Sustainable Transformation Research Articles

A torn generation: Dichotomies and dissonances on sustainability and technological change in in-depth interviews with university students

AbstractIn a research study among university students regarding technological change, equality and environmental sustainability, deep-seated dichotomies were found in the students' mental images of the future. This study aims to present these dichotomies as well as propose explanations for them, adding to our understanding of what kind of behavioural barriers inhibit sustainability transformations. The results show that the interviewees truly struggle to decide if the world really is on fire regarding environmental change, if technology is capable of solving the situation, if inequality is truly a problem, and how they can relate to all this. The dichotomies that we found suggest that on the one hand, they find no comfort in the dominant techno-optimistic, eco-modernisation narratives and, on the other hand, they are not aware of any alternatives. The results underline the existence of psychological phenomena such as optimism bias or psychological distancing. In our paper, we also address whether dichotomous thinking poses a problem or whether we may have to accept that dichotomies can become the norm when contemplating the world in its increasing complexity.

Urban green land use efficiency of resource-based cities in China: Multidimensional measurements, spatial-temporal changes, and driving factors

The green use of urban land has become a key for the sustainable transformation of resource-based cities. This paper selects 116 Chinese resource-based cities to construct an evaluation system for urban green land use and measure its efficiency. Secondly, it identifies driving factors affecting urban green land use efficiency (UGLUE) and comprehensively analyze the heterogeneity of these factors. The important findings of this paper include: (1) The UGLUE of resource-based cities in China has experienced a trend of first fluctuating and then improving. However, there are obvious regional differences. The UGLUE in the eastern and western regions are higher than those in the central and northeastern regions. (2) Industrial upgrading, financial development and technological innovation are key factors affecting UGLUE in resource-based cities. (3) There is significant heterogeneity in the impact of different factors in different city types, different regions and different time periods. The land use in resource-based cities should transform from blind expansion in pursuit of short-term economic benefits to a green development that pursues the coordination of economic, social, and ecological benefits based on the local conditions.

A bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review of industry 4.0 implementation in supply chain

Purpose This study aims to provide a bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) research in the supply chain (SC) area and to understand related contemporary research trends. I4.0 has the potential to change the way goods are manufactured, distributed and made available to customers through the digitalisation of SC. Although I4.0 originated in 2011 in Germany, its application in managing the SC has only recently started gaining momentum. Therefore, it is essential to understand the research progress and identify the current trends of I4.0 application in the SC field. Design/methodology/approach A bibliometric analysis was conducted to empirically analyse the literature related to I4.0 implementation in the SC. This study retrieved papers from the Scopus database, reviewing 1,155 articles from the period 2016 to 2023 (November) for bibliometric analysis. Bibliometrix, using R software, was used for the bibliometric analysis, and VOSviewer was used for network analysis. Findings The findings provide an overview of the most relevant journals, most productive scholars, top academic institutions and top countries contributing to I4.0 research in the SC context. The results show that the most recent research contributions are related to the topics of SC performance, sustainability, digitalisation and digital transformation. Furthermore, a detailed review of articles published in the three and above-rated journals in the Chartered Association of Business Schools list is presented. Originality/value The novelty of this study lies in identifying the current research trends and themes of I4.0 research in the SC area. This research benefits researchers by identifying potential research areas for I4.0 implementation in the SC and providing directions for future research.

New methodology for identifying sustainable freshwater resources for the production of green hydrogen

ABSTRACT Managing sustainable and digital transformations in the water industry is a challenge. The identification of freshwater resources for green hydrogen production is necessary for the energy transition away from fossil fuels such as oil and gas. This can be achieved through the sustainable flood retention basin (SFRB) concept for identifying optimal locations for the retention of surface water. This unbiased concept helps in conflict resolution between stakeholders with water rights. Moreover, it serves as a simple tool to produce a digital water supply atlas based on dimensionless parameters with the short names’ population density, location advantage, precipitation, groundwater level, water rights, SFRB, excess running water and proximity to networks. While the first five parameters can be determined during a desk study, the last three parameters require site visits for verification purposes. Germany was used as a representative case study country to demonstrate the proposed methodology to obtain a water atlas based on mapped weighted values. The Kaiserstuhl in Germany served as a worked calculation example indicating well above average potential for water storage using existing retention basins. The water atlas can be used to supplement a (green) hydrogen atlas, supporting decision-makers in building hydrogen infrastructure.

