Dimensions Of Sustainability Research Articles

Comparison of United States Consumers’ Perceptions and Willingness to Pay for Sustainable Environmental Practices in the Retail Floral Industry Based on Geographical Regions

With an increase in social awareness of environmental degradation and the need to conserve resources while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, consumers have become increasingly concerned about the environmental standards of the industries from which they purchase products. This has motivated industries to restructure their business model to one that is more environmentally sustainable. Research of consumers’ floral purchasing habits based on geographic regions found that these habits varied depending on the region where they lived. The main purpose of this study was to investigate US consumers’ perceptions and willingness to pay as they relate to retail floral providers’ environmentally sustainable practices based on the geographical region where the consumer lives within the United States. The results indicated differences in the way respondents answered questions based on the geographical region where they live. However, regardless of the US region where the respondents live, from the list of sustainable attributes covered in this study, respondents indicated the use of locally sourced flowers and composting of floral waste as the two sustainable attributes with the most perceived value to consumers. The findings of this study indicate that floral providers that have incorporated any type of sustainable attribute into their businesses should be promoting this to the public. Floral providers located in the West and Northeast regions of the United States should especially consider emphasizing sustainable attributes within their business because consumers in these regions indicated that they were most willing to pay premiums for sustainable practices. Additionally, floral providers in the West should consider sourcing and promoting the use of fair-trade materials to their customers.

Corporate Information System and Environmental Sustainability Dimension – The Associated Link Evaluation

Abstract The assessment of the link between the information system or the informational system, as some authors call it, refers to the information system, and the environmental dimension within the organization or, better said, environmental sustainability, which answers, through excellence, the question of how we propose to study this connection or interdependence between the information system and the environmental sustainability dimension. To proceed to an in-depth study of the link between the information system and a dimension of sustainability, we proposed to expand the search parameters to the following fields of reference in terms of sustainability: environmental sustainability along its component dimensions and information system along its component dimensions. By its purpose, the article tests a methodological framework developed to evaluate informational systems and environmental sustainability Соnsidеring thе novelty оf thе еnvirоnmеntal issuе, thе aсtiоn rеsеarсh apprоaсh соuld bе transfоrmеd intо a tооl tо hеlp prоvidе pоssiblе thеоrеtiсal and praсtiсal sоlutiоns fоr thе businеss еnvirоnmеnt in tеrms оf thе infоrmatiоn systеm.

Measuring Sustainability: A Validation Study of a Triple Bottom Line (TBL) Scale in Portugal

Studies on sustainability using the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) approach are increasing. However, there is no consensus on how to measure the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainability based on TBL theory. Despite numerous proposals, there is a lack of integrated measures covering all three dimensions simultaneously and having a human-centered approach. This gap is particularly pronounced in Portugal, where no existing scale adequately meets the needs of academics and practitioners. To address this challenge, and based on existing measures that encompass the nature of each TBL dimension, we present and validate a 15-item TBL scale, with 5 items per dimension: economic, social, and environmental. To test convergent validity and contribute to the discussion regarding the links between TBL and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), we also analyzed the association between each TBL dimension and each CSR dimension. Using a sample of 635 participants, divided into two independent sub-samples, we conducted comprehensive statistical analyses, including exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, reliability testing, and convergent and discriminant analysis, followed by invariance testing of the TBL scale. The results suggest that the proposed measure fits the Portuguese sample, and all psychometric results are robust. We also establish the links between the three dimensions of TBL—economic, social, and environmental—and the CSR dimensions, as convergent validity is verified between social TBL and employees' CSR practices. We discuss theoretical and practical implications, as well as limitations and suggestions for future research. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-03-06 Full Text: PDF

