stakeholder collaboration, and foster engagement with sustainability initiatives. The study makes three key contributions. First, it provides a roadmap for sports management, highlighting how clubs, leagues, and venues can adopt sustainable practices, reduce emissions, and enhance fan experiences while reinforcing their environmental stewardship. Second, it advances strategic marketing by aligning sustainability with brand differentiation, enabling sports organizations to engage fans through eco-conscious campaigns, incentives, and loyalty programs. Third, it contributes to sustainable transport by emphasizing collaborative efforts to improve infrastructure, incentivize greener travel, and enhance accessibility. This interdisciplinary framework offers theoretical and practical insights for achieving environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, and economically viable outcomes in the sports industry. It promotes innovation in sustainability practices while addressing critical challenges in sports event planning, marketing, and transport management.

Advancing predictive analytics models for supply chain optimization in global trade systems

Global trade systems are becoming increasingly complex due to interconnected markets, fluctuating demand, geopolitical uncertainties, and sustainability concerns. Predictive analytics offers transformative potential in optimizing supply chain operations by leveraging data-driven insights for proactive decision-making. This explores the advancements in predictive analytics models tailored for global trade systems, emphasizing their role in enhancing supply chain efficiency, resilience, and agility. By integrating machine learning algorithms, big data analytics, and real-time data feeds, these models enable accurate forecasting of demand, inventory levels, and transportation routes. Key innovations include the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) for pattern recognition, predictive maintenance of assets, and dynamic route optimization. The use of ensemble modeling and deep learning enhances the predictive accuracy, while adaptive algorithms accommodate evolving market trends and disruptions. The review also highlights the challenges of data silos, scalability, and model interpretability, which hinder the full potential of predictive analytics in global supply chains. Ethical considerations such as data privacy and fairness in AI-driven decision-making are addressed to ensure responsible model implementation. Case studies from various industries demonstrate how advanced predictive models mitigate risks, reduce costs, and improve sustainability by optimizing resource utilization and reducing carbon footprints. Emerging trends, such as the integration of blockchain for transparent data sharing and IoT for real-time monitoring, further enrich the predictive capabilities. This underscores the critical need for collaborative frameworks between stakeholders, continuous innovation, and investment in analytical capabilities to future-proof supply chains. By advancing predictive analytics, global trade systems can achieve a new paradigm of efficiency and resilience in a volatile and competitive landscape. Keywords: Predictive Analytics, Models, Supply Chain Optimization, Global Trade Systems.

Pragmatic investigation of the effect of green and low-carbon economies on food safety in Africa

This research examines the relationship between a green economy—defined as an economy that promotes sustainable development through low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive practices—and food safety across 37 African countries from 2005 to 2020. Drawing on data from the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), the Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA), and World Development Indicators, this study employs the generalized method of moments (GMM) approach to address endogeneity issues inherent in economic analyses. The findings indicate that a shift toward a greener economy significantly enhances food safety, with each one-point improvement in green economic indicators associated with a 0.24% increase in food safety levels. This underscores that as African economies reduce carbon footprints and adopt sustainable agricultural practices, they experience fewer food safety challenges, largely due to improved environmental health and reduced biodiversity loss. The study concludes that prioritizing green economic growth is essential for environmental sustainability and the agricultural sector’s stability. These insights emphasize the need for policymakers and stakeholders to implement green economy strategies that enhance both ecological resilience and food security, ultimately improving health and livelihood outcomes in African communities.This study stands apart from existing literature by uniquely focusing on the relationship between the green economy and food safety within the African context, which remains underexplored despite the continent’s pressing environmental and food security challenges. Utilizing a dynamic panel Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) model, the research rigorously addresses endogeneity concerns to provide robust insights into how environmental management and other green economy policies influence food safety outcomes across 37 African nations. This methodological approach enables more accurate capture of temporal dynamics and causal relationships, offering policymakers context-specific, evidence-based recommendations tailored to Africa's socio-economic and ecological realities.