Ocena zielonych pul w budżetach obywatelskich w perspektywie wyzwań klimatycznych

The article presents results of the study of green quotas in participatory budgeting (PB), i.e. funds earmarked to finance environmentally beneficial projects. Those type of quotas were introduced in N = 17 or 6% of cities in Poland with more than 5,000 inhabitants, which organised PB between 2020 and 2022. On average, 10% of funds in participatory budgeting were allocated to projects within green quotas. In most cities “green” projects were defined most often as investments in green areas of cities or increasing the amount and quality of plants in city space. less frequently, the definition of “green” projects included small-scale retention and water management, organisation of events or care and protection of animals. The results of the analysis show the moderate effectiveness of green quotas. On average, 62% of their funds were allocated to investments concerning plants. however, the effectiveness of green quotas varied across cities. Some projects selected for implementation were “green” in name only. Rather than focus on improving the city environment, they entailed spending on new recreational infrastructure. Improving the functioning of green quotas requires tightening local regulations. it is also worth considering allowing a broader catalogue of tasks affecting the adaptation of cities to climate change, e.g. related to sustainable mobility or energy transformation.

Analysis of the Evolution Pattern and Regional Conservation of Cultural Heritage from the Perspective of Urban Sustainable Transformation: The Case of Xiamen, China

This study focuses on the cultural heritage of Xiamen and uses the spatial analysis method of ArcGIS to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution and distribution characteristics of cultural heritage. Through analysis, we aim to optimize the structure of cultural heritage protection areas and tourism routes in urban planning by analyzing the spatial structure characteristics of Xiamen’s cultural heritage types in various historical periods. The results show that in terms of the time dimension, the existing cultural heritage in Xiamen was mainly built between 1840 and 1949, and the center of cultural heritage shows an overall trend of a “north-south direction”. In terms of spatial dimension, the existing cultural height in Xiamen shows a clustering distribution pattern, with clusters located in the Gulangyu and Xiagang areas of Siming District. According to the period, there is a clear spatial correlation pattern, showing a spatial clustering trend of “strong first and then weak”.

Construction and evolutionary pattern of the coupling relationship network of regional sustainable development in China

Climate change poses a serious threat to the survival and development of humankind. Accordingly, sustainable socioeconomic transformation has become a major global concern. This study quantitatively assesses the process and speed of regional-level sustainable development in China, as well as the degree of coupling and the degree of coupling coordination among Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To this end, based on regional development and data monitoring in China, we construct a regional sustainable development assessment system containing 111 indicators, which combines existing sustainable development assessment indicators with the indicators of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. On that basis, using network topology construction and modal transformation, we propose a framework for analyzing the coupling relationships and evolutionary patterns of regional sustainable development. The study found that the score for SDGs at the national level increased from 50.80 in 2010 to 60.86 in 2020, showing a good development trend and the differences between provinces and regions was gradually reduced. The development speed of regional sustainable transformation shows a change from decreasing to increasing. In recent years, there is a significant change in the acceleration of regional sustainable development in China, with the vast majority of provinces having positive acceleration and only three provinces having negative acceleration. China's regional sustainable development shows that mutual coordination and promotion among provinces was higher in the eastern area than in the central region, which was higher than in the western area. The sustainable processes of each region and the coordination of sustainable development steadily increased toward a high level of coupling, all achieving coordinated development. The degree of coupling coordination and the SDG scores in each region were positively correlated with economic development, reflecting the role of economic development in the promotion of sustainability. However, this positive correlation showed a tendency of strengthening and then weakening. The correlation of the evolution patterns in the eastern–central, eastern–western, and central–western regions over time presented a trend of first weakening, then strengthening, and then weakening. Although the process of promoting sustainable development in western and central regions over time is weak synergistic consistency with that in eastern regions, overall, China's regional sustainable development presents a development model of multi-province linkage and multi-goal coordination.

Converting Glycerol into Valuable Trioses by Cuδ+ -Single-Atom-Decorated WO3 under Visible Light.

