Sustainable Projects Research Articles

Using role-playing games in virtual exchanges: Global experiences in intercultural and multidisciplinary approaches to learning about environmental sustainability

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) require intercultural collaboration to ensure that the progress made so far becomes permanent and continues to progress towards inclusion and a just approach for all people. This means our learners need intercultural skills and competencies for interacting globally. This research examines how the use of role-playing games in virtual exchange projects can provide global learning experiences on controversial environmental sustainability projects. These games simulate the complexity of multi-stakeholder decisions that are frequently problematic for implementing environmental sustainability projects. From fall 2020 to spring 2022, 267 college students from three continents (North and South America, and Europe) comprising 27 global virtual teams played game simulations as a virtual exchange activity. Results showed that students can engage effectively to reach an agreement as role-playing stakeholders for these conflictual projects (Adj R2 = .498, Chi Square = 4.683, sig. = .003). In addition, meetings among the students held a couple weeks before the game were important in preparing them for the role-playing simulation. Language and cultural barriers proved no impediment for students communicating in a non-native language. Well-timed “nudging” and scaffolding support as well as early intercultural competence self-awareness training by the instructors underpinned these positive learning experiences and outcomes in the games.

Relevance of Financing and Investment in Sustainable projects and Business Models

El presente artículo de revisión se propone identificar cómo se relacionan los procesos de financiación e inversión con el desarrollo de proyectos y modelos sostenibles, así como las ventajas que se obtienen por este tipo de prácticas. Para ello implementa una metodología de orden cualitativa, que de acuerdo con Echarte (2023) implica analizar datos que ayuden a describir el fenómeno de interés para el investigador. Los datos que se obtienen bajo esta metodología provienen de documentación y expresión oral. Como principal hallazgo se puede indicar que las organizaciones que apoyan modelos de negocio sostenibles mejoran su imagen organizacional y logran la consecución de más recursos económicos.

Sustainable Construction Practices in Building Infrastructure Projects: The Extent of Implementation and Drivers in Malawi

Sustainable practice is considered a significant practice in modern construction for infrastructure development as it promotes economic growth and improves quality of life. Despite the importance of sustainable practices in construction, few studies have explored the implementation of these practices in low-income countries like Malawi. Therefore, this study aims to assess the extent of the implementation of sustainable construction practices (SCPs) in building infrastructure projects in Malawi. Following an in-depth literature review, 22 sustainable construction practices and 13 drivers were identified. A survey of 193 construction professionals was conducted, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Relative Importance Index (RII). The findings revealed that economic practices such as efficient allocation of resources, use of quick construction tools and a coordinated supply chain in the construction process are widely implemented with emphasis on the economic aspect of sustainability for infrastructure projects in Malawi. The study further identified global trends and industry standards, social and health benefits, market demand and awareness and access to green technologies and innovation as the main drivers for adopting and implementing SCPs in Malawi. This study provides policymakers and stakeholders with valuable insights to develop policy regulations that would improve the sustainability performance of infrastructure projects.

Sustainability, circular economy, and projects: research opportunities

This editorial explores the intersection of sustainability, circular economy, and project management, highlighting its growing relevance in the contemporary context. Sustainability is deeply integrated into management modern practices, incorporating economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The circular economy, as an alternative to the traditional linear economic model, aims to reintegrate products and materials into the production live cycle, minimizing waste and maximizing resource use. Digital technologies such as IoT, AI, and blockchain provide new opportunities for implementing sustainable practices in real time, especially within the context of Industry 4.0. In project management, the incorporation of sustainability principles is crucial for ensuring long-term success. Frameworks such as the P5 Standard and PRiSM offer practical tools for integrating these concepts of sustainability into the daily routines of project professionals, promoting resource efficiency and social responsibility. The active engagement of stakeholders and the development of specific frameworks are essential for advancing project management that generates positive environmental and societal impacts. The editorial also highlights various research opportunities related to the integration of sustainability and the circular economy in project management. Research opportunities include understanding the impact of circular economy principles on project efficiency, stakeholder engagement in sustainable projects, and the development of frameworks aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By addressing these topics, researchers and organizations not only address environmental challenges but also gain a competitive advantage.

