Abstract: Abstract Environmental management accounting (EMA) has emerged as a potentially valuable tool for companies seeking to monitor and manage their ecological impacts. However, the connection between EMA and environmental performance (EP) remains unclear, with prior studies yielding mixed results. Moreover, little is known about the mechanisms through which EMA may influence EP. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the link between EMA and EP, with a particular focus on the mediating influence of green innovation (GI) within the context of SMEs situated in least-developed countries, such as Yemen. To this end, data was gathered from 299 manufacturing SMEs in Yemen and analyzed using PLS-SEM technique via SmartPLS software. The results of the statistical analysis revealed a positive and important effect of EMA on EP. Importantly, GI serves as a partial mediator in the EMA-EP relationship. Therefore, the results of this study add significantly to the current body of literature on sustainability and provide important new perspectives. PubDate: 2024-08-06
Abstract: Abstract This study explores the relationship between Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and environmental performance improvement within the Saudi chemical industry. Against the backdrop of global sustainability imperatives and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which promotes sustainability for economic diversification, this research aims to assess the effectiveness of KPIs in driving environmental sustainability practices. The motivation for this study stems from the identified gaps in the systematic implementation and utilisation of KPIs and the lack of awareness regarding certain aspects of environmental impact management within the industry in the Kingdom. The methodology involved a structured survey administered to a diverse range of chemical manufacturing companies, followed by rigorous data analysis using descriptive evaluation, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), reliability analysis, and t-tests. The results revealed insights into pollution areas, KPI utilisation, methods for pollution assessment, alignment with strategic goals, and governance regulations. Descriptive analysis highlighted air quality management as a priority, with notable attention to water and land pollution, while quantitative analysis confirmed the significance of KPIs in driving environmental performance improvement in the area. However, it also unveiled the absence of a systematic approach to implementing and utilising KPIs effectively, coupled with a lack of awareness regarding certain aspects of environmental impact management, consequently leading to uncertainty. Overall, this study contributes to advancing sustainability efforts within the Saudi chemical sector, providing actionable insights for industry stakeholders and policymakers. PubDate: 2024-08-05
Abstract: Abstract Poor people in a developing country like India face energy poverty and are deprived of clean cooking fuel. Clean cooking fuels are costlier and require more willingness to pay (WTP) from the consumer. Therefore, this is a descriptive study aims to analyze factors associated with differences in cooking fuel expenses at the household level in Uttar Pradesh, India. For this purpose, panel data from the Consumer Pyramids Household Survey of CMIE from 2014 to 2019 has been considered. The study uses fixed-effect panel data model to control individual-specific effects. Cooking fuel expenses show positive elasticity concerning per capita income. However, this elasticity is lower for the higher-income group than the bottom-income group. Less educational attainments of households are associated with lower spending on cooking fuel. Moreover, households with better access to electricity are willing to spend more on cooking fuel expenditure. Hence, improved access to electricity nudges households towards more WTP for cooking fuel. It is further confirmed by finding a positive association between electricity-using household appliances and cooking fuel expenses. Therefore, improved access to electricity may increase the WTP for cooking fuel and adopt clean cooking fuel in different ways. This suggests positive spillover effects of modern energy services on clean cooking fuel. PubDate: 2024-08-05
Abstract: Abstract Textile ecosystems are complex productive realities, in the eye of the cyclone when it comes sustainability-related analysis. Being characterised by very complex value-chains and interconnection of productive actors, textiles production and use represent one of the most crucial challenges for the circular and sustainable transition. Their deployment is esteemed to be in growing for the next years, therefore reflections on how to improve product and materials circularity in this sector is of increasing interest in research and industrial practice. In this contribution, authors will try to map the material properties that can influence textiles application in the fashion sector, focusing on the coupling of material selection activity and application of design strategies to anticipate at best the reflections upon textiles use and recirculation. Results of this activity are then shown and discussed to question the applicability of the reported data into a fashion design activity, to promote awareness and critical reflections upon materials use while designing new fashion goods. PubDate: 2024-08-03
