Sustainability Assessment Framework Research Articles

LCT-Based Framework for the Assessment of Sustainability: From the Perspective of Literature Review

AbstractIn the context of sustainable development, urban transformation should encourage the use of life cycle thinking tools for infrastructure development. By adopting sustainable economic, social, and environmental criteria, this study presents a review of sustainability assessment tools to build a framework for urban infrastructure. It incorporates a variety of methods that economists and industrial ecologists use for evaluating their projects, in addition to the LCT approach. To recognize the strategic sustainability indicators and criteria, the framework uses LCC, LCA, and SLCA in conjunction with stakeholder evaluation and multi-criteria decision analysis, which recognizes the foremost three pillars of sustainability, i.e., economy, environment, and society. Additionally, system dynamics and agent-based modelling are used to optimise the framework. The prominence of the framework is to understand the route an urban infrastructure development should follow to achieve key sustainability interests involving the interconnected environmental and socio-economic aspects. This sustainability assessment framework can be utilised by consultants or supporting agencies to help organisations carry out and monitor such projects.

Quantifying farm sustainability through the lens of ecological theory.

The achievements of the Green Revolution in meeting the nutritional needs of a growing global population have been won at the expense of unintended consequences for the environment. Some of these negative impacts are now threatening the sustainability of food production through the loss of pollinators and natural enemies of crop pests, the evolution of pesticide resistance, declining soil health and vulnerability to climate change. In the search for farming systems that are sustainable both agronomically and environmentally, alternative approaches have been proposed variously called 'agroecological', 'conservation agriculture', 'regenerative' and 'sustainable intensification'. While the widespread recognition of the need for more sustainable farming is to be welcomed, this has created etymological confusion that has the potential to become a barrier to transformation. There is a need, therefore, for objective criteria to evaluate alternative farming systems and to quantify farm sustainability against multiple outcomes. To help meet this challenge, we reviewed the ecological theories that explain variance in regulating and supporting ecosystem services delivered by biological communities in farmland to identify guiding principles for management change. For each theory, we identified associated system metrics that could be used as proxies for agroecosystem function. We identified five principles derived from ecological theory: (i) provide key habitats for ecosystem service providers; (ii) increase crop and non-crop habitat diversity; (iii) increase edge density: (iv) increase nutrient-use efficiency; and (v) avoid extremes of disturbance. By making published knowledge the foundation of the choice of associated metrics, our aim was to establish a broad consensus for their use in sustainability assessment frameworks. Further analysis of their association with farm-scale data on biological communities and/or ecosystem service delivery would provide additional validation for their selection and support for the underpinning theories.

An integrated multi-attribute decision framework for sustainability assessment of renewable diesel fuel production pathways

Ascertaining the sustainability of a fuel production technology in the presence of conflicting factors out of different existing production pathways is a typical and time-consuming exercise. Thus, it is necessary to follow a resourceful and systematic methodology to decide the best fuel production method for any application. The present work proposes a systematic decision framework that utilizes various MCDM schemes for identifying suitable renewable diesel production technology to replace conventional diesel fuel. Sustainability assessment for a total of five production methods was conducted, based on fifteen criteria. The MOORA, VIKOR, and COPRAS techniques are utilized to compute ranking schemes for different alternatives according to integrated criteria weights based on AHP and CRITIC methods. Qualitative assessment in terms of rank reversal test and sensitivity analysis employed to compare and check the robustness of applied methodologies. The results demonstrated that FT diesel is the most suitable alternative followed by green diesel-I and feedstock price as the most persuasive criteria followed by PM2.5.The qualitative assessment revealed that the integrated weight-based MOORA technique is the most robust framework for the present decision problem, followed by VIKOR and COPRAS strategies respectively. Further, the proposed MCDM techniques can be suggested independently to encounter similar types of decision-making problems.

