Sustainability Indicators Research Articles

Identifying and quantifying key sustainability indicators for pastoral dairy-beef production systems

Identifying and quantifying key sustainability indicators for pastoral dairy-beef production systems

Sustainability Indicators Correlation Matrix

Abstract: This study explores the complex interplay between economic growth, environmental preservation, and energy efficiency in the context of sustainable development. Leveraging analytical tools such as the OSeMOSYS model and Pearson correlation coefficient, the research investigates how economic decisions impact energy resource utilization and environmental quality. Key sustainability indicators, including Energy Payback Time (EPBT), Internal Rate of Return (ITR), and Climate Change Impact Mitigation (IMPcc), are analyzed within the framework of the Atlantis energy system. The study emphasizes the need to balance economic priorities with environmental considerations to achieve sustainability objectives effectively. Furthermore, the research evaluates the correlation between sustainability indicators when integrated into the optimization process of the OSeMOSYS energy modeling system. This approach, advocated in previous studies, underscores the importance of incorporating sustainability metrics into decision-making processes. In conclusion, the findings highlight the necessity of reevaluating the weighting of indicators within optimization functions to prioritize sustainability goals. By providing insights into the complex relationships between economic, energy, and environmental factors, the study contributes to advancing sustainable development practices for policymakers, businesses, and society as a whole.

THE AGROECOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE OF THE UNION OF KANKELEN MARKET GROUPS AND THE NERICA UNION IN THE PREFECTURE OF FARANAH, REPUBLIC OF GUINEA

To circumscribe the prefecture of Faranah through the agroecological evaluation of some professional agricultural organizations in the context of sustainable development with the fight against climate change and the preservation of biodiversity For this evaluation of the agroecological performance of the farms of the union of Kankelen market gardening groups (UGMK) and the NERICA union (U.NERICA) in the prefecture of Faranah, in the Republic of Guinea, we chose. It consists of evaluating their performance based on three components (ecological diversity, spatial organization and agricultural practice). This evaluation provides guidance on the agroecological behavior of farmers in market gardening and rice farming in the said locality. This work highlights the combination of fifteen (15) indicators structured in three dimensions cited above and that the judgment reference is based on the maximum agroecological performance score. It is proposed by the Farm Sustainability Indicator (IDEA) method. The results obtained by these unions including an operator workforce of three hundred three (303) for the UGMK and one hundred and ninety-two (192) for the NERICA union, proved appreciable with a score of 65.7% for UGMK and 62.30% for U. NERICA. This is due to the massive participation in training workshops led by their development partner (ISAV, PNAAFA, AgriFARM, National NGO : AGUISA, APIC guinea).

Selected Sustainability Indicators and Performance Rankings at The Herbal Medicine Company

Selected Sustainability Indicators and Performance Rankings at The Herbal Medicine Company

Proposed green marketing strategy to collaborate with tourism awareness group (Pokdarwis): Case study at Sein Farm, Bandung

Purpose: The results of this research are to propose a Development Strategy using the Green Marketing Model to create an environmentally friendly strategy that can make Sein Farm a place for Sustainable Tourism and collaborate with Pokdarwis (Tourism Awareness Group) Cisurupan Bandung. Research Methodology: This study used qualitative research methods. The qualitative with thematic analysis and semi-structured interviews with respondent and un-structured forum group discussions (FGD) with Pokdarwis to analize this research analysis with STP, Pestle, SWOT & TWOS, Hexa Helix and Sustainable Tourism Indicators. Results: With Thematic Analysis Several findings of green marketing indicators were found (eco-friendly product, price with tour package Rp 20.000-50.000, green place with natural resources, promotion with collaborate attraction, people with verified and certificated, adding attraction with green process with plan tree, waste sorting, and physical evidence with farmers architecture building). STP Analysis is Student with Kindergarten, Targeting is Urban and School with interest about Urban Farming Education, Positioning is Added Atraction with Collaboration with Pokdarwis to achieve Sustainable tourism ( Watching Art & Culture and Waste Management & Game Traditional ) and Empowerement Community with Collaborate to produce Eco-Souvenir and UMKM.

