Sustainable Projects Research Articles

Assessing the sustainability of small hydropower sites in the Citarum Watershed, Indonesia employing CA-Markov and SWAT models

ABSTRACT This study investigates the sustainability of potential small hydropower sites within the Citarum Watershed in West Java, Indonesia. The Citarum River, with a catchment area of 6,090 km2, plays a crucial role in regional water supply and hydroelectric power generation. However, environmental challenges such as deforestation, land use changes, and sedimentation pose significant risks. We employed the CA-Markov model integrated with IDRISI TerrSet software and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool to predict future land use changes and assess water supply, soil erosion, and sedimentation impacts for 2030 and 2040. The analysis revealed diverse trends in water yield across different catchment areas, with some regions showing increased water availability and others facing declines. High erosion and sedimentation rates were identified as critical issues affecting hydropower efficiency. The study highlights the need for comprehensive watershed management strategies, including reforestation, sustainable land management practices, and sediment management, to enhance the sustainability of small hydropower projects. Our findings underscore the importance of integrating environmental considerations into hydropower development to ensure the ecological integrity of the Citarum Watershed.

Challenges of Implementing Integrated Project Delivery in the Construction Industry in Egypt

Abstract The construction industry, being one of the biggest sectors globally, has a crucial part to play in achieving global sustainability goals. However, it faces criticism for practices that impede sustainability in construction projects. This is often attributed to the continued reliance on traditional construction methods and contracts, which typically separate design and construction phases. This separation hampers communication among project stakeholders and hinders construction professionals from offering feedback to improve project performance. Despite various efforts to address the shortcomings of traditional procurement methods and contracts, this issue persists. Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) offers a fresh strategy that combines people, systems, business models, and practices to boost value for clients, reduce waste, encourage teamwork, and increase efficiency throughout the entire project. Nonetheless, integrating this approach into the construction sector in Egypt and the MENA region encounters several hurdles. This study aims to explore the challenges associated with implementing IPD in Egypt’s construction industry. This research employs a qualitative approach, grounding its findings in a thorough review of literature and detailed case studies. It explores the nature of the construction industry, sustainability efforts, construction contracts, and IPD. Furthermore, it includes an analysis of three case studies to shed light on the benefits of implementing IPD in construction projects.

Expanding community-based participatory action research practices to clubhouses through sustainable research activities.

There is growing utilization and acknowledgement of the benefits of community-based participatory action research (CBPAR) in advancing health practices and equity. However, the sustainability and full impact of CBPAR in health care settings faces many obstacles and limitations. The present article examines the synergies between CBPAR and Clubhouse programs, presents the demonstration and ongoing implementation of sustainable CBPAR practices at Fountain House in New York City, and offers lessons learned for other Clubhouses and similar programs seeking to integrate CBPAR. Alignment in practice and principles between CBPAR and Clubhouse programs are presented. The innovation and ongoing sustainable CBPAR practices in the Fountain House Clubhouse program are examined with a contribution of practice guidance for other Clubhouse and similar programs in further adopting and learning CBPAR into participatory health practices. Clubhouse psychosocial rehabilitation programs present structurally conducive settings for the success and sustainability of CBPAR activities and projects. The Fountain House examination and demonstration of integrating CBPAR sustainably into core Clubhouse programming presents opportunities for further integration, research, and practice guidance in uniquely leveraging features of the Clubhouse model to advance health equity and rehabilitative outcomes through CBPAR. The opportunity for incorporating structural CBPAR activities within Clubhouse programs can be informed by the experience, processes, and lessons applied in the Fountain House example. Further research into the rehabilitation, program, and equity benefits of Clubhouse and CBPAR integration could uniquely contribute to the advancement of sustainable participatory research practices across the mental health field generally. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Community energy and socio-technical infrastructure resilience: analysis of mini/micro hydro power projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract In 2014–15, Pakistan’s provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) launched a decentralised power generation initiative, installing over 356 small hydro power units to provide electricity to over 2.5 million people in its mountainous regions. This initiative built on the foundation of prior community-based mini/micro hydro-power projects (MHPPs) deployed in the region since the 1980s that have experienced mixed success; by 2020, over 150 units were non-operational. This paper investigates the socio-technical factors influencing the success and failure of these projects, focusing on outcomes and processes integral to community MHPPs. The study analyses the critical implications of MHPPs for socio-economic welfare, gender equity and democratic governance through extensive primary research including field observations at 40 sites, questionnaire surveys with community residents in three in-depth case-studies, and expert interviews with local policymakers and project developers. Analysis shows that electricity provision from MHPPs has had positive outcomes for the communities in terms of improved education, poverty alleviation and economic growth, alongside enhanced access to information and gains in women’s entrepreneurship and health. Nonetheless, the study also identifies significant shortcomings in the processes involved in community MHPPs related to inadequate technical assessments, monitoring, and evaluation, as well as challenges arising from undemocratic governance mechanisms and inequitable participation. By teasing out the multiple socio-technical dimensions that shape infrastructure resilience of MHPPs in KPK, this paper contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable community energy projects and informs policy for decentralised energy transitions that ensure democratic alignment and inclusive design.

