Economic Sustainability Research Articles

Cellulose Acetates in Hydrothermal Carbonization: A Green Pathway to Valorize Residual Bioplastics.

Bioplastics possess the potential to foster a sustainable circular plastic economy, but their end-of-life is still challenging. To sustainably overcome this problem, this work proposes the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of residual bioplastics as an alternative green path. The focus is on cellulose acetate - a bioplastic used for eyewear, cigarette filters and other applications - showing the proof of concept and the chemistry behind the conversion, including a reaction kinetics model. HTC of pure and commercial cellulose acetates was assessed under various operating conditions (180-250 °C and 0-6 h), with analyses on the solid and liquid products. Results show the peculiar behavior of these substrates under HTC. At 190-210 °C, the materials almost completely dissolve into the liquid phase, forming 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and organic acids. Above 220 °C, intermediates repolymerize into carbon-rich microspheres (secondary char), achieving solid yields up to 23 %, while itaconic and citric acid form. A comparison with pure substrates and additives demonstrates that the amounts of acetyl groups and derivatives of the plasticizers are crucial in catalyzing HTC reactions, creating a unique environment capable of leading to a total rearrangement of cellulose acetates. HTC can thus represent a cornerstone in establishing a biorefinery for residual cellulose acetate.

Rare-Earth Metal-Based Materials for Hydrogen Storage: Progress, Challenges, and Future Perspectives.

Rare-earth-metal-based materials have emerged as frontrunners in the quest for high-performance hydrogen storage solutions, offering a paradigm shift in clean energy technologies. This comprehensive review delves into the cutting-edge advancements, challenges, and future prospects of these materials, providing a roadmap for their development and implementation. By elucidating the fundamental principles, synthesis methods, characterization techniques, and performance enhancement strategies, we unveil the immense potential of rare-earth metals in revolutionizing hydrogen storage. The unique electronic structure and hydrogen affinity of these elements enable diverse storage mechanisms, including chemisorption, physisorption, and hydride formation. Through rational design, nanostructuring, surface modification, and catalytic doping, the hydrogen storage capacity, kinetics, and thermodynamics of rare-earth-metal-based materials can be significantly enhanced. However, challenges such as cost, scalability, and long-term stability need to be addressed for their widespread adoption. This review not only presents a critical analysis of the state-of-the-art but also highlights the opportunities for multidisciplinary research and innovation. By harnessing the synergies between materials science, nanotechnology, and computational modeling, rare-earth-metal-based hydrogen storage materials are poised to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable hydrogen economy, ushering in a new era of clean energy solutions.

Photovoltaic-driven dual-oxidation seawater electrolyzer for sustainable lithium recovery

The insatiable demand for lithium in portable energy storage necessitates a sustainable and low-carbon approach to its recovery. Conventional hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical methods heavily involve hazardous chemicals and significant CO2 emissions. Herein, by integrating electrode oxidation with electrolyte oxidation, we establish a photovoltaic-driven "dual-oxidation" seawater electrolyzer system for low-carbon footprint and high lithium recovery. A 98.96% lithium leaching rate with 99.60% product purity was demonstrated for lithium recovery from spent LiFePO4 cathode materials. In-depth mechanism studies reveal that the electric field-driven electrode oxidation and in situ generated oxidative electrolyte synergetically contributes to lithium ions leaching via a structural framework elements oxidation and particle corrosion splitting synergy. This dual-oxidation mechanism facilitates rapid and efficient lithium extraction with broad universality, offering significant economic and environmental benefits. Our work showcases a promising strategy for integrating dual oxidation within a photovoltaic-driven seawater electrolyzer, paving the way for low-carbon lithium recovery from diverse solid wastes and minerals within a sustainable circular economy.

Retraction Note: The dynamics of public spending on sustainable green economy: role of technological innovation and industrial structure effects.

Retraction Note: The dynamics of public spending on sustainable green economy: role of technological innovation and industrial structure effects.

