Sustainable Infrastructure Development Research Articles

Durability of Steel-Reinforced Concrete Structures Under Effect of Climatic Temporality and Aggressive Agents (CO2, SO2) in Boca del Rio, Veracruz

The development of sustainable infrastructure is essential to address the challenges of climate change and reduce CO2 emissions. The use of alternative materials, such as agro-industrial ashes and silica fume, emerges as a promising option to enhance the durability of concrete and diminish its environmental impact. These materials can partially replace conventional cement, contributing to the construction of more sustainable infrastructure without compromising performance, even under adverse environmental conditions. In this study, we present an analysis of the use of sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) and silica fume (SF) as a 15% cement replacement. The behavior of these materials was investigated under coastal conditions, analyzing climatic variables and degrading gases such as CO2, CH4, and N2O. Electrochemical techniques were employed to measure corrosion rate and potential, in addition to conducting carbonation and compressive strength tests. The mixtures with a 15% addition of SBA and SF showed improvements compared to conventional mixes. SBA reduced the corrosion rate by 25% and increased compressive strength by 12% after 150 days, while SF enhanced carbonation resistance by 20% and compressive strength by 25%. The incorporation of SBA and SF provides significant durability in coastal environments, contributing to the sustainability of infrastructure exposed to adverse weather conditions.

Matrizes cimentícias com o uso de resíduos de construção e demolição para redução do impacto ambiental de blocos de pavimentação

The construction industry is responsible for the intensive consumption of natural resources and the generation of large volumes of construction and demolition waste (CDW), which are often disposed of improperly. This research developed concrete blocks using recycled CDW aggregates, promoting sustainability and circular economy by reusing these materials in urban infrastructure. Waste was collected from a recycling plant over five months, selecting Brita 1, Brita 0, and Pó de Brita to compose the concrete mixes. Particle size distribution, bulk density, and specific gravity tests were performed, and blocks and specimens were molded with 100% replacement of natural aggregates by CDW. The compressive strength tests were carried out at 14 and 28 days, while the abrasion test was performed only at 28 days. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the products. The results indicated a compressive strength of 34.3 MPa at 28 days, close to the minimum required by the standard (35 MPa). XRF analysis showed a predominance of SiO₂, CaO, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, MgO, SO₃, and K₂O oxides, all within normative limits. Leaching and solubilization tests, conducted according to NBR 10005 and NBR 10006, classified the waste as non-hazardous and non-inert. This study demonstrates that using CDW in concrete block production is a viable and sustainable alternative, contributing to waste reduction, material reuse, and the development of sustainable urban infrastructure.

Principles for Sustainable Integration of BIM and Digital Twin Technologies in Industrial Infrastructure

As industries evolve towards greater digitalization, integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) and digital twin technologies presents a unique opportunity to enhance sustainability in industrial infrastructure. This paper formulates a comprehensive set of principles aimed at guiding the sustainable integration of these technologies within the context of modern industrial facilities, often referred to as “Factories of the Future”. The principles are designed to address critical sustainability challenges, including minimizing environmental impact, optimizing resource efficiency, and ensuring long-term resilience. Through a detailed examination of lifecycle management, data interoperability, and collaborative stakeholder engagement, this work provides a strategic framework for leveraging digital technologies to achieve sustainability goals. The principles outlined in this paper not only promote greener industrial practices but also pave the way for innovation in the sustainable development of industrial infrastructure. This framework is intended to serve as a foundation for future research and practical application, supporting the global shift towards more sustainable industrial operations.