Incorporating ecological economics into engineering education

Engineering students require an education which facilitates the development not just of functional design of technological artefacts and processes, but they also need to be equipped to understand and engage with their wider implications and context. Consequently, as part of the formation of sustainability informed engineers, there is a clear necessity to integrate the socio-economic aspects of sustainability in order to posit technology in appropriate contextualised settings. The chemical engineering degree programme at University College Cork incorporates a strong emphasis on integrating the socio-economic dimension of sustainability within the programme. This paper focuses on ecological economics, and how it can connect with engineering and why it is important that engineering students receive a grounding in ecological economics. It outlines the content of a five-lecture series on ecological economics given to fifth-year chemical engineering students. This includes environmental aspects, such ecological limits analysis and the use of strategies, including economic, to move unsustainable natural resource use and emissions discharges to within their ecological limits. It explores social aspects and the critical barriers to transitioning to a sustainable economy, as well as the impact of ecological economics on engineering. Finally, three consecutive final year classes were surveyed to elicit their feedback on being taught ecological economics and to test the hypothesis that the inclusion of ecological economics appreciably enhances students’ ability to engage productively with sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); a key accreditation and professional requirement for contemporary engineering graduates. Overall, most students enjoyed the material, stating that is of value to engineering students, and they provided a useful qualitative assessment of the content.

Integrating Sustainability of English Textbook for Intermediate Classes (Grade XII) in Pakistan

The current study examined the representation of sustainability aspects in the English textbook for Grade XII by the Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board, Lahore. Using Tavanti's (2010) Sustainability Framework, a qualitative content analysis facilitated by NVivo 12 software was used. According to the findings, a limited and indirect depiction of sustainability dimensions was explored. The environmental dimension needs to be addressed; the social aspect receives relatively more attention. The economic dimension is also discussed through a lesson; however, institutional, cultural, and value dimensions need to be added to the content. Generally, the analysis needs a more explicit and thorough incorporation of sustainability beliefs in the textbook. The findings emphasize the requirement for a more deliberate and complete incorporation of sustainability concepts through different dimensions, as per the global agenda regarding sustainable development.

Sustainable Transport in the European Union: Exploring the Net-Zero Transition through Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Gaussian Graphical Modeling

The sustainability of the transport sector is targeted by various policies adopted by the European Union, and their impact must be constantly monitored in order to maximize the desired objective. This paper, through a two-stage investigation, aims to present a systemic approach of the sustainability dimensions in transport and to introduce an innovative technique to analyze the interdependencies between them. In the first stage, relevant indicators were selected from the Eurostat database for the content of four dimensions: economic, environmental, social and technological. The robustness of the developed dimensions was assessed and validated through a confirmatory factor analysis. In the second stage, a Gaussian graphical model was estimated as a technique integrating graphical and statistical modeling to identify complex structures of linkages between variables (as components of each dimension of sustainability). The structure of the network clearly highlights the dependence of transport on fossil fuel consumption as the main determinant of pollution in the sector (CO2 emissions). In addition, the central role of railways in decarbonizing transport is highlighted, in contrast to the limited, and isolated at one end of the network, role of electric vehicles. The findings support that affordability of this new technology plays an important role in its impact on zero-emission transition. Concentrating on the period 2013–2022, at EU27 level, the results are relevant in the context of decarbonization policies, offering useful insights both for future research and policy makers.

Sustainable Service Design meta-scenario for take-it-back services on white-good appliances

Changing consumer behavior regarding the proper disposal of household appliances by designing a meta-scenario proposition for a take-it-back service, that generates value in the interaction between consumers, manufacturers and different stakeholders of electrical and electronic equipment companies, is the initial challenge of this article. It reveals an investigation into this current problem, and details the development process of the service by using Internet of Things (IoT) sensors integrated into a collaborative digital platform designed for Electrolux Brasil. The research and development of the proposal focused on promoting transparency for consumers throughout the service and seeks to meet the three sustainability dimensions. The methodology adopted for the research uses a systematic literature review combined with a range of service design tools. It begins with the comprehensive elucidation of reverse logistics and its combination with emerging technologies. Service Design tools such as Focus Group, Card Sorting, Tomorrow’s Headlines, and Storyboard were carefully exploited, serving the dual purpose of deepening the dilemma and fostering the ideation process. The implications of emerging technologies as an axis of the proposed meta-scenario are consistent with the transformation of consumer behavior; it enhances consumer decision-making by emphasizing its role as a catalyst towards sustainability.