Assessing policy capacity and policy effectiveness: A comparative study using sustainable governance indicators

Assessing policy capacity and policy effectiveness: A comparative study using sustainable governance indicators

Long-Term Mine Planning: A Survey of Classical, Hybrid and Artificial Intelligence-Based Methods

The aim of long-term mine planning (LTMP) is two-fold: to maximize the net present value of profits (NPV) and determine how ores are sequentially processed over the lifetime. This scheduling task is computationally complex as it is rife with variables, constraints, periods, uncertainties, and unique operations. In this paper, we present trends in the literature in the recent decade. One trend is the shift from deterministic toward stochastic problems as they reflect real-world complexities. A complexity of growing concern is also in sustainable mine planning. Another trend is the shift from traditional operational research solutions — relying on exact or (meta) heuristic methods — toward hybrid methods. They are compared through the scope of the problem formulation and discussed via solution quality, efficiency, and gaps. We finally conclude with opportunities to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI)-based methods due to paucity, multiple operational uncertainties simultaneously, sustainability indicator quantification, and benchmark instances.

ECOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES OF WEEDS AS INDICATORS OF SUSTAINABILITY IN AGROECOSYSTEMS OF THE SOUTHEASTERN REGION OF MEXICO CITY

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Pre-Hispanic agroecosystems in Mexico City have changed the kind of crops, management practices, tools, and inputs, seriously impacting their biocultural value and sustainability. Previous studies have demonstrated these changes' economic, cultural, and political consequences. However, their effects on biodiversity have not been considered. The present study characterized the management carried out in three agroecosystems in the southeastern area of Mexico City and its possible relationship with agrobiodiversity. <strong>Objective</strong>: To evaluate the contribution of diversity, abundance, and composition of weeds as components of the sustainability of agroecosystems in Milpa Alta, Tláhuac, and Xochimilco municipalities. <strong>Methodology: </strong>179 interviews were conducted with campesinos. Weeds sampling in 30 plots, recording the abundance and frequency of each species. These data were used to estimate different ecological parameters. Information on management practices was transformed to develop an “agroecosystem sustainability index.” A multivariate analysis was applied to compare weed attributes between agroecosystems and spaces and to detect possible relationships between the index and ecological parameters. <strong>Results:</strong> 156 species were recorded. The <em>slope</em> had the highest diversity, and <em>ciénega</em> had the lowest. More than half of the weeds were native, and the <em>slope</em> exhibited the highest number. The Importance Value indicated no dominant species on the <em>slope, </em>opposite to<em> chinampa and ciénega</em>. Species composition also differed between the three agroecosystems. <em>Chinampa</em> was impacted the most, whereas the <em>slope</em> was least affected. <strong>Implications:</strong> The displacement of traditional crops and agricultural practices and the incorporation of technological practices have modified the ecological attributes of weeds, like their abundance and composition. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Starting from the argument that ecological attributes of weeds can be used as an indicator of sustainability, the <em>slope</em> resulted in the agroecosystem being most sustainable and should be used as a model to recover the agrobiodiversity of <em>ciénegas</em> and <em>chinampas</em>. </p>

Exploring E-Government Development Index as an Indicator of Sustainability in the Gulf Region

The primary aim of this article is to assess the E-Government Development Index (EGDI) of Arab Gulf countries, and it elucidates the key obstacles impeding the progress of the Gulf countries in the e-government sector. The EGDI data for the Gulf countries have been obtained from the United Nations, and an online business intelligence tool has been utilized for visualization purposes to facilitate comprehension. The levels of indicators within EGDI have been examined upon effectively retrieving data and presenting it appropriately. The article discusses the key areas of improvement that require governments’ attention in the Gulf countries to enhance their EGDI score. This can be leveraged to advance to global standards, offering their citizens optimal governance. Countries in the Gulf region must recognize that the e-government effort encompasses more than simply the transformation of governance and the provision of high-quality services. Instead, it entails aligning with global trends and effectively competing with other nations regarding developmental advancements. Countries must adhere to prevailing e-government trends to ensure alignment with global standards and expedite national advancement.

