Sustainability Considerations Research Articles

Sustainability of Rural Electrification Projects in Developing Countries

This study provides a review of the sustainability of rural electrification projects in developing countries to identify drivers of the long-term success of these initiatives. Unlike previous studies that often separate sustainability into social, economic, and environmental dimensions, this research adopts a comprehensive approach, acknowledging the interconnectedness of these aspects. Twenty-one sustainability drivers were identified. Based on these, a framework was proposed to organize them across project phases and key activities, supporting sustainable project planning and execution. This framework enables stakeholders to integrate sustainability considerations into the design and management of rural electrification projects, facilitating strategic action across diverse areas. The findings underscore well-known sustainability drivers such as renewable energy adoption while highlighting less-researched aspects, including project monitoring and waste management. Further studies should explore these under-researched areas and examine the potential of digitalization to enhance project sustainability, particularly as rural connectivity improves in developing countries. This approach can provide insights into optimizing rural electrification projects for long-term success and resilience.

Implementing Quality Improvement Initiatives Within Community Psychiatry: Challenges and Strategies.

Implementation of quality improvement (QI) initiatives within community mental health settings is crucial to addressing equity-related issues affecting mental health services delivery, including for co-occurring substance use disorders. Given the growing recognition of QI interventions as an effective framework to facilitate structural change within systems of care, it is important to equip mental health providers with the knowledge and ability to execute QI initiatives that are feasible, sustainable, and integrate a health equity lens. To demystify the QI process, we describe the design and methodologies of four fellows' capstone projects conducted during the 2022-2023 academic year at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Public Psychiatry Fellowship at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center (ZSFG). By highlighting fellows' experiences with leading QI initiatives within community mental health settings, we discuss strategies for overcoming implementation barriers including stakeholder engagement and transparency factors, resource and time constraints, unexpected changes in direction, and lack of infrastructure for QI. Lastly, we reflect on best practices and sustainability considerations for leading QI initiatives in partnership with academic centers, departments of public health, and community mental health clinics.

Research on Sustainable Scheduling of Material-Handling Systems in Mixed-Model Assembly Workshops Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning

In order to dynamically respond to changes in the state of the assembly line and effectively balance the production efficiency and energy consumption of mixed-model assembly, this paper proposes a deep reinforcement learning sustainable scheduling model based on the Deep Q network. According to the particularity of the workshop material-handling system, the action strategy and reward and punishment function are designed, and the neural network structure, parameter update method, and experience pool selection method of the original Deep Q network dual neural network are improved. Prioritized experience replay is adopted to form a real-time scheduling method for workshop material handling based on the Prioritized Experience Replay Deep Q network. The simulation results demonstrate that compared with other scheduling methods, this deep reinforcement learning approach significantly optimizes material-handling scheduling in mixed-flow assembly workshops, effectively reducing handling distance while ensuring timely delivery to the assembly line, ultimately achieving maximum output with sustainable considerations.

Theoretical Frameworks for Integrating Sustainability Factors into Institutional Investment Decision-Making

This paper explores key theoretical frameworks instrumental in understanding the relationship between sustainability and institutional investment decisions. The study identifies and analyzes various theories, including Behavioral Finance Theory, Modern Portfolio Theory, Risk Management Theory, and others, to explain how sustainability considerations increasingly influence investment choices. By examining these frameworks, the paper highlights how investors integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors to optimize financial outcomes and align with broader societal goals.

Introduction of RISCC model for a sustainable business risk management and control

This article evaluates traditional strategic management frameworks, such as SWOT, Porter’s Five Forces, and Blue Ocean Strategy, for their limitations in addressing regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability. While these models offer insights, they often lack a holistic, actionable strategy. The RISCC Model (Regulations, Internal Capability, Supplier, Customer, and Competitor) is introduced to fill these gaps by integrating regulatory requirements and sustainability considerations into strategic management. A case study of the asbestos fiber cement roofing sheets industry illustrates how this model enhances organizational resilience and competitive advantage by emphasizing compliance and sustainability in a rapidly evolving market.

