Sustainable Tool Research Articles

Medium-Term Comparative Effects of Prescribed Burning and Mechanical Shredding on Soil Characteristics in Heathland and Shrubland Habitats: Insights from a Protected Natural Area

Parts of the Cantabrian Mountains (N Spain) have been colonized by woody species in the past six or seven decades as a result of a decline in livestock activity and changes in the fire regime. Various management strategies have been used to prevent the expansion of shrubs and recover grassland ecosystems for grazing activities. However, it is not clear how different vegetation treatments affect soils, which are crucial in supporting life and providing nutrients in these ecosystems. The aim of the present study was to compare the dynamics of the physicochemical and biological soil properties after two vegetation treatments: prescribed burning and shredding. Samples were obtained from plots representing alkaline and acidic soils dominated by gorse shrub (Genista hispanica subsp. occidentalis) and heath (Calluna vulgaris) plant communities, respectively. The soil samples were collected immediately before and after the treatments and one and two years later. The level of available P varied depending on the soil pH, and it only increased after the treatments in the acidic soils in the heathland community. The total N and available P concentrations were higher after the prescribed burning, and the enzymatic activity tended to be higher after the shredding treatment. Despite the significant effects on some soil variables, prescribed burning and shredding did not have important short- and medium-term effects on the chemical and soil enzymatic properties. These treatments can therefore be considered sustainable vegetation management tools, at least in the medium term.

The mechanistic insights of essential oil of Mentha piperita to control Botrytis cinerea and the prospection of lipid nanoparticles to its application

Botrytis cinerea is the phytopathogenic fungus responsible for the gray mold disease that affects crops worldwide. Essential oils (EOs) have emerged as a sustainable tool to reduce the adverse impact of synthetic fungicides. Nevertheless, the scarce information about the physiological mechanism action and the limitations to applying EOs has restricted its use. This study focused on elucidating the physiological action mechanisms and prospection of lipid nanoparticles to apply EO of Mentha piperita. The results showed that the EO of M. piperita at 500, 700, and 900 μL L−1 inhibited the mycelial growth at 100 %. The inhibition of spore germination of B. cinerea reached 31.43 % at 900 μL L−1. The EO of M. piperita decreased the dry weight and increased pH, electrical conductivity, and cellular material absorbing OD260 nm of cultures of B. cinerea. The fluorescence technique revealed that EO reduced hyphae width, mitochondrial activity, and viability, and increased ROS production. The formulation of EO of M. piperita loaded- solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) at 500, 700, and 900 μL L−1 had particle size ∼ 200 nm, polydispersity index < 0.2, and stability. Also, the thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the EO of M. piperita-loaded SLN has great thermal stability at 50 °C. EO of M. piperita-loaded SLN reduced the mycelial growth of B. cinerea by 70 %, while SLN formulation (without EO) reached 42 % inhibition. These results supported that EO of M. piperita-loaded SLN is a sustainable tool for reducing the disease produced by B. cinerea.

Sustainable tool technology: Wood-based forming tools for deep drawing of sheet metal

In order to improve adaptability to evolving manufacturing processes in an era marked by mass customization and individualization, while also meeting geopolitical climate objectives, it is necessary to employ more sustainable methods in sheet metal forming to enhance flexibility. Metal based rigid tooling systems require a lot of material and energy resources, when aiming for high flexibility and scalability with respect to small batch size production. To reduce the overall resource consumption and to meet climate restrictions, non-metallic tooling approaches can counteract these issues when aiming for individualization in sheet metal forming. Compared to conventional metal-based tooling approaches, wood-based forming tools may enable a potential resource reduction (e.g., carbon footprint) and offer an alternative tooling approach for sheet metal forming. Although the mechanical performance of wood is lower compared to conventional tooling steel, certain wood-based forming tools can potentially be implemented for sheet metal forming. In this work a feasibility study of wood-based tooling materials is executed to investigate the mechanical performance on drawn sheet metal parts in a deep drawing operation. Different composite structures are investigated for wooden forming tools of black locust (robinia pseudoacacia).