Automated methodology for calculating key production indicators of oil field development for business planning model

Background: In order to secure the stable and efficient operations of oil-producing companies, it is essential to forecast the profitability and ROI of the enterprise, as well as to regulate development for the next 5 years. Accurate forecasts facilitate more informed planning and decision-making, directly influencing the economic sustainability and competitiveness of the enterprise. Aim: The purpose of this study is to develop an innovative approach to automate the methodology for calculating key development indicators in a business planning model. Materials and methods: The study utilizes methods for collecting and analyzing production and geological data, empirical forecasting models, and statistical analysis techniques to enchance the accuracy and reliability of forecasts. This approach employs modern algorithms and technologies to process large volumes of data, which allows for more accurate and reasonable forecasts of key production indicators of the field development. Results: This methodology can be applied to forecast a five-year business plan and evaluate its expected implementation. It is integrated into the ‘Production planning and monitoring’ of the ABAI information system, which allows direct data export from the database, automates the monthly monitoring of production indicators, and generate reports for further export. Conclusion: The proposed method for automated planning of key production indicators of the development enhances the accuracy and efficiency of forecasting, thereby improving the quality of planning and evaluating the implementation of the business plan. This contributes to more informed and strategically validated management of oil production processes. Automation of planning processes reduces the labor costs traditionally associated with manual analysis and calculations, freeing up resources for more strategic purposes. This enables rapid responses to changes in production conditions and prompt adjustments of plans. As a result, managers can allocate resources more efficiently, minimize risks, and increase the overall productivity of oil production operations.

Sustainable Energy Solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa: Integrating Indigenous Knowledge and Climate Resilience for Lower Carbon Emissions

Promoting sustainable energy solutions in sub-Saharan countries is crucial for addressing energy poverty, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering long-term environmental and economic sustainability. This study explored using indigenous knowledge and emerging technologies to reduce carbon footprints and GHG emissions in Africa's climate hotspots in sub-Saharan countries. The study revealed that operating institutions utilize various applications to ensure that energy management resources can mitigate the effects of carbon emissions. The study revealed that the most efficient use of natural resources for energy production requires collaboration among governments, private sectors, NGOs, and local communities. By adopting a holistic and inclusive approach, one can work toward a more sustainable and low-carbon energy future. This paper focuses on carbon footprint analysis and proposes solutions to address environmental issues in implementing sustainable energy solutions in sub-Saharan countries. A multifaceted approach involving effective strategies is needed to lower the carbon footprint. The contribution of this study is to improve energy consumption in communities in Africa by integrating climate resilience considerations into sustainable energy projects to ensure long-term viability. This will involve planning for changing climate conditions, such as extreme weather events, and designing infrastructure that can withstand and adapt to these challenges. It has been concluded that carbon footprint analysis is useful for determining the impacts of carbon particles in the world’s atmosphere. The role of energy management operations seeks to improve the assessment and analysis of carbon footprints by allowing atmospheric measurements of carbon.

Integrated and sustainable performance evaluation of urban rail transit systems using fuzzy sustainability index

The complexity of prominent dimensions in urban rail transportation sector arises from the involvement of several stakeholders and the various interacting variables for evaluating transportation performance. This study uses a fuzzy logic-based method to present an index-based framework for sustainable performance assessment. The proposed framework presents 4 main indicators which include environmental, economic, financial and social sustainability, 14 sub-indicators, 4 main indicators for transportation system effectiveness with 13 sub-indicators and 1 main indicator for multi modal integration with 6 sub-indicators. The performance ratings and importance weights of the transport sustainability attributes are evaluated using a fuzzy logic approach. A numerical illustration is provided to demonstrate the applicability of the approach. The results show that system capacity (passenger capacity of a route), comfort and customer service (passenger environment and ride quality, maintenance cycle) and multimodal integration (park and ride facilities) were found to be weaker attributes. The proposed methodology facilitates the systematic understanding of the prominent attributes for achieving integrated and sustainable transport performance by using the ‘Fuzzy Transport Sustainability Index’.

THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF GREEN FINANCING FOR PROVIDING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

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

Hierarchically Structured Catalysts toward Sustainable Hydrogen Economy: Electro- and Thermo-chemical Pathways.