Photocatalytic selective oxidation under visible light presents a promising approach for the sustainable transformation of biomass-derived wastes. However, achieving both high conversion and excellent selectivity poses a significant challenge. In this study, two valuable trioses, glyceraldehyde and dihydroxyacetone, are produced from glycerol over Cuδ+ -decorated WO3 photocatalyst in the presence of H2 O2 . The photocatalyst exhibits a remarkable five-fold increase in the conversion rate (3.81 mmol ⋅ g-1 ⋅ h-1 ) while maintaining a high selectivity towards two trioses (46.4 % to glyceraldehyde and 32.9 % to dihydroxyacetone). Through a comprehensive analysis involving X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements with and without light irradiation, electron spin resonance spectroscopy, and isotopic analysis, the critical role of Cu+ species has been explored as efficient hole acceptors. These species facilitate charge transfer, promoting glycerol oxidation by photoholes, followed by coupling with OH- , which are subsequently dehydrated to yield the desired glyceraldehyde and dihydroxyacetone.

Converting Glycerol into Valuable Trioses by Cuδ+‐Single‐Atom‐Decorated WO3 under Visible Light

AbstractPhotocatalytic selective oxidation under visible light presents a promising approach for the sustainable transformation of biomass‐derived wastes. However, achieving both high conversion and excellent selectivity poses a significant challenge. In this study, two valuable trioses, glyceraldehyde and dihydroxyacetone, are produced from glycerol over Cuδ+‐decorated WO3 photocatalyst in the presence of H2O2. The photocatalyst exhibits a remarkable five‐fold increase in the conversion rate (3.81 mmol ⋅ g−1 ⋅ h−1) while maintaining a high selectivity towards two trioses (46.4 % to glyceraldehyde and 32.9 % to dihydroxyacetone). Through a comprehensive analysis involving X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements with and without light irradiation, electron spin resonance spectroscopy, and isotopic analysis, the critical role of Cu+ species has been explored as efficient hole acceptors. These species facilitate charge transfer, promoting glycerol oxidation by photoholes, followed by coupling with OH‐, which are subsequently dehydrated to yield the desired glyceraldehyde and dihydroxyacetone.

Epistemic outsiders: Unpacking and utilising the epistemic dimension of disruptive agency in sustainability transformations

Disruptions (systemic disturbances) are crucial to initiate and accelerate sustainability transformations of large-scale social systems (be they socio-ecological, socio-technical, or socio-institutional). Their emergence, characteristics and effects strongly relate to the role of agents who aim to disrupt and transform the status quo, and which thus possess what we call disruptive agency. In this paper, we highlight the epistemic dimension of disruptive agency in social transformations, first by conceptualizing disruptive agents as epistemic outsiders with respect to the social system that they intend to disrupt and transform, and second by connecting this conceptualization to notions of belief, social practices, social networks, discourses, or institutions. We identify five advantages of this approach. Firstly, it informs and conceptually enables various promising interdisciplinary avenues to explore and potentially influence transformative change towards sustainability. Secondly, an epistemic conception of disruptive agency offers a key for an integrated analysis of the individual and collective levels of agency involved in sustainability transformations. Thirdly, the notion of epistemic outsiders conceptually connects agent positions across system boundaries that are understood to be of crucial importance for sustainability transformations respectively (e.g., “niche innovators” or “regime intermediaries”) but which lack an integrated understanding. Fourthly, an epistemic perspective additionally highlights the changing requirements and challenges resulting in two principal stages of transformations unfolding over time, namely before/after a new epistemic layout is shared by a majority of agents. Finally, the above features allow to derive and conceive of new intervention formats and strategies.

Diagnóstico de la gobernanza del agua para el desarrollo de la comunidad rural de Platanilla, Darién, Panamá

A rapid diagnosis was conducted in the Platanilla rural community, located in the province of Darién (Republic of Panama), focusing on water, sanitation, and hygiene, and considering water resources as a cross-cutting axis. Mixed methods were applied, including surveys, interviews, and documentary review, in order to build an understanding of water management and its limitations. Findings revealed low population participation and commitment, political instability, and lack of territorial planning, all of which limits water management and governance, regardless of its recognized importance to the community and its land-based accessibility. Social and institutional relearning is required to ensure sustainable territorial transformations in water management and governance, in addition to investments in water supply infrastructure and water treatment and distribution.