Assessment of sustainability attributes of traditional and conventional maize cultivation in farmer agricultural systems

Objective: To carry out a comparative analysis of the sustainability of traditional and conventional maize cultivation systems in Cuanacaxtitlán. Design/Methodology/Approach: The proposal was implemented through a mixed method approach in which a qualitative research predominated. A sustainability assessment for the 23 farmer systems of maize production in Cuanacaxtitlán was carried out, according to the Indicator-Based Sustainability Assessment Framework (Marco para la Evaluación de Sistemas de Manejo Incorporando Indicadores de Sustentabilidad: MESMIS). Results: The sustainability level between the two types of agroecosystems does not differ much. According to the chosen indicators, TMS is more sustainable in the environmental and economic aspect, while CMS is more sustainable in the social aspect. The average profitability of TMS is better as a result of the milpa profits. Study Limitations/Implications: Family Production Units (FPUs) do not own their lands, which limits the improvement of profitability and sustainability in maize production. To this end, land distribution or support programs for landless farmers is important. Findings/Conclusions: Among the 23 systems under analysis, critical values were obtained for two environmental indicators: fertilizer application and pesticide use. Therefore, improving the use of these inputs is an important task.

Social Life Cycle Assessment of Solar Dryer House for Postharvest Loss Management Technology in Tanzania

Agricultural products are dried to improve their life-span, enable storage stability, and reduce postharvest losses. Open-sun crop drying is the most popular method in Sub-Saharan Africa because it has a lower energy cost. However, this method is more often unsuitable due to climatic conditions in some areas, resulting in poor-quality drying and spoiled food products. Solar dryer house technology is designed to address challenges related to cleaner energy costs for efficient post-harvest loss management. Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) is a methodology used to integrate a compatible analysis of three pillars of sustainability: economy, environment, and society. Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA), on the other hand, is a methodology used to cover the social aspects of sustainability. This article examines the S-LCA of solar dryer house technology for post-harvest loss management. It found that S-LCA is a useful framework for sustainability assessment and social impact estimation for analyzing the effects of products or services on stakeholders at local, national, and global levels beyond environmental and economic impact. The article contributes to knowledge and understanding of UNEP and SETAC guidelines in Africa.

A systematic evaluation of risk in bioenergy supply chains

We introduce a novel method of evaluating risks of disruption to (bio)fuel supply chains. The biofuel landscape is complex, with multiple options for feedstocks and processing routes, but the type, size, and scale of risks are currently not sufficiently appreciated. As a consequence, the uptake of biofuels remains below expectation suggesting the need for comprehensive risk assessment. Our method of risk discovery and evaluation is based on a transparent and robust sustainability assessment framework, and exploits the richness of data and expert analysis available in publications. In a UK case study, we show that biomass (solids) has a similar risk score to coal, biogas being slightly less risky, with bioliquids being less risky still though more risky than wind and solar power. The most important cause of risk, ‘changing policy or regulatory framework’, reflects this fledgling industry's need for policy support. The second most important cause of risk is ‘lack of access to capital’, reflecting the scale of the process engineering required to convert biomass to tightly specified products which could substitute fossil fuels. Levels of optimism bias in the biofuel industry are high, leading to unrealistic expectations from complex technologies and dubious claims about the quantity of resource available. This, together with the wide variety and variability of feedstocks complicates the business case for biofuel investment. Bioenergy policy would benefit from a more nuanced understanding of risks which impede the widespread large-scale deployment of biofuels.

Contradictions and compromises in sustainability planning: The case of the sub-Arctic city of Yakutsk, Russia

Sustainability assessment frameworks often fall short of elucidating context-specific conflicts inherent in planning practice and its contribution to diverse sustainability priorities. This study explores the integration of priorities and principles associated with sustainability in the spatial planning of the sub-Arctic city of Yakutsk. It also investigates how conflicting priorities manifest in the city's development. The research involves exploratory interviews with planning stakeholders, an analysis of General Plan iterations, and profiling of two expanding residential areas. Contrasting cases of residential growth untangle tensions between environmental, development, and social dimensions, emphasizing the prioritization of specific aspects over others. The study underscores that these tensions are intricately linked to historical, political, planning, and governance contexts and reflect the complexities of urban development politics. Despite planning documents encompassing a range of principles associated with sustainable planning, current practices prioritize specific dimensions but contradict others. A targeted emphasis on specific sustainability aspects may obscure interests in particular development types and equity compromises. This study raises concerns about the effectiveness of normative evaluations of sustainable planning, overlooking conflicting dimensions evident in practice. It calls for a more in-depth examination of how principles are valued, prioritized, and compromised in specific contexts.