Understanding gap between perception and expectations for artificial intelligence: Implications for sustainable development goals 4 and 9

This research is focused on the gap created in the perception and expectations of Kosovar students in the implementation of artificial intelligence during their learning and education. The research was conducted with students who had attended training on Artificial Intelligence that to identify the gap between their perception and expectations regarding artificial intelligence. The aim of this study is to investigate the understanding gap between perceptions and expectations of artificial intelligence and to provide answers to the research questions posed in this paper. Obejectiv of the study is to shed light on the need for Sustainable Development Goal 4, Quality Education, by emphasizing the importance of inclusive and equitable AI literacy, and also for Development Goal 9, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by fostering innovation and supporting the development of resilient and sustainable AI infrastructure. During the research we used purposive sampling since we already had access to the database showing which students had attended the training and were certified for artificial intelligence by Microsoft. Bazed on the use of adaptive learning technology, wich is one of the ways Artificial Intelligence can have an impact on student psychology, and based on each student's performance, interests and learning style, we concluded this technology tailors the learning experience to them, and learning is more effective and efficient, and motivation and engagement also increase more.

SUPPORT FOR ATTRACTING INVESTMENTSTO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOURISM SECTOR

The article examines the institutional support for attracting investments to the development of the tourism sector in Ukraine, which serves as a key factor for creating a favorable investment climate and stimulating industry growth. The aim of the research is to analyze, systematize, and summarize the existing institutional foundations for attracting investments, as well as to develop recommendations for overcoming institutional problems in the tourism sector's development. The study presents a system of legal, organizational, economic, and social instruments that create conditions for activating investment activities in the tourism sector. The importance of state support, improving legislation, and developing effective financial mechanisms for attracting investors is substantiated. The research findings indicate that Ukraine has significant potential in the tourism sector due to its natural, cultural, and historical resources. It is revealed that the lack of systematic legislation, inadequate training of personnel, weaknesses in financial mechanisms, and the mismatch of the tax system with industry needs hinder the development of the tourism sector. The study also identified the urgent need for a unified legislative act regulating activities in the tourism sector. Special attention is paid to the role of government organizations that provide informational support and cooperation between the state and business, as well as their participation in developing tourism development strategies. The article presents examples of international cooperation and Ukraine's participation in international organizations' programs that promote foreign investment attraction. The necessity of creating effective financial instruments, including state subsidies and grants, to support new tourism projects is justified. The research emphasizes the importance of implementing tax incentives for enterprises in the tourism sector and developing informational platforms for convenient access to investment opportunities. It is argued that institutional support for attracting investments to the development of the tourism sector in Ukraine is a comprehensive process that requires the systematization of legislation, support for innovative enterprises, modernization of personnel training, and the development of financial mechanisms that will contribute to the sustainable development of tourism infrastructure and the attraction of new investments.

Planning and Construction Strategies for Infrastructure in Traditional Villages of the Grand Canal from the Perspective of Villager Needs

The traditional villages along the Jiangsu section of the Grand Canal are facing the threat of decline and disappearance due to the decline of the canal transportation function and the advancement of urbanization, and it is urgent to study the protection and renewal of these villages. Based on the needs of villagers, this study aims to explore the planning and construction strategies of traditional village infrastructure in the Jiangsu section of the Grand Canal. Through a literature review, field investigation, and qualitative and quantitative analysis methods, this paper conducts in-depth research and data analysis on the status quo of six types of infrastructure in 29 traditional villages, including road traffic, water supply and drainage, garbage sanitation, energy utilization, postal communication, and ecological disaster prevention. The research results show that, although the infrastructure construction has made some progress, there are still problems such as unreasonable planning, low construction quality, and the lack of cultural characteristics, which cannot fully meet the actual needs of villagers. Through a regional comparative analysis, it is found that the infrastructure condition of the Jiangnan Canal section is better than that of the Huaiyang Canal section and Middle Canal section, but they all face challenges of protection and renewal. Based on the needs of villagers, this study puts forward corresponding protection and optimization strategies, which provide theoretical guidance and practical methods for the sustainable development of traditional village infrastructure, and it has important reference significance for the infrastructure protection and development of traditional villages in other regions.