Empirical Analysis of Critical Success Factors for Mechatronics Implementation in Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations Projects in Nigeria

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has ushered in a new era of technological advancements that are transforming industries worldwide. One such technology that is revolutionizing the construction industry is mechatronics, which has the propensity to enhance the operations, activities, productivity and efficiency of the sector’s activities. Despite the numerous advantages of mechatronic technologies, their successful implementation in the context of developing countries poses unique challenges and considerations. Therefore, this study seeks to identify and evaluate the critical success factors (CSFs) for mechatronics implementation in architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) projects. Existing CSFs were extracted from extant studies, which helped formulate the questionnaire disseminated to 372 construction professionals in Nigeria, including architects, builders, quantity surveyors, and engineers (mechanical, civil, electrical). The methodology also employed exploratory factor analysis (EFA), which facilitated the identification of key themes within the data. Through this application, six clusters of CSFs were revealed: organizational factors, financial considerations, technological aspects, collaboration and knowledge sharing, regulatory and policy factors, and sustainability and environmental considerations. From a theoretical perspective, the identified clusters of critical success factors provide a comprehensive framework that encompasses various dimensions of successful mechatronics adoption in the Nigerian construction industry. This study advances scientific knowledge on CSFs for the adoption of mechatronic technologies in the Nigerian construction industry, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors that drive successful implementation. For policymakers, this study’s findings will be invaluable in shaping supportive policies and strategies that foster the widespread adoption of mechatronics in the construction sector.

Employing the agricultural water footprint concept to enhance the sustainable management of water resources: a review

ABSTRACT Agriculture is recognized as a significant consumer of water, with projections indicating an increase in consumption due to rising food demand and the impacts of climate change. Therefore, every country must ensure the adequacy and security of water for sustainable uses. This research reviews the water footprint (WF) index as a recent water indicator that measures the human appropriation of water resources for several consumptive uses that qualify decision-makers to manage water with high efficiency in agriculture sectors. Light is shed on the WF concept, virtual water, mechanisms of water use, and the applications in water resources management, as well as methods for assessment with its three components, blue, green, and gray. The comparison between these methods was discussed, and the differences and motives for use were clarified. The good innovation in this review is linking sustainability considerations with the WF, discussing measuring the sustainability of agricultural activities, and deducing the best policies and decisions to meet environmental and economic needs without compromising the requirements of the future. This outcome confirms the effectiveness of applying the WF in enhancing sustainability.

A novel data-driven rolling horizon production planning approach for the plastic industry under the uncertainty of demand and recycling rate

Efficient production planning in the plastic industry requires integrating sustainability practices, particularly the use of recycled plastics. Recycling helps reduce environmental impacts and conserve resources by decreasing the reliance on virgin materials. To develop a responsive plan, dynamic approaches are beneficial to confront fluctuations in uncertain parameters such as recycling rate and market demand. The present study proposes a novel Data-driven Rolling Horizon Planning (DRHP) approach for a sustainable and dynamic production plan in the plastic industry. A dynamic Rolling Horizon (RH) planning framework is formulated as a multi-product, multi-period Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model for the problem. This model aims to minimize total production cost while taking into account the system’s constraints and sustainability considerations. To deal with uncertainty, the RH-based MILP model is coupled with a rolling Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model. The rolling LSTM model leverages historical data of market demand and recycling rate to predict their future values and consequently improve the responsiveness of the production plan. The outperformance of the proposed DRHP approach is demonstrated through an extensive comparison with a robust static counterpart in terms of total production cost and sustainability performance. Results indicate significant reductions, up to 80%, in production costs using the proposed DRHP approach. Furthermore, the effect of rolling duration is investigated concerning production cost, backlog, late-order, and inventory level. Findings highlight the potential of the proposed DRHP approach to mitigate inventory- and late-order-related challenges.

ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT USING GIS IN LAGOS STATE

Transportation infrastructure development poses significant environmental risks, including habitat disruption, air and water pollution, and climate change. This study develops a GIS-based framework for ecological risk assessment of transportation infrastructure development. This research identifies high-risk areas and prioritizes mitigation measures by integrating spatial analysis, multi-criteria decision analysis, and expert consultations. The GIS-based approach evaluates environmental sensitivity, proximity to ecosystems, and potential hazards. Results provide valuable insights for sustainable transportation planning, policy-making, and ecological management. This study explored its application in solving Environmental Risk Assessment of Transportation Infrastructure Development GIS application in environmental Risk Assessment monitoring has mainly been divided into three aspects: water, soil, and atmosphere. Based on ArcGIS 10.1 software and ArcGIS 9.3.1 version, GIS has been applied in Transportation system monitoring and soil heavy metal concentration monitoring, respectively. A major function of planners is to promote the best use of a community's land and resources for different construction projects; especially critical are infrastructure projects on which economic development relies. Transportation projects typically involve both environmental and economic issues facing a community as it grows and changes. Considerations of sustainability, as well as the widespread use of collaborative planning, design, and construction, require tools that facilitate long-term impact analysis and easy communication among built-environment professionals. Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is instrumental in studying transportation project impacts, but it is a time-consuming process because of the large number of dependent and independent variables involved. A vulnerability grade map and road distribution map were produced, providing an overall vulnerability score for each of the three planning alternatives considered. A road alignment was indicated as the preferred corridor, which was further recommended for a project development and environmental (PD&E) study.

The relationship between audit committees, external auditors, and internal control systems: a literature review and a research agenda

Purpose This paper aims to focus on the relationship between audit committees, external auditors and internal control systems (ICS) and strives to point out mutual influences between the instances to provide an integrated perspective for firms’ multilateral monitoring mechanisms. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the incorporation of sustainability and fraud considerations into the traditional roles of audit committees and auditors. Design/methodology/approach This structured literature review is based on 71 empirical-quantitative studies published in high-quality journals between 2005 and 2022. Considering the classification of ICS into ICS quality and internal audit function, the studies are analyzed with regard to audit committees’ and external auditors’ characteristics, divided into incentives and competencies, as well as their mutual relationships. Findings This study highlights a dynamic trilateral network of relationships between monitoring authorities and primarily shows that audit committees equipped with adequate competencies generate a substitutive effect for external auditors by reducing their efforts, whereas ICS quality serves as a possible mediator in this network of relationships. The establishment of an integrative three-party coalition of competent and adequately incentivized monitoring parties is essential to guarantee sufficient and appropriate ICS and overall corporate governance quality. Practical implications The findings should prompt legislators and firms to ensure a deeper collaboration between audit committees, internal auditors and external auditors to generate synergy effects and economies of scale within the integrative monitoring process. Legislators should develop stricter requirements for competencies of audit committees and auditors. These should include a holistic triad of sustainability, fraud and digital expertise as well as mandatory forensic procedures performed by all monitoring bodies. Originality/value The authors contribute to prior research by highlighting the importance of an integrative three-party coalition of monitoring authorities to ensure corporate governance quality and to generate synergy effects within a dynamic multilateral monitoring process. Furthermore, the authors offer cutting-edge implications by stressing the need for consideration of sustainability and fraud aspects in the traditional work and profiles of audit committees and auditors.

Unveiling The Impact of Green Accounting and Sustainability Disclosure On The Firm Value

This study examined the impact of green accounting and sustainability disclosure on firm value in the Indonesian palm oil industry. The objective was to empirically assess how environmental performance measured by PROPER and sustainability reports affects firm value. Using quantitative research methods, the study analyzed data from 124 palm oil company observations listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2018 to 2022. The research variables included firm value proxied by Tobin’s Q, green accounting proxied by PROPER scores, and sustainability disclosure indexed from the companies’ sustainability reports. The study also included profitability, firm size, and leverage as control variables. The results indicated that green accounting had a negative impact on firm value, suggesting that environmental compliance imposes short-term financial burdens on companies. However, sustainability disclosure did not significantly influence firm value, indicating that investors in the palm oil industry may prioritize short-term financial performance over long-term sustainability considerations. These findings contribute to the literature on corporate governance and sustainability, particularly in industries with high environmental impact, like palm oil.