Sustainable Project Management Practices and the Performance of Construction Companies

Sustainable Project Management Practices and the Performance of Construction Companies

Investigating the Role of Change Management in Achieving Sustainable Project Management in Construction Firms

Abstract Over the past years, the construction sector has seen significant transformation driven by sustainability and change management, as most construction companies strive to lower emissions, be future-proof, and slow down the rate of climate change. While these two disciplines have distinct goals, they share essential principles. Both change management and sustainable project management emphasize addressing the environmental, social, and economic aspects while maintaining ethics, transparency, and stakeholder demands. According to previous studies, incorporating sustainability concepts into project management systems could enhance organizational value, risk control, cost savings, stakeholders’ relationships, and long-term value generation. In the context of change management, integrating sustainability into project management systems strives to ensure that initiatives are not only financially feasible but also socially and ecologically responsible. Despite previous research in those fields, further investigation and application of the implementation methodologies are still recommended. The main aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between sustainability in the project management field, its relation to change management procedures, and how it could be beneficial for the implementation process in the construction industry. A constructive literature review was adapted to develop a potential primary framework for future implementation, which facilitates future attempts at construction organization implementation processes.

Green finance as a tool to stimulate investments in environmentally sustainable projects

This article discusses one of the most effective methods of financing investments in fixed assets through loans or bonds. The mechanism of green financing is a tool that can attract part of the necessary investments to achieve ambitious goals of the designated strategy. The ESG (environmental, social, governance) agenda has recently become one of the most popular and widely discussed topics in global communities, including financial ones, as any transformation and change in business and economic conjunctures often require a significant amount of investment. The largest number of questions is raised by the E (environmental) component which is responsible for ecology, namely for ensuring decarbonisation of economic and social processes as well as for adapting to the challenges associated with the global energy transition, for protecting and multiplying natural capital, and reducing the harmful human impact on the environment. The article also provides a methodology for calculating the greenium that investors are willing to pay the issuer. The main attention is paid to a detailed analysis of the current state of the green bond market and to the process of forming a greenium in the Russian green finance market which will help investors make informed decisions when choosing investments.

How does green finance affect human well-being in the context of aging populations? Evidences from China