Advancing sustainable EV charging infrastructure: A hybrid solar-wind fast charging station with demand response

This study aims to design an efficient hybrid solar-wind fast charging station with an energy storage system (ESS) to maximize station efficiency and reduce grid dependence. The research employs Monte Carlo simulation to capture renewable energy source (RES) uncertainties, models stochastic electric vehicles (EVs) driver behavior and fleet diversity, and utilizes an Erlang B queuing model for EV load demand estimation. A hybrid optimization approach combining the Binary-Gravitational Search Optimization Algorithm (B-GOA) and the Non-dominated Crowding Sort Optimization Algorithm (NCSOA) is implemented for efficient optimization in a combined binary-continuous solution space. Results demonstrate superior performance of the proposed approach compared to existing methods, with high-RES penetration significantly reducing grid reliance. This study contributes to advancing sustainable EV charging infrastructure development and enhancing overall grid stability through improved load flexibility and demand response management. The analysis reveals Scenario IV as the most economically viable, with the highest Net Present Value of 1,025,895.32€. Most scenarios favor 5 chargers (44–46 kW) and 4 Type 3 wind generators. Battery capacity varies widely (108–372 kWh), as does grid connection (0–292 kW). Despite varying initial investments, Scenarios II-VII show a consistent 4-year Internal Rate of Return, indicating good economic potential across different configurations.

Do public-private partnerships (PPPs) promote the sustainable development of infrastructure (SDI)? Evidence from China

PurposeTo address challenges such as inadequate funding and inefficiency in public infrastructure construction, PPPs have gained significant global traction. This study aims to comprehensively assess the impacts and mechanisms of PPPs on the SDI and to provide rational policy recommendations based on the findings.Design/methodology/approachWe collated a dataset from 30 Chinese provinces covering the years 2005–2020 as our research sample. The study’s hypotheses are tested using a double fixed-effects model, a chained mediated-effects model and a multidimensional heterogeneity analysis.FindingsOur findings indicate that PPPs have a facilitating effect on SDI in general. This boost usually lags behind policy implementation and is cyclical in the time dimension. In the spatial dimension, PPPs contribute significantly to SDI in the eastern and western regions, but not in the central region. From the perspective of the dynamics of economic, social and industrial development, PPPs in economically backward areas are difficult to promote SDI, promote it the most in economically medium regions and are slightly less in economically developed regions than in medium regions. This promotion effect has an inverted U-shaped relationship with social development and diminishes with industrial structure upgrading. Finally, due to the negative relationship between PPPs and social development and between social development and SDI, PPPs are shown to contribute to SDI and are identified as critical paths. However, PPPs suppress SDI by inhibiting economic and industrial development.Originality/valueThis study makes three novel contributions to the existing body of knowledge: (1) we innovatively introduce the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the field of infrastructure research, offering fresh perspectives on SDI enhancement; (2) revealing the mechanisms by which PPPs affect SDI through the three dimensions of economic, social and industrial development enabling policymakers to better understand and optimize resource allocation and improve planning, design and management of PPP projects for sustainable infrastructure and (3) we assess the spatiotemporal variances of PPPs’ effects on SDI and the diversity across regions at different social, economic and industrial structures developmental stages, offering critical insights to global decision-makers to devise tailored policy measures.

Strategic Approaches to Municipal Bond Management in West Java’s Debt Management Unit

The research on the "Debt Management Unit (DMU) Strategy in the Issuance of Municipal Bonds in West Java Province" addresses critical challenges local governments face in optimising financial resources for infrastructure development. This study is significant within the realm of Social Sciences, especially public policy, as it explores innovative financial strategies that could potentially reshape regional economic development. The background of this study stems from the suboptimal performance of the DMU in managing municipal bonds, a crucial tool for financing public infrastructure. The research aims to analyze the role of the DMU, identify key factors influencing its effectiveness, and propose strategic solutions to enhance its performance. Using a qualitative methodology, the study gathers data through interviews, observations, and document analysis, providing a comprehensive understanding of the DMU's operational challenges. The findings contribute both academically and practically by highlighting the importance of strategic management in public finance, particularly in a developing region like West Java. The proposed strategies, developed through SWOT analysis, offer actionable insights for policymakers to optimize debt management, thus ensuring sustainable infrastructure development. This research not only enriches the academic discourse on public financial management but also provides practical solutions for local governments facing similar challenges, making it a valuable contribution to both scholarly and applied fields.