How do governance visions, institutions and practices enable urban sustainability transformations? A study of Battambang and Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Whilst research has highlighted the challenges of rapid urbanization in Cambodia, few studies have focused on increased interest within Cambodia on how reforming urban governance can support urban sustainability transformations. Addressing this research gap, this study explores how urban governance might enable sustainability transformations in two second-tier cities—Battambang and Sihanoukville—in Cambodia, based on the analysis of open-ended interviews with fifty-five representatives involved in the development and implementation of urban sustainability plans and policies for these cities. The findings identify how urban governance visions, institutions and practices can be strengthened to enable sustainability transformations within these cities. The study highlights that alignment between the three tiers of governance—meta-governance (visions and worldviews), second-tier (structural and institutional) and third-tier (day-to-day interactions) is needed for urban sustainability transformations.

Digital and Sustainable (Twin) Transformations: A Case of SMEs in the European Union

In the European Digital Decade 2030 Policy Program, the following guidelines for European digital transformation are named, which means that more than 90% of small- and medium-sized companies reach at least a basic level of digital intensity. In addition to that, the European Commission pays a lot of attention to implementing the “Green Deal” in order to achieve less environmental impact. ICT SMEs already play a key role in Europe’s green and digital transformation, creating technologies that promote sustainability and strengthen Europe’s position. The limited and fragmented application of today’s digital and sustainable technologies in SMEs is observed at the EU level. The bibliometric literature analytical results show that the number of papers on the digital direction is five times higher than on the sustainable direction topic. The paper seeks to identify directions that could help SMEs to speed up this twin transformation in each EU country. The authors proposed a two-stage methodology, which is used for researching twin transformations in SMEs. According to the methodology, first, the authors analysed the indicators of EU-27 SMEs, representing their activity towards the twin transformation, comparing them among other size classes. The results show that the SME’s numbers in the 16 indicators area are worse than the numbers characterizing EU-27 enterprises, having more than ten employees. In addition, a multi-criteria decision making-based assessment framework was constructed to show the progress towards the twin transition. The provided research shows which areas require more attention from SMEs and policy makers responding to the twin transformation objectives.

Mitigating flash flooding in the city: Drain or harvest?

Abstract Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is principally based on collecting, storing, and using rainfall which would otherwise be lost as surface runoff. Runoff threatens in several ways: accelerating erosion, intensifying flooding, and reducing groundwater recharge. Therefore, purposely retaining rainfall in the urban water cycle rather than draining has several positive impacts on designing sustainable cities. This work presents a proposal on how to avoid flooding in cities by systematically harvesting, storing rainwater, and using it for multiple purposes. The concept of RWH presented here has the potential to be a radical innovation to solve the social, economic, and environmental challenges associated with flash flooding. Each residence is regarded as a water production unit. Depending on the climatic conditions, people can meet their water needs on a local household basis, or alternatively use piped water as a complement. By infiltrating rainwater, groundwater is locally recharged and downstream wells are more productive. The implementation of this idea involves entrepreneurial agency that challenges existing structures, rather than adapting to them. Clearly, social entrepreneurship and social innovation are expected to catalyse the realization of this social innovation, also in rural areas. It is about mobilizing ideas, capacities, and resources to create a sustainable social transformation.

Exploring low-carbon and sustainable urban transformation design using ChatGPT and artificial bee colony algorithm

The aim of this study is to provide effective solutions to promote the transition of resource-based cities to low carbon and sustainable development. Firstly, this study investigates the background of low-carbon transformation of resource-based cities. Secondly, it introduces the application method of Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) in detail. Finally, this study proposes a comprehensive application of ChatGPT and artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm. The results show that the average energy utilization efficiency improvement index of the group using ChatGPT is 0.11. The average energy efficiency improvement index of the group using ABC algorithm is 0.02 higher than that of the control group. The integrated application of ChatGPT and ABC algorithm can further improve the low-carbon transformation effect of resource-based cities and achieve the goal of green development.