The story of the green PM

The book review introduces the concept of the Green PMO (Project Management Office), an initiative led by Eman Deabil to integrate sustainability into project management practices. It explores how the Green PMO was conceived, driven by global challenges like climate change and social inequalities, and developed into a collaborative book involving professionals from over 20 countries. The Green PMO provides practical frameworks, strategies, and case studies to help PMOs embed sustainability in their operations. By uniting project managers globally, it aims to drive meaningful, lasting change while fostering thought leadership and networking opportunities in sustainable project management.

Participant engagement and involvement in longitudinal cohort studies: qualitative insights from a selection of pregnancy and birth, twin, and family-based population cohort studies

BackgroundLongitudinal cohort studies are pivotal to understand how socioeconomic, environmental, biological, and lifestyle factors influence health and disease. The added value of cohort studies increases as they accumulate life course data and expand across generations. Ensuring that participants stay motivated to contribute over decades of follow-up is, however, challenging. Participant engagement and involvement (PEI) aims to secure the long-term commitment of participants and promote researcher-participant interaction. This study explored PEI practices in a selection of pregnancy and birth, twin, and family-based population cohort studies.MethodsPurposive sampling was used to identify cohorts in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Fourteen semi-structured digital interviews were conducted with cohort study representatives to explore strategies for participant recruitment, informed consent, communication of general and individual information to participants, data collection, and participant involvement. Experiences, resources allocated to PEI, and reflections on future PEI, were discussed. The interview data were analyzed using a content analysis approach and summary results were reviewed and discussed by the representatives.ResultsThe cohort studies used various strategies to recruit participants including support from health professionals and organizations combined with information on the studies’ web sites and social media. New approaches such as intra-cohort recruitment, were being investigated. Most cohorts transitioned from paper-based to digital solutions to collect the participants’ consent and data. While digital solutions increased efficiency, they also brought new challenges. The studies experimented with the use of participant advisory panels and focus groups to involve participants in making decisions, although their success varied across age and socio-economic background. Most representatives reported PEI resources to be limited and called for more human, technical, educational and financial resources to maximize the positive effects of PEI.ConclusionsThis study of PEI among well-established cohort studies underscores the importance of PEI for project sustainability and highlights key factors to consider in developing PEI. Our analysis shows that knowledge gaps exist regarding which approaches have highest impact on retention rates and are best suited for different participant groups. Research is needed to support the development of best practices for PEI as well as knowledge exchange between cohorts through network building.

Green Bonds: A Financial Tool for Sustainable Development and Investment using EDAS method

Green bonds, a key innovation in sustainable finance, have gained prominence over the past decade by providing a mechanism for financing environmentally-friendly projects. Unlike conventional bonds, green bonds incorporate a "use of proceeds" clause, ensuring that funds are directed toward projects that contribute to sustainability goals. This paper examines different aspects of green bonds and other "labelled bonds," including social and sustainability bonds, and positions them within the context of sustainable business models, particularly Business Models for Sustainability (BMfS). Research significance: Green bonds, which include a "use of proceeds" clause, ensure that funds are allocated to environmentally sustainable projects. Despite the growing interest in green bonds, much of the existing literature has focused on financial metrics such as the "green bond premium" rather than exploring broader implications for sustainability. This research addresses that gap by developing a structural model for green bond pricing and proposing policies to enhance their market appeal. Alternative: EcoBond A, Green Future Bond B, Clean Energy Bond C, Sustainable Growth Bond D, Climate Action Bond E, Renewable Resources Bond F. Evaluation Preference: Interest Rate (%), Environmental Impact (1-10), Project Type Score (1-10), Credit Rating Score (1-10). The results indicate that Climate Action Bond E achieved the highest rank, while Green Future Bond B had the lowest rank being attained. Conclusion: “The value of the dataset for Climate Action Bond E, according to the EDAS method, Green Bonds and Sustainable Finance achieves the highest ranking.”