Hydrogen, as an important clean energy source, plays a more and more crucial role in decarbonizing the planet and meeting the global climate challenge due to its high energy density and zero-emission. The demand for sustainable hydrogen is increasing drastically worldwide as driven by the global shift towards low-carbon energy solutions. Hierarchically structured catalysts and devices have gradually taken the center stage toward replacing the traditional counterparts, especially with the rapid advancing of the design and manufacture of such ordered nanostructure assemblies toward high activity, efficient mass transport, and superb stability. In this review, the latest progress of the hierarchically structured catalysts for hydrogen production have been surveyed on electro- and thermo- chemical pathways comparatively. It covers the structure designs of atomic dispersion, nanoscale surfaces and interfaces for achieving highly active and durable catalysts, components, and devices. Both electrochemical and thermochemical approaches are reviewed in terms of the vast design details, engineered benefits, and understandings of various Pt-group metal (PGM) and non-PGM based transition metal catalysts for hydrogen production. As the growing trend, brief discussions are also presented toward the high-level assembly and manufacture of complexly structured components and devices at scale in the electrochemical and thermochemical energy systems.

Overview of Financial Efficiency in India’s Power Sector

Power is an important tool for economic growth of the country. Power is vital for every form of human activity-domestic, agricultural and industrial infrastructure, such as telecommunication and transport. The demand for electricity in India is enormous and is growing steadily. This growth has been slower than a country’s economic growth. The big challenge of the power industry is to balance the demand and supply of electricity. Financial management involves planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the financial activities of an organization. Its primary goal is to maximize shareholder wealth and ensure the efficient use of resources. Financial efficiency refers to how effectively an organization utilizes its resources to generate revenue or profits. It involves minimizing costs and maximizing output or outcomes relative to inputs. The financial efficiency of India's power sector is a critical aspect of its energy infrastructure, impacting both economic growth and sustainability. The main needs of the study are the source and use of funds of the company and how to evaluate the financial performance of the company. The objective of this study is to critically evaluate and assess the financial performance of Southern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh State Limited, Tirupati.

Evaluation of sustainable waste management: An analysis of techno-economic and life cycle assessments of municipal solid waste sorting and decontamination

This study evaluates the economic and environmental feasibility of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) sorting and decontamination technologies across urban, suburban, and rural areas. Using Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the research assesses cost-effectiveness and environmental impacts, with a focus on cost variability analyzed through Monte Carlo simulations. Findings indicate significant cost differences based on population density: rural areas incur high costs up to $764/ton due to low waste volumes and limited infrastructure, whereas suburban and urban areas have more feasible costs ranging from $36.3 to $142.5/ton. Environmental impacts also vary, with greenhouse gas emissions at 171 kg CO2 eq/ton for copy paper and 118.6 kg CO2 eq/ton for plastics. PM2.5 levels are 9.1 g/ton for copy paper and 6.3 g/ton for plastics, with sorting lines being the main contributors. Monte Carlo simulations reveal a 50% probability of costs being below $102.26/ton for copy paper and $115.8/ton for plastics in suburban settings. The study underscores the importance of customized waste management strategies to improve economic viability and sustainability based on local conditions.

Frames of systems change in sustainability transformations: Lessons from sociotechnical systems and circular economy case studies

Tackling the world's most complex challenges requires transforming systems purposefully, which involves reflecting on the directionality of ongoing systems transformations and the design of policy mixes capable of steering systems in more desirable directions. It is argued that a framing lens helps to advance understanding of this challenge by surfacing situated and heterogeneous perspectives on systems change. Frames are knowledge structures and default assumptions that help to guide action. This paper examines the frames of ‘systems change’ in purposeful sustainability transformations. To this end, a meta-synthesis of 155 case studies of sociotechnical systems change for sustainability and circular economy was conducted. Inductively coding these cases and comparing the emergent themes, four frames of systems change for sustainability were identified, varying depending on what they deem feasible and desirable change, the mechanisms and processes of change-making, and the different actor roles in these pursuits. A process model is developed to explain how explicit attention to frames can support opening up the directionality of purposeful systems transformations in ways that inform the design and implementation of more plural policy mixes. This contributes to the literature on directionality by providing insights on the boundaries of frames for systems change and the policy mix literature by identifying ways to engage directly with key assumptions guiding change-making efforts.