Abstract: Abstract This research explores the roles of (1) the stakeholder categories conservation association, land use association, public authority and research group, (2) Organizational Culture, operationalized by the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument; (3) Environmental Worldview, operationalized by the New Environmental Paradigm; and (4) Environmental Risk Perception, operationalized by the Myths of Physical Nature, in shaping the interactions in the social network of environmental stakeholders in the city and district of Osnabrück in Northwest Germany. First, the study examines the stakeholder categories (1), regarding the expression of the constructs (2), (3) and (4) among them. Second, all constructs (1), (2), (3) and (4) are examined regarding possible correlations with the presence of collaboration and conflict between stakeholders. Our analysis reveals that (1) Stakeholder Categories are significantly correlated with the presence of collaboration, but not of conflict. (2) A significant correlation between membership of a stakeholder category and the dominant manifestation of a particular organizational culture is present, while no correlation between Organizational Cultures and the presence of collaborations or conflicts could be found. Moreover, the study highlights (3) a generally pro-environmental orientation across stakeholders as captured by the New Environmental Paradigm (NEP), indicating a shared foundation for potential collaborative efforts. (4) Analysis of Environmental Risk Perception, through the Cultural Theory’s myths of physical nature, uncovers a widespread preference for the hierarchical myth, suggesting a common perception of environmental risks and resilience. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding psychological and social dimensions in environmental stakeholder management to enhance collaborative efforts towards sustainable development. It highlights the need for management approaches that acknowledge the complex interplay of diverse psychological constructs in driving effective and sustainable collaborations between stakeholders of regional land use, nature conservation, public authorities, academia and other sectors depending on the context. Through its insights into stakeholder interactions, this research contributes to the broader discourse on achieving sustainable development goals through informed, cooperative stakeholder engagement. PubDate: 2024-08-01
Abstract: Abstract By aligning Saudi Vision 2030 with the UN's SDGs, this study highlights the significant role of integrating sustainable environmental design knowledge into architectural education in Saudi Arabia. Viewing this integration as a moral obligation, it emphasizes equipping future architects with the skills to create environmentally responsible and resource-efficient buildings, fostering a sustainable and resilient built environment. This paper aims to examine the degree of integration of sustainability knowledge and assess the structural models incorporated into the architectural programs of six Saudi Arabian universities. Adopting a quantitative approach with qualitative insights, this research focuses on universities certified by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or accredited by recognized national and international bodies. This study is limited to the meso-level (curricular management) and includes structural models, course descriptions, learning outcomes, course sequences, and alignment with program visions and missions. A comprehensive review was conducted on all courses related to sustainability, collecting data from program websites. The main variables analyzed included sustainable environmental knowledge, total contact hours dedicated to sustainability courses, distribution across various course types, and patterns over a 5-year period. The units of analysis encompass program plans, vision and mission statements, learning outcomes, course syllabi, and descriptions. The findings reveal significant disparities in sustainability emphasis among programs, with Imam Abdul Rahman Al-Faisal University dedicating 42% of contact hours to sustainability, compared to 25 to 11% at other universities. This study highlights the need for integrating sustainability across design studio levels to provide students with practical skills across disciplines. Most programs use a “linear/parallel” or “partially integrated” model, requiring sustainability principles in graduation projects. However, elective sustainability courses are unpopular and do not adequately address curriculum gaps. This study highlights the necessity of further investigating the effectiveness of incorporating sustainability knowledge in architectural programs. Exploring specific areas for future research to enhance the integration of sustainability in architectural education is also recommended. PubDate: 2024-08-01
Abstract: Abstract This article examines how environmental awareness, stakeholder pressure, circular economy orientation and internal barriers influence circular economy practices in international and non-international micro-firms. For this, we utilised fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) using data from 128 micro firms operating in different manufacturing industries in Estonia. Three paths were identified for explaining circular economy practices in internationally operating micro-firms and two paths for explaining it in micro-firms that do not operate internationally. Our results show that understanding the impact of the four before-mentioned aspects can be beneficial for engaging in circular economy efforts in both international and non-international micro-firms. The intricate five pathways (three for international and two for non-international) through which environmental awareness, stakeholder pressure, circular economy orientation, and internal barriers shape circular economy practices in micro-firms, challenging conventional understandings and offering nuanced insights for effective engagement in sustainable business practices. Based on the findings, theoretical and practical implications of this study and directions for future research are discussed. PubDate: 2024-08-01