지속가능한 프로젝트 관리를 위한 프로젝트 제어 방안: 도로 침수 예방 사례 프로젝트를 중심으로

As environmental pollution, energy depletion, and maintenance difficulties due to changes in social requirements arise during project progress, interest in the sustainability of project management has increased. Accordingly, sustainable project management theories have been proposed to complement the short-term goal-focused approach and performance evaluation methods that existing project management methods have adhered to. However, the sustainable project management theories have not been extended to empirical research. In this paper, we provides a case study of a sustainable project management framework and control mechanisms such as a collaboration model and incentive model using a road flood prevention project as an example. The case project was a project for improving urban infrastructure and was carried out with consideration for environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Through sustainable project management, the case project was able to achieve its sustainability goals and shows the results of the application of the control mechanisms.

Optimization of high-entropy alloys (HEAS) for lightweight automotive components: Design, fabrication, and performance enhancement

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the integration and optimization of High-Entropy Alloys (HEAs) for automotive applications, emphasizing their potential to enhance vehicle performance through superior strength-to-weight ratios, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance. Drawing on methodologies from life cycle assessments (LCAs) and insights into fuel savings achieved through lightweight design, the study explores the criteria for selecting HEAs, including composition design, thermal stability, and manufacturing compatibility. It highlights the importance of advanced Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and simulation techniques in optimizing HEA components, ensuring they meet the rigorous demands of automotive applications. The paper also examines fabrication techniques such as arc melting, casting, and additive manufacturing, alongside quality control methods like Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and mechanical performance assessments. Through case studies of HEA-based engine, structural, and safety components, the research demonstrates significant improvements in fuel efficiency, structural integrity, and safety. The discussion extends to future research directions, focusing on cost reduction, new applications in aerospace and defense, and advancements in fabrication techniques. Finally, the paper addresses sustainability considerations, including resource efficiency, recycling, and life cycle analysis, underscoring the potential of HEAs to contribute to both performance enhancement and environmental conservation in the automotive industry.

One Health Perspectives on Food System Transformation: Insights from the InsectERA Agenda

Abstract Background One Health framework recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant and environmental health. With this understanding, it becomes imperative to address challenges such as those posed by food systems through a One Health lens. Food systems pose significant public health challenges, particularly in terms of food safety and security. Pressures from factors such as population growth, changing consumption patterns and intensified production systems, particularly animal-based protein production, contribute to environmental pressures. In addition, environmental changes, including climate change, further threaten food safety and access to healthy food. Methods Through the InsectERA agenda, funded as part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan, stakeholders collaborated across sectors to explore the potential of insects as bioindustrial tools to address food system challenges. A structured, integrated approach combining health and sustainability considerations was matured and applied to pilot food products developed through this initiative. Recognising the potential health and sustainability impacts of these products, a comprehensive assessment was carried out. Results This study defined a structured, integrated approach to assessing the health and sustainability impacts of foods developed under the InsectERA agenda. Key steps included i) identifying critical issues and questions, ii) prioritising considerations, iii) defining methodologies, iv) collecting and analysing data, and v) integrating results for communication. Conclusions The study highlights the importance of integrated approaches in addressing food system transitions. Integrated approaches, guided by the One Health framework, play a critical role in informing policy decisions by providing policy makers with robust evidence. There is an urgent need for food system transformation based on decisions that holistically consider health and sustainability impacts, to ensure the protection of Public Health. Key messages • Integrating health and sustainability into the transition of food systems, within the One Health framework, is crucial for identifying options that safeguard Public Health. • A structured, integrated approach within a multi-stakeholder environment offers robust insights for policy decisions, advancing sustainable food systems.

Integration of investor behavioral perspective and climate change in reinforcement learning for portfolio optimization

Addressing environmental impact is increasingly imperative for individual investors and large financial institutions, making it a key objective of socially responsible investing. However, there is a noticeable gap in research on integrating sustainability and low-carbon considerations into machine learning-based portfolio optimization. To meet this challenge, this study introduces a Portfolio Emissions Sentiment Attention Aware Reinforcement Learning (PESAARL) model based on the Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) algorithm to optimize a portfolio of Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) stocks. PESAARL uniquely integrates environmental impact considerations, specifically carbon footprint using the firm level scope 1 and scope 2 emissions data, alongside firm-level investor sentiment and attention, into the investment decision-making process. Through multiple experiments, PESAARL demonstrates significant advantages, in terms of financial and environmental performance, over the benchmarks.