Digital Industrial Design Method in Architectural Design by Machine Learning Optimization: Towards Sustainable Construction Practices of Geopolymer Concrete

The construction industry’s evolution towards sustainability necessitates the adoption of environmentally friendly materials and practices. Geopolymer concrete (GeC) stands out as a promising alternative to conventional concrete due to its reduced carbon footprint and potential for cost savings. This study explores the predictive capabilities of soft computing models in estimating the compressive strength of GeC, utilizing multi-layer perceptron (MLP) neural networks and hybrid systems incorporating the Gannet Optimization Algorithm (GOA) and Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO). A dataset comprising 63 observations from a quarry mine in Malaysia is employed, with influential parameters normalized and utilized for model development. Consequently, we integrate optimization algorithms (GOA and GWO) with MLP to fine-tune the model’s parameters and improve prediction accuracy. The models are evaluated using R2, RMSE, and VAF. Various MLP architectures are explored, evaluating transfer functions and training techniques to optimize performance. In addition, hybrid models GOA–MLP and GWO–MLP are developed, with parameters fine-tuned to enhance predictive accuracy. During the training phase, the GWO–MLP model achieved an R2 of 0.981, RMSE of 0.962, and VAF of 97.44%, compared to MLP’s R2 of 0.95, RMSE of 0.918, and VAF of 94.59%. During the testing phase, GWO–MLP also showed the best performance with an R2 of 0.976, RMSE of 1.432, and VAF of 97.51%, outperforming both MLP and GOA–MLP. The GOA–MLP model demonstrated improved performance over MLP with an R2 of 0.963, RMSE of 0.811, and VAF of 95.78% in the training phase and R2 of 0.944, RMSE of 2.249, and VAF of 92.86% in the testing phase. Hence, the results show that the GWO–MLP model consistently outperforms both MLP and GOA–MLP models. Sensitivity analysis further elucidates the impact of key parameters on compressive strength, aiding in the optimization of GeC formulations for enhanced mechanical properties. Overall, the study underscores the efficacy of machine learning models in predicting GeC compressive strength, offering insights for sustainable construction practices.

Agricultural Wastewater Reuse as a Circular Economy Model: Future Scenarios Considering Reg. (EU) 2020/741

The water industry is facing challenges because of population increases and the resulting development of agricultural operations. Alternative resources that balance the environment, the economy, and society while lessening the strain on limited water supplies will need to be adopted by farmers. One possibility addressing this dilemma is wastewater reuse. The adoption of Reg. (EU) 2020/741 necessitates a paradigm change by moving away from the “fit-for-all” strategy and toward the “fit-for-purpose” approach, which is now regarded as the foundation of the reuse supply chain. However, despite progress, appropriate rules that clearly and concisely outline the procedures to be followed are still needed. Thus, to establish an interdisciplinary and cooperative research agenda, this study tackles the potential and forces behind change by concentrating on tactics for long-term fixes. The need to look at consumer and farmer acceptability as well as the overall environmental advantages of carbon footprint reduction and wastewater fertigation are interesting research avenues. Nutrient-rich streams in agriculture may increase carbon absorption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the soil while simultaneously serving as a fertilizer substitute. The literature suggests that additional research is necessary to fully explore the significant economic potential.

Integrating AI for environmental sustainability in medium to large corporations

In response to escalating global environmental challenges, mainly the urgent issue of climate change delineated by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), large corporations are increasingly pressured to mitigate their carbon emissions and ecological footprint. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has emerged as a pivotal strategy in this endeavour, promising to revolutionise how businesses approach sustainability while maintaining economic competitiveness. AI offers capabilities such as optimising operational efficiencies, enhancing energy management systems, and facilitating data-driven decision-making processes—all of which are instrumental in achieving sustainability objectives. However, the effective application of AI in environmental sustainability initiatives faces several challenges. These include addressing data scarcity, ensuring ethical deployment of AI technologies, and complying with evolving regulatory frameworks. This study investigates how large corporations are leveraging AI to reduce their environmental impact through AI-driven strategies for carbon footprint reduction. The study follows a qualitative approach, six medium-large corporates in Gauteng were interviewed to gain insights on the subject matter. The findings highlight that AI adoption enhances operational efficiency and environmental stewardship while highlighting ongoing challenges and the need for robust ethical and regulatory frameworks. Moreover, emerging trends such as AI-driven autonomous vehicles for logistics and advanced climate modelling illustrate AI's transformative potential in reshaping corporate ethos and addressing environmental concerns. The study contributes insights grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory, offering practical recommendations for corporations to harness AI effectively for sustainable growth within the framework of the UN SDGs and global environmental norms.