Sustainable bridge engineering: Cost reduction and durability enhancement in developing nations

This paper explores innovative approaches to sustainable bridge engineering, focusing on cost reduction and durability enhancement in developing nations. Drawing from my successful projects in Uganda and Guinea, where I reduced construction costs by 30% without compromising structural integrity, I will present detailed case studies that highlight the effective application of sustainable materials and techniques. In Uganda, through the use of locally sourced materials and optimized construction processes, I achieved significant cost savings while ensuring long-term durability in rural infrastructure. Similarly, in Guinea, I implemented advanced engineering practices that prioritized resource efficiency, leading to a reduction in project expenses and a strengthened bridge lifespan. The case studies demonstrate how sustainable engineering practices can be tailored to local conditions and still meet global standards for resilient infrastructure. By emphasizing cost-effective materials such as recycled aggregates and low-carbon concrete, and employing techniques such as modular construction and innovative foundation designs, my work offers a blueprint for reducing expenses while enhancing the longevity of infrastructure. The strategies I employed in Uganda and Guinea are adaptable to other developing nations and can be applied globally, including in the U.S., to build durable and sustainable bridges that address both budgetary constraints and environmental considerations. This paper aligns with the broader goals of sustainable infrastructure development by contributing to the global discourse on resource-efficient engineering solutions. The findings support national and international objectives to enhance infrastructure resilience while minimizing environmental impact and construction costs.

Structuring and empirical validation of a creative activity chain model for innovation in sustainable infrastructure development

This study constructs and empirically validates a Creative Activity Chain (CCA) structure model tailored for innovation in sustainable infrastructure development. In today’s competitive environment, fostering innovation is crucial for maintaining the relevance and effectiveness of infrastructure projects. The research underscores that a significant portion of a project’s long-term value is established during its initial concept and planning stages, highlighting the critical role of creativity in infrastructure development. The CCA model is developed through theoretical frameworks and empirical data, encompassing three key dimensions: creative subject chain, creative action chain, and creative operation chain. The model’s validity is tested with data from five large infrastructure development firms in China, involving 768 R&D staff as respondents. Rigorous statistical methods, including exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), structural equation modeling (SEM), and regression analysis, confirm the model’s robustness. The findings reveal significant positive correlations between the creative activity chain’s dimensions and the successful development of sustainable infrastructure projects. Additionally, the study examines the mediating effect of link strength within the creative activity chain, demonstrating its substantial impact on project outcomes. Implications for management include promoting diverse creative teams, systematic process management, and leveraging varied operational tools to enhance creativity in infrastructure development. This research contributes to the literature by introducing an integrated model for managing creative activities in sustainable infrastructure development, offering practical insights for improving innovation processes.

Sustainability nexus AID: infrastructure resilience

Infrastructure resilience advanced through nexus thinking is pivotal for societies to handle disruptions and ensure sustainable functionality. This interconnected approach understands infrastructure as an interdependent complex system and enables cooperative planning to achieve resilience. However, challenges like data inadequacy, financial limitations and governance issues impede its adoption, especially in developing regions. The United Nations University (UNU) Sustainability Nexus Analytics, Informatics and Data (AID) Programme strives to promote integrated resource management for sustainable development and fulfilling the UN 2030 Agenda. Through its Infrastructure Resilience Module, the initiative provides tools, data platforms and localised capacity building to empower professionals and communities for evidence-based, collaborative decision-making accounting for intersectoral relationships. By supporting context-specific analytical capabilities, bridging data gaps, and governance silos, the programme aims to pave the way for resilient and sustainable infrastructure development, particularly across vulnerable regions in the Global South, which face disproportionate infrastructure service disruptions.