An investigation of the interrelationship among circular supply chain management indicators in small and medium enterprises

Circular Supply Chain Management (CSCM) is gaining prominence among diverse stakeholders, practitioners, and scholars. However, its adoption remains limited, particularly within Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This study employs Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM), specifically tailored for SMEs, to elucidate the contextual relationships among CSCM indicators. Furthermore, it employs the Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliqué à un Classement (MICMAC) analysis to categorize these indicators into driving- dependence power quadrants. Thirteen CSCM indicators are identified and classified into three sustainability dimensions: economic, environmental, and social. The ISM model comprises four levels, with employees’ exposure to hazardous materials at level one, followed by ten indicators at level two, one at level three (reuse, remanufacturing, recycling complexity), and one at level four (eco-material). MICMAC analysis reveals that none of the indicators falls into the autonomous quadrant. Employees’ exposure to hazardous materials is categorized in the dependent indicators’ quadrant, while ten indicators belong to the linkage quadrant. The independent quadrant includes two indicators: eco-material and reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling complexity. SMEs can utilize these CSCM indicators as an initial step toward circularity implementation. The recommended implementation sequence follows the ISM model hierarchy, starting with level four indicators and progressing through levels three, two, and one, acknowledging the influence of higher-level indicators on lower-level ones.

Investigating social and environmental hotspots throughout the lifecycle of product-service systems in the early design stages

Product-Service Systems (PSS) have been recognized as potential game-changers for advancing sustainability. However, the sustainability of a PSS over traditional products and services is not automatic; it requires careful, intentional design. Despite a decade's progress in relevant literature, early-stage design assessment of a PSS – particularly from a life cycle standpoint and considering the social sustainability dimension – remains underexplored. This study introduces a framework for early-stage identification and analysis of potential environmental and social impacts within a PSS's life cycle to aid in decision-making and guide towards sustainable solutions. The framework's hotspot analysis, which combines life cycle assessment techniques, aims to pinpoint life cycle stages most susceptible to significant environmental and social impacts. Drawing on existing literature and expert evaluations, this approach offers designers preliminary insights into potential impacts, establishing a groundwork for comprehensive life cycle analysis once more detailed information on products, services, and organizational structures becomes available. The hotspot analysis not only addresses the lifecycle view of a PSS but also places emphasis on the oft-neglected social dimension of sustainability, marking an area ripe for further study. By supporting decision-making in the early design phase and encouraging scrutiny of various PSS concepts, this approach promotes the cultivation of sustainably-designed solutions.

Societal perceptions of aquaculture: Combining scoping review and media analysis

AbstractAquaculture has been recognised for achieving multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; its further growth depends on understanding, and responding to, societal perceptions in a broader context. Thus, this study aims to understand societal perceptions of aquaculture through a scoping review and media analysis. A scoping review identified 151 academic studies for inclusion in our five identified research clusters: (1) social acceptability, (2) growth and development, (3) media coverage, (4) sustainable aquaculture, and (5) consumer perceptions. Further, newspaper articles (n = 100) were sampled from the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, Spain, Turkey, and China; elsewhere all articles identified were included (Poland, 79; Hungary, 29; India, 70). The findings suggest that scientific and newspaper articles tend to present sustainability aspects in a simplified form. Key stakeholder groups include fish farming enterprises, civil society, governmental officials, scientists, and business leaders both within aquaculture value chains (retailers/wholesalers, technology industry) and outside of them (fisheries, tourism). Also, other stakeholders included the public (indigenous groups, residents, consumers). The stakeholder groups perceived aquaculture differently and depending on the circumstances and context, their perceptions ranged from positive to negative. Many factors influenced their perceptions, including aquaculture's impact on multiple sustainability dimensions, knowledge, transparency, personal interests, types, and location of aquaculture practises, regulations, experience, and sociodemographic characteristics such as age, gender, education, and income. We recommend that aquaculture practitioners focus on context‐specific multifaceted strategies—prioritising transparency, communication, and accountability—and provide essential knowledge to ensure that societal perceptions of aquaculture are based on accurate, empirical information.