Exploring the Relationship Between GDP, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, Energy Consumption, Population, and Renewable Energy Production Using Canada as a Model Country

This study explores the complex relationships between population growth, gross domestic productivity (GDP), carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, primary energy consumption, and renewable energy (RE) production in Canada from 1950 to 2021. Using time-series econometric techniques, including Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Vector Autoregressive (VAR) models, and cointegration analysis, the research investigates how these variables interact over time and their implications for environmental sustainability and economic development. The results indicate that population and GDP growth significantly increase primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions, emphasizing the need for cleaner energy sources. While the positive correlation between population growth and renewable energy production presents opportunities for reducing carbon footprints and fostering economic resilience, there are also risks of overexploitation of renewable resources if energy demand outpaces sustainable supply. The study highlights the importance of sustainable resource management and policy frameworks to ensure that economic growth does not compromise environmental integrity. These findings provide critical insights for policymakers in balancing economic development with environmental sustainability, advocating for increased investment in renewable energy and implementing energy-efficient practices. Future research should expand this analysis to other countries and explore the differentiated impact of various renewable energy sources on economic and environmental outcomes.

Implementasi Akuntansi Lingkungan untuk Mewujudkan Manajemen Lingkungan yang Efektif

Abstract. Environmental accounting serves as a strategic approach to support effective environmental management in the industrial sector. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of environmental accounting in identifying and managing environmental impacts, particularly in reducing carbon footprints. The method used is a qualitative descriptive analysis with a case study approach in large industrial companies. Primary data were obtained through in-depth interviews with company management, while secondary data were collected from sustainability reports. The study's findings indicate that implementing environmental accounting enables companies to map emission sources, improve energy efficiency, and optimize waste utilization. Furthermore, environmental accounting helps companies comply with environmental regulations and enhances transparency with stakeholders. The implication of this implementation is the establishment of a more systematic environmental management system, improved corporate reputation, and support for long-term sustainability. This study recommends adopting digital technologies to strengthen the accuracy and integration of environmental data in decision-making processes. Keywords: Carbon Footprint, Environmental Accounting, Environmental Management, Regulations, Sustainability

A Comparative Study of Renewable Energy Vehicle Policies between China and Japan and Its Implications

Sustainable green development, with a particular emphasis on reducing carbon footprints, has emerged as a pressing global concern as nations endeavor to transition towards low-carbon economies. This paper focuses on China and Japan, two leading automobile nations that prioritize the development of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) technologies. A comparative analysis of the EV and NEV policies in these two prominent Asian countries is conducted, delving into various aspects such as incentives, innovations, market promotion strategies, and the development of charging infrastructure. China's NEV industry has made significant strides due to robust government support, fostering a thriving ecosystem for electric vehicles. In contrast, Japan's government and market have adopted a more conservative approach, placing a strong emphasis on hybrid vehicles. While both countries excel in their respective areas of focus, limitations remain. China is continuously seeking more sustainable methods to advance its NEV sector, while Japan faces delays in transitioning from hybrid vehicles to fully electric models. To enhance future competitiveness and propel global efforts towards a low-carbon, sustainable future, this paper provides valuable policy suggestions tailored to the unique challenges faced by both countries.

Characteristics of Carbon Emissions of a Hospital in Beijing and the Measures to Cut Carbon Emissions Under Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Goals

Healthcare-related carbon emissions are an important contributor to global warming, and "Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality" is a major strategy being implemented in China. In this context, strengthening energy conservation and reducing carbon footprint of hospitals is crucial to help achieve the Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality goals is a problem that hospital managers must consider and address. In this study, a general hospital in Beijing was taken as a case study, and its carbon emissions were calculated from 2019 to 2023 to analyze emission characteristics, identify key factors affecting carbon emissions through multiple linear regression models, evaluate the carbon reduction effects of energy-saving and low-carbon projects or measures implemented by the hospital, and propose measures to be adopted in the future.

Assessment of the viability of photovoltaic system implementation on the New Media Tower of Universitas Multimedia Nusantara using PVSyst software: A feasibility study.