Sustainable social responsibility and business management tools case: Agro-export company MISTI S.A. Period 2020 -2022

Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de responsabilidad social sustentable asociado a las herramientas de gestión empresarial de Agroexportadora MISTI SA para el periodo 2020-2022. Métodos: La parte metodológica es un manuscrito básico con un diseño no experimental, y en todo el mismo es de nivel descriptivo. Se vincula con la estrategia de prueba de hipótesis mediante el uso de análisis de correlación y escalas de medición Likert aplicadas a los resultados obtenidos de los instrumentos de recolección de datos. Población: Una población finita es aquella que el investigador puede definir como un todo según la unidad de análisis. Muestra: Fueron 52 colaboradores y participantes en la encuesta corporativa. Resultados: Existe un alto grado de correlación entre las variables investigadas ya que el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman (r) alcanza 0.912, la significancia binomial es 0.000, el error estadístico permitido es menor a 0.05 y el nivel de confianza es del 95%. se muestra. . Conclusión: La responsabilidad social sostenible tiene una relación directa e importante con las herramientas de gestión, y las actualizaciones del marketing social, el sentido empresarial básico, la mejora a través del empoderamiento y el benchmarking en la investigación son herramientas de gestión. Recomendación: La empresa debe fortalecer aún más sus actividades comerciales, brindar soluciones innovadoras como lo ha hecho MISTI SA en los países exportadores de productos agrícolas y desempeñar un papel más activo y ampliado en la sociedad.

Marketing of Regions as a component of sustainable development strategy: challenges, prospects, and tools

At this stage of development, the region's need for more competitiveness with implementing sustainable development concepts is becoming increasingly important. It has been established that with such sensitivity, the potential essence will be reversed due to the specifics of the concentration of production and capital. Currently, there is an increase in regional marketing tools, quizzes, and features of their implementation as a warehouse strategy of continuous development. Technologies and tools for implementing regional marketing were determined, and their advantages and disadvantages were analyzed. Problematic aspects of using these tools are also highlighted, which can be adjusted to optimize the marketing strategy in the future. Based on the analysis of sustainable regional development strategies, a list of crucial recommendations for forming relevant strategies to implement its provisions more effectively is presented. Adapting the sustainable development strategy to new challenges necessitates a comprehensive, long-term approach to regional recovery and inclusiveness. This approach involves each region setting priorities across various sectors (infrastructure, human capital, economy, security, institutions, e-government, environmental protection, etc.). Therefore, when updating the toolkit, it is crucial to consider the unique needs of each region and evaluate the protection of the interests of regions most affected by military actions. It is evident that effective regional marketing can only be achieved through the coordination of all aspects of its specificity in the social, managed, and reproductive spheres. This research also addresses the challenges and issues that arise in the formation of regional marketing strategies under the conditions of martial law in Ukraine. These include security concerns, a decline in investment attractiveness, reputational risks, the need to reorient marketing strategies, and specific communication requirements. Keywords: marketing of the region, strategy of sustainable development, technologies and tools of marketing, attractiveness of the region, investments, security, branding of the region.

Maintenance as a sustainability tool in high-risk process industries: A review and future directions

The intricate interplay between sustainability and maintenance management within high-risk process industries constitutes a focal point for scientists, engineers, and strategic planners. Recognizing maintenance management as a pivotal component of comprehensive development strategies, this study delves into the challenges posed and opportunities presented by these critical sectors. Leveraging cross-sectoral scientific data from diverse applications and databases, this research aims to discern novel developmental patterns and multifaceted sustainability aspects embedded within high-risk industrial contexts. Drawing upon an extensive literature review, the study identifies three fundamental pillars (environmental, economic, and social) that underpin emerging trends in maintenance development. These pillars serve as guiding principles, directing research endeavours towards maintenance strategies conducive to both improvement and sustainability objectives.This article meticulously examines the nexus between maintenance capacity and the realization of sustainability goals. By exploring nuanced sustainability considerations in the realm of maintenance development possibilities, the research illuminates the vital role of maintenance in ensuring the sustainability of high-risk process industries. This study underscores maintenance management as an indispensable component within the framework of a sustainable organization. This study aims to provide a decision-making framework for stakeholders in the process industries to design sustainable maintenance strategies.