A Sustainable Water Resources Management Assessment Framework (SWRM-AF) for Arid and Semi-Arid Regions—Part 1: Developing the Conceptual Framework

The evaluation of water resources management practices is essential for water usage decisions in regions with limited water resources. The literature provides numerous assessment frameworks, but many ignore the unique characteristics and conditions of some special arid and semi-arid regions, such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which lack any permanent rivers or lakes. Thus, this study, the first in a two-part series, seeks to develop a conceptual Sustainable Water Resources Management Assessment Framework (SWRM-AF). General and particular criteria explain how components and indicators were identified. The conceptual SWRM-AF provided here has four components (environment, economy, society, and infrastructure) and 24 indicators. Almost every indicator has been selected from the literature and is briefly explained and justified. This research presents, possibly for the first time, clear and straightforward directions for evaluating each indicator in colour-coded tables. To create a more holistic framework for arid and semi-arid regions, social indicators like “intervention acceptability” and environmental indicators for assessing the impacts of desalination treatment plants have been added to form a unique framework applicable to such regions. Therefore, the components and indicators of conceptual SWRM-AF could work collectively to aid the process of decision-making. The next phase is validating this framework using a participatory approach.

Restoring degraded landscapes and sustaining livelihoods: sustainability assessment (cum-review) of integrated landscape management in sub-Saharan Africa

IntroductionLand degradation is a significant environmental challenge across sub-Saharan Africa. In recent decades, efforts have been undertaken, with varying successes, to rehabilitate degraded rural landscapes. However, there needs to be more evidence on the outcomes regarding enhanced productivity, environmental management, and socio-economic benefits.MethodsThis study uses a case study approach, using contrasting sites from Ethiopia and Mali to appraise restoration innovations implemented through various programs. Two distinct sites were chosen from each of the study cases, and an extensive literature search was conducted to document the evidence, focusing on the sustainability gains derived from integrated landscape management (ILM). For this, the sustainable intensification assessment framework (SIAF) was used, encompassing five domains, namely productivity, economic, environmental, social, and human condition, and featuring scales from plot to landscape, all facilitated by simplified yet robust indicators such as yield, soil loss, net income, land access, and food availability.ResultsResults highlighted a higher productivity gain (35% to 55%) and an improved socio-economic benefit (>20%). The ILM in the Ethiopian highlands enabled a significant improvement in wheat and barley yield (p < 0.01). Introducing new crop varieties integrated with the in-situ and ex-situ practices enabled diversifying crops across the landscape and significantly reduced runoff and soil loss (p < 0.05). By increasing the cultivable land by 44%, household income was increased by selling potatoes and agroforestry products. In Mali, ILM practices reduced soil loss to 4.97t/ha from 12.1t/ha. In addition to the improvements in the yield of sorghum and maize (33% and 63%, respectively), rehabilitating the once marginal and abandoned landscape in Mali enabled landless and female-headed households to work together, improving the social cohesion among the groups. The introduction of irrigation facilities enabled widowed women to increase household vegetable consumption by 55% and increase their income by 24%.DiscussionThe study showed positive evidence from ILM practices in the two contrasting landscapes. However, there is a need to address challenges related to the absence of timely data monitoring and documentation of successful practices. For this, the generation of evidence-based data and the use of advanced geo-spatial tools such as Remote Sensing and GPS-installed drones are recommended.