Stakeholder Exposure and Sustainability of Corporate Social Responsibility Community Projects in Telecommunication in Rwanda

This research aimed to analyze how stakeholder engagement affects the sustainability of CSR projects in Rwanda’s telecommunications sector, focusing on Airtel Rwanda. Specific objectives included assessing the impact of government policy, corporate benefits, community involvement, and accountability on CSR sustainability. Using a descriptive research strategy, the study surveyed 262 employees from Airtel Rwanda’s CSR department, selecting 159 participants through stratified sampling. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed, with primary data collected via questionnaires. Data analysis utilized SPSS version 22, presenting results in frequency tables, figures, and graphs. Findings indicated a strong positive correlation (R = 0.901) between the independent variables and CSR sustainability, with the model explaining 81.2% of the variance (R² = 0.812). Each factor demonstrated significant contributions: government policy (β = 0.252, t = 5.952, p < 0.05) predicted a 0.252 unit increase in sustainability per unit increase; corporate benefits (β = 0.259, t = 6.299, p < 0.05) indicated a 0.259 unit increase; community involvement (β = 0.417, t = 9.567, p < 0.05) showed a 0.417 unit increase; and accountability (β = 0.106, t = 2.547, p < 0.05) suggested a 0.106 unit increase. The study recommends that Airtel Rwanda strengthen government relations through dialogue, raise public awareness of CSR benefits, involve local communities in CSR initiatives, and implement robust policies for effective management of CSR projects.

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment for Sustainable Construction Projects: Leveraging Lean Techniques

To increase productivity and avoid waste, the construction industry has started implementing Lean ideas and methodologies in construction projects. Due to a lack of awareness of lean practices in the preparation, design, and execution of building and infrastructure projects, lean practices are not very familiar among construction projects, which are most commonly used in the manufacturing industry. Hence, an effort has been made in this paper to provide a comprehensive review of the literature and case studies to analyze the suitability of lean practice in sustainable waste management, increased productivity, and on-time project delivery. It aims to explore the effect of improving communication and fostering collaboration among stakeholders on time, costs, and resource management. The review identified the most commonly applied lean practices, Just in Time (JIT) and Last Planner System (LPS), and linked the adoption of lean techniques within the construction sector to a total of sixteen distinct benefits for the economy, society, and the environment. According to this study, lean techniques have a strong chance of boosting productivity in the construction industry and developing a sustainable built environment, but they also need to be used widely and continuously to achieve these goals.

Sustainability Spectacle in the Gulf

The Gulf states have become home to many spectacular environmental sustainability projects, ranging from new infrastructure like solar parks and green cities to global events like the COP28 climate talks in Dubai. These projects are designed to be visually impressive and to illustrate the Gulf commitment to building a post-oil “green” future. Increasingly used to promote nationalist pride among Gulf citizens, symbols of green modernity are also used to recruit valuable knowledge workers to the region. Yet sustainability spectacle ultimately obscures Gulf state leaders’ refusal to shift their economies and political systems away from fossil fuels, while simultaneously justifying yet more unsustainable development—just with a new green label.

Stakeholder communication framework for successful implementation of community-based renewable energy projects