Characteristics, diagnosis and analysis of some indicators in the agricultural sector of the Trinidad Municipality, Cuba

<p>In the new policy established by the Cuban state for the agricultural sector, the achievement of food sovereignty and sustainability of said sector is established as a basic principle, which was endorsed in the current Law of Food Sovereignty and Food and Nutritional Security. For this reason, each municipality in the country, and under certain levels of autonomy, must guarantee compliance with the aforementioned law. For this, strict control of the structures of the territorial agricultural system and the behavior of its structures is necessary. With the completion of this work, the characterization, diagnosis and evaluation of some sustainability indicators for the agricultural sector in the Trinidad Municipality were established as objectives, in the period between 2015 and 2020, for this a work team was created that was able to collect, organize, analyze, compare and evaluate the information that appeared in the National Office of Statistics and Information of the Republic of Cuba, between the years 2015 and 2020, finding as one of the results that the workforce indicator used in this sector has suffered a drastic decrease, not guaranteeing the man-area relationship necessary to achieve food sovereignty and the sustainability of the sector at a territorial level.<strong></strong></p>

Patents as an indicator of sustainability of domestic products in the Russian market on the example of redispersible polymer powders

The article provides information regarding patenting statistics in the field of compositions and methods of production of redispersible polymer powders. It is demonstrated that a patent is primarily a profit-making tool, and patent research is a mechanism for making long-term forecasts in a technological niche. The main mistakes of Russian patent holders when protecting their developments are discussed and ways to prevent them are proposed. Comparative examples of claim writing are offered, and issues of comprehensive patent protection are also discussed.

Development of an Assessment and Management Framework for Sustainable Construction Projects in Jordan by Incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals

Countries worldwide have implemented several strategies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to which sustainable construction projects can contribute significantly. However, an integrated assessment and management method for sustainable construction projects is needed to improve the contributions of such projects to achieving the SDGs. Hence, this research aims to develop an innovative framework that integrates contributions to achieving the SDGs within the assessment and management of sustainable construction projects. We reviewed previous research and used the Delphi method to identify assessment indicators and construct a framework. Next, two new indices were constructed: the Sustainable Construction Project Indicator Contributions Index (SCPICI) and the Integrated Sustainable Construction Project Contributions Index (ISCPCI). Lastly, a focus group discussion was conducted. According to the SCPICI, the top five indicators are energy-efficient management (27.58), the use of renewable energy (27.51), measurements of energy savings during the construction and operation phases (26.64), water savings during construction and operation phases (26.18), and water recycling (25.46). The research findings indicate that sustainable construction projects substantially contribute to achieving SDGs 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 15. Policymakers and other stakeholders in the construction sector could use the proposed framework to assess and manage sustainable construction projects. Moreover, researchers worldwide could use the proposed methods to develop new frameworks in other countries.

Multi-criteria sustainability assessment of solid waste management in Jordan

This study comprehensively evaluates Jordan's municipal solid waste (MSW) management sector from 2022 to 2030, in alignment with Jordan Vision 2030. This study introduces new sustainability indicators and innovative waste management alternatives to address the challenges of rapid industrialization and population growth. Four strategic scenarios—1) recycling, composting, and sanitary landfilling; 2) recycling, anaerobic digestion, and sanitary landfilling; 3) incineration and sanitary landfilling; and 4) sanitary landfilling alone—were assessed against the business-as-usual scenario. Using multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and sensitivity analysis, this study evaluates net greenhouse gas emissions, annual operating expenses, revenue streams, and employment rates to measure environmental, economic, and social sustainability. The results indicate that Scenario 1 is the optimal scenario for integrating a material recovery facility (MRF) with a composting plant and sanitary landfill, achieving the lowest greenhouse gas emissions, annual costs, and employment opportunities. This study offers practical and sustainable solutions to Jordan's waste management challenges, provides novel insights through the developed MCDA and sensitivity analysis, and significantly contributes to sustainability research.