Towards a new framework to assess agri-food value chains’ sustainability – The case of chestnut value chain

Food systems rely on natural resources for production causing their depletion. Sustainability assessment can encourage farms and agri-food companies to improve sustainability performances. Sustainability assessment frameworks and tools differ in their purposes, scope, methods of application, and required time for execution; however, most of them do not fit with value chains, or they do not cover all sustainability dimensions. Our objective is to propose a holistic framework to assess sustainability at agri-food value chains level. The proposed framework combines the Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture systems (SAFA) (El Hage, 2012) [1] and The Agri-food Evaluation Framework (TEEB) [2]. It incorporates the concepts of Socio-Ecological Systems, Assemblage, and Social Practices. It integrates system dynamics by emphasising human and natural capital stocks and their users. We explain in detail the methodological steps we followed to construct and to apply this new framework to two case studies in Italy and France. The new framework was applied to real-life case studies and has shown its effectiveness and demonstrates its potential for widespread use in similar scenarios.

Sustainability assessment frameworks for delivering Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets: A case of Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) UK New Construction

AbstractDue to the potential role of the construction industry in addressing the global challenge of climate change, stakeholders are beginning to develop the environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework. Prior to this, several assessment frameworks such as the building research establishment environmental assessment methods (BREEAM), LEED, and Green Star Certification amongst others have evolved to evaluate a development against an array of sustainability indicators. Through document analysis, this paper explores the extent sustainability assessment frameworks can help UK construction companies demonstrate their commitment to ESG targets. Findings show that although the BREEAM assessment framework captured environmental and social aspects to some extent, there appears to be much desired in its consideration for governance issues. Subsequent versions of the assessment frameworks should attempt to include some of these credits that are not currently included in the framework to guarantee stakeholders that the uptake of the framework in the decision‐making process would help to deliver ESG targets.

MIVES MULTI-CRITERIA FRAMEWORK TO SUSTAINABILITY INDEX OF DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURE AND ASSEMBLY

Embracing sustainable strategies that consider Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) has become a rapidly growing trend in urban development. Continued uncertainty on the sustainability assessment of design could drive a series of indecisive decision-making among design alternatives, further disrupting the potential opportunities toward sustainable DfMA. However, there is a lack of research on sustainable design assessments for DfMA and establishing a sustainable index. This research establishes an integrated value model for the sustainability assessment framework and DfMA sustainability index to address this challenge. This model integrates Building Information Modelling (BIM) with MIVES, a customisable Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) tool. The pilot case of this framework is the retrofit of a commercial building’s façade system, which demonstrated the capability of the proposed framework. Data collection and analysis include the comparisons between five design alternatives. This research furthers previous studies and has three-fold significance: 1) Establishing reasonable multi-criteria for the sustainable DfMA indices; 2) Adapting the MIVES approach for comparative analysis across three building phases to make it compatible with DfMA; 3) developing a quantitative analysis method for sustainable design assessment of DfMA in the construction industry.

Developing a framework for sustainability assessment of Reverse Osmosis desalination plants in Gaza Strip

Developing a framework for sustainability assessment of Reverse Osmosis desalination plants in Gaza Strip

An assessment framework for landscape sustainability based on ecosystem service supply-flow-demand

ContextThe study of landscape sustainability plays an important role in the development of sustainability science. Landscape sustainability assessment is crucial for landscape planning and governance, serving as a fundamental basis for achieving regional and global sustainable development.ObjectivesThe goal is to propose an assessment framework for landscape sustainability based on ecosystem services (ESs) supply-flow-demand, and select a case study area to test it.MethodsWe started from the connotation of landscape sustainability and theoretically explained the relationship between landscape patterns, ESs, and human well-being. We proposed a conceptual framework for landscape sustainability assessment based on the supply-flow-demand of ESs. Yixing City was selected as a case study area for empirical research.ResultsWe constructed a conceptual framework and assessment steps for landscape sustainability assessment based on the supply-flow-demand of ESs and applied it to assess the landscape sustainability of towns in Yixing City. The framework focuses on the concept of landscape sustainability and can be applied at various temporal and spatial scales, with high operability and replicability. However, there are still certain limitations that need to be further considered, including the determination of landscape boundaries, multi-scale assessment, the trade-offs/synergies between different ESs.ConclusionsThe landscape sustainability assessment framework based on the supply-flow-demand of ESs can expand the perspectives and methods of landscape sustainability assessment. It is also practical and replicable, aiming to provide support for landscape planning and governance.