Saving the Unsavable or Self-Translating to Exist? An Investigation into Self-Translation in Sicilian Context

Abstract This article investigates whether self-translation can be a tool of cultural legitimization and contribute to the vitality of minority languages broadly understood, using the example of 21st-century Sicilian poetry. Building on research in biocultural diversity, language maintenance and revitalization, and (self-)translation, the article briefly outlines the issue of language maintenance and the ambivalent role of self-translation in minority-language settings. It then considers the status of Sicilian and its vitality, and analyzes examples of self-translation from Sicilian into Italian in mainstream publishing and social media. The analysis underscores the dynamics of literary production and dissemination, as well as the associated publication practices. The Sicilian context shows that self-translation may be a tool for linguistic sustainability through publication formats that give prominence to minority languages. Bilingual editions and social media, in particular, may offer new opportunities for language maintenance.

Feammox bacterial biofilm formation in HFMB

Nitrogen pollution has been increasing with the development of industrialization. Consequently, the excessive deposition of reactive nitrogen in the environment has generated the loss of biodiversity and eutrophication of different ecosystems. In 2005, a Feammox process was discovered that anaerobically metabolizes ammonium. Feammox with the use of hollow fiber membrane bioreactors (HFMB), based on the formation of biofilms of bacterial communities, has emerged as a possible efficient and sustainable method for ammonium removal in environments with high iron concentrations. This work sought to study the possibility of implementing, at laboratory scale, an efficient method by evaluating the use of HFMB. Samples from an internal circulation reactor (IC) incubated in culture media for Feammox bacteria. The cultures were enriched in a batch reactor to evaluate growth conditions. Next, HFMB assembly was performed, and Feammox parameters were monitored. Also, conventional PCR and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis were performed to characterize the bacterial communities associated with biofilm formation. The use of sodium acetate presented the best performance for Feammox activity. The HFMB operation showed an ammonium (NH4+) removal of 50%. SEM analysis of the fibers illustrated the formation of biofilm networks formed by bacteria, which were identified as Albidiferax ferrireducens, Geobacter spp, Ferrovum myxofaciens, Shewanella spp., and Anammox. Functional genes Archaea/Bacteria ammonia monooxygenase, nrxA, hzsB, nirS and nosZ were also identified. The implementation of HFMB Feammox could be used as a sustainable tool for the removal of ammonium from wastewater produced because of anthropogenic activities.

Application of pulsed electric field technology to skin engineering.

Tissue engineering encompasses a range of techniques that direct the growth of cells into a living tissue construct for regenerative medicine applications, disease models, drug discovery, and safety testing. These techniques have been implemented to alleviate the clinical burdens of impaired healing of skin, bone, and other tissues. Construct development requires the integration of tissue-specific cells and/or an extracellular matrix-mimicking biomaterial for structural support. Production of such constructs is generally expensive and environmentally costly, thus eco-sustainable approaches should be explored. Pulsed electric field (PEF) technology is a nonthermal physical processing method commonly used in food production and biomedical applications. In this review, the key principles of PEF and the application of PEF technology for skin engineering will be discussed, with an emphasis on how PEF can be applied to skin cells to modify their behaviour, and to biomaterials to assist in their isolation or sterilisation, or to modify their physical properties. The findings indicate that the success of PEF in tissue engineering will be reliant on systematic evaluation of key parameters, such as electric field strength, and their impact on different skin cell and biomaterial types. Linking tangible input parameters to biological responses critical to healing will assist with the development of PEF as a sustainable tool for skin repair and other tissue engineering applications.

Biology, impact, management and potential distribution of Aromia bungii, a major threat to fruit crops around the world

AbstractAromia bungii Faldermann (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is an emerging invasive pest of economically important Prunus species that is native to China, Mongolia, the Russian Far East, Korea, and Vietnam. It was recently introduced to Japan, Germany, and Italy, where it is spreading and damaging crops and ornamental trees. It exhibits an adaptable lifecycle, a high reproductive output, and the larvae live concealed under the bark of infested trees, which are traits that promote its invasiveness. Detection and monitoring of A. bungii currently rely upon visual identification of infested trees that are usually already damaged, which is inefficient and not target-specific. Current control methods rely primarily upon the labour-intensive physical removal of infested trees. Although native parasitoid natural enemies of A. bungii provide control in Chinese orchards, none are appropriate for classical biological control in invaded areas due to biosafety concerns surrounding their broad host ranges. However, entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes may provide viable options for biological control in invaded ranges. Recent advancements in semiochemical baited traps may provide sustainable, target-specific, and efficacious methods to monitor and control A. bungii. There remains much to learn about the biology and control of A. bungii, and continued advancements in the study of sustainable control tools are needed for the management of this emerging pest.