Innovative Pavement Solutions: A Comprehensive Review from Conventional Asphalt to Sustainable Colored Alternatives

Climate change significantly impacts transportation infrastructure, particularly asphalt pavements. Similarly, the heat absorption of paved surfaces, especially conventional black pavements, significantly intensifies the urban microclimate. Paved surfaces, including asphalt pavements, account for over 30% of the covered surfaces and are vulnerable to rising temperatures, which cause not only pavement distress, such as rutting and cracking, but also urban heat islands (UHI). Sustainable pavement solutions, specifically colored pavements, have been investigated for their potential to mitigate these effects. This review presents an extensive overview of current pavement technologies, emphasizing conventional asphalt’s economic, environmental, and functional characteristics. A discussion of the benefits and challenges of colored pavements is also provided, including their ability to reduce UHI, enhance safety, and contribute to sustainable urban growth. This paper discusses advancements in pavement material science, the use of recycled materials, and the application of reflective coatings, providing insights into sustainable infrastructure development. Transitioning from conventional black pavements to sustainable colored alternatives is not merely a matter of material choice but a strategic transition toward resilient urban planning. Increasing demand for environmentally friendly infrastructure could prompt the construction industry to adopt colored pavements as a tool to promote environmental stewardship.

Optimizing Distributed Energy Resources in Microgrid SCUC through Seq2Seq Scheduling Algorithms

In order to optimize Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) inside a microgrid's Security-Constrained Unit Commitment framework, this study investigates the use of Seq2Seq (Sequence-to-Sequence) scheduling methods (SCUC). There is a growing consensus that microgrids are an important part of the future of the electric grid because of the advantages they provide in terms of reliability, renewable energy integration, and overall efficiency. In the context of complicated SCUC issues, efficient scheduling and optimization of DERs are essential for realizing their full potential. Seq2Seq models, a kind of deep learning approach, have shown impressive performance in several applications requiring sequence prediction. Uncertainty in renewable energy production, energy demand forecasts, and security limitations are all addressed in this work as Seq2Seq algorithms are applied to microgrid SCUC. Significant gains in economic efficiency, ecological viability, and compliance with security constraints have been shown. This study lays the way for the development of more effective, sustainable, and resilient energy infrastructure by contributing to the advancement of the area of microgrid optimization.

Effect of different amounts of barium substitution for calcium on the hydraulic activity of the high belite binary C2S-C4A3$ system

The substitution of Ba2+ for Ca2+ in both dicalcium silicate (C2S) and ye'elimite (C4A3$) has the potential to stimulate the development of early hydration activity of high belite sulfoaluminate cement (HBSAC). To relieve the emission pressure of CO2 in the cement industry and promote the early compressive strength development of HBSAC, the C2S-C4A3$ binary system with different amounts of Ba2+ substitution for Ca2+ was synthesized and investigated in this study. The SEM-EDS and XRD test methods confirmed the stoichiometric composition of Ba-bearing C2S-C4A3$ binary systems. The results showed that Ba2+ tends to preferentially replace Ca2+ in C4A3$ compared to replacing Ca2+ in C2S, resulting in more substitution amount of Ba2+ in C4A3$ mineral, as the designed substitution amount of barium increased from 25 wt.% to 55 wt.%, the stoichiometric formula of Ba-bearing C2S was transformed from Ca1.66Ba0.34SiO4 to Ca1.45Ba0.55SiO4, and the stoichiometric formula of Ba-bearing C4A3$ was transformed from Ca2.29Ba1.71Al6SO16 to Ca0.86Ba3.14Al6SO16. While excessive amount of barium (more than 45 wt.%) resulted in the increased content of by-products, such as BaSO4 and BaAl2O4, as well as the formation of C3S. The hydration properties of each group of synthetic clinker were investigated, including compressive strength, qualitative and quantitative analyses of the hydration products, leaching solution environment, and micromorphological analysis. The hydration products including C-(A)-S-H and AH3, as well as hydroxide (Ca(OH)2 and Ba(OH)2·8H2O), which can be carbonated to form carbonates (BaCO3 and CaCO3) by CO2 in the air. As the substitution amount of Ba2+ increased from 25 wt. % to 35 wt. %, the hydration degree of Ba-bearing α′L-C2S was promoted in the early stage, and the presence of C3S may affected the increase of early hydration activity of Ba-bearing α′L-C2S, however, the hydration degree of α′L-C2S with the most amount doping of barium in A055 samples exhibited the highest hydration degree of 88.0 % after hydration for 90 days. The compressive strength of high belite C2S-C4A3$ binary system of 3-day displayed a rapid increase from 8.6 MPa to 16.1 MPa, with the amount of barium increased from 25 wt. % to 55 wt. %. The compressive strength of A025 and A035 after hydration for 90 days increased steadily, reaching 35.0 MPa and 34.0 MPa respectively. However, the compressive strength of hydrated A045 and A055 samples for 90 days deteriorated and even cracked seriously for the hydrated A055 sample, which was attributed to the formation of a large amount of Ba(OH)2·8H2O and BaCO3 by excessive barium amount, and leading to the expansion and broken of the matrix. Thus, the designed amount of barium substitution for calcium in the C2S-C4A3$ binary system should be controlled, for a higher content of barium more than 35 wt. % could be damage to the development of the long-term hydration strength of the clinker. These results provided a theoretical basis to make it possible for the large-scale application of activated HBSAC, devoted to the sustainable development of infrastructure.