Sustainable Digital Transformation for SMEs: A Comprehensive Framework for Informed Decision-Making

This study presents a sustainable digital transformation framework to integrate sustainable practices into digital transformation initiatives within Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The methodology includes a literature review, a framework creation, and a case study with passive participation. The framework was structured to help industries implement responsible digitalization initiatives in five key stages: setting objectives, fostering stakeholder-focused engagement, defining sustainable objectives and dimensions, creating a sustainable model, and executing the project. Validating the proposal in the context of an SME allowed us to discern the tangible benefits of sustainability practices for the organization, further reinforcing the relevance and applicability of the framework. In conclusion, this research offers valuable information for SMEs considering starting a sustainable digitalization process.

Co-existence of potentially sustainable indigenous food systems and poor nutritional status in Ho indigenous community, India: an exploratory study

Indigenous food (IF) systems comprise culturally important foods derived from natural resources with shorter farm to plate chains, as compared to modern counterparts. These food systems are at epicenter of sustainable food systems with potential to alleviate malnutrition and protect ecosystems. The Ho indigenous community of Jharkhand have access to diverse IFs, yet experience malnutrition. A sequential mixed-method study was conducted to explore local food systems with assessment of diet quality and nutritional status of Ho women. Focus group discussions (n = 10) and free-listing (n = 7) were conducted to capture community’s perspectives on IF systems, associated sustainable attributes and perceived challenges towards IF utilization. Scientific names and nutritive values of IFs were documented through secondary review; in case of no information in literature, IFs were identified through ethnobotanist with nutritional analysis in laboratory. 24 h recalls (n = 284 in winter and n = 154 in monsoon) and anthropometric assessments (n = 273) were conducted to estimate women’s dietary diversity and nutritional status. Findings revealed rich traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) producing a diverse list of IFs (n = 243) mainly accessed from natural food environment (wild and cultivated). Among listed foods, 171 IFs were taxonomically classified and among these, nutritive values were documented for 121 IFs. Potentially sustainable traits of Ho’s IF systems included high nutrient density of IFs, community’s preference towards their consumption because of their flavorsome attributes, climate resilient properties and cultural heritage. However, impacts of climate variability, changing farming practices and market-integrated life ways challenged the sustained production, access and consumption of IFs. This was evident in poor diversity in diets (diet diversity scores of 2.9 in winter and monsoon) and chronic energy deficiency (36%) in women. The unique TEK systems of indigenous communities need to be integrated into mainstream policies and programs for safeguarding and promoting their potentially sustainable food systems to support food and nutritional security.

Sustainability Indicators Applied to Water Resource Management: A Case Study of The Lower Course of The Paraíba do Sul River Watershed, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Objective: This paper presents an indicator system called "thrivability appraisal", developed based on the systemic view of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). This system combines seven dimensions of sustainability with principles of integrated and participatory water management. Theoretical Framework: The deprivation of resources, functions, and ecosystem services, which play a crucial role in the well-being and sustainability of communities, represents a challenge for development as established by the Millennium Summit. The publication of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda defined seventeen SDG, with the aim of promoting prosperity for all human populations. In the face of this challenge, water stands out as an essential chemical component for life, as well as for the health, well-being, and economic prosperity of populations. SDG 6 specifically addresses this issue, recognizing it as fundamental not only to achieve sustainability at the local, regional, and global levels but also to promote prosperity. Method: The thrivability appraisal methodology is based on an indicator system composed by 49 parameters chosen according to Ostrom’s seven sustainability principles. Secondary data from technical and academic documents were analyzed, complemented by primary data obtained through the environmental perception of representatives from the Watershed Committee of the IXth Hidrographic State Region (RH-IX). Results and Discussion: Water resources management sustainability evaluation in RH-IX revealed the existence of considerable challenges, as well as the need to strengthen participatory governance. Research Implications: The research showed that thrivability appraisal can be an important tool to suport decision-making definitions of the Committee.