The influence of renewable energy and financial development on testing the environmental Kuznets curve in Lebanon: ARDL approach

This study considers the impacts of financial development and the consumption of renewable energy in Lebanon for the period 1990–2021, employing the Environmental Kuznets Curve. The financial sector in Lebanon is considered a major engine in the economic development. Green energy sources and environmental protection are taking higher importance nowadays with the increase of implications for climate change and global warming worldwide. This paper examines the Environmental Kuznets Curve’s presence and implications for Lebanon’s financial development and renewable energy consumption. The econometric model used annual data from the World Development Indicators. Utilizing the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) technique, both near- and long-term relationships were estimated. The findings support the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis and show that energy consumption and real income have a statistically significant beneficial effect on carbon emissions and that their square has a statistically significant negative impact on carbon emissions over the long and short term. The results show variations in signs for financial development between the short and long term and stable results for renewable energy with negative signs in both terms. These results show the importance of further research on the influence of financial development and green energy consumption on EKC. Therefore, policymakers need to pay more attention to these variables for a sustainable economy that is facing the effects of climate change.

Ultratough, Robustness, and Reprocessable Thermoset Epoxy Resins Synergistically Enhanced by Hierarchical Coordination Interactions and Dynamic Covalent Networks

AbstractEpoxy resins, ubiquitous and indispensable thermosetting material in various industries, suffer from the resistance to crack initiation, poor ductility, and irreparable permanent cross‐linked network, which hinder their utilization in high‐performance applications and are detrimental to the development of a sustainable economy. However, achieving the trade‐off between toughness, robustness, and reprocessability of epoxy resins remains a formidable challenge. Herein, an epoxy resin that combines ultratoughness, robustness, and reprocessability by incorporating a hierarchical crosslink structure embedded in a transesterification network is reported. The construction of hierarchical coordination structures facilitates formation of dense nano‐hard domains, enabling enhancement of both strength and toughness at multilength scales. As a result, the epoxy resin, integrating covalent adaptable networks with sacrificial non‐covalent networks, exhibits exceptional elongation at break (280%), modulus (1.8 GPa), stress at break (56.3 MPa), and tensile toughness (142 MJ m−3), showcasing its excellent endurance and ability to undergo multiple reprocessability. The application of this epoxy resin in carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer composites further underscores its potential as the resulting HCEV‐CFRPs exhibit unprecedented tensile properties and facilitate multiple non‐destructive recycling of high‐value carbon fiber under mild conditions. This research provides novel design principles for recyclable and high‐performance materials that combine strength and toughness.

Shareholder primacy or stakeholder governance?

Externalities happen largely in the private sector and cannot be fully separated from production decisions. Decision-making in companies thus co-determines the degree of sustainability of an economy. Advances in impact valuation allow us to express the stakeholder interests in finance and valuation terms. We can thus compare investment decisions and payout decisions for three types of models: the shareholder value model, the shareholder welfare model, and the stakeholder model. Our results show that stakeholder-driven companies are better able to pursue a sustainable economy. Corporate governance should be adjusted accordingly.

Harnessing the lymphatic system.

Heart failure (HF) is a growing concern, with significant implications for mortality, morbidity, and economic sustainability. Traditionally viewed primarily as a hemodynamic disorder, recent insights have redefined HF as a complex systemic syndrome, emphasizing the importance of understanding its multifaceted pathophysiology. Fluid overload and congestion are central features of HF, often leading to clinical deterioration and hospital admissions, with the role of the lymphatic system previously largely overlooked, partly due to diagnostic challenges and visualization difficulties. With the advancement of those techniques, pathophysiological changes occurring in the lymphatic system during HF, such as enlargement of the thoracic duct and the increased lymphatic flow, are now becoming apparent. This emerging research has begun to uncover the interplay between lymphatic dysfunction and HF, suggesting novel therapeutic targets. Advances in molecular biology, such as targeting vascular endothelial growth factor and promoting lymphangiogenesis, hold promise for improving lymphatic function and mitigating HF complications. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of lymphatic system-targeted therapies for HF. It explores various intervention levels, from mechanical lymphatic decongestion to pharmaceutical interactions and lymphatic micro-circulation, offering insights into future directions and potential clinical implications for HF management.