Pony feeding management: the role of morphology and hay feeding methods on intake rate, ingestive behaviors and mouth shaping.

In the last decade, haynets and slow feeders have been promoted as sustainable tools to improve the feeding management of horses and reduce forage waste, but little is known about their effects on ponies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of different hay feeding methods on the ingestive behaviors, intake rate and mouth shaping of ponies belonging to two breed types, which are characterized by different head morphologies. Shetland type (SH, n = 5) and Welsh/Cob type (WC, n = 4) ponies were fed hay using four feeding methods: on the ground (G), a fully filled haynet (HF), a partially filled haynet (HL), and a slow-feeder hay box (HB). Head morphology was measured for each pony. Video recordings were then made to apply geometric morphometrics and to perform behavioral analysis. The intake rate was measured for each pony and each feeding method. Data obtained with geometric morphometrics were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical variate analysis (CVA). Behavioral data and intake rate measurements were analyzed using a mixed model, a post-hoc Tukey's test, a Pearson's correlation test, and a stepwise regression model. The geometric morphometrics results demonstrated that feeding method influenced mouth shaping (36% for G, 78% for HB, 77% for HF, 83% for HL, considering the total variance of shape) and affected the intake rate. Differences in mouth shaping and ingestive behaviors in SH and WC ponies also confirmed the role of morphology in feeding management. The HL proved to be the most effective tool to increase feeding consumption time when needed (5 h/kg for SH ponies and 3 h/kg for WC ponies, considering the intake time), although the HB may be the optimal choice to reduce the intake rate while maintaining a more natural posture. Future studies are suggested to fully understand how body size and morphology influence feeding in equine species.

Is the ‘Protected Designation of Origin’ an indicator for sustainable landscape management? Insights from pasture-based animal husbandry in five EU countries

ABSTRACT Previous research has shown that products labeled as ‘Protected Designation of Origin’ (PDO) correlate positively with indicators for landscape sustainability. However, specific factors that turn PDO products into sustainable landscape management tools remain vague. We analyze interviews from six European production systems to explore the links between PDO-labeled products and sustainable landscape management. All case studies were linked to extensive animal husbandry. We found that PDO products can contribute to sustainable landscape management if well-adapted incentives for agri-environmental measures supplement income. Successful products are further associated with local networks that use synergies between different stakeholder interests. Due to their promotion of social-ecological goals at the landscape level, PDO products can be a powerful addition to the EU’s Green Deal and rural development strategy, and by introducing eligibility criteria that focus on social-ecological goals, PDO labeling could be classified as a sustainability standard.

Environmental Audit as A Tool for Management and Sustainability: A Qualitative Study

Objective: The present study sought to analyze the opportunities and challenges of environmental auditing in organizations. Methodology: The research adopted an exploratory and descriptive approach to investigate the perceptions of fifteen managers regarding environmental auditing in a specific municipality in Brazil. Using qualitative methods, such as in-depth interviews, the interviews were conducted in a semi-structured manner, allowing managers to freely express their experiences and opinions on environmental auditing. The data were analyzed using the technique of discourse analysis. Results and data analysis: Most managers see auditing as crucial to promote responsible environmental management, identify improvements and ensure legal compliance. However, they face significant challenges, such as the complexity of environmental regulations and implementation costs. These challenges require ongoing efforts to stay up-to-date and allocate adequate resources. Managers recognize legal compliance as essential to avoid penalties and protect the company's reputation. Conclusion: The research offers theoretical and practical subsidies to organizations interested in strengthening their environmental practices, highlighting the importance of developing effective strategies and implementing sustainable practices.

Greening Finance? What Institutional Options for a Sustainable Transition?

Research on sustainability and energy transition aims to identify the structural changes that should occur and how they could be achieved and managed to render society more viable. Institutions are the providers of an appropriate environment that should offer those conditions and allow citizens to undertake activities that meet both individual and societal goals. Climate emergency and transition constraints recast economic and political structures and put institutions under pressure in the face of global risks. Two of them, climate risks and financial risks, can be regarded as sources of systemic risk since they determine the conditions of viability of our economies and societies. This article argues that an appropriate institutional reform is required to frame macroprudential policies for financial regulation and tackle climate change by greening finance and containing climate-related financial risks. The article then assesses the scope of a macro-regulatory institutional framework to provide relevant support for sustainable finance and financial markets to improve our ability to secure a viable future for our societies. Long-term sustainable financial tools for financing the transition require definancialization of the economy to prevent the perversion of financial practices that undermine societal sustainability and sabotage financing resources that a greener future inevitably needs.