Enhancing hosting capacity for electric vehicles in modern power networks using improved hybrid optimization approaches with environmental sustainability considerations

The increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) presents both opportunities and challenges for power networks. While EVs have the potential to reduce carbon emissions, accommodating their growing power demand requires careful planning to prevent overloading and mitigate environmental impacts. This paper introduces an integrated hosting capacity model to facilitate higher EV penetration while maintaining environmental standards. In addition to EV charging stations, the model incorporates transmission lines, reactive power compensators, energy storage systems, and thyristor-controlled series compensators to ensure a reliable power supply. The model aims to maximize EV charging station deployment, minimize greenhouse gas emissions, and optimize net present value through hosting capacity strategies. Three hosting capacity plans are proposed to analyze the impact of prioritizing one of these objectives over the others in network configurations. Accurate EV demand forecasting is critical for this model, and a swarm intelligence forecasting algorithm is proposed to explore various forecasting approaches. The model is complex and involves nonlinear multi-objective optimization. To solve it, a new hybrid optimization algorithm is introduced, combining the features of the Marine Predators Algorithm and the Honey Badger Algorithm. Three hybridization schemes—Series Hybrid Scheme, Population Division Scheme, and Switching Strategy Scheme—are developed to address the optimization challenges effectively. The results show that the first and second hybridization schemes are the most effective for solving the EV load forecasting models, with a robustness of at least 90%. In contrast, the robustness of the third scheme reaches only 30% in some models. Simulation studies on the IEEE 9-bus network and the IEEE 30-bus system validate the model’s effectiveness in integrating EVs while achieving environmental sustainability objectives. The findings show the superiority of the proposed hybrid schemes in solving the hosting capacity model in terms of finding optimal solutions. However, the third scheme required less computing time than the others, with its convergence time being at least 33.3% shorter.

Advancements in Lightweight Artificial Aggregates: Typologies, Compositions, Applications, and Prospects for the Future

Currently, the environment and its natural resources face many issues related to the depletion of natural resources, in addition to the increase in environmental pollution resulting from uncontrolled waste disposal. Therefore, it is crucial to identify practical and effective ways to utilize these wastes, such as transforming them into environmentally friendly concrete. Artificial lightweight aggregates (ALWAs) are gaining interest because of their shift in focus from natural aggregates. Researchers have developed numerous ALWAs to eliminate the need for natural aggregates. This article explores the diverse applications of ALWAs across different industries. ALWAs are currently in the research phase due to various limitations compared to the availability of the various natural aggregates that form more durable solutions. However, researchers have discovered that certain artificial aggregates prioritize weight over strength, allowing for the effective use of ALWAs in applications like pavements. We thoroughly studied the various ALWAs discussed in this article and found that fly ash and construction waste are the most diverse sources of primary material for ALWAs. However, the production of these aggregates also presents challenges in terms of processing and optimization. This article’s case study reveals that ALWAs, consisting of 80% fly ash, 5% blast-furnace slag, and only 15% cement, can yield a sustainable solution. In the single- and double-step palletization, the aggregate proved to be less environmentally harmful. Additionally, the production of ALWAs has a reduced carbon footprint due to the recycling of various waste materials, including aggregates derived from fly ash, marble sludge, and ground granulated blast-furnace slag. Despite their limited mechanical strength, the aggregates exhibit superior performance, making them suitable for use in high-rise buildings and landscapes. Researchers have found that composition plays a key role in determining the application-based properties of aggregates. This article also discusses environmental and sustainability considerations, as well as future trends in the LWA field. Simultaneously, recycling ALWAs can reduce waste and promote sustainable construction. However, this article discusses and researches the challenges associated with the production and processing of ALWAs.