A Holistic Approach for Assessment of Global Industry 4.0 Maturity Level

A cogent transformation strategy in the paradigm of Industry 4.0 involves a thorough understanding of the present situation and desired future state. Based on a careful investigation of multiple global indicators and academic Industry 4.0 literature, this study proposes a model for evaluating the maturity level of nations. Nine maturity dimensions: Strategy,People and Culture,Product,Technology,Process,Cybersecurity,Governance, Organization, and Sustainability are chosen in the proposed maturity model considering overall socio-economic development as well as sustainability into account. The indicators used for evaluation are standard metrics. Observation shows a direct relationship between a country’s income level and maturity score. The top three performing nations were all from Europe. Europe also did exceptionally well in the sustainability dimension. On a sub-dimension basis, low maturity has been observed in Research and Development and Quality. The analysis demonstrates Africa’s low maturity across the board. In each category, more than 50% of the economies perform worse than average. Only 50 countries out of 122 performed better than the global average of 44.48, with Switzerland scoring the highest at 69.75. India scored 44.48 and ranked 48th as the top performer in the lower-middle-income group.

Digital Marketing Strategies for Promoting Sustainability in Agro-Based Industries: Opportunities and Challenges

Scope: This paper investigates the intersection of digital marketing and sustainability within the agricultural sector, focusing on agro-based industries. It aims to delineate the role of digital marketing in addressing evolving consumer behaviors, globalization trends, and sustainability imperatives in agriculture. Objective: The primary objective is to analyze how digital marketing strategies and emerging technologies contribute to promoting sustainability in agriculture. This study seeks to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with digital marketing in agro-based industries and provide actionable recommendations for stakeholders. Approach: The research employs a comprehensive approach, including a literature review, case studies, and SWOT analysis. It examines the significance of digital marketing tools such as precision agriculture, block chain, and artificial intelligence in advancing sustainability goals. Moreover, it assesses the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability within the context of digital marketing in agriculture. Results: The study reveals that digital marketing plays a crucial role in addressing changing consumer preferences, facilitating market access, and driving innovation in agricultural practices. It identifies strengths such as wide reach and opportunities such as enhanced market access, alongside weaknesses like the digital divide and threats such as regulatory constraints. Moreover, the research highlights the transformative potential of digital marketing for promoting sustainability in agriculture. Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of digital marketing in fostering agricultural sustainability and suggest that strategic investments in digital infrastructure, data security enhancement, and technology adoption are imperative. Moreover, collaborative learning and continuous evaluation are essential for maximizing the effectiveness of digital marketing initiatives in advancing sustainability goals. Perspectives: Looking ahead, the study emphasizes the need for ongoing research and innovation to leverage emerging technologies for sustainable agriculture. It suggests exploring new digital marketing strategies and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations to address complex sustainability challenges. Ultimately, the paper provides insights for stakeholders on harnessing the power of digital marketing to promote sustainability in agriculture effectively.

A Research Article on Sustainable Construction Material

The construction industry is facing increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices to mitigate environmental impacts and address resource scarcity. Sustainable construction materials play a pivotal role in achieving these goals by reducing carbon emissions, minimizing waste generation, and promoting circular economy principles. This research article provides a comprehensive review of advancements in sustainable construction materials, encompassing various categories such as recycled materials, bio-based materials, and low-carbon alternatives. It explores a wide array of materials such as Human Hair fiber, bamboo, coconut fiber, and more. Each material's sustainable attributes, including recyclability, durability, energy efficiency, and reduced environmental impact, are thoroughly examined. Furthermore, the review investigates the manufacturing processes, life cycle assessment, and environmental performance of these materials. It discusses the challenges and barriers to the widespread adoption of sustainable construction materials, including cost considerations, regulatory hurdles, and technological limitations.