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of green finance on human well-being in China in the context of urbanization and aging population. It aims to explore the contributions of green finance in such demographic scenarios. Design/methodology/approach This study innovates and optimizes the calculation of the carbon intensity of human well-being (CIWB) index and strengthens the integrity of the assessment model for green finance development. It uses the serial multiple mediator model and moderation effect analysis to address the impact of green finance on human well-being in China on the provincial level from 2009 to 2020. Findings Green finance has a significant, positive and direct impact on human well-being. Simultaneously, it influences human well-being indirectly through three transmission channels. Urbanization and an ageing population are significant individual mediators through which green finance contributes to human well-being improvement. Notably, these two mediators also work together to transfer the promotional impact of green finance to human well-being. Practical implications The government can perfect the regulations to strengthen the market ecosystem to accelerate the development of green finance. Reforms on the administrative division to expand the size of cities with the implementation of ageing friendly development strategy is also necessary. Attracting incoming foreign direct investment in sustainable projects and adjusting public projects and trade activities to fulfil the sustainable principles are also regarded as essential. Social implications The findings challenge traditional views on the impact of aging populations, highlighting the beneficial role of green finance in improving well-being amidst demographic changes. This offers a new perspective on economic and environmental sustainability in aging societies. Originality/value A multi-dimensional well-being indicator, CIWB and the serial multiple mediator model are used and direct and indirect impacts of green finance on human well-being is exhibited. It offers novel insights on the transmission channels behind, identifies the mediating role of urbanization and ageing population and offers empirical evidences with strong academic and policy implications.

Mapping causal networks from theories of change in sustainability projects: a software co-design process

Mapping causal networks from theories of change in sustainability projects: a software co-design process

Revolutionizing construction: A cutting-edge decision-making model for artificial intelligence implementation in sustainable building projects

This study examines how certain artificial intelligence (AI) drivers affect the industry's adoption of this technology in the construction industry. The research methods comprised a comprehensive analysis of previous studies to pinpoint the primary factors influencing AI adoption in the construction industry. Data collection was carried out through a well-structured survey involving relevant stakeholders in the building construction sector. The three main constructs of technological devices, advancement, and knowledge were found from the set of drivers with the technique of exploratory factor analysis. The deployment of AI in construction has the potential to improve health and safety and expedite project completion, as this research has evaluated. To figure out how these factors relate to the adoption of AI in the construction industry, partial least squares structural equation modeling was used. The study's conclusions showed that the influence of AI installation in the construction industry is reasonably significant thanks to the technology, advancement, and knowledge, contributing around 15 % of the effects that have been directly witnessed. The practical implications of AI for policy makers, engineers, and construction stakeholders are extensive and provide valuable insights for customized strategies aimed at using AI's potential to improve projects, promote sustainability, and elevate health and safety standards.

Projects as game changers for navigating sustainability transitions in societies: Multi-level effects from micro-level decisions

Sustainable development and sustainability transitions are becoming increasingly significant in research and practice due to immense challenges that social, economic, and environmental ecosystems are grappling with, such as climate change. Projects as interventions are game-changers in addressing these challenges, as decisions made in projects impact both project success and sustainability transition trajectories in societies. This study developed a conceptual framework through which the cruciality of decisions in different scenarios is evaluated to showcase how the priority of project managers' decisions at the project level (i.e., micro-level) not only impacts the same level but also has butterfly effects on overall sustainability transitions at the broader societal levels (i.e., meso-level and macro-level). To reflect real-world complexities, we drew on various perspectives and theories, namely projects-as-interventions perspective, project-as-practice perspective, socio-technical perspective, actor-network theory, and decision theory, along with comparative analysis. The findings underscored that the project managers' awareness of sustainability transitions throughout the project life cycle (PLC) may change the prioritization and cruciality of decisions, and those can subsequently trigger societal sustainability transitions. Besides, the sensitivity of decision-making in line with sustainability in international and regional projects is more than in national and local projects. Therefore, this study primarily contributes to making sustainable decisions within projects while navigating sustainability transitions at the broader societal levels.

Green Labs Austria: Pioneering sustainability in scientific research

While scientific research plays a crucial role in developing solutions to the imminent threat of climate change, research labs across the world are significantly exacerbating the problem through extreme energy usage and excessive plastic consumption. To explore ways scientists can minimize the environmental impacts of their research, MIT Science Policy Review spoke with Dr. Melina Kerou, a Senior Scientist at the University of Vienna, and Dr. Philipp Weber, a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Vienna and Sustainability Project Officer at the European Molecular Biology Organization. Drs. Kerou and Weber are two of the co-founders of Green Labs Austria (GLA), a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the carbon footprint of research settings by promoting sustainable practices, providing resources, and raising awareness of key issues hindering progress in combating climate change. In our conversation, Drs. Kerou and Weber shared the inspiration behind founding GLA, the necessity for sustainability to become an integral part of all research practices, and the benefits of creating networks and collaborations to promote sustainable methods in laboratories across Europe and beyond.