Harvesting low-grade wind energy from highways using a triboelectric nanogenerator

In an era of growing global energy demands, the exploration of niche energy harvesting methods is becoming increasingly important, and harnessing wind energy from highways presents a promising approach to sustainable infrastructure development given the high traffic of many roads. In this work, we report a cylindrical spinning TENG (CS-TENG) for low-grade wind energy harvesting from highways. Through empirical analysis and theoretical modeling, we investigate the feasibility of integrating CS-TENG devices along highway barriers to capture the wind energy generated by passing vehicles, which could contribute to powering streetlights and other road infrastructure in a more eco-friendly way. Our findings highlight broader societal and environmental benefits including enhancing road safety, traffic management, and energy sustainability. A single 100 mm tall CS-TENG device was tested with approximately 4 m/s wind speed and produced an open circuit voltage of 8 V and a short circuit current of 800 µA. This electrical output can be increased with an elevation in the device number, the device size, and improved material properties. This study contributes to the growing discourse on sustainable infrastructure solutions, inspiring further research and innovation in renewable energy harvesting for carbon neutrality.

Sustainable transportation infrastructure in Indian cities of different size-class: towards a research and policy agenda

Owing to the fact that the planning and management of urban transportation systems are convoluted ventures, a sound number of cities in India, especially those lacking strong institutional and financial means – principally small and medium-sized cities – have become incapable of efficiently addressing their transportation challenges. Drawing on a pan-India comparative research on 54 cities, the present study well-demonstrates a previously undetected relationship between size-class of Indian cities and their existing state of sustainable transport infrastructure development. The results speak in accordance with the notion that betterment in non-motorized and public transit infrastructure is typically associated with increasing size of cities. Accordingly, this research argues that with regard to the production of knowledge in the field of urban transportation and associated policymaking, academicians and planners can rethink and branch out the understanding of transport sustainability beyond big-metropolises of the country. This study, therefore, enunciates in support of the need for a small and medium-sized city-based research and policy agenda that can focus on eliminating the ‘sizism’ which has conventionally influenced urban theory and policymaking in India and has led to the condition of such cities as the least understood and perhaps least studied element of urban and regional transport systems.