Abstract: Abstract Today, the silicon photovoltaic cell (SPVC) solar panels are being deployed across the globe by all most all the governments to generate renewable carbon neutral electricity to use in place of the one generated at thermal power plants by burning fossil fuels. These SPVC solar panels generate electricity with less than 20% efficiency, and heat energy with more than 30% efficiency. This 10% excess heat energy released into the atmosphere can cause a very severe damage to the environment and ecology as it is million times higher than the one caused by the equivalent CO2 gas in the atmosphere with a concentration of about 421 ppm. To avoid the harmful and danger effects of heat energy released by these SPVC solar panels into the atmosphere, either they have to be stopped using or the heat generated by them has to be trapped to use for the beneficial purposes of the society or any other alternate safe solar panels have to be developed. In this study, for the first time, the SLAPE (Semiconductor and Liquid Assisted Photothermal Effect) solar panels are introduced to generate electricity from sunlight. In these new solar panels, a semiconducting material along with a stable organic solvent is employed to capture the sunlight reaching the earth surface and to convert it into the heat energy. This in situ generated heat energy is then converted into a rotational mechanical energy with the help of an heat engine, and then into electricity with the help of suitable electric generator. To establish the Proof of Concept (poc), in this study, SPV cells as semiconducting material and γ-butyrolactone were employed to fabricate a one square meter area SLAPE solar panel and generated about 17 V AC electricity with the help of a custom manufactured reciprocally moved steam engine (RMSE) and an electric generator. Thus obtained results are presented and discussed along this article. PubDate: 2024-08-01
Abstract: Abstract Keeping up with the hastily growing economy implies undergoing unremitting transformation permanently. In the field of supply chain, such progress can only be guaranteed via the exploration of new horizons and innovative solutions in response to the constraints of the global market. Emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, offer promising avenues for enhancing supply chain processes, with sustainability ascending as a critical consideration. Despite the recent surfacing of AI-driven applications, scant attention has been devoted to exploring their full potential within supply chain operations, particularly in conjunction with SDGs. Recognizing the untapped opportunities presented by the implementation of AI for a sustainable supply chain this study undertakes a bibliometric analysis of 236 research papers sourced from the Web of science database. The analysis utilizes R language BiblioShiny to examine the extracted papers, and dissect patterns, trends, and relationships among key concepts and themes as well as prominent topics, impactful authors, and leading journals and countries in this domain. The findings reveal substantial growth in research related to SCM, AI, and sustainability as the UK leads this field of study with 132 articles followed by India, China and the USA. Eventually, the National University of Singapore came first in terms of paper affiliations, followed by De La Salle University, and London Metropolitan University. These results only prove that sustainability is becoming more critical in the equation of AI-driven supply chains especially with the current socio-political and economic circumstances, constituting a solid base for further academic research and more innovations in the managerial and business-related policies in this field. PubDate: 2024-07-31
Abstract: Abstract This article aims to design and apply a quality evaluation index system based on Bloom's cognitive domain classification method to evaluate the training quality of big data professionals in universities. With the rapid development of big data technology, the importance of cultivating big data professionals in universities is becoming increasingly prominent. However, the existing training quality evaluation system often lacks systematicity and scientificity, making it difficult to fully reflect the comprehensive abilities of students. This article combines key knowledge of big data in the field of finance and economics with Bloom’s cognitive domain classification method to divide the cognitive process of talent cultivation into six levels: memory, understanding, application, analysis, evaluation, and creation. Through expert interviews and the Delphi method, specific evaluation indicators for each cognitive level were determined, and 18 indicators were extracted. Through data collection and empirical analysis, the performance of students at various cognitive levels was evaluated. The results showed that third year students performed the best on average at all cognitive levels, reflecting their rich learning experience and practical skills. The analysis also shows that there are significant differences in the performance of students at higher-order cognitive levels, with a coefficient of variation of 0.23 for the A1 indicator and 0.84 for the F3 indicator. This indicates that higher-order cognitive activities require higher demands from students, with significant individual differences. Through correlation analysis between various indicators, it was found that the proficiency level of tool usage in the project is strongly correlated with other indicators. Bloom’s cognitive domain classification system can reflect students’ comprehensive abilities and provide a scientific evaluation method for universities. Through continuous improvement and in-depth research, we hope to provide more scientific and comprehensive support for the cultivation of big data talents in universities. PubDate: 2024-07-31