The urgency of addressing climate change, exacerbated by greenhouse gas emissions, necessitates sustainable solutions, including green building practices and renewable energy adoption. This study focuses on the feasibility of implementing solar photovoltaic systems at Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN), particularly in Building C, known as the New Media Tower, which is designed with green building principles. Solar energy, an increasingly prominent renewable source, presents a viable solution to reduce carbon footprints. Before installation, thorough simulations using software like PVSyst are essential to predict energy output and evaluate system efficiency. Several studies have explored PV system feasibility using simulations, highlighting the importance of software selection for accurate assessments. Building C offers potential locations for PV installation, with the rooftop being a primary consideration due to its expansive area and minimal shading. The rooftop PV system simulation shows an annual energy production of 202 MWh, close to the target of 209.64 MWh, while the parking area system only generates 64.5 MWh/year. Technical evaluations reveal that only the rooftop PV system meets electricity generation targets, highlighting its superiority over the parking area system. Financial analysis demonstrates the rooftop system's viability, with a payback period of 8.2 years and a return on investment (ROI) of 115.8%. Although the upfront investment is substantial, the long-term benefits justify implementation. Overall, this study underscores the technical and financial feasibility of rooftop photovoltaic systems on Building C at UMN, offering valuable insights for sustainable energy initiatives in academic institutions.

Solar Energy Integration in Urban Gujarat: A Pathway to IGBC Certification

The integration of solar energy in urban Gujarat is a key strategy for sustainable development and energy challenges in growing cities. This paper explores the potential of retrofitting non-certified green buildings with solar technologies to meet IGBC certification standards, focusing on the Surat Solar City initiative. Gujarat's abundant solar resources and progressive policies are enabling urban areas to transition to renewable energy solutions through rooftop solar PV systems, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), and smart energy systems. Innovative technologies like transparent solar cells, solar paint, and hybrid systems are enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints. Government incentives and net metering policies are driving adoption. Solar retrofitting projects in Gujarat, particularly in Surat, serve as scalable models for integrating renewable energy into urban infrastructure. Key Words: Solar retrofitting, IGBC certification, Smart energy systems, BIPV, Energy storage

Comparative Analysis of the Carbon Footprint Value Resulting from the Selected Mode of Transport, Based on the Example of Transporting Neodymium Magnets

The article presents a sensitivity analysis of the carbon footprint for different modes of transporting neodymium magnets over a selected route, in the context of their environmental impact and sustainable development. Neodymium magnets, widely used in modern technologies such as wind turbines, are essential for renewable energy sources, making the selection of environmentally optimal transportation crucial. The calculations included road, rail, inland waterway, and air transport, using available emission calculators, which allowed for an analysis using averaged emission indicators for each mode of transport. Additionally, a comparative analysis was conducted with the SimaPro program to verify the consistency and accuracy of the results. The findings indicated that rail transport, with access to low-emission infrastructure and a reduced carbon footprint per unit of mass, is the most efficient option for CO2 emissions reduction, whereas air transport, despite its speed, generates the highest emissions per ton of cargo, making it the least environmentally friendly alternative. A t-test analysis was also conducted to statistically validate the results for each transportation option.

Photovoltaic Cells and Scintillators Towards Carbon Footprint Reduction: Advantages and Challenges for Ecological Safety.

The main goal of this review paper is to show the advantages and challenges of photovoltaic cells/modules/panels and scintillators towards carbon footprint reduction for ecological safety. Briefly, the various types of solar-driven CO2 conversion processes are shown as a new concept of CO2 reduction. The health toxicity and environmental effects of scintillators, along with risks associated with use and disposal, are presented, taking into consideration inorganic and organic materials. Factors affecting the durability and lifespan of scintillators and the carbon footprint of solar cell production are analysed, considering CO2 emission. Moreover, the technology of recycling photovoltaic modules and scintillators, along with a SWOT analysis of scintillation material toxicity, is presented to find the best solutions for clean technology and ecological safety. Finally, we offer recommendations for the areas where the most significant reductions in CO2 emissions are expected to be implemented in the future of green energy in industry, including ESG strategies.

Eco-resilient (ECORE) concrete constructions: a new challenge and a new concept

This paper presents a new concept concerning the development of eco-resilient concrete constructions, that is to say constructions with a reduced carbon footprint and which can withstand mechanical stress and physico-chemical attacks worsened by climate change. After a critical analysis of current research and development policies in the field of concrete construction, a new global approach is proposed which should allow this concrete construction profession to better respond to the challenges caused by global warming. This approach is based on two strong ideas: 1) the use of fiber concretes in combination with passive or active reinforcements in all constructions susceptible to crack 2) the use of numerical models based on non-linear finite element calculations in order to optimize the design of eco-resilient concrete constructions.