An Empirical Case Study GeoAI Usage for Sustainability Scoring of University Campuses

UI GreenMetric (GM) ranking system is a methodology to score and rank the university campuses in several categories. The campuses are measured according to their various sustainability indicators in this methodology. The base of this research to study on how we can use geoAI to calculate GM Setting & Infrastructure (SI) score. By this empirical case study to have ideas connected with the relation of score point and geospatial metrics by recognized of google map geotiff images of university campuses. To develop a geoIA methodology with KooMap cloud service in the purpose of sustainability scoring would provide a practical, accurate and pretty objective algorithm for a smart campus evaluation. In the way of transforming to smart city these applications and utilizations of geoAI are the digital trends of new era.

Towards sustainable production with resource efficiency: An empirical study of steelmaking continuous casting scheduling

Traditional heavy industries that are energy-intensive have much potential for energy saving and carbon emission reduction. Focusing on the production scheduling of steelmaking continuous casting, this study aims to propose a twin transformation strategy and investigate the impact on sustainable indicators while considering resource efficiency and productivity. Continuous casting is energy-intensive and the bottleneck for steelmaking. The batching and sequencing of the charges are crucial for energy resource management. This study developed a hybrid genetic algorithm that integrated charge batching decisions to minimize makespan and the total weighted tardiness for continuous casting while minimizing energy consumption for a circular supply chain. An empirical study is conducted to estimate the validity of this approach under various scenarios in real settings. The results have shown practical viability of the developed solution that has been implemented in this case company, while the developed solutions can be effectively employed in other industries for sustainability.

Dow Jones Sustainability Indices and ESG Scores: Do They Tell the Same Story?

The focal point of this research is to compare two of the largest global organizations’ sustainability indices and scores, namely Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSIs) and Standard & Poor’s Global (S&P Global) ESG scores (environmental, social, and governance), which rank companies based on their sustainability practices, and to learn if they correspond to each other. Considering that Germany is the hub of large companies from leading global industries, this research compares the ESG scores of the German companies that appear on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. Several statistical analyses are conducted to determine if the German companies on the DJSIs correspond with high ESG scores. The years under consideration are 2018 through 2023. The results of this research indicate that DJSIs and ESG scores do not tell the same story and there are discrepancies regarding the sustainability practices of the studied companies that are added to the DJSIs and the assigned high ESG scores by S&P Global.

ANALYZING CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY REPORTS WITH TOPSIS METHOD: EVIDENCE FROM BIST SUSTAINABILITY INDEX

In terms of businesses, the concept of sustainability is the sensitivity of a business that operates to make a profit to environmental and social issues. Sustainability in business activities and decision-making processes is expressed as taking into account environmental and social factors together with corporate governance principles. Therefore, in order to share sustainability information with stakeholders, businesses use integrated reports that include both financial and non-financial information together with sustainability reports as well as annual reports. Therefore, in this study, the activities of deposit, development and investment banks in the Sustainability Index of Borsa Istanbul between 2020 and 2022 are analyzed in terms of the three dimensions of corporate sustainability: environment, social and governance. Indicators related to environment, social and governance were determined to analyze sustainability performances. Information on the determined indicators was obtained from the annual reports, sustainability reports and integrated reports published by the enterprises and analyzed with the TOPSIS method. In addition, data on the indicators determined to analyze the economic situation of the enterprises in the specified period were obtained from the Turkish Banking Association.. Information on economic indicators was also analyzed using the TOPSIS method and it was also investigated whether there is a relationship between sustainability and economic indicators. As a result of the analysis, no statistically significant result was found between sustainability performance reports and economic indicators. In this context, as a result of the results obtained, suggestions were made for theoreticians and practitioners.