Evaluating Sustainability Practices in Viticulture Through a Comprehensive Study of Environmental, Social, and Economic Factors: A Case from Batman Province, Türkiye

This study aims to assess the sustainability level of viticulture farms in Batman province and identify the factors that hinder their sustainability. The data used for the study were collected in the 2021 production year through surveys of 94 farms. A composite sustainability index was developed to measure the sustainability level of viticultural activities. Positive or endogenous weighting methods, such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), were used to reduce the number of sustainability indicators and determine their weights. The index values for economic, environmental, and social sustainability were found to be 0.40, 0.44, and 0.53, respectively. The overall sustainability index value for the farms was calculated as 0.43. The study also highlighted that 46.81% of the farms are at risk in terms of sustainability, with larger farms showing better sustainability performance compared to smaller ones.

Transition from Electric Vehicles to Energy Storage: Review on Targeted Lithium-Ion Battery Diagnostics

This paper examines the transition of lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles (EVs) to energy storage systems (ESSs), with a focus on diagnosing their state of health (SOH) to ensure efficient and safe repurposing. It compares direct methods, model-based diagnostics, and data-driven techniques, evaluating their strengths and limitations for both EV and ESS applications. This study underscores the necessity of accurate SOH diagnostics to maximize battery reuse, promoting sustainability and circular economy objectives. By providing a comprehensive overview of the battery lifecycle—from manufacturing to recycling—this research offers strategies for effective lifecycle management and cost-effective, environmentally sustainable secondary battery applications. Key findings highlight the potential of second-life EV batteries in ESSs. The integration of the considered diagnostic methods was shown to extend battery lifespan by up to 30%, reduce waste, and optimize resource efficiency, which is crucial for achieving circular economy objectives. This paper’s insights are crucial for advancing sustainable energy systems and informing future research on improving diagnostic methods for evolving battery technologies.

Harnessing Nitrogen Use Efficiency for Enhancing Productivity in Rice: A Review

Nitrogen fertilizers have significantly enhanced rice yields over the past decades, but they also have substantial negative impacts on the environment. Excessive application of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, beyond crop requirements is linked to environmental losses. High nitrogen fertilizer input leads to low nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) due to the rapid loss of nitrogen through ammonia volatilization, denitrification, surface runoff, and leaching in the soil-flood water system. Enhancing the yield potential of rice- based cropping systems in response to the global call for carbon neutrality is a crucial research target. New approaches are needed to boost yields while maintaining or ideally reducing nitrogen application to maximize crop NUE. Improving NUE is crucial for addressing the intertwined challenges of environmental degradation, climate change, and food security. This review provides an in-depth exploration of strategies for improving nitrogen use efficiency, including soil health management, optimized fertilizer application, crop management practices, physiological and morphological approaches, exploiting symbiotic relationships, and genetic approaches, all aimed at enhancing rice productivity while addressing agricultural and environmental challenges caused by nitrogen losses, such as ammonia volatilization and leaching and promoting more sustainable farming practices. It also reduces the input costs, leading to a more sustainable agricultural economy and improved living standards for farming communities.

The Green Indium Patented Technology SCRIPT, for Indium Recovery from Liquid Crystal Displays: Bench Scale Validation Driven by Sustainability Assessment

Indium is considered a valuable and irreplaceable material for a variety of applications that improve the quality of human life. Due to its limited availability and the growing demand, it is mandatory to find sustainable solutions for indium recovery from end-of-life devices. The green indium patented technology SCRIPT (ITA202018000008207) focuses on recovering indium from ground LCD panels, developed through laboratory scale investigation. The process ensures high recovery efficiencies of indium (>90%), features a simple design, and fully exploits the solid residue with the production of a concrete for building applications. This manuscript presents a study focused on the validation and optimization of the patented SCRIPT technology at the bench scale, driven by sustainability assessment. Bench scale experiments successfully validated the technology, improving its technology readiness level. Furthermore, an environmental sustainability assessment highlighted the importance of treating the finest fraction, which has the highest indium concentration. Optimization tests at the bench scale demonstrated that water could be recirculated for more than five cycles. The economic sustainability tests highlighted that when the indium concentration in the material fed into the recycling plant is above 1000 mg/kg, the technology is cost effective and worth investment. Our study is fundamental for boosting indium recycling in the world. Moreover, our methodological approach represents a guideline for achieving sustainability goals within circular economy approaches for strategic metals in complex matrices.