Evaluating the impact of industrial wastes on the compressive strength of concrete using closed-form machine learning algorithms

Industrial wastes have found great use in the built environment due to the role they play in the sustainable infrastructure development especially in green concrete production. In this research investigation, the impact of wastes from the industry on the compressive strength of concrete incorporating fly ash (FA) and silica fume (SF) as additional components alongside traditional concrete mixes has been studied through the application of machine learning (ML). A green concrete database comprising 330 concrete mix data points has been collected and modelled to estimate the unconfined compressive strength behaviour. Considering the concerning environmental ramifications associated with concrete production and its utilization in construction activities, there is a pressing need to perform predictive model exercise. Furthermore, given the prevalent reliance of concrete production professionals on laboratory experiments, it is imperative to propose smart equations aimed at diminishing this dependency. These equations should be applicable for use in the design, construction, and performance assessment of concrete infrastructure, thereby reflecting the multi-objective nature of this research endeavour. It has been proposed by previous research works that the addition of FA and SF in concrete has a reduction impact on the environmental influence indicators due to reduced cement use. The artificial neural network (ANN) and the M5P models were applied in this exercise to predict the compressive strength of FA- and SF-mixed concrete also considering the impact of water reducing agent in the concrete. A sensitivity analysis was also conducted to determine the impact of the concrete components on the strength of the concrete. At the end, closed-form equations were proposed by the ANN and M5P with performance indices which outperformed previous models conducted on the same database size. The result of the sensitivity analysis showed that FA is most impactful of all the studied components thereby emphasizing the importance of adding industrial wastes in concrete production for improved mechanical properties and reduced carbon footprint in the concrete construction activities. Also, the M5P and ANN models with R2 of 0.99 showed a potential for use as decisive models to predict the compressive strength of FA- and SF-mixed concrete.

Participation of LPMD in Village Infrastructure Development

The general background infrastructure development is fundamental for enhancing the quality of life and economic prospects in rural communities. Specific background in Indonesia, institutions such as Lembaga Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Desa (LPMD) are pivotal in facilitating this process. Knowledge gap despite their critical role, there is a scarcity of research addressing the specific contributions of LPMD to infrastructure projects at the village level. Aims This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by investigating the involvement of LPMD in the planning, implementation, and supervision of infrastructure development within a village context. The Results Utilizing a descriptive qualitative approach, the results indicate that LPMD actively engages in project implementation, proposes community-based programs, and oversees project execution to ensure accountability and transparency. Novelty This research contributes novel insights into the diverse roles played by LPMD, showcasing both active and passive participation in infrastructure initiatives. The implications highlight the necessity for local governments to recognize and strengthen the involvement of LPMD in development processes, ensuring that community perspectives are effectively integrated into planning and execution, which may lead to more sustainable and impactful infrastructure development in rural settings. Highlights: LPMD plays a crucial role in infrastructure planning and implementation. The study highlights both active and passive participation of LPMD. Community involvement is essential for sustainable development outcomes. Keywords: Infrastructure Development, LPMD, Community Empowerment, Village Participation, Sustainable Development

Green finance, sustainable infrastructure, and green technology innovation: pathways to achieving sustainable development goals in the belt and road initiative

Abstract Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains a significant challenge for many countries, particularly in the face of increasing environmental pollution. Balancing social, economic, and environmental sustainability under these conditions is especially complex. This study explores the role of green finance in promoting sustainable infrastructure, innovation in green technology, corporate social responsibility, economic stability, and environmental conservation within the framework of Belt and Road initiative (BRI), with a specific focus on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiatives. Furthermore, the study examines the role of government support in facilitating the issuance of GF, emphasizing its significance in large-scale international development projects like CPEC. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire targeting a diverse group of respondents, including businessmen, CPEC officials, and representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, and Ministry of Planning and Development. Partial Least Squares analysis was employed to test the proposed relationships and hypotheses. The results indicate a significant positive impact of green finance on the development of sustainable infrastructure and the innovation of green technology. Additionally, the results underscore the pivotal role of environmentally friendly technologies and sustainable infrastructure in driving the achievement of SDGs, especially in the social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The study findings offer actionable insights for policymakers, highlighting the critical need to integrate green finance with sustainable practices to foster economic growth and environmental protection. These findings provide a strategic roadmap for nations aiming to align their development goals with global sustainability standards.