Micro and Small Companies: Economic Impacts of Differentiated Legislation and Government Interventions

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the economic analysis of law as a methodological framework to evaluate state intervention in favor of micro (ME) and small businesses (EPP), with the aim of understanding how such interventions can influence growth, the innovation and competitiveness of these companies, as well as their contribution to economic development. Theoretical Framework: In this topic, the main concepts and theories that underpin the research are presented. Public policy theories, development economics and organizational theory stand out, providing a solid basis for understanding the impact of state interventions on ME and EPP. Theoretical models and case studies illustrate a variety of approaches and results. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises a deductive study, using both quantitative and qualitative data. Data collection was carried out through documentary analysis, semi-structured interviews and questionnaires applied to ME and EPP representatives, in addition to statistical analyzes to evaluate indicators of growth, innovation, employment capacity and financial sustainability. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that state intervention, through subsidies, advantageous tax policies, training programs and facilitating access to public purchases, can have significant impacts on ME and EPP. The analysis showed sustainable growth, innovation and job creation, although the effectiveness of interventions is intrinsically linked to factors such as appropriate policy design, effective coordination between government bodies and the ability to adapt to the specific needs of each sector and region. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of economic development and public policy for ME and EPP. These implications could range from improving existing policies, formulating new state intervention strategies, and identifying areas for future research. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the importance of the economic analysis of law in the evaluation of public policies aimed at ME and EPP. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by the innovative approach and findings that can impact the formulation and implementation of effective policies, promoting the sustainable growth and competitiveness of these companies.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Indicators in the Municipality of Raposa do Maranhão

Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar os indicadores de desenvolvimento sustentável e o modelo do empreendedorismo social e suas relações no desenvolvimento regional e sua conservação e uso sustentável dos serviços ecossistêmicos, no âmbito do município de Raposa do Maranhão, elevando a vocação do município nos serviços sociais e solidários integrada às riquezas naturais. O método constitui na pesquisa dos Índices de Desenvolvimento Sustentável - IDS, onde foi possível analisar evidências sociais relacionadas a uma estratégia empreendedora específica, na comunidade tradicional do município da Raposa do Maranhão. A importância social desse trabalho, diante à problematização que é trazida, dar-se pela evidência aos indicadores de desenvolvimento sustentável direcionando-os como fator de transformação social, econômico e ambiental, no combate à pobreza e promovendo melhoria econômica, diante a potencialidade de uma região voltadas para negócios sociais. Os procedimentos metodológicos compreenderam o levantamento de dados empíricos de fontes primárias e registros fotográficos. Como fonte secundária utilizou-se indicadores de desenvolvimento sustentável do município de Raposa do estado do Maranhão, e sua vocação em serviços solidários de uma economia sustentável. Como resultado alcançou-se o entendimento métrico dos indicadores sustentável do desenvolvimento regional do município de Raposa do Maranhão e a vocação ao empreendedorismo social entre a comunidade tradicional, o bioma, a territorialidade e conservação do uso e as práticas econômicas sustentáveis.

Assessment of sustainability of natural complexes of the Minyarsky physiographic region of the Western slope of the Southern Urals

The article considers the evaluation of sustainability of natural complexes of low-mountain sections of the western slope of the Southern Urals (Minyarsk physical and geographical area) on the basis of analysis of landscape profiles on the indicator of sustainability of natural complexes. Peculiarities of the study area are highlighted: specific climatic conditions, complex geological and geomorphological conditions with ongoing industrial development, as well as a variety of soil and hydrological conditions combined with anthropogenic transformation of the territory. In the course of landscape profiling, as well as the application of methods of assessment of anthropogenic transformation of landscapes (at the level of the terrain), a decrease of diversity in natural complexes on the studied slopes was established, Replacement of typical plant communities by secondary successional communities in lowland areas dominated by horsetail. It has also been established that the aggregate of conditions in natural complexes indicates anthropogenic transformation of slope landscapes, the aggregate leading factor of which is the geochemical position on the element of the slope, Low resistance to external influence of the soil with a rinsing type of water regime defining plant associations. The obtained materials can be used as a basis for analysis of ecological condition of landscapes of the western slope of the Southern Urals, as well as characteristics of slope types of locations. Materials allow to further assess the recreational attractiveness of landscapes and the choice of ways of natural use of the studied area.