A BİBLİOMETRİC REVİEW ON THE SUSTAİNABİLİTY OF AİRPORT AND AİRLİNE OPERATİONS

The importance of sustainability in research has been increasing day by day. This article aims to determine the extent to which sustainability is studied in the context of airport and airline operations in terms of economic, environmental, and social dimensions, and to identify gaps in the literature to guide future research. To achieve this goal, bibliometric analysis is employed. Using the Perish or Publish literature search program, studies obtained from the Scopus database are analyzed using the Vosviewer program to examine the dimensions of sustainability in airport and airline operations. Additionally, the most prolific authors, most cited publications, journals with the highest number of articles published, and the most studied sectors related to the topic are analyzed to contribute to the literature.

Wild Food Foraging in Oklahoma: A Pathway to Creating Imagined Foodways and Foodscapes

Foraging, the gathering of wild edibles for food and medicinal use, opens opportunities to connect with local environments and pursue sustainability and food sovereignty. We engage with insights from semi-structured qualitative interviews, participant observation, and site visits with individuals identifying as foragers and wildcrafters across Oklahoma to better understand foragers’ interactions with local wild food and foodscapes. We ask: Why do individuals in Oklahoma forage and/or wildcraft? How do foraging practices provide a pathway to support the creation of imagined foodways and foodscapes? We review the literature on foraging and foodways to situate foraging within alternative food systems and consider dimensions of sustainability and sovereignty within foodscapes. Foragers and wildcrafters reveal that their practices foster both tangible and non-tangible benefits, including deep connections with place and nature in the process of procuring wild edibles. While participants come to foraging in various ways, their strategies include engagement with sustainable practices and greater control and agency in food access. Building on the concept of ‘imagined foodways,’ we introduce ‘imagined foodscapes’ to illustrate foragers’ ability to create food practices and spaces based on their ideal methods of procuring and connecting with food.

Measuring Social Dimensions of Sustainability at the Community Level: An Illustrative but Cautionary Tale

Many communities are working to enhance the sustainability of their physical, economic, and social systems. While economic and physical systems are routinely measured (e.g., money and energy), psychological and behavioral elements of social systems (norms, attitudes, and individual behavior) are seldom tracked. The objective of this research was to evaluate a potentially scalable approach to measure the impact of sustainability initiatives on these variables in a community engaged in holistic sustainability programming. Online survey data were collected in 2012 (N = 155) and 2016 (N = 137), measuring pro-environmental thought and behavior in two towns in Ohio: Oberlin, a community engaged in holistic efforts to enhance environmental sustainability; and a similar community (Berea) used as a control. Survey links were distributed via recruitment letters mailed to randomly selected community residents from a purchased mailing list. We used two (town) by two (time) between subjects’ ANOVAs to evaluate whether Oberlin saw predicted increases in sustainable thought and behavior from 2012 to 2016, compared to the control community. Despite verifiable participation in and awareness of sustainability programs in Oberlin, our survey results did not provide strong evidence that programs resulted in the desired changes in attitudes, norms, and individual behaviors. Recycling attitudes and LED bulb installation were two exceptions. We conclude that assessing the psychological and behavioral dimensions of sustainability poses particular challenges. We encountered ceiling effects and inadequate statistical power. Possibly, norms and attitudes are not easily influenced even by a holistic community-wide effort.

Planning for Urban Sustainability through Residents’ Wellbeing: The Effects of Nature Interactions, Social Capital, and Socio-Demographic Factors

The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to examine how varied environmental and social factors in urban environments affect human wellbeing, which is an important dimension of urban sustainability. Past research has focused on individual dimensions of health and isolated nature interactions, limiting knowledge about how different environmental and social factors affect distinct aspects of residents’ wellbeing. Through quantitative analyses of social survey and environmental data in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona (USA), we explored how distinct nature recreation activities—along with nature satisfaction and social capital—affected residents’ subjective, mental, and physical wellbeing across diverse neighborhoods during the COVID-19 pandemic, controlling for socio-demographics. Results reveal how distinct drivers shape different dimensions of wellbeing. Perceived social and environmental attributes of neighborhoods and proximity to nature preserves were associated with subjective wellbeing, while park visitation was linked to physical health. Nature interactions largely were unrelated to mental health. Changes in nature recreation during the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly impact any dimension of wellbeing. Our research suggests that multiple local environmental and social features should be considered when designing healthy communities for urban sustainability.