The implementation of community-based renewable energy projects demands effective stakeholder communication to ensure project sustainability, community acceptance, and overall success. This review proposes a strategic framework for communicating with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, project developers, and non-governmental organizations. The framework emphasizes transparency, trust-building, and engagement as core principles to address the unique challenges and requirements of community-based renewable energy initiatives. Key components include identifying relevant stakeholders, establishing clear communication objectives, and selecting appropriate channels for tailored, ongoing dialogue. First, the framework outlines the identification process of key stakeholders, considering their roles, influence, and interests in the project. This involves categorizing stakeholders into primary (directly impacted) and secondary (indirectly impacted) groups, which enables targeted engagement efforts. Next, the framework recommends diverse communication channels, such as community meetings, social media platforms, local radio, and informational workshops. These channels are chosen based on accessibility, stakeholder preferences, and cultural appropriateness, ensuring messages reach all stakeholders effectively. The framework also includes strategic engagement tactics to enhance community participation, including participatory planning sessions, regular feedback loops, and transparent reporting on project milestones and impacts. By fostering continuous interaction, the project team can build and sustain trust, helping to alleviate concerns and gain community support. Moreover, the framework advocates for the inclusion of culturally relevant communication approaches that respect local values and practices, further strengthening stakeholder relationships. Implementing this communication framework is expected to enhance transparency, cultivate trust, and improve community buy-in, ultimately driving the success and long-term sustainability of community-based renewable energy projects. This approach aligns stakeholder interests, mitigates risks of opposition, and promotes shared ownership, facilitating smoother project execution. By engaging stakeholders meaningfully, community-based renewable energy initiatives can achieve greater resilience and acceptance, contributing to the broader goals of energy transition and environmental sustainability.

Sustainable Oyster Mushroom Livelihood Development Project for Rural Communities of Ilocos Sur

This research was conducted to determine the contributions of the stakeholders of oyster mushroom livelihood project particularly on their participation on technical services and adequacy/availability of financial services; to determine the challenges encountered in terms of knowledge, willingness, attitude and policy implementation; and develop a framework that can help to address sustainability of the mushroom livelihood project. Four municipalities in Ilocos Sur Province were selected as research site using an inclusion criteria. A constructed survey questionnaire and an interview guide were used to gather data which were collated and interpreted using the point scale, range of values, and descriptive equivalent. As prevailed in the research study, there is high participation on the technical support of the LGU in all activities of the mushroom livelihood project. However, the mushroom growers consistently claimed a low to moderate participation of LGUs on the support to development initiatives of the mushroom livelihood project and formalizing involvement of funding agencies and other stakeholders through a MOA. On the area of financial support, LGUs provided highly available/adequate support according to them but mushroom growers mentioned they received moderately available/adequate financial support. On the knowledge, willingness, and attitude of mushroom growers, there were no challenges encountered. This suggests that they have already the knowledge and capabilities of producing and managing their mushroom livelihood. They just needed enhancement in order to prove more about the technology and its management. On the policy implementation, the LGUs have encountered varied challenges in the area of technical policies, but overall, the LGUs and the mushroom growers revealed that they encountered very serious challenges. On the financial policies aspect, the LGUs encountered a very serious challenge, specifically on the allocation of funds for monitoring activities. Overall, a low to moderate participation of LGUs on their technical support, a moderately available/adequate financial support, and challenged with the problem on policy implementation prevailed based from the result of the study, hence, the sustainability mechanism and development framework on oyster mushroom livelihood development project is hereby recommended to help achieve sustainable rural community development through participation and empowerment of the stakeholders.

Synergising Machine Learning and Remote Sensing for Urban Heat Island Dynamics: A Comprehensive Modelling Approach

This study evaluates the effectiveness of sustainable urban regeneration projects in mitigating Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects through a place-based approach. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and satellite imagery were integrated with machine learning (ML) models to analyse the urban environment, human activities, and climate data in Turin, Italy. A detailed analysis of the ex-industrial Teksid area revealed a significant reduction in Surface Urban Heat Island Intensity (SUHII), with decreases of −0.94 in summer and −0.54 in winter following regeneration interventions. Using 17 variables in the Random Forest model, key determinants influencing SUHII were identified, including building density, vegetation cover, and surface albedo. This study quantitatively highlights the impact of increasing green spaces and enhancing surface materials to improve solar reflectivity, with findings showing a 19.46% increase in vegetation and a 3.09% rise in albedo after mitigation efforts. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that integrating Local Climate Zones (LCZs) into urban planning, alongside interventions targeting these key variables, can further optimise UHI mitigation and assess changes. This comprehensive approach provides policymakers with a robust tool to enhance urban resilience and guide sustainable planning strategies in response to climate change.