Abstract: Abstract This investigation discusses a comment on a recently published research study (Raman, Discov Sustain 5:7, 2024) related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Sustainability, focusing on bibliometric analysis. The observation highlighted a computational error in the calculation of Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) as presented in the original publication. A revised formula was provided, along with corrected computations, revealing a notable disparity in growth forecasts. It emphasizes the need to use appropriate formulas for growth assessments and suggests that researchers should focus on identifying and rectifying inaccuracies. PubDate: 2024-07-30
Abstract: Background Climate change is one of humanity's biggest problems. CSA offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to adapt to global climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. UA can improve food security by providing affordable, nutritious alternatives to commercially produced food, especially for economically disadvantaged people. This study examined the factors influencing the adoption of UA as CSA practices, as well as their effects on food security in Wolaita Sodo City, South Ethiopia. Methods Data was collected from primary and secondary sources, both qualitative and quantitative form. A structured and semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather data from 384 randomly chosen urban households through surveys/interviews, focus group conversations, and observation. The percentage and mean differences between UA adopters and non-adopters were calculated using the chi-square test and t-test. A propensity score matching (PSM) model assessed UA's impact on food security. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine factors influencing adoption of UA as CSA practice in the study area. Results The descriptive analysis showed that 53.53% of respondents used UA. Statistics showed the existence of a significant mean differences between adopters and non-adopters in employment level, UA attitudes, and household size. Logit model computations showed that family size, home ownership, the household head's occupation, perceptions of UA, market demand, and access to training and support influenced UA adoption as a climate-smart farming practice. Conclusions As per the study's findings, there could be a correlation between specific factors and the adoption of UA as CSA in the studied area. The PSM study confirmed that UA deployment significantly improves food security. UA adoption increased food security by 0.685-fold. The report recommends that municipal education offices, UA offices, and cooperative offices create an integrated functional adult education programme for urbanites. Since UA is vital to fighting food insecurity, it suggests increasing support for cooperative entities. PubDate: 2024-07-30
Abstract: Abstract Microgrids have emerged as a promising solution for enhancing energy sustainability and resilience in localized energy distribution systems. Efficient energy management and accurate load forecasting are one of the critical aspects for improving the operation of microgrids. Various approaches for energy prediction and load forecasting using statistical models are discussed in the literature. In this work, a novel energy management framework that incorporates machine learning (ML) techniques is presented for an accurate prediction of solar and wind energy generation. The anticipated approach also emphasizes time series-based load forecasting in microgrids with precise estimation of State of Charge (SoC) of battery. A unique feature of the proposed framework is that utilizes historical load data and employs time series analysis coupled with different ML models to forecast the load demand in a commercial microgrids scenario. In this work, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Linear Regression (LR) models are employed for an experimental analysis to study the proposed framework under three different cases, such as (i) prediction of energy generation, (ii) load demand forecasting and, (iii) prediction of SoC of battery. The results show that the Random Forest (RF) and LSTM models performs well for energy prediction and load forecasting respectively. On the other hand, the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model exhibited superior accuracy in terms of SoC estimation. Further, in this work, a Graphical User Interface (GUI) is developed for evaluating the efficacy of the proposed energy management framework. PubDate: 2024-07-30