Advancing Sustainable Climate Solutions: Overcoming Challenges in Designing Carbon-Based Metal-Free Catalysts for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction

This review thoroughly inspects the challenges and limitations inherit in the system design of carbon-based metal free catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of CO2. The study sits at the interaction of the urgent need for the sustainable energy transformation and the pursuit of efficient carbon capture technologies, and provides insight into the complex barriers that impede the seamless development of these catalysts. The urgent global need for sustainable energy solutions and strategies to curb CO2 emissions highlight the urgency of this exploration. In this framework, this review focuses specifically on carbon-based metal-free catalysts as key elements towards achieving sustainable electrochemical CO2 reduction. Against this delicate background, the review highlights complexities that researchers. By leveraging insights from recent research, this review not only documents current challenges but also serves as a dynamic repository of evolving knowledge. Each identified barrier is highlighted, revealing the complex nuances that define the carbon-based catalyst research landscape. As research progresses the varied behavior of these challenges will be outlined and inspire collective intellectual exploration to innovate solutions that advance the field towards an impactful and viable future.

Towards iron ore mining sustainability and low-carbon transformation: Policies and implications

From 1995 to 2021, this study investigates the influence of Triple Bottom Line (TBL) factors on the efficiency of iron ore mining across 17 East Asia and Pacific countries. The findings strongly affirm the positive impact of the Human Development Index (HDI), revealing a 0.39 % short-term and 0.51 % long-term enhancement for each 1 % increase in HDI. CO2 emissions negatively affect efficiency, while income level dynamics demonstrate nuanced effects, indicating short-term inefficiencies during rapid economic growth and a long-term positive influence. Green power generation emerges as a positive factor influencing efficiency, highlighting the importance of environmentally sustainable practices. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) exhibits a noticeable adverse impact, suggesting decreased efficiency with a general rise in commodity prices. Practical policy recommendations encompass investments in human development, implementation of carbon reduction policies, diversification of income sources, and promotion of green power generation to encourage efficient and sustainable iron ore mining practices.

Food hubs in a new public place

This article covers the concept of food hubs and their relation with the common places, and other possible interactions within the civil society, in the eyes of the theoretical point of view of the “social practical theory”. Resembling the conceptualization of the food hubs more in a general way considering the problems and particularities of these systems, recognizing the different business models in the market. Additionally, we will explore some of the values and prerogatives spread by those hubs in connection with the environmental and climate change assumptions and scientific research, using a short supply chain to distribution channels in their commercial transactions. Understanding the role of the hubs in building a sustainable transformation together with those movements, NGOs, private and government initiatives additionally with the digitalization of information and relations between societies.

Methodological Approach to Assessing the Current State of Organizations for AI-Based Digital Transformation

In an era defined by technological disruption, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into business processes is both strategic and challenging. As AI continues to disrupt and reshape industries and revolutionize business processes, organizations must take proactive steps to assess their readiness and capabilities to effectively leverage AI technologies. This research focuses on the assessment elements required to evaluate an organization’s current state in preparation for AI-based digital transformation. This research is based on a literature review and practical insights derived from extensive experience in industrial system engineering. This paper outlines the key assessment elements that organizations should consider to ensure successful and sustainable AI-based digital transformation. This emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to assess the organization’s data infrastructure, governance practices, and existing AI capabilities. Furthermore, the research work focuses on the evaluation of AI talent and skills within the organization, considering the significance of fostering an innovative culture and addressing change management challenges. The results of this study provide organizations with elements to assess their current state for AI-based digital transformation. By adopting and implementing the proposed guidelines, organizations can gain a holistic perspective of their current standing, identify strategic opportunities for AI integration, mitigate potential risks, and strategize a successful path forwards in the evolving landscape of AI-driven digital transformation.

Traditional and Contemporary Eco-cosmologies Within Western and Christian Traditions: Green Shoots for Integral and Integrative Sustainability Transformation

This article traces persistent and important counter-narratives within Western and Christian traditions, which correlate more closely with many indigenous worldviews from across the globe than with dominant narratives from across these traditions. It posits that a paradigmatic transformation is required toward an integral and integrative eco-cosmology, one that embraces cosmic interconnection and complexity. This may emerge from green shoots emanating from a diverse range of traditions, including, importantly, from within the dominant Western tradition.