A roadmap for overcoming barriers to implementation of blockchain-enabled smart contracts in sustainable construction projects

A roadmap for overcoming barriers to implementation of blockchain-enabled smart contracts in sustainable construction projects

AN INTEGRATED ANALYSIS OF GREEN HIGHWAY ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

In line with the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, all industries are slowly moving toward a greener approach through their activities and practices. The construction industry is a major contributor to overall economic growth as it provides infrastructure and physical facilities for people. However, the activities involved have caused several environmental impacts, such as pollution, climate change, destruction of natural habitats, landfill waste, and overconsumption of global resources. Therefore, this study presents a comprehensive analysis on the infrastructure work, which is the green highway assessment. The assessment criteria and rating methods were derived from seven prominent frameworks, including Greenroads, WISE, GreenLITES, I-LAST, BE2ST, Greenroads Manual, and MyGHI. Moreover, this research evaluates these sustainable criteria across five elements of green highway development: sustainable design and construction activity, energy efficiency, environmental and water management, materials and technology, and social and safety aspects. This research adopted a systematic literature review and comparative analysis to identify commonalities, differences, and gaps in existing assessment frameworks, providing insights into the holistic evaluation of green highways and sustainable infrastructure projects. The findings of this research contribute to advancing the understanding of green highway initiatives, especially in the local context, and policy development in the field of sustainable infrastructure.

Sustainability assessment indicators of road infrastructure projects: a systematic literature review

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify sustainability assessment indicators of road infrastructure projects by analyzing and synthesizing existing literature, considering that, despite being essential to achieving the sustainable development goals, sustainability performance in road infrastructure projects is a persistent challenge. Therefore, determining how sustainability can be assessed in these projects is crucial, necessitating a systematic review of the sustainability assessment indicators of road infrastructure projects. Design/methodology/approach Using PRISMA principles, 54 peer-reviewed papers from 2010 to 2022 were retrieved from three search databases (Scopus, Research for Life and Google Scholar) as part of a systematic literature review. Data analysis techniques included both descriptive and content analysis. Findings The study identified 22 indicators. The results emphasized that the sustainability of road infrastructure projects should consider all three sustainability dimensions to provide development while meeting human needs, preserving the planet Earth and enhancing economic growth. Similarly, indicators should be incorporated from the design phase to implement and attain sustainability successfully. Practical implications The outcome of this study will serve as a guide to road infrastructure stakeholders to understand the relevant sustainability indicators to assess the sustainability performance of their projects. Originality/value The study’s findings provide the sustainability assessment indicators for roads, which serve as a foundation for developing a sustainability assessment indicator framework for road infrastructure projects. Future research can look at establishing the indicators for the end-of-life phase of the project lifecycle.

An insightful multicriteria model for the selection of drilling technique for heat extraction from geothermal reservoirs using a fuzzy-rough approach

Geothermal energy stands out as an exceptional renewable resource for power generation, offering a consistent power production without the intermittency issues. Despite its potential to deliver a consistent supply of electricity on demand, geothermal adoption is hindered due to substantial costs. Utilising the most effective drilling method can alleviate this challenge by boosting efficiency and reducing operational costs. The primary goal of this study is to identify the best drilling method for extracting heat from geothermal reservoirs. This optimised approach facilitates better access to geothermal reservoirs, leading to increased heat recovery rates and improved project viability. Traditional methods often fall short in evaluating optimal drilling alternatives due to uncertainties. To address this, our research introduces an innovative paradigm that integrates novel T-Spherical Hesitant Fuzzy Rough (T−SHFR) set, method for the removal effects of criteria with a geometric mean and ranking alternatives with weights of criterion hybrid Multiple Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) techniques. By leveraging the novel T−SHFR concept, our approach allows for a comprehensive assessment of various factors. This holistic evaluation ensures an exhaustive comprehension of the decision-making environment. The study reveals that reservoir characteristics play a significant role in selecting a sustainable drilling alternative. Furthermore, directional drilling appears as the most promising method with higher energy yields followed by slim hole drilling. The robustness and credibility of these findings are established through sensitivity and comparative analyses, indicating the potential applicability of this MCDM method to analogous challenges in different contexts. The findings of the ranking techniques were validated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, which revealed a positive and notable correlation. This research will empower stakeholders to make informed decisions, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and sustainability of geothermal energy projects.