In vivo assessment of the antiparasitic effects of Allium sativum L. and Artemisia absinthium L. against gastrointestinal parasites in swine from low-input farms

BackgroundEthno-veterinary practices could be used as a sustainable developmental tool by integrating traditional phytotherapy and husbandry. Phytotherapeutics are available and used worldwide. However, evidence of their antiparasitic efficacy is currently very limited. Parasitic diseases have a considerable effect on pig production, causing economic losses due to high morbidity and mortality. In this respect, especially smallholders and organic producers face severe challenges. Parasites, as disease causing agents, often outcompete other pathogens in such extensive production systems. A total of 720 faecal samples were collected in two farms from three age categories, i.e. weaners, fatteners, and sows. Flotation (Willis and McMaster method), modified Ziehl–Neelsen stained faecal smear, centrifugal sedimentation, modified Blagg technique, and faecal cultures were used to identify parasites and quantify the parasitic load.ResultsThe examination confirmed the presence of infections with Eimeria spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Balantioides coli (syn. Balantidium coli), Ascaris suum, Oesophagostomum spp., Strongyloides ransomi, and Trichuris suis, distributed based on age category. A dose of 180 mg/kg bw/day of Allium sativum L. and 90 mg/kg bw/day of Artemisia absinthium L. powders, administered for 10 consecutive days, revealed a strong, taxonomy-based antiprotozoal and anthelmintic activity.ConclusionsThe results highlighted the therapeutic potential of both A. sativum and A. absinthium against gastrointestinal parasites in pigs. Their therapeutic effectiveness may be attributed to the content in polyphenols, tocopherols, flavonoids, sterols, sesquiterpene lactones, and sulfoxide. Further research is required to establish the minimal effective dose of both plants against digestive parasites in pigs.

Microalgae to biodiesel: A novel green conversion method for high-quality lipids recovery and in-situ transesterification to fatty acid methyl esters

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions due to increasing energy demand have raised the need to identify effective solutions to produce clean and renewable energy.Biotechnologies are an effective platform to attain green transition objectives, especially when synergically integrated to promote health and environmental protection. In this context, microalgae-based biotechnologies are considered among the most effective tools for treating gaseous effluents and simultaneously capturing carbon sources for further biomass valorisation. The production of biodiesel is regarded as a promising avenue for harnessing value from residual algal biomass. Nonetheless, the existing techniques for extracting lipids still face certain limitations, primarily centred around the cost-effectiveness of the process.This study is dedicated to developing and optimising an innovative and cost-efficient technique for extracting lipids from algal biomass produced during gaseous emissions treatment based on algal-bacterial biotechnology. This integrated treatment technology combines a bio-scrubber for degrading gaseous contaminants and a photobioreactor for capturing the produced CO2 within valuable algal biomass. The cultivated biomass is then processed with the process newly designed to extract lipids simultaneously transesterificated in fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) via In Situ Transesterification (IST) with a Kumagawa-type extractor. The results of this study demonstrated the potential application of the optimised method to overcome the gap to green transition. Energy production was obtained from residuals produced during the necessary treatment of gaseous emissions. Using hexane-methanol (v/v = 19:1) mixture in the presence KOH in Kumagawa extractor lipids were extracted with extraction yield higher than 12% and converted in fatty acid methyl esters. The process showed the enhanced extraction of lipids converted in bio-sourced fuels with circular economy approach, broadening the applicability of biotechnologies as sustainable tools for energy source diversification.