The growing, resilient, inclusive and sustainable (GRINS) project for the development of life cycle inventory databases of beef cattle raised in Italy: The statistical datasets and the environmental assessment

Within the framework of the Growing, Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable (GRINS) project (Spoke 1, WP3, Next Generation EU program), this work aims to overcome the absence of Italian beef cattle Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) datasets through a capillary analysis of several parameters. Specifically, the contribution to the environmental impact of livestock breeding of breed features (age, gender, weight, daily weight gain, breeding, feed intake and composition, milk and manure production), as well as stable management and crop cultivation was investigated. Statistical inventory datasets (84 in total) were developed for the predominant (<1 % population cut-off) beef cattle breeds in Italy.A key finding was the quantification of CH4 emissions from enteric fermentation (ranging from0.259 to 0.714 g kg−1 of live weight per day) and its contribution to the overall environmental impact of beef cattle breeding. The composition of feed rations emerged as critical, influencing both cattle emissions and environmental impacts associated with the cultivation and transport of raw materials. Intensive and langer breeds like Aubrac, Blond d'Aquitaine, Blue Belga, Charolaise, and Chianina, exhibited higher eco-indicator values compared to the extensive beef cattle breeds (Podolica, Highland, and Maremmana). The life cycle assessment identified several key impact categories (climate change, water use and ecotoxicity freshwater) mainly contributing to the total eco-indicator. Climate change (22.1 %) represented the greatest impact category, with beef cattle emissions over their lifespan averaging 9.3 Mg CO2-eq. Methane (enteric fermentation) and NH3 (manure management) emissions, as well as irrigation and pesticide use, represented the main hotspots. A comparative analysis evaluated the environmental footprint of Italian beef cattle against benchmarks outlined in the “Made Green in Italy” brand's Product Category Rules. This comparison revealed a 32.4 % reduction in total eco-indicator for Italian beef cattle, due to a significant decrease in freshwater ecotoxicity (−72.5 %), land use (−34.2) and climate change (−7.5 %).

Forecasting Ambient Air Temperature for Solar Photovoltaic Panel Predictive Maintenance in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, Malaysia

This study presents a forecasting approach to predict ambient air temperatures for the predictive maintenance of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, Malaysia. Accurate temperature forecasting is critical as ambient air temperature significantly influences solar panel efficiency, performance, and maintenance requirements. A comprehensive dataset spanning 19 years (2005–2023) of hourly solar and weather variables, obtained from the Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS), was analysed using advanced smoothing techniques, including exponential smoothing models. The study identified the Damped-Trend Linear Exponential Smoothing model as the most effective method based on Akaike and Bayesian Information Criteria. Forecast results for 2024 demonstrated good predictive accuracy, aiding the optimisation of maintenance schedules and the performance of solar PV systems. The findings underscore the importance of integrating advanced predictive techniques to enhance the sustainability and reliability of renewable energy projects.

Developing Framework for Implementing Total Quality Management (TQM) in Sustainable Industrialized Building System (IBS) in Construction Projects