The global cost of international commitments on land restoration

AbstractLand restoration and sustainable land management projects have now been proposed for up to a billion hectares globally, responding to continuous land degradation processes. But, a lack of reliable cost estimates hinders implementation, which results in a high perceived risk of restoration investments. This study addresses this gap, using cost data from 243 restoration projects from multiple sources to estimate the cost ranges for different types of restoration more precisely. The analysis shows median restoration costs vary from 185 $US/ha to 3012 $US/ha depending on the restoration measure, implying current global land restoration commitment cost 0.04%–0.27% of annual global GDP to implement. Since the majority of these commitments are made by developing countries, international cost‐sharing mechanisms, through climate or private finance, are required to move from goal setting to implementation.

Childhood cancer in Bangladesh: a qualitative evaluation.

Childhood cancer persists as a prominent public health concern in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with only a 20% survival rate. In Bangladesh, 67% of healthcare expenses are out of pocket. Since 2012, World Child Cancer-UK (WCC-UK) has collaborated with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) to address this issue. This evaluation aimed to assess the project's purpose and impact, delivering insights to donors regarding their contributions, best practices, lessons learned, potential challenges encountered, and recommendations for future project development or refinement. This study employed a qualitative method to evaluate the WCC-UK project objectives from May to June 2017. It involved seven document reviews and nine key informant interviews (KIIs) with project leadership, collaborating partners at the Hub and Satellites, management staff, and Twinning Partners. Besides, two in-depth interviews (IDIs) were carried out with certain beneficiaries, particularly parents of children with cancer. Thematic data analysis was performed to emanate the findings. Despite facing challenges such as an unclear management structure, ambiguous patient eligibility criteria, personnel issues, and communication gaps, the project made strides in several areas. BSMMU provided essential space and leadership, while Satellite Centers supported the project with continuing medical education (CME) and data entry. The project offered subsidies to poor patients and improved cancer awareness among healthcare providers and service seekers. Despite some parents receiving health and nutrition education during their hospital stays, developing a long-lasting system to educate them about long-term cancer care for their children was found to be formidable. The analysis also highlighted staffing shortages, a hierarchical gap between physicians and nurses, and a predominantly male leadership structure. While the project has made progress toward its goals, there are critical areas that require attention to fully realize its objectives. Specifically, it is recommended that the project clarify its management structure, establish clear patient eligibility criteria, address staffing and communication issues, and work towards a more inclusive leadership. These improvements are essential for the project's long-term success and sustainability.

Integrated Sustainable Development Project for First Year Chemical Engineering Students

Integrated Sustainable Development Project for First Year Chemical Engineering Students

Principles for evaluating the quality and sustainability of social housing architecture projects

This article critically examines the principles for assessing the quality and sustainability of social housing architecture projects, using the Mucajá Housing Complex, located in Macapá, Amapá, as a case study. Through a qualitative research methodology, including document, design, bibliographic, and photographic analysis, the physical and environmental aspects of the housing complex will be evaluated. The article identifies how the principles of flexibility, functionality, accessibility, and the sustainable use of natural resources were incorporated into the Mucajá project, analyzing its ability to meet the present and future needs of the residents, as well as its contribution to environmental preservation. The results indicate that the Mucajá Housing Complex does not satisfactorily meet most of the Principles of Sustainability and Quality in Housing Project Design. It highlights the complete absence of verifiers that meet the Principle of Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and the Principle of Flexibility, as well as the high inaccessibility of the Complex. This demonstrates that the housing complex is disconnected from most sustainability indicators.