Estimation of Roof Top Rain Water Harvesting Potential: A Proposed Solution to Water Scarcity in Shrigonda Town, Maharashtra, India

The burning issue in cities will be water scarcity in the coming years. The world population in cities has increased from 29.6 percent to 56.2 percent and is predicted to reach 68.4 percent by 2050. Therefore, this study has attempted to find a solution to tackle the urban water scarcity issue. Recently, rainwater harvesting has emerged as a sustainable and effective system for water conservation in urban areas. Hence, the ward-wise rooftop area was calculated and the rooftop rainwater harvesting potential was estimated by applying the Gould &amp; Nissen, formula for Shrigonda Town. The result reveals that the total water demand in the water stress period was 41,34,41,010 litres while the total rainwater harvesting potential was 39,07,42,128 litres, which means about 94.51 % of the total demand will be met after the rooftop rainwater harvesting system is installed. The study concludes that rooftop rainwater harvesting is considered a sustainable and best alternative tool to tackle urban water scarcity.

Enhancing Wind Turbine Blade Preventive Maintenance Procedure through Computational Fluid Dynamics-Based Prediction of Wall Shear Stress

Wind turbine blades are essential parts of wind energy systems and are frequently exposed to harsh environmental elements, such as strong winds, turbulence, and corrosive atmospheric elements. Over time, these circumstances may result in serious harm to blades, such as delamination and erosion, which may negatively affect the wind turbine’s functionality and durability. Accurate prediction of various types of damage is crucial to improve the toughness and lifespan of wind turbine blades and to maximize the overall effectiveness of wind energy systems. This article presents a novel computational fluid dynamics (CFDs)-based method for analyzing the distribution of wall shear stress on turbine blades, aimed at publicizing the yearly maintenance procedure. The investigation results from the CFDs, when compared with the current situation in a wind turbine farm in Thailand, confirmed that our wall shear stress modeling accurately predicted wind turbine damage. A maximum wall shear stress level higher than 5.00 Pa in the case of PA 90°, incoming air velocity 10.00 m/s, and 15 rpm was the main contribution to presenting the erosion and delamination from current drone inspection in wind turbine farms. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated the potential of using CFDs to predict wind turbine blade delamination and erosion, thereby significantly contributing to the development of specific and accurate yearly preventive maintenance. The proposed CFDs-based approach should serve as a sustainability tool for local human development, benefiting wind turbine engineers and operating technicians by providing them with a deeper understanding of the local flow conditions and wall shear stress distribution along wind turbine blades. This enables them to make informed decisions regarding blade design and maintenance.

A Digital Twin for Assessing the Remaining Useful Life of Offshore Wind Turbine Structures

This paper delves into the application of digital twin monitoring techniques for enhancing offshore floating wind turbine performance, with a detailed case study that uses open-source digital twin software. We explore the practical implementation of digital twins and their efficacy in optimizing operations and predictive maintenance, focusing on controlling the real-time structural state of composite wind turbine structures and forecasting the remaining useful life by tracking the fatigue state in the structure. Our findings emphasize digital twins’ potential as a valuable tool for renewable energy, driving efficiency and sustainability in offshore floating wind installations. These aspects, along with the aforementioned simulations, whether in real-time or forecasted, reduce costly and unnecessary inspections and scheduled maintenance.

An optimal sustainable planning strategy for national carbon capture deployment: A review on the state of CO2 capture in Canada

AbstractThis study reviews the steps Canada is taking to address sustainable decarbonization in the context of carbon capture. This work also presents a new optimal framework for national optimal deployment in need of strategic carbon capture implementation. This framework considers external environmental and social considerations often missing from implementation frameworks, which will aid policy makers in more well‐rounded deployment decisions. Thus far, Canada's carbon projects have captured a total of 36.3 Mt of CO2 which has cost over $2.7 billion to implement. The Canadian case study utilizing the proposed optimal planning strategy shows that implementation of 58 post‐combustion carbon capture (PCC) plants located in seven provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan) would result in Canada meeting the national targets. This implementation includes 16 plants removing emissions from the Electricity sector, 16 from the Heavy Industry sector, and 26 from the Oil and gas sector resulting in new emissions levels of 11.82 MtCO2, 27.63 MtCO2, and 107.01 MtCO2 in each sector, respectively. Additional case studies examined the impact of Alberta's emissions and varying the national targets resulting in different optimal implementations plans. Through a sensitivity analysis on these targets, it was determined that plant distribution is heavily dependent on provincial energy and CO2 transport prices. Additionally, if Alberta were to reduce their GHG emissions by 50% through alternative sustainable methods, only 35 PCC plants would be required to meet national targets. This framework provides a sustainable tool for decision‐makers to accelerate decarbonization.