Designing a Sustainability Assessment Framework for Peruvian Manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises Applying the Stakeholder Theory Approach

Among the main obstacles affecting the competitiveness of Peruvian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are poor strategic planning and incipient use of management control systems that support the integration of sustainable practices for the growth of the organization. Not considering sustainability in the strategy and management control systems of Peruvian SMEs can jeopardize their stability and growth, as they are part of the supply chain of large companies that look for suppliers that comply with sustainability standards. Since manufacturing SMEs play a vital role in the economies and social welfare of countries, providing them with appropriate management tools to evaluate the sustainable performance of their activities is urgent to assure their survival. Thus, the aim of this study is to design a holistic sustainability assessment framework that enables Peruvian manufacturing SMEs to evaluate the full integration of sustainability into their business strategy and the creation of value for each stakeholder. Based on the gaps found in the literature review, a conceptual assessment framework was designed, then a multiple-case study was conducted in three Peruvian manufacturing SMEs in the plastic sector, and the data obtained were used to deploy the proposed conceptual assessment framework.

Sustainability of Biogas Production from Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste and Animal Manure

Anaerobic digestion (AD) involves a set of microbiological reactions and physio-chemical processes to generate biogas, a mixture of predominantly CH4 and CO2. It is commercialized globally; however, AD has limited commercial applications in the U.S. compared to other regions of the world. The main objective of this article is to review different studies on socio-economic and environmental aspects and policies of biogas/biomethane production and to focus on resource availability. The key outcome from this review shows that the anaerobic digestion of food waste and animal manure has great potential to achieve economic and environmental benefits compared to other waste management techniques such as landfilling or conventional manure management. The 12 life cycle assessment (LCA) studies reviewed showed lower impacts for biogas systems and indicated a need for standardization of methodology so that alternative production concepts can be objectively compared. Similarly, economic analyses showed higher profitability for a biogas combined heat and power facility compared to a biomethane facility. By considering a review of the sustainability of biogas, we presented a new multi-criteria sustainable assessment framework that includes three domains: i. resource availability and logistics, ii. process modeling, and iii. impact assessment with primary application to the optimum location and installation of sustainable biogas/biomethane plants in the U.S.

Water resources sustainability assessment in the Vietnamese Srepok River Basin

AbstractThis study proposes a sustainability assessment framework for managing the water resources of the Vietnamese portion of the Srepok River Basin (VSRB). A sustainability hierarchy was developed using five, ten, seven and five sustainability indicators to characterize economic, environmental, social and management dimensions of the basin's water resources. Reliable weights for each of these sustainability components were assigned using fuzzy analytical hierarchy process evaluations of judgements obtained from five highly experienced experts. The sustainability levels were ranked in increasing order of Management > Economic > Environment > Social, allowing a composite sustainability index to be assessed. By taking into account economic, environmental, social and management perspectives, the assessment provides a comprehensive understanding of the sustainability of water resources in the VSRB.