Abstract: Abstract When studies investigate the impact of average schooling or learning scores on economic development, they rarely focus on the effect of inequality in learning quality on economic development. Human capital is defined as inclusive sources combining citizens’ knowledge and treatment skills. This study uses global learning data to investigate a novel effect of the inequality of reading, math, and science learning scores on economic development and energy selection based on links between and within countries. We found that reducing learning outcome inequality among secondary students is crucial for improving economic development from both short-term and long-term perspectives. Moreover, the positive association between students' learning quality and economic development is confirmed. Compared to the within-country effect, the greater between-country effect of the relationship between learning quality and economic development is confirmed, showing that expectations of the between-country effect might overestimate the favorable effect of education on economic development. On the contrary, the findings show that population learning inequality is less likely to affect national attitudes toward nuclear electricity generation or renewable energy adoption. The insightful policy implications suggest that policy makers should consider reducing learning outcome inequality among students and improving the within-country relationship between education and economic development. PubDate: 2024-07-30
Abstract: Abstract In 2007/2008, a triple crisis of food, fuel and finance sparked a global rush for agricultural land; tens of millions of hectares were acquired, primarily by foreign investors, within countries in the Global South. Amidst those transactions, intergovernmental organizations, national governments, investors, and community members envisioned what “success” of such investments entails. Although not explicitly defined, each stakeholder had different conceptualizations and measures of it, based upon the descriptions used and desired outcomes sought. Despite a large amount of literature analyzing the global rush for land, as far as we are aware no one has analyzed the diverse viewpoints about what success entails. This paper compares conceptualizations among four key stakeholder groups, based on ideal types from dominant narratives, and develops a typology of ideal stakeholder framing of success to allow comparisons of uses and thereby provide a foundation for researchers who are assessing the global land rush. This paper provides clarity about widely used, but inconsistently defined, framing providing an important foundation for clarity of meaning and comparative differences between stakeholders. The typology advances the discourse on the land rush by providing nuance to this widely used framing and makes explicit its diverse meanings. PubDate: 2024-07-30
Abstract: Abstract The main objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive and inclusive review of current research on sustainable entrepreneurship (SE). One of the aims of this study is to navigate the understanding of SE practices by investigating the prospects and trends in research on sustainable entrepreneurship. It seeks to present an efficient portrayal of the latest research on sustainable entrepreneurship, serving as a valuable reference for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers. By applying the PRISMA approach, this study is based on a systematic literature review (SLR), and a substantial pool of 363 Scopus results and 291 WOS results was obtained using the keyword “sustainable entrepreneurship,” yielding a total of 654 articles that may be deemed possibly relevant. After the methodological screening, 234 mainly chosen studies using databases, including Scopus and WOS. This SLR utilizes thorough descriptive, Network, and thematic analysis, research tendencies, and methodological approaches. The findings of this study discussed the possible research gaps and future trends, suggesting the significant need for a stable framework for SE concepts. Empirical and exploratory studies are linked with social, economic, and technological scope, specifically sustainability, and are related to artificial intelligence (AI) studies. It contributes to laying the groundwork for future investigations into the critical connection between entrepreneurship and sustainability. Furthermore, given the continuously changing landscape of sustainable business, certain conclusions may be outdated. PubDate: 2024-07-30
Abstract: Abstract Urban forests are crucial providers of ecosystem services, delivering significant benefits to residents and the environment. This study aimed to investigate how residents in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia, perceive the ecosystem services provided by urban forests. Understanding these perceptions is essential, particularly in developing countries and the study area, where little research has been conducted on this topic. To achieve this objective, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted among randomly selected household heads from two sub-cities within Mekelle. The collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, including Spearman rank correlation and ordinal regression analysis. These analyses helped identify the factors influencing inhabitants’ perceptions of ecosystem services. The findings revealed that residents placed a high value on the regulating ecosystem services provided by urban forests. In contrast, provisioning, supporting, and cultural ecosystem services were perceived at a medium level. Additionally, the analysis indicated that the level of education and age of respondents were significant factors influencing their overall perception of these ecosystem services. Higher educational attainment and older age were associated with a greater appreciation of the ecosystem services offered by urban forests. This study has important implications for urban forest management and policy. It highlights the necessity of incorporating community perceptions of ecosystem services into urban planning and management efforts. Moreover, the study recommends the need for local governments to focus on raising community awareness about the ecosystem services provided by urban forests. This can ensure more effective and inclusive urban forest management strategies that align with community values and needs. PubDate: 2024-07-29
