Terms Of Sustainability Indicators Research Articles

Evaluating the Competitiveness of Intercity Buses in Terms of Sustainability Indicators

A sustainable transportation system is the one that is designed based on environmental awareness, social equity, and economic opportunities. Public transportation, in general, and intercity transit, in particular, are playing very significant roles for communities to reach their sustainability goals. Of the available intercity transit services, buses are showing a noteworthy growth to be a competitive mode in terms of sustainability indicators. After several decades of decline, intercity bus services are growing at an increasing rate, overtaking other intercity services. This paper, based on data from various sources and existing literature, makes a comparative analysis of intercity bus services with its competitors, mainly train transit (Amtrak) and air services. The analysis result shows that intercity buses are standing out to be an environmentally-friendly, economically-viable, and socially-inclusive mode of long-distance travel (especially to rural and small communities and for persons with no car).

Evaluation of logistics providers for sustainable service quality: Analytics based decision making framework

In the present era of the circular economy, sustainable service quality has become an order winning criteria for all logistics provider across the world. The selection of appropriate logistics service providers (LSPs) greatly influences the performance of supply chains in terms of sustainability indicators. Most of the previous studies have not considered sustainability measures in the evaluation of logistics service providers. Therefore, the uniqueness of this study is that we are proposing a framework for selecting the best logistics provider based on sustainable service quality. Total seventeen attributes related to sustainable service quality are finalized based on literature review and subsequent focused group discussions. Through a questionnaire-based survey, data from 150 customers of LSPs are collected. Data is analysed through factor analysis and seventeen attributes of sustainable service quality are categorized into five factors namely Commitment, Competence, Communication, Creativity & Customization, and Coordination and Collaboration. It is named as a 5C framework. This framework is further used to illustrate the selection of best LSP based on sustainable service quality. Listed attributes are evaluated through hybrid Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) techniques. This decision-making framework is illustrated with the help of a real-life case study. Sensitivity analysis is also done to validate the robustness of the proposed framework. From this study, it has been observed that the development of competencies for the adoption of sustainable practices should be the thrust area for logistics service providers. Findings imply that the logistics providers should give more focus on sustainable network optimization, response time reduction, reliable green services, flexibility in green processes, and development of mutual trust with all stakeholders to become the first choice of their customers. Insights from the study will help LSPs to develop their strategies for ensuring sustainable service quality to customers.

Evaluating Change in Housing for Sustainable Development: Kosuyolu Case in Istanbul

Sparse attention has been paid to the inevitable processes of change that enable progress in today's globalizing urban centres, but also threaten their unique identity, historic memory, and cultural heritage. The aims of this work are to understand the urban dynamics that trigger these change processes, uncover their effects, and discuss how these changes can be utilized to achieve sustainable development. The case study, which uses a comparative mixed method strategy consisting of archival research, fieldwork, and semi-structured interviews, is the Kosuyolu Housing Settlement, a project dating to the 1950s that represents one of Istanbul's best examples of urban development and housing culture. Displaying the architectural and urban planning ideals of the Modern period, this settlement is a concrete example that reflects the period's considerations regarding social housing. Through this case, change in housing has been evaluated in terms of sustainability indicators. The derived evidences show the significant role of governance and the maintained land use pattern for the achievement of the sustainable development and these evidences are used to suggest the development of an adaption guide that will assist in sustainable development in the short term, and the creation of alternative scenarios that are flexible and easy to adapt, active, and based on participatory processes for the long term.

Socio-Ecological and Livelihood Assessment of Selected Coastal Areas in Sorsogon, Philippines

A study was conducted to assess the productive capacity of five villages namely Gimagaan, Sevilla, Sogoy, Milagrosa and Saclayan in Sorsogon, Philippines. Specifically, it aimed to assess the productive resource base, resource use and livelihood patterns and provide management prescriptions in the transition of farms into organic agriculture. Sustainable livelihoods analysis and participatory rapid appraisal were the analytical frameworks used in the study. Result of the study revealed that Gimagaan village had the greatest access to asset capitals compared to the other four villages in Sorsogon, Philippines. Gimagaan village highly benefited from the presence of socio-civic and government organizations, residents are more socially inclined and actively involved in the various social activities, have generally good access to their natural resource stocks and infrastructure facilities. On sustainability assessment, results revealed that Milagrosa village was more capable of sustaining management systems of its natural resources, highly resilient against perturbations and had greater chances of improving capacities for social development enterprises. Saclayan village on the other hand, had the lowest access to asset capitals and lowest score in terms of sustainability indicators. Management prescriptions include introduction of farming and fishing technologies which do not require intensive capital; conduct of an in-depth study of fishery-based livelihood project; strengthening the establishment of community-based sanctuaries and mangrove areas; introduction of crop-diversification farming system; and strengthening of the production-market linkage for fishery-based livelihood projects.

Comment on “Cumulative biophysical impact of small and large hydropower development in Nu River, China” by Kelly M. Kibler and Desiree D. Tullos

Comment on “Cumulative biophysical impact of small and large hydropower development in Nu River, China” by Kelly M. Kibler and Desiree D. Tullos

Soil Survey Input in Exploratory Modeling of Sustainable Soil Management Practices

AbstractSoil survey information combined with exploratory simulation modeling was used to define indicators for sustainable land management. In one soil series in the Netherlands (the genoform), three different phenoforms were formed as a result of different management practices. Locations were identified using a soil map and interviews with farmers. Organic matter, bulk densities, and porosities were significantly different for the three phenoforms: biodynamic management (Bio), conventional management (Conv), and permanent grassland (Perm). By applying a dynamic simulation model for water movement, crop growth and N dynamics, the three phenoforms were analyzed in terms of sustainability indicators by defining four scenarios based on productivity and N leaching to the groundwater: (i) potential production, (ii) water‐limited production, (iii) current management, and (iv) the environmental scenario. The latter was divided into EnvA: never exceeding the N‐leaching threshold of 11.3 mg L‐1; EnvB: exceedance occurring in one out of 30 yr; and EnvC: exceedance occurring in three out of 30 yr. Biodynamic management obtained the lowest yield under current management, while yields for Perm were highest. EnvA could not be reached for Perm as a result of high mineralization rates. Obtainable yields for scenarios EnvA, EnvB, and EnvC differed substantially, illustrating the importance of selecting “acceptable” risks in environmental regulation. The presented methodology demonstrates the importance of pedological input in sustainability studies.