“Exploring Sustainable Investment Frontiers: A Bibliometric Analysis on current trends and hurdles in incorporating ESG into Investment decision-making”

Integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into investment decision-making has emerged as a critical area of interest in both academic and industry circles. This literature review aims to comprehensively explore and synthesize existing research on this topic by providing valuable insights into current trends, challenges, and prospects in sustainable investing. Articles, reports, and case studies published in relevant databases from 2019 to 2023 are reviewed for this research. A comprehensive search strategy encompassing keywords related to ESG integration in investment decisions has been used in the review process. The integration of ESG factors in investment decisions has evolved significantly in recent years. However, the knowledge landscape is scattered, and it is imperative to consolidate this body of research to gain a holistic understanding thus this bibliometric analysis addresses the research agenda on the impact of the integration of ESG factors on investment decision-making and the challenges and opportunities associated with this evolving paradigm. Our review highlighted that ESG integration has been shown to mitigate risk and enhance long-term returns, supporting the argument that sustainability considerations are not only ethical but also financially prudent. As per the analysis, hurdles range from the lack of awareness regarding standardized ESG metrics and reporting to concerns about greenwashing. The complexity of ESG factors and the need for robust data and analytics pose significant hurdles to investors and practitioners. The synthesis of findings from the study highlights the need for standardized ESG reporting, enhanced data quality, and increased stakeholder engagement. Future research should explore the integration of ESG factors in specific asset classes and regions, as well as investigate the effectiveness of various ESG integration strategies.

Sustainable Solution Processing Toward High‐Efficiency Organic Solar Cells: A Comprehensive Review of Materials, Strategies, and Applications

AbstractOrganic solar cells (OSCs) have emerged as promising candidates for renewable energy harvesting due to their lightweight, flexible, and low‐cost fabrication potential. The efficiency of OSCs is largely determined by the choice of solvents, which significantly affect the film morphology of the active layers, the intermixed donor‐acceptor domains, and overall device performance. Beginning with an introduction to the importance of solvent selection, the screening and classification of solvents, emphasizing their characteristics and classification based on sustainability, solubility, and other additional considerations are explored. Various non‐halogenated solvents, highlighting commonly used aromatic solvents, biomass‐derived solvents, and water/alcohol‐based solvents are explored. The state‐of‐the‐art donor and acceptor materials, focusing on efficient donor materials such as PM6 and D18, and high‐performing Y‐series acceptors are also presented. Strategies for developing high‐performance OSCs processed using non‐halogenated solvents are examined, including solvent engineering with additive and additive‐free approaches, ternary strategies, and layer‐by‐layer techniques. The fabrication of large‐area devices using non‐halogenated solvents is addressed, focusing on blade‐coating, slot‐coating, and other processing techniques. Finally, this review outlines future research directions in the non‐halogenated solvent processing of OSCs, emphasizing the need for continuous innovation to overcome existing limitations and propel OSC technology toward commercial viability.

Upcycling of Food By-Products and Waste: Nonthermal Green Extractions and Life Cycle Assessment Approach

Food loss and waste constitute a substantial threat to global food system sustainability, representing 38% of energy consumption in the supply chain. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development highlights a vision integrating social, economic, and environmental pillars. Addressing environmental impact requires recycling (destruction for new creations) and upcycling (converting waste into valuable products). This review highlights nonthermal green extractions and sustainable techniques in upcycling raw materials such as olives, red beetroot, sugar beet, and coffee, which are widely used in the food industry. Nonthermal processing efficiently extracts bioactive compounds and utilizes waste. Key approaches for its valorization include life cycle assessment, environmental footprint analysis, energy efficiency strategies, digitalization, and sustainability considerations. However, challenges remain in calculating their environmental impact. Waste and by-product valorization from raw materials address disposal issues, offering economic and environmental benefits. Nonthermal techniques show optimistic opportunities in green extraction and sustainable upcycling. The focus is on raw materials including olives, red beetroot, sugar beet, and coffee byproducts, and possible product development. There are powerful connections offering industry tools for impactful sustainability management and guiding decisions on waste-to-value or ‘upcycling’ products. The review contributes to filling the gap in usage of nonthermal processing in upcycling of waste and by-products.