Abstract: Abstract Climate change leading to Climate extremes in the twenty-first century is more evident in megacities across the world, especially in West Africa. The Greater Accra region is one of the most populated regions in West Africa. As a result, the region has become more susceptible to climate extremes such as floods, heatwaves, and droughts. The study employed the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 models in simulating climate extreme indices under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway scenarios (SSPs) over West Africa between 1979 and 2059 as exemplified by the Greater Accra region. The study observed a generally weak drought in the historical period and expected to intensify especially under SSP585 in Greater Accra. For instance, continuous dry days (CDD) reveal an increasing trend under the SSPs. Similarly, the overall projected trend of CDD over West Africa reveals an increase signifying a more frequent and longer drought in the future. The flood indices revealed a surge in the intensity and duration of extreme precipitation events under the SSPs in the region. For instance, R99pTOT and Rx5days are expected to significantly increase under the SSPs with intensification under the SSP245, SSP370, and SSP585. A similar trend has been projected across West Africa, especially along the Guinean coast. The study foresees a gradual and intensifying rise in heatwave indices over the Greater Accra region. The warming and cooling indices reveal an increasing and decreasing trend respectively in the historical period as well as under the SSPs particularly within urban centers like Accra and Tema. Most West African countries are projected to observe more frequent warm days and nights with cold nights and days becoming less frequent. Expected effects of future climate extreme indices pose potential threats to the water, food, and energy systems as well as trigger recurrent floods and droughts over Greater Accra. The findings of the study are expected to inform climate policies and the nationally determined contribution of the Paris Agreement as well as address the sustainable development goal 11 (Sustainable cities) and 13 (Climate action) in West Africa. PubDate: 2024-07-29
Abstract: BRICS nations as emerging economies have undergone a substantial structural transformation; however, achieving economic growth while sustaining the ecology is a pressing challenge for these economies. Nonetheless, one of the possible ways to achieve ecological sustainability is to promote clean energy use and green innovation backed by a strengthened political system. Thus, this study assesses the effect of disaggregated clean energy use (hydro and nuclear energy), green technology innovation, and political stability on the ecological footprint in BRICS countries from 1993 to 2022 while controlling for the impacts of natural resources rent, population growth, and GDP per capita. Using dynamic fixed effect and CS-ARDL estimators, the outcomes reveal that hydro and nuclear energy use and political stability induce the ecological footprint in BRICS countries. However, the empirical findings indicate that green technology innovation substantially reduces the ecological footprint. Therefore, from a policy perspective, the study encourages policy coordination among BRICS countries to embrace targeted policies to strengthen regulatory frameworks, promote innovations in technological know-how, and encourage the utilization of clean and sustainable energy to foster environmental sustainability. Graphical PubDate: 2024-07-26
Abstract: Abstract Achieving long-term sustainable development is a critical global imperative, and the adoption of renewable energy sources plays a pivotal role in this endeavor, aided by the advancements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. As a result, energy innovation has emerged as a crucial factor in realizing sustainable development goals. This study utilizes panel quantile regression analysis to investigate the relationship between energy innovation and renewable energy production in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region from 1985 to 2019. The findings suggest that energy innovation can effectively enhance renewable energy production, particularly in countries with higher proportions of renewable energy generation, such as Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. However, countries like Saudi Arabia, which have lower ratios of renewable energy production, may not experience a significant impact from energy innovation. Consequently, the study recommends implementing systematic and integrated measures that focus on raising awareness and improving conditions for the adoption of renewable energy. These measures can drive the transition towards a more sustainable energy landscape in the MENA region. Policymakers should prioritize research and development investment and incentives in countries with higher levels of renewable energy generation, while simultaneously addressing barriers and fostering knowledge sharing between countries with differing levels of renewable energy production. PubDate: 2024-07-25
Open Access journal