Sustainable urban homes? An assessment proposal in a community in the southeast of Mexico

[Introduction]: The sustainability of homes is one of the most significant challenges today. Activities that accelerate environmental degradation are developed on them: poor disposal of urban solid waste, excessive consumption of electricity and water, and use of fossil fuels, among others. [Objective]: To determine the level of sustainability of urban households in the municipality of Macuspana, Tabasco, Mexico. [Methodology]: 370 urban households representative of the total number of urban dwellings inhabited in the city were evaluated, with a confidence level of 95 %. A Sustainability Assessment Framework for Urban Households (MESHU) created from the selection, measurement, and percentage ratio of social, economic, and environmental indicators is proposed. 30 sustainability indicators divided into the following attributes were evaluated: self-management, adaptability, environmental culture, coexistence and productivity. [Results]: The sustainability level of the homes was 45 %. In summary, they are pretty sustainable. [Conclusions]: The sustainability evaluation of urban homes allowed an approximation of the reality of the practices and use of natural resources in daily life. At the same time, it is evident that homes have a culture toward sustainability.

Manufacturing Process and System Sustainability Analysis Tool: A Proof-of-Concept for Teaching Sustainable Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering

Abstract Decision support methods and tools have been developed to aid in improving product sustainability performance during design. However, these approaches are often developed for domain experts and not well-suited for non-expert decision makers (e.g., engineering students and engineering practitioners), who do not possess specialized knowledge in sustainability analysis of product designs and manufacturing processes. The objective of this research is to facilitate the sustainability performance analysis of manufacturing processes and systems through unit manufacturing process (UMP) modeling within an easy-to-use, publicly-available product design, and manufacturing analysis tool. To achieve this objective, a sustainability assessment framework is developed that considers a cradle-to-gate life cycle scope and has four phases: (1) product development, (2) supply chain configuration, (3) manufacturing process design, and (4) manufacturing process and system (MaPS) sustainability analysis. To implement this framework and to address the identified limitations of existing tools, a proof-of-concept MaPS sustainability analysis tool is developed as a spreadsheet software tool. The tool supports the evaluation of environmental (energy and associated carbon footprint), economic (the cost of goods sold), and social (worker safety) impacts. While this study focuses on the technical aspects of the research, the authors investigate associated educational aspects in a separate study and report tool operational performance evaluation by undergraduate and graduate engineering students. Study participants found the tool easy to use and useful in completing sustainability assessment tasks in product design and manufacturing. To build upon this research, the developed framework and tool can be expanded to consider other phases of the product life cycle. Moreover, key software tool operational characteristics and graphical user interfaces should be investigated to improve efficiency, effectiveness, satisfaction, and learnability of the MaPS sustainability analysis tool.

A composite index for the evaluation of sustainability in Latin American public transport systems

Latin American public transport (PT) systems are the backbone of urban transport with high ridership levels but at the same time, they face substantial deficits in terms of their sustainability. No comprehensive framework for PT sustainability assessment exists so far that is tailored to the specific local situation in this region. Therefore, this study develops for the first time a theoretically sound and feasible index for assessing the sustainability of PT systems in Latin America, the Sustainable Public Transport Index for Latin America (SPTI-LATAM). The index is based on an Assessment Indicator Model (AIM) with overall 49 indicators in the five dimensions system effectiveness, social, environmental, economic, governance and integrated transport planning. The SPTI-LATAM is designed with three levels: 1) the basic index (BSPTI) containing 32 indicators; 2) the extended index (ESPTI) including 11 additional indicators; and 3) the global index (GSPTI) with 6 additional indicators. The BSPTI is computed for eleven case study cities to demonstrate its feasibility and to analyze the sustainability of PT systems in the region. The framework uses the Equal Weighting Aggregation (EWA) method for assigning weights to each indicator, the Weighted Sum Model (WSM) for aggregating the indicators to the overall index and international standards and benchmarks for normalization. The final scores of the BSPTI show that the case study cities have still challenges to reach sustainability since only two cities had scores slightly higher than the half of achievable points (55 and 51), while eight cities had scores between 40 and 50 points, and one city achieved 39 points. Deficits are identified mainly for PT service quality, for the environmental performance, for the governance dimension and less for PT system coverage. Overall, the analysis of the BSPTI-LATAM for the 11 case study cities shows that the index is suitable for benchmarking sustainability of local PT systems and ready to be used in research and practice.