The construction sector is increasingly shifting towards sustainable and efficient methodologies, with the industrialized building system (IBS) playing a pivotal role in this transformation. Despite this, the adoption of total quality management (TQM) in IBS projects faces significant challenges, including a lack of comprehensive understanding of TQM standards and resistance to change within the industry. This study addresses these gaps by developing a comprehensive framework for implementing TQM in sustainable IBS construction projects. The objective is to enhance project quality and sustainability by addressing critical issues such as limited stakeholder awareness and opposition to TQM adoption. Using qualitative methodology rooted in phenomenology, this study explores the lived experiences of key stakeholders involved in IBS projects, including project managers, construction professionals, and government officials. Data were collected through in-depth interviews to capture their perspectives on TQM integration in the IBS context. The findings highlight the crucial role of TQM in fostering continuous improvement, enhancing stakeholder collaboration, and ensuring adherence to quality standards throughout the project lifecycle. The proposed framework incorporates essential TQM principles such as process optimization, employee engagement, and customer focus, providing a structured approach to overcoming the barriers to effective implementation. Furthermore, the framework promotes sustainability by reducing waste and improving energy efficiency in IBS projects. This study offers valuable insights for construction professionals, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, presenting practical solutions to improve the quality and sustainability of IBS construction. Leadership, cultural transformation, and continuous improvement are identified as key factors for successful TQM integration, ultimately leading to more efficient and sustainable building processes in the construction industry.

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.

Enhancing Community Participation in Government-Funded School Projects in Morogoro Region

The study investigated the strategies for enhancing community participation in government–funded school project in Morogoro region. The study used case study research design to determine the strategies from a total sample of 23 comprising of 10 Head Masters, 1 Ward Councillor, 2 Ward Educational Officers and 10 School Board Chairmen. Semi-structured interviews were used in collecting data which were then analzyed using thematic analysis. The study found that, early community involvement in project design ensures educational initiatives are more relevant, effective and sustainable. Community contributions in constructing classrooms and laboratories, supported by government funding, enhance the academic environment and promote practical learning opportunities, particularly in science. Furthermore, engaging the community in supervising and securing school projects strengthens accountability and fosters a sense of ownership, improving long-term project sustainability. The study recommends that government-funded school projects should actively involve community members from the outset to reflect local needs, encourage participation in building educational facilities through various contributions, provide clear guidelines for overseeing projects, maintain ongoing community engagement for security and upkeep, and implement training programs to enhance management and collaboration skills among school and community leaders.

Digital Twin Technology, Predictive Analytics, and Sustainable Project Management in Global Supply Chains for Risk Mitigation, Optimization, and Carbon Footprint Reduction through Green Initiatives

This review explores the integration of digital twin technology, predictive analytics, and sustainable project management to enhance global supply chain efficiency, resilience, and environmental sustainability. Digital twins provide real-time virtual representations of physical supply chain systems, enabling predictive analytics to identify potential disruptions and optimize decision-making processes. By combining these advanced technologies with sustainable project management practices, such as circular supply chains and green logistics, organizations can proactively address risks while reducing their carbon footprint. The focus on data- driven insights and scenario analysis facilitates informed risk mitigation and resource optimization. The integration of frameworks like the Triple Bottom Line emphasizes the importance of balancing economic, social, and environmental objectives in project management. This approach aims to improve supply chain performance, drive sustainability efforts, and create a resilient logistics network that adapts effectively to market uncertainties and environmental challenges.

Perspectives on Sustainable Projects Aligned with UN Development Goals

Sustainability has emerged as a paramount global concern in the 21st century, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) stand at the forefront of the efforts to address it. This study delves into the profound implications of these SDGs for sustainable projects carried out by organisations. Sustainable projects are those that align with the principles and objectives outlined in the SDGs, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and environmentally responsible future. By attempting to achieve these goals, sustainable projects not only mitigate environmental degradation but also foster economic development and social progress. This study explores the critical link between sustainable projects of organisations and the SDGs, whether the projects have contradictory impacts or just the opposite, they can also strengthen each other. The hypothetical assumption is that there is tension between the goals and actions of contradictory and synergistic movements. The transformative power of sustainable projects is underscored through real-world examples and case studies, showcasing how they can address complex, interconnected challenges. The literature review lends support to the hypothesis that in some cases certain sustainable goals might confront each other. A pilot study methodology employing impact measurement is used to prove the hypotheses about how the goals support and contribute to or affect each other’s results. The results underscore the essential role of sustainable projects. The conclusion also highlights the critical need for research and project development that can effectively navigate the tension between contradictory and synergistic goals within the SDG.